By Belize Live News Staff: The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) on Monday announced a BZ$7.75 million investment into Belize’s National Protected Areas System (BNPAS). The funding will be rolled out over the next three years under the Conservation Investment Strategy (CIS) 2.0 and will benefit 15 co-management agencies working across 28 protected areas throughout the country.
The investment marks the second cycle of PACT’s flagship Conservation Investment Strategy and is part of a larger BZ$12 million national effort to enhance conservation management, build climate resilience, and increase long-term sustainability within Belize’s protected areas.
The funding aims to improve ecological protection and governance, strengthen on-the-ground management capacity, secure financial stability for co-managers, and deepen community involvement. The projects selected were developed under a “theory of change” framework that aligns conservation goals with community development and climate adaptation.
Speaking at the official rollout ceremony, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Orlando Habet, praised the dedication of the co-managers and local partners: “From Maya lands in the south to marine reserves in the north—you are the ones maintaining trails, monitoring wildlife, and leading environmental education, often with limited support.”
Prime Minister John Briceño, who played a foundational role in creating PACT nearly three decades ago, reminded the nation of the critical role conservation plays in Belize’s identity and development. “Investing in conservation is not a luxury,” Briceño said. “It is a necessity. When we protect our biodiversity, we protect our health, our food, and yes—our nation’s identity.”
Beyond protecting ecosystems, the CIS 2.0 program also supports sustainable livelihoods for communities living near protected areas. With a focus on long-term ecological health and financial viability, the initiative represents a major step forward in Belize’s efforts to lead the region in climate-smart conservation practices.
