By Belize Live News Staff: The Department of the Environment (DOE) has announced that the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) has granted conditional environmental clearance for the Sarteneja South Winds Limited development project, located west of Sarteneja Village, Corozal District.
The decision follows NEAC’s review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and supplemental information submitted for a proposed subdivision and tourism development. The DOE stated that clearance was approved with strict conditions to mitigate potential negative environmental, social, and archaeological impacts.
Among the key conditions are that the project must proceed in phases, with DOE approval required before advancing to subsequent stages; updated vegetation maps must be submitted before each phase; and solar energy systems must be integrated to reduce demand from the national grid.
Additional requirements include sourcing water from deeper aquifers, protecting fishing areas, prohibiting septic tanks, and ensuring archaeological monitoring during construction.
The DOE also mandated that the Cayo Falso area remain in its natural state and that part of the frontage be established as a private reserve.
An Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) will be signed between DOE and the developer to guide ongoing monitoring and ensure all environmental safeguards are implemented.
