DOCSLIB.ORG

Belize’S Mpas: a Valuable but Under-Funded System Actions Needed Coastal Capital: Belize

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Belize’S Mpas: a Valuable but Under-Funded System Actions Needed Coastal Capital: Belize Belize’s MPAs: A Valuable but Under-funded System Actions Needed Coastal Capital: Belize he Marine Protected Area (MPA) system of Belize is Unfortunately, the current situation is not sustainable. At oastal and marine ecosystems provide vitally 2) Plan and implement development sensibly: The Economic Contribution of Belize’s Coral Reefs and Mangroves well known and widely hailed as an example of most MPAs, management levels fall well below what is important goods and services to Belize’s economy. o Enforce land-use and development regulations in T forward thinking in marine conservation. The sys- needed to keep their reefs healthy and attractive to visitors CAs these resources become increasingly threat- the coastal zone. tem consists of 18 protected areas managed primarily by over the long-term. Visitation, investment, and manage- ened, it is critical to recognize the value they provide, and o Minimize the loss of mangroves along the shoreline the Fisheries and Forestry Departments in collaboration ment levels vary widely across the system. Many MPAs rely to incorporate them into decision-making. It is in the – they play an especially important role in fisheries with local NGOs. Belize’s MPAs are an important draw heavily on grant funding that may not be reliable from year long-term economic interest of Belize to: and shoreline protection. for divers, snorkelers and sport fishermen, and contain to year. Staff, fuel, and equipment limitations make it diffi- 1) Invest in management, monitoring, and compliance: no-fishing areas that, when well-protected, help to main- cult to curb illegal fishing and monitor visitation in most o Conduct and thoroughly evaluate Environmental tain stocks of key commercial species. of the reserves. If the condition of the reefs and mangroves o Reinvigorate the Coastal Zone Management Impact Assessments and subsequent compliance protected by the system continues to decline, visitors may Authority and Institute and build capacity for moni- plans for development in sensitive coastal areas, Belize’s MPAs provide an extremely good “value for decide MPAs are no longer worth the trip. This is especially toring the state and use of coastal resources. such as the cayes. money” — they generate economic benefits well beyond true for some of the most fragile sites, such as the rare o Tighten fishing regulations and invest greater o Incorporate sewage and solid waste disposal in plan- the amount invested in their protection. MPA managers mangrove and reef habitats in the Pelican Cayes in South resources in enforcement. ning for tourism development. The cost of appropri- reported approximately 115,000 visitors in 2007. Water Caye Marine Reserve, and Glover’s Reef, below. ate facilities can be compared to potential losses in Although some were likely repeat visitors, this is still a o Increase overall investment in MPAs. Improve fee reef services from further degradation. remarkable share of Belize’s total 250,000 overnight visi- Belize’s MPAs provide benefits well beyond what can be collection and monitoring of visitors. tors that year (very few MPA visitors come from the cruise measured in economic terms alone. Even with an o Build resilience to coral bleaching into the manage- o In planning a long-term tourism strategy, weigh lines). The average reef-related visitor spends approxi- increase in government support, they will continue to be ment and expansion of the MPA network. revenues from a growing cruise industry against mately US$150 a day. If we associate one day with each an extraordinarily “good deal” — and remain so much potential losses to the overnight sector from envi- recorded visitor, over US$17 million in direct spending further into the future. In recognition of both uncaptured ronmental impacts. can be associated with MPA tourism in 2007. Indirect potential at some MPAs and the threat of losses from eco- o Evaluate distributional effects (“winners” and “los- economic impacts contributed an additional $3.5 to 6.9 system decline at others, we recommend: ers”) of proposed coastal development projects. million to the economy. By relying solely on recorded o Committing additional resources to a permanent fund visitation, these figures significantly underestimate total for MPA management impact — almost all of the MPA managers note that a o Improving collection of basic indicators of human use significant chunk (sometimes as much as 30%) of visita- (e.g. visitation, recreation, and fisheries data) tion goes unrecorded. o Capturing missing revenue – improve fee collection across the board. Project Partners This project would not have been possible without the finan- cial support of the Oak Foundation, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SwedBio, the Campbell Foundation, and the MacArthur Foundation. The project WRI and Economic Valuation of Coastal Resources oastal and marine ecosystems provide vitally looming on the horizon. Fish populations, including was implemented in collaboration with the Belize office of important goods and services to countries in the commercially valuable sport-fishing species and colorful The World Resources Institute (WRI) launched the Coastal WWF-Central America. Many other partners in Belize also Caribbean. This study looks at only three out of reef fish, will diminish if they lose the mangrove forests Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, an atoll