By Belize Live News Staff: Improving access to financing for fishers and small businesses is among the priorities highlighted by Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation Andre Perez as Belize explores ways to strengthen the financial security of coastal households.
Speaking at the National Financial Resilience Symposium hosted by the University of Belize, Perez emphasized that the success of Belize’s Blue Economy should be measured in part by its impact on families and communities.
The minister said coastal households must have opportunities to earn reliable incomes, build savings and develop additional sources of livelihood.
The discussions examined how targeted financial programmes could help fishers and small business operators access the resources needed to strengthen their economic activities.
Participants also considered the role of sustainable marine conservation, renewable energy and energy efficiency in supporting long-term economic development.
A major focus was financial resilience, particularly the ability of households to withstand climate-related shocks and other challenges affecting coastal livelihoods.
According to the Ministry, Perez’s participation underscored the importance of ensuring that environmental sustainability and economic development work together.
The approach seeks to create an inclusive Blue Economy in which opportunities extend beyond major investments to the families and small enterprises that rely on Belize’s coastal and marine resources.
The Ministry did not announce specific new financing allocations or programme launch dates in the information released.
