In a race against time to meet Belize’s Blue Bond commitments, the Senate has tentatively approved a new coastal management bill, though concerns over its rushed process and lack of stakeholder feedback have sparked debate. The legislation, designed to modernize Belize’s approach to coastal and ocean conservation, aims to align with international best practices and replace the outdated 1998 Coastal Zone Management Act. However, environmental groups and opposition senators have expressed frustration over the limited time given to review the bill. Senator Janelle Chanona highlighted that the final draft was shared just days before the Senate debate, despite over a year of consultations. Opposition Senator Patrick Faber praised the bill’s intent but criticized its execution, calling the rushed parliamentary process concerning. Senator Eamon Courtenay, Leader of Government Business, initially defended the extensive consultation process, citing 50 meetings with 400 participants across 17 coastal communities. However, after acknowledging the concerns raised, Courtenay agreed to a committee review of proposed amendments before final passage. The bill must be passed by November 4, 2025, to meet critical international milestones.
分类： environment
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UNDP announces new round of climate action grants for Bahamas
NASSAU, Bahamas – In a significant move to bolster climate resilience, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that Bahamian organizations and academic institutions can now apply for climate action grants under the latest funding cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP). Dr. Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative, revealed that this initiative marks the first time the GEF SGP has deepened its global partnership with the UNDP, which now serves as both the executing and implementing agency for the programme worldwide.
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NEPA probes fish kill along Palisadoes strip
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican environmental authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation following reports of a mass fish kill along sections of the Palisadoes strip on Monday. The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) are leading the probe, with their respective CEOs, Leonard Francis and Dr. Gavin Bellamy, visiting the site early Monday to assess the situation. The investigation involves collaboration with multiple entities, including the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard and the Jamaica Constabulary Force Marine Police.
Initial findings, derived from on-site observations, interviews, technical assessments, and water and fish samples, suggest that the incident was localized and likely triggered by an external factor or eutrophication—a condition caused by excessive nutrient levels in water bodies. NEPA has emphasized its determination to address the issue and is exploring preventive measures, such as implementing real-time monitoring systems, deploying surveillance cameras, and fostering partnerships with law enforcement, local businesses, fishermen, and community members.
As a precautionary measure, the public has been advised to avoid fishing, collecting, or consuming marine life from the affected area until further notice. NEPA and the NFA have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Jamaica’s coastal and marine ecosystems, pledging to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information emerges.
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Much-anticipated Sperm Whale Reserve Bill passed in Parliament this week
The Commonwealth of Dominica has taken a monumental step in marine conservation with the recent passage of a bill to establish a Sperm Whale Reserve. This legislative move, approved by Parliament this week, builds on the government’s 2023 initiative to create a protected marine zone along the island’s western coastline, a region renowned for hosting one of the world’s few remaining resident populations of sperm whales. The newly enacted legislation introduces comprehensive management strategies, including specific navigation protocols and advanced monitoring systems, aimed at fostering responsible use and conservation within the reserve. Agriculture Minister Roland Royer hailed the bill as a historic milestone, emphasizing its role in formalizing the reserve and laying the groundwork for effective governance and protection. Royer underscored that the initiative is not merely a conservation effort but a testament to Dominica’s dedication to the long-term sustainability of its sperm whale population, a globally significant species that inhabits the island’s waters. The bill also aligns with the government’s broader vision of building a resilient and inclusive blue economy, where marine biodiversity protection is intertwined with sustainable livelihoods and national pride. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, during a June 2025 press conference, highlighted the reserve’s potential to elevate Dominica’s status as a premier eco-tourism destination. By promoting low-impact, high-value marine tourism activities such as whale watching, scientific research, and educational exchanges, the reserve is expected to generate economic opportunities for coastal communities while reinforcing Dominica’s reputation as the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean.’
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2nd call for Circular Economy Projects to combat regional marine pollution
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) has announced its Second Call for Proposals under the Advancing Circular Economy (ACE) Facility, aiming to fund innovative projects that combat marine pollution, enhance waste management, and accelerate the transition to circular economy practices across the Caribbean. The initiative was unveiled during the ACE Facility October Meeting Series, held from October 14–16 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, which convened regional governments, international partners, civil society organizations, and private sector leaders.