system enclosing Capital project in the Caribbean in 2005. The project works provided data, reviewed the analytical approach and results, C the many culturally and economically valuable services they rely upon as critical nursery habitats. Coastal proper- over 800 patch reefs, is especially popular with divers and with local partners to produce national and sub-national and guided outreach. These include: assessments of the economic contribution of coral reefs and provided by these ecosystems in Belize. Even within this ties will become increasingly vulnerable to storms and hosts a world-renowned research facility. It was designat- Melanie McField, Armeid Thompson, Venetia Hargreaves- mangroves. WRI aims to increase local capacity to perform narrowed scope, this study finds that the country’s coastal erosion, and reef-related tourism will suffer as reefs and ed a World Heritage Site in 1996. Guests visit from the ecosystem valuations, to raise public awareness of the eco- Allen, Belize Tourism Board, Fisheries Department, Forestry resources are extremely valuable. Belize’s coral reefs and mangroves decline. mainland or come for a week at a time to kayak, snor- Department, Department of the Environment, Belize mangrove-lined coasts provide critical protection against nomic and social benefits of marine resources, and to pro- Belize’s government, NGOs, and private sector have vide dollar value estimates that can be used to inform plan- Hydromet, Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), erosion and wave-induced damages from tropical storms; kel, and dive from one of the five resorts inside the begun to recognize the importance of coastal ecosystems ning and decision-making. Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations they have supported artisanal fishing communities for reserve. We estimate that between on-site resorts and to the economy. Nevertheless, the amount currently (APAMO), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Toledo generations; and they stand at the center of vibrant tour- day-trip visitors, reef-related tourism in Glover’s con- invested in protecting Belize’s coral reefs and mangroves For More Information Association for Sustainable Tourism and Empowerment ism industry, drawing snorkelers, divers and sport fisher- tributes US$3.8–5.6 million a year to the economy. is very small when compared to the contribution of these (TASTE), Toledo Institute for Development and Environment men from all over the world. Glover’s also support critical habitat for key commercial Visit http://reefsatrisk.wri.org or contact: (TIDE), Belize Audubon Society, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, resources to the national economy. The World Resources species, including lobster, conch, and grouper. Fisheries Emily Cooper Lauretta Burke Nadia Bood GreenReef, The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Nature, Despite their importance, these benefits are frequently Institute (WRI), in collaboration with WWF Central revenues from inside the reserve—not counting potential WRI WRI WWF-CA University of Belize, Galen University, and the Caribbean overlooked or underappreciated in coastal investment America, assessed the economic contribution of these ser- spillover if spawning sites are well managed—are estimated [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Community Climate Change Center. and policy decisions. Unchecked coastal development, vices at the national level and within individual Marine at US$0.7 to 1.1 million for 2007. By comparison, the typi- overfishing, and pressures from tourism threaten the Protected Areas in Belize. For the full report and method- cal management budget allocated to the Fisheries country’s reefs, with the additional threats of warming ology, please visit www.wri.org/project/valuation-caribbean- PHOTO CREDITS seas, fiercer storms, and other climate-related changes reefs. Department per MPA is $US100,000 a year, plus occasional Yellow Tail Jacks: © WWF / Ítalo BONILLA; Coral Polyps at night: Krishna Desai; Reef breaking waves: Corel Photo CD; supplements for fuel. Mangroves: © WWF / Gilda ALBERTO; Fishing boat: © WWF / Nadia BOOD; Beach and boat: Mito Paz; Diver at Glover’s: Uwe Deichmann; Turtle: Mito Paz Key Findings
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Caribbean Regional
    WORKING DOCUMENT SERIES CARIBBEAN REGIONAL GENERAL WORKING DOCUMENT 83 A SURVEY OF THE LITERATURE ON INCOME DISTRIDUTION AND THE FULFILLMENT OF BASIC HUMAN NEEDS IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION* *Antigua, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Is., Cayman Is., Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis- (Anguilla), St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Turks & Caicos Is. Clarence Zuvekas , Jr . Sector Analysis Internalization Group Office of International Cooperation and Development U.S. Department of Agriculture September 1978 i 3 Rural Development Division Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean Agency for International Development BESTAVAILABLE COPY WORKING DOCUMENT SERIES: CARIBBEAN REGION GENERAL WORKING DOCUMENT i\3 A SURVEY OF THE LITERATLTRE ON INCOME DISTRI13UTION AM> THE FULFILLMENT OF BASIC HUMAN NEEDS IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION* *Antigua, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Is. , Cayman Is., Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis- (Anguilla), St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Turks & Caicos Is. Clarence Zuvekas , Jr . Sector Analysis Internalization Group Office of International Cooperation and Development U.S. Department of Agriculture September 1978 i I This document does not bear the approval (nor imply such) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States Agency i for lnternationai Development, or any of j tneir offices. In view of its nacure as I G workiag paper, it should not be quoted I w!~hoci?erm;ssion of the originating O.:; -CZ. ,I; Any coinments wo"id be appreci- : L:2~, 6.;~can De addressed to the author , 6c: I 4112 ndditors Buiiding I I 14x1 & Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250 BEST AVA MBLE COPY PREFACE Most of the data discussed in this survey were reviewed in an earlier document (Zuvekas 1978b) which presented a "profile" of small farmers in the Caribbean Region *I but was not intended to provide much interpretation or analysis.
