The Belizean government has initiated a critical $306,000 coastal stabilization project in Monkey River Village, a southern coastal community severely impacted by advancing shoreline erosion and rising sea levels. Announced by Toledo East Area Representative Dr. Osmond Martinez, the project commenced last week with an anticipated completion date set for the end of February 2026.
This intervention addresses urgent concerns from residents who have witnessed progressive loss of land and residential properties, with many fearing eventual displacement as climate change refugees. Dr. Martinez emphasized the historic significance of this initiative, noting it represents the first substantive government action to combat erosion in the vulnerable community after years of perceived neglect.
The engineering approach prioritizes environmentally conscious methodologies, utilizing natural materials like bollards instead of concrete or piles to minimize ecological disruption. Initial phase one operations focus on wave mitigation at the river-sea confluence, while a subsequent phase will safeguard the village burial ground from imminent washout threats.
Beyond immediate erosion control, the project features a collaborative conservation component establishing a community-co-managed wildlife sanctuary through partnership with environmental organization TIDE. All project phases have received formal clearance from Belize’s Department of Environment with additional support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Local Government.