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Illegal Land Clearing Suspected in Vaca Reserve
Concerns over potential illegal land clearing within Belize’s Vaca Forest Reserve have surfaced, as local farmers from the Cayo District reported suspicious activities to News Five. The farmers expressed alarm over the presence of heavy machinery in the area, suspecting unauthorized deforestation. Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), a prominent environmental organization, confirmed receiving similar reports. Executive Director Rafael Manzanero stated that the complaints have been forwarded to the Belize Forest Department for investigation. While Manzanero could not confirm if the reports were identical, he emphasized the need for verification to determine whether the clearing occurred on private lands or within the protected reserve. The Forest Department is expected to conduct a site visit to assess the situation. Manzanero clarified that FCD does not directly investigate such claims, as the Forest Department is better equipped to cross-reference maps and pinpoint locations. This incident raises broader questions about the enforcement of environmental protections in Belize, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Vaca Forest Reserve.
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Partnership Strengthens Vaca Forest Protection
The Vaca Forest Reserve has become a focal point for sustainable agricultural practices, thanks to the collaborative efforts between local farmers and Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD). Known as the ‘Friends of Vaca,’ these certified farmers have embraced their role as stewards, dedicated to preserving the ecological integrity and future of the reserve. While illegal farming activities persist, FCD’s Executive Director, Rafael Manzanero, highlights the significant progress made through years of investment. This initiative has empowered numerous farmers to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of this vital natural area. Manzanero emphasized the success of the stewardship program, which has fostered a heightened sense of responsibility among the local community. Despite recent challenges, such as the inclusion of Belize on the U.S. list of major drug transit countries, the commitment to conservation remains unwavering. The ongoing partnership between FCD and the ‘Friends of Vaca’ serves as a model for community-driven environmental protection.
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James champions people-centred approaches to Caribbean sargassum challenge
At the 3rd EU–Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held on October 8, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, Honourable Kerryne James, Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, delivered a compelling address advocating for inclusive, community-driven strategies to address the persistent sargassum crisis in the Caribbean. Minister James emphasized that sustainable solutions must transcend technical innovation and financial investment, focusing instead on social inclusion and community empowerment. She highlighted the critical role of women, youth, and coastal communities in shaping effective sargassum management strategies, ensuring equitable benefits within the emerging blue-green economy. Minister James asserted, ‘The sargassum crisis is not just an environmental challenge; it is a litmus test for the inclusivity of our development pathways.’ She outlined Grenada’s pioneering efforts to transform sargassum into high-value products such as fertilizers, bioenergy, and construction materials, creating employment and strengthening local livelihoods. Minister James also called for enhanced regional collaboration and international support, urging the EU–LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA) to prioritize equity, innovation, and capacity-building in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her intervention underscored Grenada’s leadership in fostering climate resilience and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
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Samuda: Jamaica closer to ratifying SPAW protocol
Jamaica has taken a significant stride in environmental conservation by nearing the ratification of the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) under the Cartagena Convention. This move underscores the nation’s dedication to safeguarding marine biodiversity and enhancing environmental governance across the Caribbean region. Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, announced this development during the opening ceremony of the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. He emphasized that the ratification process is in its final stages, pending an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, which is expected to be presented in Parliament soon. Samuda highlighted that the ratification is not merely symbolic but a practical commitment to the principles and benefits of the Cartagena Convention. The SPAW Protocol, which has been in effect since 2000, provides a legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine biodiversity. It protects over 300 species of plants and animals through habitat preservation, trade restrictions, and the establishment of protected area networks. Samuda also pointed out the Caribbean’s vulnerability to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, which has led to coral bleaching, declining water quality, and rising sea levels. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation through the Cartagena Convention and SPAW to address these challenges effectively. By ratifying the SPAW Protocol, Jamaica aims to enhance the recognition of its marine protected areas, create new employment opportunities, and access additional funding sources.
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Jamaica moves to ratify key marine protection treaty under Cartagena Convention
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is on the verge of ratifying the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW), a pivotal move under the Cartagena Convention, signaling its unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. This development underscores the nation’s dedication to protecting marine biodiversity and enhancing environmental governance across the Caribbean region.