    [Show full text]
  • 302232 Travelguide
    302232 TRAVELGUIDE <P.1> (118*205) G5-15 DANIEL V2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 INTRODUCTION 5 WELCOME 6 GENERAL VISITOR INFORMATION 8 GETTING TO BELIZE 9 TRAVELING WITHIN BELIZE 10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14 CRUISE PASSENGER ADVENTURES Half Day Cultural and Historical Tours Full Day Adventure Tours 16 SUGGESTED OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES Four-Day Itinerary Five-Day Itinerary Six-Day Itinerary Seven-Day Itinerary 25 ISLANDS, BEACHES AND REEF 32 MAYA CITIES AND MYSTIC CAVES 42 PEOPLE AND CULTURE 50 SPECIAL INTERESTS 57 NORTHERN BELIZE 65 NORTH ISLANDS 71 CENTRAL COAST 77 WESTERN BELIZE 87 SOUTHEAST COAST 93 SOUTHERN BELIZE 99 BELIZE REEF 104 HOTEL DIRECTORY 120 TOUR GUIDE DIRECTORY 302232 TRAVELGUIDE <P.2> (118*205) G5-15 DANIEL V2 302232 TRAVELGUIDE <P.3> (118*205) G5-15 DANIEL V2 The variety of activities is matched by the variety of our people. You will meet Belizeans from many cultural traditions: Mestizo, Creole, Maya and Garifuna. You can sample their varied cuisines and enjoy their music and Belize is one of the few unspoiled places left on Earth, their company. and has something to appeal to everyone. It offers rainforests, ancient Maya cities, tropical islands and the Since we are a small country you will be able to travel longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. from East to West in just two hours. Or from North to South in only a little over that time. Imagine... your Visit our rainforest to see exotic plants, animals and birds, possible destinations are so accessible that you will get climb to the top of temples where the Maya celebrated the most out of your valuable vacation time.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of the Workshops in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada and Belize
    Report of the workshops in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada and Belize. Possible use cases, people met and follow‐up ideas September 2014 Authors: Cees J. Van Westen, Victor Jetten, Mark Brussel, Faculty ITC, University of Twente Tarick Hosein and Charisse Griffith‐Charles, University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago. Jeanna Hyde (Envirosense) Mark Trigg (University of Bristol) Report of the workshops in 5 target countries Page | 2 Report of the workshops in 5 target countries Table of Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Invitation letter ....................................................................................................................... 7 2. Saint Lucia ..................................................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Participants of the workshop in Saint Lucia ........................................................................ 10 2.2 Map of Saint Lucia with indication of places visited during the fieldwork ........................ 15 2.3 Points visited during the fieldtrip / possible use cases ....................................................... 16 2.4 Follow‐up activities in Saint Lucia ........................................................................................ 19 3. Saint Vincent ................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Border Restrictions Updated 6 April 2021
    Please note, although we endeavour to provide you with the most up to date information derived from various third parties an d sources, we cannot be held accountable for any inaccuracies or changes to this information. Inclusion of company information in this matrix does no t imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities. Logistics Cluster /WFP maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable serv ice provider. If you have any updates to share, please email them to: [email protected] Border Restrictions Updated 6 April 2021 State / Territory Restrictions (Other Info) Restriction Period Source of Info URL / Remarks State of Emergency is extended until 18 April 2021. Color-coded system to guide response. Current level is Code Blue. All entry permits suspended until further notice. All travellers must provide negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours before arrival and are subject to full quarantine of 14 days. Moreover, the American Samoa traveller is required to disclose if he/she had a positive result prior to testing negative. American Samoa Until 18 April 2021 Government, 19 March https://www.americansamoa.gov/ Cargo flights into the Territory to deliver or retrieve cargo or mail will be allowed, provided that each 2021 occupant of the plane must furnish proof to the Director of Health of a negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours before arrival, and further provided tht no one will disembark withouth the prior written approval of the Governor.
