Belize Marine Litter Action Plan: Belize – Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong
Date: 27 August 2019
Developed in collaboration with
In association with;
Contributors to Action Plan (Partners in UK and Belize)
Organization Consultation Monitoring Targeted National /Outreach /Lab Stakeholder Policy activities Workshops Workshop American Crocodile Education Sanctuary X Asia-Pacific Waste Consultants Ltd (APWC) X X X Belize Audubon Society (BAS) X X X Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) X X Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS) X Belize City Council X Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry X X (BCCI) Belize Coast Guard (BCG) X Belize Institute of Environmental Law and X Policy (BELPO) Belize Port Authority (BPA) X X X Belize Poultry Association X Belize Solid Waste Management Authority X X X (BSWaMA) Belize Tourism Board (BTB) X Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) X Belize Waste Control Ltd. X X X Big Creek Group of Companies X X Bowen & Bowen Ltd. (B&B) X X X X British High Commission X X Brodie’s X Chaa Creek X Citrus Products of Belize Limited X Coastal Zone Management Authority & X X X X Institute (CZMAI) Corozal Town Council X X Department for Environment, Food and X Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Department of the Environment (DOE) X X X X Ecomar / Seasports /St. George Caye X Economic Development Council X Embassy of Japan X European Union X Fisheries Department X X Indufor X
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Inter-American Development Bank X X Madisco X X MarFund X Mayor’s Association of Belize X X X Ministry of Education X X X Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, X Environment, Sustainable Development, and Immigration (MAFFESDI) Ministry of Economic Development X Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and X Culture Ministry of Health X Ministry of Natural Resources X Ministry of the Public Service, Energy and X Public Utilities Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation X Ministry of Trade X Ministry of Transport X National Hydrological Service X National Institute of Culture and History X (NICH) Oceana in Belize X X X Pesticides Control Board (PCB) X Port of Belize Ltd. X Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) X Quality Poultry Products Distributors X ReefKeeper X Resource Recovery Recycling X X Southern Environmental Association (SEA) X X The Scouts Association of Belize X X X Tiger Run Farm Ltd. X Tobacco Caye Marine Station X X Toledo Institute for Development and X X X Environment (TIDE) University of Belize (UB) X X X X
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List of key or common acronyms APWC Asia-Pacific Waste Consulting BFD Belize Fisheries Department CCOA Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance Cefas Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science CLiP Commonwealth Litter Programme CSR Corporate Social Responsibility CZMAI Coastal Zone Management Association and Institute DEFRA Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs DOE Department for the Environment EU European Union FAO (UN) Food and Agricultural Organisation GCFI Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute GDP Gross Domestic Production GESAMP Joint-Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) GOB Government of Belize GPML-Caribe Global Partnership on Marine Litter - Caribbean. HDPE High-density polyethylene IMO International Maritime Organisation LBS Land-Based Sources MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships NGO Non-Governmental Organisation OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of North-East Atlantic (the 'OSPAR Convention') PET Polyethylene terephthalate RAPMaLi Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter Management SDGs (UN) Sustainable Development Goals SMART Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely SPAW Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife UK United Kingdom UN United Nations UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNEP CEP United Nations Environment Programme - Caribbean Environment Programme
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Table of contents List of figures ...... 7 List of Tables ...... 8 1 Executive Summary ...... 9 1.1 Introduction to Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP)...... 9 1.2 Partnership between DOE & Cefas ...... 9 1.3 Collaboration with other Organisations ...... 9 1.4 Key Findings ...... 10 1.5 Key Challenges and Actions ...... 10 2 Introduction ...... 11 2.1 The problem – Global and Regional ...... 11 2.2 The Challenge in Belize ...... 12 3 Marine Litter Action Plan...... 13 3.1 Vision ...... 13 3.2 Purpose ...... 13 3.3 Definition of Marine Litter ...... 13 3.4 Geographic Scope ...... 14 3.5 The path to a Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong Belize ...... 14 3.5.1 Circular Economy: ...... 14 3.5.2 Blue Economy...... 15 4 Previous Marine Litter Activities ...... 16 4.1 Regional and international activities ...... 16 4.2 National activities ...... 17 5 Approach for development of Action Plan ...... 18 5.1 The Process ...... 18 5.2 Implementation Framework and Institutional Arrangements ...... 19 5.3 Institutional Arrangements ...... 21 6 Strategic Action Development ...... 23 6.1 Land-based sources and Removal of marine litter ...... 23 6.1.1 Introduction and data gathering...... 23 6.1.2 Findings ...... 23 6.1.3 Actions...... 26 6.2 Sea-based sources of marine litter ...... 27 6.2.1 Introduction & data gathering ...... 27
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6.2.2 Findings ...... 27 6.2.3 Action ...... 28 6.3 Marine Litter Science ...... 28 6.3.1 Introduction & data gathering ...... 28 6.3.2 Findings ...... 29 6.3.3 Actions...... 32 6.4 Outreach and Education ...... 32 6.4.1 Introduction and data gathering ...... 32 6.4.2 Findings ...... 34 6.4.3 Actions...... 35 7 Risks and Challenges to Implementation ...... 35 7.1 Risk Assessment ...... 35 7.2 Financial Sources ...... 35 8 Focus areas, present and future ...... 36 9 References ...... 36
