Embraced by the second-largest barrier reef in the world and cradled within an ancient forest, the Jewel as the epithet for Belize is no exaggeration. At 43 years of independence, the nation has fearlessly accepted its responsibility as the custodians of these gifts of nature.
For 180 miles, the Belize Barrier Reef hugs the coastline of this nation straddled between the Caribbean and Central America. A stone’s throw from this coast lies the Maya Forest – the single largest forest block in Central America.
Maya Forest Corridor
The Maya Mountains of Southern Belize and the Selva Maya of Guatemala and Mexico make up a forest system, which is connected by a 5 – 6 mile stretch of protected area called the Maya Forest Corridor. Safeguarding this small portion of the forest is of immense importance since it prevents the larger forest system from being split into smaller isolated ecosystems.
Protection of the Maya Forest Corridor ensures the survival of the species that have lived there for thousands of years. In 2021, the Maya Forest Corridor Trust attained 30,000 acres as a step toward safeguarding the connectivity of the Maya Forest. Of note is that the wetlands of the Maya Forest Corridor help protect Belize from flooding caused by severe storms.
Belize Barrier Reef
Equally, Belize has species that have called its ocean space home for millennia. The coral colonies that make up the Belize Barrier Reef are noteworthy. Although it is known as the second largest after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Belize Barrier Reef is widely recognized as the largest living reef system.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site turned 10,000 years old in June 2022. It provided significant protection and a host of ecosystem services to Belize in the form of storm surge protection, fisheries, tourism, etc. Belize has committed to preserving 30% of its ocean space – over 10,000 kilometres, inclusive of each of the seven marine protected areas that make up the Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize’s NDC
Belize is recognized internationally for protecting its marine space and forest. However, according to the World Bank Group, it is considered one of one of the most climate-vulnerable places in the world.
This is highlighted in Belize’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted as a part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement in 2021 ahead of COP26. The NDC provides a roadmap for Belize’s climate resilience goals.
The NDC states, “Belize is one of the most affected countries in the world by weather-related events and other natural hazards.”
Global climate change is noted as one of the most serious threats to sustainable development in Belize. Over recent years, the country has been impacted by floods, drought, coastal erosion, hurricanes, and changing precipitation patterns.
Like many other developing nations, Belize emits very small amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG) and is a carbon sink thanks to its strong forest, coral reef, and coastal mangrove and sea grass beds.
The country is further building on its capacity to act as a carbon sink and reduce its GHG emissions over the period of 2021 – 2030 by implementing reforestation efforts in inland and coastal areas.
Enhancing the capacity of the country’s mangrove and seagrass ecosystems to act as a carbon sink by 2030 is also an objective laid out in Belize’s NDC. This will be done through coastal protection and restoration efforts.
Expanding the capacity of energy generation from renewable sources to cutting significant emissions from the energy supply by 2030 is also an objective laid out within the document.
Building resilience within the coastal ecosystems and communities is also a key priority area within the NDC.
Belize and the CCCCC
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) is also happy to call Belize the home of its headquarters. The Centre’s first abode was the University of Belize, and its main office is still located in the capital, Belmopan.
Over the years, the CCCCC and Belize have collaborated on various initiatives and activities to advance the nation’s climate resilience goals. From the installation of Automatic Weather Stations across the country to the rollout of Coral Reef Early Warning Systems in Belize’s marine space – the Centre and its donor partners have worked closely with Belize.
In March of this year, the CCCCC, on behalf of Belize, received approval for a BZD$50 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a project geared toward transforming the sugarcane sector. This investment is historic as it is the single largest injection of finance earmarked to directly enhance the livelihood of sugarcane farmers in Belize.
The project will help increase crop diversity and farming practices to mitigate climate risk within the sector while bolstering water and land management.
To support the nation’s objective to further protect and enhance its coastal ecosystem, the CCCCC along with Global Affairs Canada is engaged in a project to revolutionize the management of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. Belize @ 43
At 43 years of independence, Belize is poised to deliver on its commitment to safeguarding the natural resources it has been gifted with into the future. The nation stands as a leader in the fight against climate change by protecting its natural carbon sinks and maintaining its carbon storage capacity.
The CCCCC wishes Belize a Happy Independence Day.
“A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43.”