    [Show full text]
  • Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Belize British Overseas Territories (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Isla
    UNHCR staff monitoring programmes attheLoveAChild field hospital in Fond Parisien, Haiti. Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Belize British overseas territories (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Montserrat) Canada Dominica Dominican Republic Dutch overseas territories in the Caribbean (Aruba, Curaçao, Saint Maarten, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius, Saba) French overseas departments (Martinique, Guadeloupe) Grenada Guyana Haiti Jamaica St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines Suriname Trinidad and Tobago United States of America 348 UNHCR Global Report 2010 and the OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS l UNHCR continued to seek the political and financial l More than 80 per cent of UNHCR’s global resettlement support of the Governments of the United States and referrals are to the United States and Canada. Canada in order to fulfil its protection mandate and find comprehensive solutions for refugees. Working environment l In the United States, UNHCR sought to ensure that the country’s laws and policies, as well as their implementation, In the United States, the Government has confirmed its were in accordance with its obligations under the 1967 commitment to international obligations, particularly with Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees. Specifically, regard to the parole of asylum-seekers. However, UNHCR promoted reforms to the way in which the refugee adjudications by the immigration courts and administrative definition is being applied under US law and monitored the and federal
    [Show full text]
  • A Baseline Analysis of Coastal Water Quality of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Belize: a Critical Habitat for Sport Fisheries
    Environ Biol Fish https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-018-0811-6 A baseline analysis of coastal water quality of the port Honduras marine reserve, Belize: a critical habitat for sport fisheries Brenna M. Sweetman & James R. Foley & Michael K. Steinberg Received: 16 January 2018 /Accepted: 21 August 2018 # Springer Nature B.V. 2018 Abstract This analysis examines temporal changes in and low population density of southern Belize. This water quality of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve study provides baseline information for future research (PHMR), Belize from 1998 to 2015. Trends in dissolved and outlines recommendations for management strate- oxygen (DO), salinity, temperature and pH were ana- gies of PHMR to mitigate impacts from current and lyzed from ten sites throughout PHMR for statistically future threats to water quality. significant relationships. Maintaining satisfactory water quality is critical for sustaining healthy fisheries. PHMR Keywords Water quality . Fish habitat . Belize . Sport represents a unique link between upland watersheds and fishing . Marine reserve coastal wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. These ecosystems comprise important habitat for many fisheries including the economically valuable Introduction sport fish species of Megalops atlanticus (Atlantic tar- pon),Albulavulpes(bonefish) and Trachinotus falcatus Marine and coastal ecosystems are considered some of (permit). Sport fishing in the PHMR area has become the most biodiverse and highly vulnerable ecosystems increasingly popular in recent decades and is responsi- globally (Gray 1997;Wormetal.2006; Bierman et al. ble for generating direct and indirect income opportuni- 2011). Marine protected areas (MPAs), such as the Port ties for local communities, including Punta Gorda, the Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR) in southern Belize, largest town in southern Belize.