Appendix 1 – Policy briefs The importance of science in tackling marine litter Land-based sources of marine litter Sea-based sources of marine litter The importance of outreach and education in tackling marine litter Appendix 2 – Priority matrix Appendix 3 – Risk assessment Appendix 4 – Action Matrix for the Marine Litter Action Plan
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List of figures Figure 1 Stages of the process leading from drafting to adoption of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan. The timeline for the whole process is also presented with dates per each event/stage...... 19 Figure 2 Schematic of the key stakeholders and partners for the implementations of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan...... 19 Figure 3 Percentual composition by weight of solid waste in households, commercial activities and in the two categories combined in Belize as per CLiP survey...... 24 Figure 4 Projected lifespan of the Sanitary Landfill at mile 24 in Belize after the removal of recyclables and/or compostable components from waste stream following possible future waste management policies...... 25 Figure 5 Percentual composition by volume of solid waste in households, commercial activities and in the two categories combined in Belize as per CLiP survey...... 25 Figure 6 Port calls done by vessels at the Port of Belize between 24 June 2018 and 24 June 2019. Source: marinetraffic.com ...... 27 Figure 7 Concentration of microplastic particles found in sediment samples expressed in number of particles per kg dry weight. Concentrations were extrapolated from the number of particles found in sediment samples collected during CLiP in Belize...... 30 Figure 8 List of the most frequent 10 items (top 10 items) found in the marine litter on beaches during CLiP monitoring surveys in Belize...... 31 Figure 9 List of the most frequent 10 items (top 10 items) found in the marine litter on riverbanks and in city canals during CLiP monitoring surveys in Belize...... 31 Figure 10 Front covers of the educational packs developed for primary and secondary schools in Belize during CLiP...... 33 Figure 11 Front covers of the community packs developed for English- and Spanish-speaking communities in Belize during CLiP ...... 33 Figure 12 Example of infographic developed during CLiP to show the virtuous cycle of a recycled plastic items as opposed to its fate and effects if discarded (becoming marine litter) or burned...... 34
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List of Tables Table 1 List of key implementation partners for the actions of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan. The legal mandate of each partner related to marine litter and waste management and the role in the action implementation is also stated...... 20 Table 2 List of lead agencies, partners and estimated timeframe for the implementation of the objectives to be reached through the actions of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan grouped by CLiP pillars...... 21
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1 Executive Summary 1.1 Introduction to Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) The Commonwealth Litter Programme is delivered by the Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), it supports developing countries across the Commonwealth to develop national litter action plans focusing on reducing plastics and other waste items entering the ocean. The programme encompasses five pillars: land-based sources of litter; sea-based sources of litter; removal of litter from the marine environment; science; outreach and education.
The programme contributes to the United Kingdom (UK) and partners, in meeting their ambitions under the Commonwealth Blue Charter, which calls for Commonwealth countries to drive action and share expertise on issues affecting the world’s oceans, including marine litter. The Commonwealth Litter Programme contributes to delivering the objectives under the UK and Vanuatu-led Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance (CCOA), which calls on other countries to pledge action on tackling single-use plastics.
1.2 Partnership between DOE & Cefas CLiP activities in Belize were done in collaboration with the Department of the Environment (DOE), within the Ministry responsible for Environment. The DOE coordinated with Cefas on necessary research for the five CLiP pillars. These included identifying institutional capacity needs as it relates to conducting monitoring, and stakeholder information that would aid in understanding and developing actions to address marine litter in Belize. Based on this collaboration, relevant stakeholders were contacted for their participation during all phases of CLiP activities in country. This included capacity building for development of a microplastic lab; monitoring for microplastic and macroplastic; understanding outreach, education, and waste removal; stakeholder consultations through one-on-one and small group meetings, Targeted Stakeholder Workshops, and the National Workshop for the development of this action plan. The DOE provided technical advice throughout the project and during the workshops mentioned above, producing in collaboration with Cefas, a series of policy briefs and other supporting documents for the development of Belize’s Marine Litter Action Plan. The Action Plan was submitted to the Cabinet via Cabinet Memorandum No. 67 of 2019, and subsequently, the Government of Belize approved this Marine Litter Action Plan: Belize – Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong on 27 August 2019.
