By Belize Live News Staff: Belize will install three automated wildfire early warning stations and develop new disaster risk maps for 15 vulnerable communities under a major capacity building initiative with Taiwan.
The Belize Multi Hazard Risk Management Capacity Building Project was launched on August 27 in Belmopan by TaiwanICDF in partnership with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management and the Ministry of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management.
The programme is designed to strengthen Belize’s response to multiple threats, particularly floods and wildfires.
One of its most significant components is the planned installation of three automated ground based wildfire early warning stations in high risk areas.
TaiwanICDF project manager Lin Li shan said the initiative will also use remote sensing and ground observation data to develop wildfire risk assessment models. Carbon monitoring sites will also be established.
Another major focus will be Belizean communities themselves.
Fifteen newly selected communities vulnerable to floods and wildfires will receive disaster risk maps, while community based preparedness and multi hazard response training will be promoted.
The programme is also expected to strengthen cooperation between government agencies and gradually expand early warning coverage across Belize.
Sustainable Development Minister Orlando Habet said Taiwan supported early warning systems have already delivered results and that Belize now intends to build on that work through a more integrated approach to disaster management.
Public Service and Disaster Risk Management Minister Henry Charles Usher said Belize’s recurring exposure to hurricanes, floods, storm surges, droughts and wildfires makes preparation critical.
Usher described the agreement as an important step toward improving national disaster preparedness and strengthening the resilience of communities across Belize.