    [Show full text]
  • Belize 2020 Human Rights Report
    BELIZE 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Belize is a constitutional parliamentary democracy. In the most recent national election, held on November 11, the People’s United Party won 26 of 31 seats in the National Assembly. Party leader John Briceno was sworn in as prime minister on November 12. The Ministry of National Security is responsible for oversight of police, prisons, the coast guard, and the military. The Belize Police Department is primarily responsible for internal security. The small military force primarily focuses on external security but also provides limited domestic security support to civilian authorities and has limited powers of arrest that are executed by the Belize Defence Force for land and shoreline areas and by the Coast Guard for coastal and maritime areas. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. Members of security forces committed few abuses. Significant human rights issues included: allegations of the use of excessive force and inhuman treatment by security officers, allegations of widespread corruption and impunity by government officials, trafficking in persons, and child labor. In some cases the government took steps to prosecute public officials who committed abuses, both administratively and through the courts, but there were few successful prosecutions. Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: a. Arbitrary Deprivation of Life and Other Unlawful or Politically Motivated Killings There was a report that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. A team from the branch of the security force responsible for a killing or other abuse investigates the allegation and then presents the findings, recommendations, and penalties to authorities.
    [Show full text]
  • Application Title Transforming Finance to Unlock Climate Action in the Caribbean
    TRANSFORMING FINANCE TO UNLOCK CLIMATE ACTION IN THE Application Title CARIBBEAN Country/ Region Belize, Jamaica, St Lucia Accredited Entity Caribbean Development Bank Approval Date 20/09/2020 GREEN CLIMATE FUND | PAGE 0 OF 2 Request for Support from the Project Preparation Facility (PPF) Application Title Transforming Finance to Unlock Climate Action in the Caribbean Country(ies) Belize, Jamaica, St Lucia Accredited Entity Caribbean Development Bank Date of first submission/ June 8, 2020 V.1 Version number Date of current submission/ August 27, 2020 V.2 version number Please submit the completed form to [email protected], using the following naming convention in the subject line and the file name: “PPF-[Accredited Entity]- [Country]-yyyymmdd” 2017 Project Preparation Facility GREEN CLIMATE FUND | PAGE 1 OF 9 Version 2.0 Notes • The PPF supports the development of projects and programmes and enhance their quality at entry into the Fund’s pipeline. With a view to enhancing the balance and diversity of the project pipeline, the PPF is designed to especially support Direct Access Entities for projects in the micro-to-small size category. International Accredited Entities seeking project preparation support from the PPF are encouraged to do so especially for LDCs, SIDS and African countries where no Direct Access Entity is accredited. All Accredited Entities are encouraged to articulate counterpart support for project preparation within their requests for support from the PPF. • A PPF submission should include below documents: 1. PPF request (this form) 2. PPF No-Objection letter1 3. Concept Note • Please copy the National Designated Authority (ies) when submitting this PPF request.
    [Show full text]
  • Doing Business in Belize: 2016 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies
    Doing Business in Belize: 2016 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES. Belize Country Commercial Guide Doing Business in Belize ________________________________________________________ 4 Market Overview __________________________________________________________________ 4 Market Challenges _________________________________________________________________ 5 Market Opportunities ______________________________________________________________ 6 Market Entry Strategy ______________________________________________________________ 7 Political Environment __________________________________________________________ 8 Political Environment _______________________________________________________________ 8 Selling U.S. Products & Services __________________________________________________ 9 Using an Agent to Sell US Products and Services _________________________________________ 9 Establishing an Office _______________________________________________________________ 9 Franchising ______________________________________________________________________ 10 Direct Marketing _________________________________________________________________ 10 Joint Ventures/Licensing ___________________________________________________________ 10 Selling to the Government __________________________________________________________ 10 Distribution & Sales Channels _______________________________________________________ 11 Express
    [Show full text]
  • Coral Reef Management in Belize: an Approach Through Integrated Coastal Zone Management
    Ocean & Coastal Management 39 (1998) 229Ð244 Coral reef management in Belize: an approach through Integrated Coastal Zone Management J. Gibson!,*, M. McField", S. Wells# ! GEF/UNDP Coastal Zone Management Project, P.O. Box 1884, Belize City, Belize " Department of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 140 Seventh Ave. South, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA # WWF International, Ave du Mont Blanc, 1196 Gland, Switzerland Abstract Belize has one of the most extensive reef ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere, comprising one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, three atolls and a complex network of inshore reefs. Until recently, the main impacts were probably from natural events such as hurricanes. However, anthropogenic threats such as sedimentation, agrochemical run-o¤, coastal develop- ment, tourism and overfishing are now of concern. To limit these impacts, Belize is taking the approach of integrated coastal zone management. The programme is building on the existing legislative framework and involves the development of an appropriate institutional structure to co-ordinate management activities in the coastal zone. A Coastal Zone Management Plan is being prepared, which will include many measures that will directly benefit the reefs: a zoning scheme for the coastal zone, incorporating protected areas; legislation and policy guidelines; research and monitoring programmes; education and public awareness campaigns; measures for community participation; and a financial sustainability mechanism. ( 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction The Belize Barrier Reef is renowned as the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Nearly 260 km long, it runs from the northern border of the country, where it is only about 1 km o¤shore, south to the Sapodilla Cayes which lie some 40 km o¤shore.