1.3 Collaboration with other Organisations The collaboration and consultation with local stakeholders formed the basis for the delivery of all CLiP operations in Belize. During monitoring, DOE, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), University of Belize (UB), Bowen & Bowen Ltd (B&B), and Tobacco Caye Marine Station were trained to carry out beach monitoring using the CLiP protocol and assisted in collecting data during the project. A microplastics lab was setup under the supervision of DOE at UB premises and officers from DOE, UB, CZMAI, Belize Bureau of Standards, Belize Agricultural and Health Authority (BAHA), and B&B were trained in the analytical protocols for microplastics analysis. Outreach activities involved DOE, the Belize Audubon Society (BAS), the Scouts Association of Belize, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), Brodie’s, and the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. These collaborations provided CLiP with the capacity and knowledge to collect and interpret scientific data, understand the dynamics relating to waste management and involve several communities in the outreach/education programme.
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1.4 Key Findings The work carried out by the CLiP project has identified some key findings, which are summarised below: • There is a need for a coordinated, sustained and long -term marine litter awareness campaign • There is a relatively high occurrence of microplastics, mainly polyethylene (a commonly used in single-use plastic items) and cellophane (commonly used to wrap or cover food), in the freshwater red head cichlid (Cichlasoma Synspilum) also used for human consumption. • 98% of litter found on beaches was plastic, the majority of it can be reduced with national action on preventing littering of crisp (chips bags) and sweets wrappers, drinking pouches (drinking water bags) and foam cups and trays, • Queen Conch samples show indications of the presence of microplastic in significant localised concentrations or hotspots. • There is a need for a coordinated, sustained and long-term monitoring programme for micro and macroplastics in the Belizean environment. • The Regional Sanitary Landfill at mile 24 on the George Price Highway could reach capacity 30 years before previous estimates in the worst-case scenario; recycling and composting of household food waste could add 10-15 years to its lifespan. • NGOs and communities should be trained and empowered to do their own scientific monitoring according to agreed protocols and contribute to national data sets. • There are significant amounts of recyclable and compostable items in household and commercial waste streams. • There is insufficient awareness of stakeholders’ roles in waste management, from the general public up to municipalities. • Policies, including legislation, are required to encourage a circular economy and minimise waste circular economy. • A previously un-monitored waste stream has been identified in small national (domestic) shipping sector. • No audits or inspections of international vessels in collaboration with regional neighbours means Belize is trusting commercial international shipping ‘to do the right thing’ and not dump waste illegally in its waters.
1.5 Key Challenges and Actions The collaboration between Cefas, DOE and other stakeholders under CLiP has revealed new and clarified existing challenges and concerns for Belizeans relating to marine litter and improving waste management. Currently, 25 challenges and corresponding objective for each challenge have been identified (See Appendix 4) during the research/data collection phase and consultation phase of the programme and are presented in this Action Plan. The overarching challenges facing Belize across all five CLiP pillars can be summarised in the following areas: limited or a lack of coordination of stakeholders on waste management issues, limited scientific information and data gaps to aid in evidence-based decision making, limited understanding of roles and structures of stakeholders in regards to waste management, limited engagement with and/or participation from private sector, and limited financial and human resources to address the challenges. These overarching areas of concern can be further distilled into specific challenges when tacking marine litter and improving waste management, at the local or national level. These include: 1) Uncoordinated and sustained outreach across all sectors/ pillars; 2) Lack of data for development of public and private sector initiatives and policies; 3) Limited scientific monitoring and research to inform evidence-based decision making; 4) Lack of clarity on waste management and disposal structure and financial cost resulting in an
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unsustainable system and practices; 5) Limited and ad hoc private sector and NGO engagement to address waste management; and finally, 6) limited financial and institutional capacity.
Addressing these challenges will require the development and implementation of specific policies and actions across multiples sectors, including public and private, in a coordinated holistic approach to bring about long-term change. Like the overarching challenges, this document will present several policies and action suggestions identified during research and consultations; however, the strategic national policies and actions to address and reduce marine litter and strengthen waste management in Belize can be centred within the following recommendations: 1) Develop and implement a coordinated and sustained long-term outreach campaign across multiple sectors and audiences addressing marine litter and waste management to encourage behavioural change in waste management, disposal, and understanding of marine litter and impacts to the Belizean people, the marine environment, and in turn the region. 2) Increase and strengthen data collection and enforcement for waste management to aid in evidence-based decision making and development of information for future policies and actions to address marine litter. 3) Strengthen institutional and financial capacity to conduct scientific monitoring programme in Belize and contribute to regional data sets. 4) Develop and implement Marine Pollution Prevention Legislation to address waste from sea- based sources (maritime sector and port facilities), and marine litter in the marine environment as a measure for preventing marine litter (plastic pollution) in Belize, among other marine pollution issues. 5) Develop and implement a Waste Reduction Policy and Recycling Sector Policy, and legislation to formalise and standardise waste management (collection and disposal), promote the development and strengthen of a recycling sector (inclusive of source separation), and reduce marine litter generated at source. 6) Work towards building capacity in Belize through the DOE to focus on creating, demonstrating, and testing ideas/concepts using science to address and reduce marine litter.
