By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, convened its third national Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum last Friday, bringing together key players in marine conservation, disaster risk management, and community development.
Hosted in partnership with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the forum focused on strengthening Belize’s ability to adapt to climate change impacts. Discussions ranged from coral reef recovery to supporting coastal communities vulnerable to disasters.
Minister Andre Perez called on all sectors to work together, warning that climate resilience cannot be achieved in silos. He emphasized the importance of combining local knowledge, scientific research, and policy coordination to confront the realities of climate change. Minister Orlando Habet reinforced that the blue economy and climate resilience are inseparable from Belize’s vision for sustainable growth.
Experts from the National Climate Change Office and Belize Fisheries Department presented on coral bleaching, disease threats, and Belize’s commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Community voices were also central, with NEMO and the Belize Red Cross highlighting local preparedness and post-disaster recovery programs.
Sector-specific panels from the Belize Tourism Board and Fisheries Department shared recovery plans for two of Belize’s economic pillars: tourism and fisheries.
The event served as a critical platform for aligning national priorities with global climate goals and ensuring that Belize’s coastal and marine resources remain protected for generations to come.