    [Show full text]
  • WT/TPR/M/353 9 June 2017 (17-3015) Page
    WT/TPR/M/353 9 June 2017 (17-3015) Page: 1/31 Trade Policy Review Body 24 and 26 April 2017 TRADE POLICY REVIEW BELIZE MINUTES OF THE MEETING Chairperson: Ms Irene Young (Hong Kong, China) CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON ....................................................... 2 2 OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BELIZE ........................................ 4 3 STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 8 4 STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 12 5 REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF BELIZE AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ........... 23 6 CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON ......................................................... 28 7 ELECTION OF A NEW TPRB CHAIRPERSON ................................................................. 30 Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided by Belize are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/353/Add.1 and will be available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/353 • Belize - 2 - 1 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 1.1. The third Trade Policy Review of Belize was held on 24 and 26 April 2017. The Chairperson, Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China), welcomed the delegation of Belize headed by H.E. Ambassador Dylan Vernon; the delegation from Belmopan; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Peter Matt (Liechtenstein). 1.2. For this particular meeting, Members noted from Airgram WTO/AIR/TPR/49/Add.1 of 11 April that, at the end of Day 2, there would be a special agenda item to select the new Chairperson of the TPRB. 1.3. Members were informed that the draft revisions to the Rules of Procedures circulated in January, necessary to reflect the outcome of the 6th TPRM Appraisal, were still going through certain domestic procedures of one Member.
    [Show full text]
  • Press Release
    PRESS RELEASE MIROVA, IUCN, TASA, BLUE FINANCE AND MINISTRY OF BLUE ECONOMY OF BELIZE ANNOUNCE THEIR PARTNERSHIP IN AN INNOVATIVE BLENDED FINANCE FACILITY TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF BELIZE’S MARINE PROTECTED AREAS & CONTRIBUTE TO ITS BLUE ECONOMY. London, June 24, 2021 – The US$1.2 million facility allows the Marine Protected Area co- manager, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), to implement a number of sustainable revenue-generating initiatives and enhance the protection of the 132,000 hectares of spectacular coral reef ecosystems. The investment will have a positive impact on the local economy, including coastal fisher communities. This blended impact investment, alongside catalytic grant funding, will allow TASA to implement smart business models aligned with conservation objectives and generate its own revenues, to effectively protect the marine reserve. The project will enhance TASA’s financial sustainability, improve the MPA visitor experience, generate blue carbon credits and contribute to the effective long-term management of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. The investment will also be used to improve the management of fisheries, coral reefs, mangrove and sea grass habitats and is expected to have a direct impact on the local economy, benefitting small-scale fishers (re increased fishery productivity), promoting responsible tourism, and creating new jobs in the MPA. The investment will contribute directly to the United-Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 1, 13, 14 and 17 (No poverty, Climate action, Life below water and Partnerships). Performance will be monitored using best practice impact standards. The facility has been structured by and funded by Natixis Investment Manager’s affiliate Mirova (through the Althelia Sustainable Ocean Fund1) in partnership with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) through its Blue Natural Capital Finance Facility and with the support of Blue Finance, a specialized impact investment project developer for MPAs.
    [Show full text]