Successful implementation of the above recommended strategic policies and actions will require commitment and coordination from the Government of Belize through the Ministry responsible for Environment. The Department for the Environment is the national legal entity mandated for pollution control (inclusive of marine litter and marine pollution) and protection of the environment, both terrestrial and marine. It is for this reason that the coordination for implementing the policies and actions presented within this document will be led by the Department for the Environment within the Ministry responsible for the Environment. It is envisioned that the actions presented within this document will be conducted through a coordinated effort by the multiple public and private sector partners working together to address marine litter and strengthen waste management in Belize. 2 Introduction 2.1 The problem – Global and Regional Marine litter is a growing global concern (United Nations Environment Programme 2014) and it is found in all the oceans of the world. Each year, 6.4 million tonnes of marine litter are estimated to enter the oceans, with about 8 million items entering the oceans every day. Up to 90% of marine litter is made up of plastics, originating from both land and sea-based sources. Populations are also growing exponentially while waste management systems in many countries remain undeveloped (Marshall and Farahbakhsh, 2013). Litter enters the sea both accidently and intentionally from land-based sources such as general litter, industry, harbours, unprotected landfill and sewage overflows, in addition to
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sea based sources that include commercial shipping, ferries, fishing and offshore oil or aquaculture sites (Gregory and Ryan, 1997). Concerns about marine litter relate to its multiple effects on the environment, on human activities and human health (Kühn et al., 2015). Marine creatures (birds, fishes, cetaceans) ingest pieces of litter that limit space available for food in their stomach, starving animals to death (Day et al., 1985; Van Franeker, 1985; Bjorndal et al., 1994; Laist, 1997; McCauley and Bjorndal, 1999). Animals also get entangled in litter pieces, which limits their survival rate (Matsuoka et al., 2005; Moore et al., 2009; Moore et al., 2013; Rodriguez et al., 2013). Drifting nets abandoned, discarded or lost during fishing activities continue trapping animals in the pelagic and coastal environment and causing their death because escaping is difficult (Matsuoka et al., 2005; Good et al, 2010). There are also chemical released by some litter items that can interfere with the biota physiology (Lusher, 2015). Habitat is also damaged either physically by the presence of marine litter or biologically by non-native (‘invasive’) species transported by drifting debris (Kiessling et al, 2015). The contamination of natural environment also results in potentially harmful effect on human health because of the presence of litter, microplastics and associated chemicals in water and food. For humans, marine litter means the presence of obstacles for navigation and fishery, the decrease of the aesthetic value of beaches and the consequent loss of tourism and living standards. These global concerns also impact the Caribbean.
The Caribbean area suffers from a gap in the knowledge of quantities and abundance of marine litter, with few studies sometimes referring to decades ago (Shmuck et al., 2017). However, monitoring of potential land-based sources have been started by the Caribbean Environment Programme and is ongoing.
2.2 The Challenge in Belize Marine litter is a global problem and the concerns discussed above have relevance to Belize. Belize is a country heavily dependent on its natural resources both land and sea. Located in both the Caribbean and Central America and home to the longest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belizeans are culturally linked to the natural resources and rich biodiversity, and economically tied to the marine environment through the tourism and fishing sectors. Tourism is a major industry in Belize, with the number of overnight tourist arrivals exceeding 489,000 in 2018 (Belize Tourist Board (BTB) Statistic Digest, 2018) and cruise tourists exceeding 1.2million in the same year (BTB website, 2019). The UN Environment (2017) points out that “impacts [of marine litter] on the tourism sector […] and associated costs can be quite significant particularly in areas which are heavily focused on coastal tourism that relies on a clean and pristine environment to continue attracting visitors”. These impacts are on a wide range, from loss of aesthetic value and recreational opportunities (sport fishing, diving) and can be detrimental for this important sector of the economy (36% of the GDP in 2015, FAO 2018). At the same time, considering that the number of residents in Belize is estimated to be less than 400,000, it is clear that the pressure of tourism on waste management is significant. This is also typical of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that often lack the necessary space and infrastructure to deal with generated waste if they do not have adequate collection and recycling facilities (UN Environment, 2017).
Fisheries is also very important in Belize, constituting 3% of GDP in 2015 (FAO, 2018). This is not only important for the economy (90% percent of the lobster, conch and farmed shrimp are exported from Belize to foreign markets; more than 2,700 licensed fisher folk in 2017), but also for the local population, especially in coastal areas as Belizean people are estimated to consume 13.8 kg of fish per capita in 2013 (FAO, 2018). Considering that fisheries plays a major role as food supply and job opportunities, it is important to note that this sector is potentially affected by marine litter in two ways: vessels and fishing gear can be damaged by floating objects and secondly, fish populations can Marine Litter Action Plan: Belize – Blue, Clean, Resilient & Strong – Approved 27 August 2019 Page 12 of 38
suffer reduction in abundance and habitat, diminishing the catch. However, figures about costs of marine litter on fisheries are not systematically recorded and can only exist as estimates.
