As the world gears up for COP30, set to take place in Belém, Brazil—often referred to as the ‘heart of the Amazon’—the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Conference of the Parties (COP) is still a worthwhile endeavor. Over the past few years, the effectiveness of these annual climate summits has been under intense scrutiny, especially as global temperatures continue to rise, pushing the world further away from the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree target.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Minister Perez Rejects 270-Acre Silver Palms Project on Ambergris Caye
In a decisive move, Belize’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Andre Perez, has publicly rejected the proposed 270-acre Silver Palms development project on Ambergris Caye. The project, approved in December 2024 under a Limited Level Environmental Study, has sparked widespread controversy due to its potential environmental impact and lack of community consultation. Perez, who also serves as the Area Representative for Belize Rural South, emphasized the need for cautious development to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems. He criticized the Department of the Environment (DOE) for bypassing public input and failing to consult local stakeholders. The site, located in northern Ambergris Caye, is particularly sensitive to fish spawning and fly fishing activities, making it unsuitable for large-scale development, according to Perez. He urged potential investors to reconsider, stating that the project is not worth the investment and poses significant risks to the environment. The Opposition has also called for greater transparency from the DOE and Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai, who defended the approval process, citing compliance with regulatory thresholds and strict conditions.
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Belize’s ‘Never-Ending Sargassum Battle’ Just Got Smarter
Belize’s ongoing struggle with sargassum seaweed has taken a significant turn with the introduction of advanced monitoring tools. This year, the country experienced one of its most severe sargassum crises, with vast amounts of seaweed inundating beaches, disrupting coastal ecosystems, and necessitating continuous cleanup efforts. However, a new initiative funded by the Government of Taiwan, in collaboration with the Central American Commission on Environment and Development, has provided Belize with cutting-edge technology to better manage this environmental challenge. The donation includes a drone, a laptop, and the Sargassum Forecasting Model (SAMtool), which utilizes satellite imagery and ocean current data to track and predict the movement of sargassum mats across the Caribbean. Andre Perez, Belize’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, expressed optimism about the new tools, stating that they will enable a more strategic and efficient response to the sargassum influx. ‘It’s a constant battle, but with this technology, we can approach it in a smarter way,’ Perez remarked. The initiative marks a crucial step forward in Belize’s efforts to mitigate the impact of sargassum on its coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
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Belizean/Mexican Man Fatally Shot in Chetumal
A tragic incident unfolded in Chetumal, Mexico, early on Saturday, November 10, 2025, when a 29-year-old Belizean-Mexican man was fatally shot in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. The victim, identified as Colin Clifton Cherrington Galban, was ambushed outside a closed shopping center at approximately 4:20 a.m. Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived in a white vehicle, engaged briefly with the victim, and then opened fire before fleeing the scene. Police from Mexico’s Secretary of Citizen Security responded swiftly to reports of gunfire and discovered Galban lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, sides, and left wrist. Emergency Medical Services and Rescue Squad (ERUM) paramedics rushed him to the General Hospital in Mexico, where he was listed in critical condition. Despite extensive medical intervention, Galban succumbed to his injuries later that day. Mexican authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the shooting, though no arrests have been made as of now. The incident has raised concerns about safety and targeted violence in the region.
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‘Belize’s Tourism Will Bounce Back’
Belize’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of its national economy, is grappling with significant challenges as global economic conditions tighten. Recent data from the Belize Tourism Board reveals an 8.6% decline in overnight tourist arrivals for September 2025 compared to the same period last year. This downturn has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, particularly in popular destinations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, where tourism activity has notably slowed. Area Representative Andre Perez acknowledged the sluggish recovery post-COVID-19, attributing part of the decline to the ongoing political polarization in the United States, a key source market for Belizean tourism. The prolonged U.S. federal government shutdown has exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread job losses and flight disruptions across 40 major American airports, including those serving Belize and the Caribbean. Despite these hurdles, Perez remains optimistic, emphasizing Belize’s strategic location and accessibility as enduring strengths. He expressed confidence in the industry’s resilience, predicting a successful year ahead. However, analysts caution that the ripple effects of the U.S. shutdown may persist, delaying a full recovery in travel patterns.