Marine Litter and improper waste management is a threat to these sectors. Plastic waste pollution of both land and sea is a threat since river basins, marine ecosystems and the atmosphere are all connected through the hydrological systems. The effects of such pollution are often felt far from their source due to runoffs from the land, entering the food chain causing the death of animal life, changes in ecological cycles with detrimental changes to humans, as it creates limited food supply and significant health risks. The findings of research conducted under CLiP highlight the need for Belize to take action in addressing the impacts of marine litter on the Belize environment.
The third aspect that must be considered is waste management in Belize and geographical challenges associated with a coastal nation. Currently, only one sanitary landfill is active in the country and acts as final disposal site for the waste coming from the five transfer stations. Despite the construction of new transfer stations, in many areas of the country the waste is accumulated in dumpsites and sometimes in the mangroves or on little islands (cayes), from where it could escape and be transported at sea. The limits of waste management facilities are also shown by the policy of not landing waste from international vessels in ports due to recognised lack of resources. Furthermore, during the consultation with local stakeholders done during this project, a major problem with a widespread littering habit and the lack of enforcement of the national anti-littering law were highlighted. This situation represents a potential systematic source of marine litter to be addressed. 3 Marine Litter Action Plan. 3.1 Vision This Marine Litter Action Plan is named ‘Belize: Blue, Clean, Resilient, and Strong’, after the Belize National Environmental Policy and Strategy 2014-2024 – Belize: Green, Clean, Resilient, and Strong. It is intended to follow a similar path in providing a framework for addressing marine litter and waste management as described in the vision statement.
Vision: TO LEAD THE WAY IN TACKLING MARINE LITTER AND ITS SOURCES through a Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong Belize.
3.2 Purpose The purpose of this Action Plan is to provide a framework for policies and actions necessary for Belize to prevent and reduce marine litter and strengthen waste management within the marine environment. This document is intended to be a guide, charting the path forward for the necessary policies and actions for capacity development (institutional, legal), to function as a management tool for resource mobilization, improved coordination among public and private sector, and addressing data gaps and monitoring to improve decision making and enable evidence-based outreach and education campaign. Setting out recommendations for policies and actions to coordinate in the management & protection of Belize’s natural resources impacted by marine litter.
3.3 Definition of Marine Litter Marine Litter can be considered as any kind of material discarded or lost as a result of human activities that has made its way into the marine environment, for example material found on beaches, floating or has sunk at sea (Caporusso and Hougee, 2019). For the purpose of this action plan, this definition
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also includes litter lost or discarded in freshwater systems on land, for example streams, rivers and lakes.
3.4 Geographic Scope While the focus of this document is for policies and actions to be implemented in Belize and its national waters, it is intended that these actions should be demonstrable and scalable. Some actions focus on the small-scale activities at the rural and local level, others are national policies and actions requiring national implementation in scope, and some even recommend transboundary coordination with neighbouring countries to address the impacts of marine litter. All policies and actions listed in this document were developed through research and consultation, taking into consideration the principles that they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) and can be applied in Belize, and if needed duplicated across the region. Thus, guiding Belize to be leaders in tackling marine litter and its sources, nationally and regionally, for the sustainable management of the marine environment.
3.5 The path to a Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong Belize There are several pathways to a Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong Belize; but two economic models currently being discussed and implemented globally can aid Belize in the sustainable management of its marine resources and reducing marine litter if incorporated into national policy. These models, a ‘circular economy’ and a ‘blue economy’ are presented below for consideration.
3.5.1 Circular Economy: Stahel (2016) defines circular economy as the process that ‘would turn goods that are at the end of their service life into resources for others, closing loops in industrial ecosystems and minimizing waste’. It involves long-lasting design, maintenance, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recycling as ways to reduce emissions and leaks of material and energy as waste (Geissdoerfer et al., 2017). The close-loop approach would also involve the presence of markets for recycled items, including end uses (such as flooring, fences and clothing; UN Environment, 2017). The importance of this paradigm is shown by legislations implemented by major economies such as the European Circular Economy package (European Commission, 2019) and the Chinese Circular Economy Promotion Law (Lieder and Rashid, 2016).
The implementation of circular economy would tackle the production of marine litter addressing the ‘lack of design guidelines or legal design requirements’ that allow the production of single use plastic items with no value at the end of their life. Retaining the value of the objects in the market would also push for a better waste management to limit the loss of material quality due to contamination and degradation when waste end up in the environment. This in turn would decrease direct and indirect costs linked to marine litter that burden public and private finances. (Ten Brick et al., 2016; UN Environment, 2017).