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Heavy Rains and Cold Front Approach Belize
Belize is currently experiencing moist and unstable weather conditions as a robust cold front moves into the region. The National Meteorological Service has reported that the next 24 hours will bring predominantly cloudy to overcast skies, with showers and thunderstorms expected to intensify later today and into the night, particularly affecting southern, coastal, and offshore areas. An excessive rainfall warning has been issued for southern districts and offshore regions, with an anticipated 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall across the country. Residents, especially those in flood-prone zones, are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated with official weather reports. Despite the heavy rains, the tropical weather outlook remains tranquil, with no cyclone formation expected in the region over the next few days, and Belize’s coastal waters are not under any immediate threat. Looking ahead to Tuesday, forecasters predict cooler and windier conditions following the cold front’s passage, with light rain or isolated showers continuing.
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Royalty To Come To Belize
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Edinburgh, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Belize from November 16 to 19, 2025. This significant event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, underscores the strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and Belize. The Duchess’s agenda is packed with engagements aimed at fostering collaboration and understanding. She will meet with key government officials and community leaders to discuss pivotal issues. Her itinerary includes visits to projects dedicated to enhancing eye health, empowering indigenous women, and preserving Belize’s renowned barrier reef. The Belizean government has expressed its excitement and readiness to host the Duchess, highlighting the visit as a momentous occasion that will further solidify bilateral relations.
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Shots fired in Corozal
A shooting incident occurred earlier today near Xin Hui’s store on the main highway in Santa Rita, Corozal. According to police reports, shots were fired at a red pickup truck, leaving visible bullet holes in the passenger-side window. Authorities confirmed that at least three rounds were discharged during the altercation. Scenes of Crime officers swiftly arrived at the location, cordoning off the area to meticulously process evidence and gather details. Fortunately, initial reports indicate that no injuries were sustained in the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Local residents have expressed concern over the incident, urging law enforcement to enhance security measures in the area.
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Two Killed, Several Injured in RTA’s Over the Weekend
A series of devastating road traffic accidents over the weekend in the Cayo District, Belize, has left two people dead and several others injured, prompting urgent calls for enhanced road safety measures. The most severe incident occurred early Sunday morning in Ontario Village, where a car driven by 27-year-old Jovan Middleton struck a culvert and overturned. Middleton died instantly, while his passenger, Ashley Mejia, 27, sustained critical injuries and later succumbed to them. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. In a separate incident on Saturday night, two motorcyclists collided in Teakettle Village, resulting in injuries that required hospitalization. Their current conditions are unknown. Another accident in Belmopan involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck, with the motorcyclist rushed to the Western Regional Hospital for emergency care. Witnesses at the scene alleged that the pickup truck driver appeared intoxicated, further highlighting the dangers of impaired driving. In response to the escalating number of fatal accidents, Chester Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Transport, expressed deep concern, particularly about the rising incidents involving motorcycles. He announced that the ministry is collaborating with the Belize Police Department to intensify highway patrols, establish checkpoints, and enhance officer training. Additionally, stricter traffic laws, already approved by the Cabinet, are set to be presented in the House of Representatives this month. Williams emphasized that while legislative measures are crucial, the collective responsibility of all road users to adhere to traffic laws is essential to curb the alarming trend.
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Tornado Kills Six, Injures Hundreds in Brazil
A catastrophic tornado tore through the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on Friday night, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm, with wind speeds exceeding 155 miles per hour, claimed the lives of at least six individuals, including a 14-year-old girl, and injured over 750 people. One person remains unaccounted for, and the number of displaced families continues to escalate. The city of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu bore the brunt of the disaster, with civil defense officials estimating that 90% of the area sustained significant damage. Local resident Roselei Dalcandon, standing amidst the ruins of her former shop, lamented, ‘It destroyed everything—the town, houses, and schools. What will become of us?’ Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the victims on social media, while his Cabinet announced the deployment of emergency aid to the affected regions. The tragedy coincides with Brazil hosting COP30 in Belém, where global leaders are convening to discuss climate resilience. The storm’s ferocity underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness, climate finance, and early-warning systems, particularly for vulnerable nations grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change.