Highlighting Belize’s dependence on a healthy and sustainable environment for continued production and growth. One clear outcome under CLiP is that that Belize recognizes the importance of its ecosystem services and natural capital as it relates to trade and develop and implement policies which promote the sustainable development and protection of the environment and reduction of marine litter at source. This outcome is also highlighted in the Belize: Green, Clean, Resilient and Strong: Environmental Strategy and Policy 2014-2024, the document from which this action plan takes its name; stresses the need to transition to a green economy and improve and strengthen waste management through the promotion of policy and regulatory reform to develop sustainable Marine Litter Action Plan: Belize – Blue, Clean, Resilient & Strong – Approved 27 August 2019 Page 14 of 38
consumption and production in trade, a circular economy, greener production standards and practices to improve value added green products, green services and green technology. This can be accomplished through the development of measures for closed loop systems for production and manufacturing (agriculture, fisheries, agro-processing, etc.) to reduce and prevent pollution and promoting a circular economy. For example, as mentioned, the recommended policy and action to develop and implement a ‘Waste Reduction and a Recycling Sector’ policy, and the associated legislation to reduce marine litter. Development and implementation of such policies would set Belize on a clearly defined pathway for reducing potential sources of marine litter from source and improving and strengthening the national waste management structure. These policies and actions would work towards ensuring a CLEAN and RESILIENT Belize.
3.5.2 Blue Economy Blue Economy is a concept originating from the United Nations Sustainable Development Conference in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 (United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, 2012). The concept focuses on ensuring environmental sustainability of the oceans and coastal areas is preserved, while also balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and the preservation or improvement of livelihoods (World Bank and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2017). The concept has since been simplified as ‘the sustainable industrialisation of the oceans to the benefit of all’ (Smith- Godfrey, 2016). The approach seeks to place equal weight to economic growth and ocean health and poses great opportunities for small islands and coastal developing states with large sea areas to boost their economic growth and improving livelihoods of their people (Caribbean Development Bank, 2018). The blue economy concept acknowledges that in order to achieve sustainable management of ocean resources, collaborative management between countries and sectors is required. The approach aligns with all the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular SDG 14 ‘life below water’.
Belize, like many of the Caribbean, is dependent on a clean and healthy marine environment. Much focus has been given to the development of tourism and fisheries sector in the coastal and marine environment. However, the potential is there as part of addressing marine litter to strengthen and further develop other sectors within the marine environment. One major finding from the research conducted under CLiP are the data gaps associated with waste management in the Belizean maritime sector (domestic shipping) and the need to address this to prevent marine pollution and reduce marine litter. The potential is there for Belize to take a more in-depth look at “ocean-based economies concept (blue economy)” with emphasis on shipping, renewable energy, marine bioprospecting, fisheries, marine tourism development, and waste management. As a measure to reduce marine litter and address the sustainable management of its marine environment and resources, in line with its Caribbean neighbours, Belize can establish a national policy position on Ocean-Based Economy / Blue Economy and the benefits derived thereof. Within the framework presented in this Action Plan, and other activities to address marine pollution and waste management in country, Belize has the potential to work towards leading the region in demonstrating how to address pollution of marine plastic and waste reduction, preventing and reducing marine pollution, and ensuring the sustainable management of its blue economy. Protection of the marine environment from pollution such as plastics and microplastics, oil pollution, wastewater from point and non-point sources, pollution from vessels, and ocean acidification are potential major areas of research in country, that would require establishment of a monitoring centre, and seeking funding to address these main pollutions issues.
A continuous topic of discussion is identifying the way forward to tackle marine plastic pollution within the region. With the Government of Belize’s current on-going work with Cefas on marine litter, there exists the opportunity for Belize to lead the way in this issue and obtain funding for work on the marine Marine Litter Action Plan: Belize – Blue, Clean, Resilient & Strong – Approved 27 August 2019 Page 15 of 38
pollution and marine litter. Belize’s long-term sustainable development (Horizon 2030 & GSDS) is tied to healthy natural resources on land and sea. Belize’s current focus on single use plastics, marine litter, and watershed management (Ridge to Reef) makes Belize an ideal candidate for implementation of pilot projects and joint activities with research centres/IGOs on these initiatives to test and demonstrate concepts and ideas to address marine litter. Thus, moving towards a BLUE, CLEAN, RESILENT and STRONG Belize.
The sustainable blue economy concept supports Belize’s commitments under the Commonwealth Blue Charter. The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement by all 53 Commonwealth countries to actively co-operate to solve ocean-related problems and meet commitments for sustainable ocean development.
The Blue Charter sets the mandate; Belize’s response has been definitive and clear: Belize will work towards ensuring this mandate is fully and comprehensively delivered. Belize is a Blue Charter Action Group Champion, co-chairing the group on coral reef protection and restoration alongside Australia and Mauritius. Belize is also member of the UK/Vanuatu-led Action Group, Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance (CCOA), which aims to bring together like-minded countries across the Commonwealth to take action on plastics, be this by a ban on microbeads, a commitment to cutting down on single use plastic bags, or other steps to eliminate avoidable plastic waste. The Action Plan presented below will help Belize to realise their ambitions under CCOA, and fulfil several Commonwealth Blue Charter articles, in particular, Articles: 13. in appreciating technical assistance from Commonwealth Secretariat in sustainable development of the blue economy; 17. in recognising key challenges across commonwealth – particularly tackling marine pollution; 19. in recognising gaps in education, skills and awareness opportunities for marine economic development; 21. in reaffirming Commonwealth experience through practical cooperation; 22. in recognising importance of cross sector commitment to developing a blue economy; 23. in agreeing to cooperate through sharing of scientific information, expertise and good practices; 26. in confirming relevance of Charter of the Commonwealth; 29. in committing to a science based approach to ocean obligations; 30. by looking forward to a ‘blue’ commonwealth future; and finally, 24. in developing approach to the blue economy.
The Action Plan laid out below will also help Belize to achieve its international commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG: 14 Life Below Water.
Above all, with this Action Plan, Belize will be Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong.
4 Previous Marine Litter Activities 4.1 Regional and international activities The Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) was established by UN Environment in 1981 as one of its Regional Seas Programmes under the United National Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It recognised the importance and value of the Wider Caribbean Region’s sensitive coastal and marine ecosystems with endemic plants and animals. Regional countries adopted an action plan the same year that led to the development and adoption of the Cartagena Convention in 1983 (UNEP, 2019).
The Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment in the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention) is a regional legal agreement for the protection of the
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Caribbean Sea. The Convention came into force on in 1986 and contains three protocols: Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Oil Spills in the Wider Caribbean; Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW); and Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS). Belize is a Party to the Convention and all three Protocols (UNEP, 2019).
The Land Based Sources (LBS) Protocol is the most significant agreement of its kind and includes regional effluent limitations for domestic wastewater (sewage) and requires plans to address agricultural non-point sources of pollution. It enables implementation schedules and it allows countries to develop and adopt future annexes to address other priority sources of land-based pollution. The LBS Protocol assists the States in the Wider Caribbean Region to meet the goals and obligations of The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Global Plan of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (GPA) (UNEP, 2019).
The Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter Management (RAPMaLi) for the wider Caribbean Region serves as a comprehensive action-oriented toolkit for setting priorities and achieving the objectives of the LBS protocol. This action plan was developed from the growing concerns on marine litter accumulation in the world’s oceans. The approach taken by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) promoted solving these issues at the national and regional levels to enable unique regional characteristics help solve endemic problems. This has led to increased participation from individual countries including Belize. RAPMaLi aims to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) incorporate proper waste management across all sectors in country (UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme, 2014).
The GPML Caribbean Node (GPML-Caribe) aims to reduce the quantity and impact of marine litter in coastal zones in the Wider Caribbean Region through capacity building, workshop, technical assistance and information sharing. The partnership includes governments, research, technical agencies, and individuals. Hosted by the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) and the Secretariat for the Cartagena Convention, GPML- Caribe was formed in 2016.
‘Harmonising Marine Litter in the Wider Caribbean Region: A Hybrid Approach’ is a study that contributes to the commitment made by OSPAR Commission and CEP in 2017 to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14. The report results of a comparison between OSPAR monitoring protocol and other 3 methodologies from Caribbean region initiatives. A distinct scope and a different use of data collected with the methodologies was recognised, OSPAR data being more useful for policy making and monitoring while other initiatives being more effective for outreach and the involvement of the broader public. A mix of the two methodologies (a ‘hybrid approach’) was considered to be the best option to develop in the region.
4.2 National activities The 2014-2024 National Environmental Policy and Strategy for Belize and its operational plan the National Environmental Action Plan 2015-2020 aims at ensuring effective environmental management in Belize's development for present and future generations. The Strategy is also named "Belize: Green, Clean, Resilient and Strong", pointed at the recognition of the replenishable natural capital as the means to making agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable to eradicate poverty. The policy addresses national environmental issues facing Belize and proposes actions divided into four strategic pillars: 1) A Green Belize – transitioning Belize to Green Economy; 2) A Clean Belize: reducing and addressing pollution and waste management; 3) A Resilient Belize: implementing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation; and 4) A Strong Belize: Environmental Governance and Institutional Strengthening. Marine Litter Action Plan: Belize – Blue, Clean, Resilient & Strong – Approved 27 August 2019 Page 17 of 38
Strategic Goals within each of these pillars also aid in promoting reduction of marine litter in the Belize. These include within a Green Belize: promoting the protection & rational use of marine-coastal ecosystems of Belize, strengthening trans-boundary coordination & national actions with a focus on fisheries, tourism, & marine areas and integrated water resources, and addressing degradation of marine resources. A Clean Belize includes improving and strengthening national waste management and reducing marine pollution. A Resilient Belize includes capacity building of national institutions to implement projects and programmes to reduce the vulnerability of the nation and its people to natural hazards such as flooding, a changing climate, etc. A Strong Belize speaks to the improvement of public and stakeholder (private) confidence and engagement in effective policy development, implementation and maintenance. All these strategic goals focus on specific actions and opportunities for Belize which can contribute to addressing marine litter, such as supporting the creation of industries delivering environmental good and services (waste management and resource recovery) and promoting product and process redesign to aid in waste reduction at source.
Similar to this Action Plan, the DOE is the responsible institution for the policy implementation and coordination of activities within the Belize: Green, Clean, Resilient, and Strong, Environment Strategy. With effective development, implementation, and maintenance of strategic goals, actions, and targets being conducted through inter-agency planning and coordination.
5 Approach for development of Action Plan 5.1 The Process An initial consultation with the Government of Belize was conducted to ensure CLiP added value and did not duplicate existing or previous efforts. These consultations with Cefas expertise informed the gathering of existing and new scientific research, which was carried out by DOE, Cefas and University of Belize supported by Coastal Zone Management Institute and Authority (CZMAI) and the Fisheries Department. Consultations were also held by DOE and Cefas with range stakeholders, including local and national government, private sector, NGOs, community groups and cooperatives, in a series of one on one meetings and single workshops to further identify issues and concerns. Findings and inputs from these activities were then consolidated and presented to a wide range of stakeholders in a series of targeted workshops by CLiP pillar to identify challenges, objectives and actions hosted by DOE and Cefas. A set of policy briefs (Appendix 1) were then drafted to summarise the outputs of the targeted workshops (Appendix 1) and presented to a national workshop. Decision makers and leaders across all relevant sectors were invited to confirm, finalise and prioritise these challenges into SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely) objectives. The finalised challenges, objectives and actions from the national workshops form the core of this action plan on marine litter and waste management. An overview of the process and timelines is provided in Figure 1.
Thereafter, the final version of the Action Plan was validated by stakeholders across multiple sectors, including public and private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations, in Validation Workshop held on 8 August 2019. Subsequently the validated Action Plan was submitted to the Cabinet for endorsement and approved by the Government of Belize on 27 August 2019.
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Figure 1 Stages of the process leading from drafting to adoption of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan. The timeline for the whole process is also presented with dates per each event/stage. 5.2 Implementation Framework and Institutional Arrangements
Marine Litter Implementation Framework
Government of Belize
Figure 2 Schematic of the key stakeholders and partners for the implementations of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan.
Implementation of the Marine Litter Action Plan will be led by the Government of Belize through the Ministry responsible for the Environment over a five-year period (Figure 2). Overall coordination of the implementation of the various actions to achieve the objectives will be led by the Department of the Environment. The review and monitoring will be conducted periodically to determine effectiveness, with set mid-reporting periods every two years, and an evaluation of the overall implementation will be conducted at the end of the implementation period in year five. Implementation of specific actions to achieve objectives and actions (See Appendix 4) will be implemented by various partners from public, private sector, NGO and academia. Specific roles and responsibilities are listed in Table 1.
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Table 1 List of key implementation partners for the actions of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan. The legal mandate of each partner related to marine litter and waste management and the role in the action implementation is also stated.
Partner Legal Mandate Implementation Role Ministry responsible Political Executive responsible for Political directorate for reducing marine for Environment Environment in Belize litter Ministry of Finance Responsible to advise, coordinate, Partner with Private Sector to address and implement GOB economic and actions association with resource allocation fiscal policies and programmes and and development and implementation of ensure the efficient and effective incentives allocation of financial resources DOE Responsible for the protection of the Lead Coordinating Agency environment (terrestrial & marine) Lead in the development of Waste and pollution control Reduction Policy & Recycling Sector Policy Lead in the development of the Marine Pollution Prevention Legislation
BSWMA Responsible to manage solid waste Partner in implementation of actions to and implement mechanisms to address land-based sources, sea-based improve and expand the recovery of sources of marine litter and lead materials from the solid waste implementation of actions to address waste stream within designated service removal areas in Belize Belize Port Authority Responsible for to regulation and Partner in implementation of actions to control navigation, and address sea-based sources of marine litter superintendence, management and and waste management control of harbours within Belize University of Belize Academia Partner in scientific research and monitoring for microplastics and macroplastic Coastal Zone Supports the allocation, sustainable Partner in implementing research and Management use and planned development of outreach on Marine Litter in Belize Authority & Institute Belize’s coastal resources Fisheries Department Responsible for conservation and Partner in implementing actions to address sustainable use of fisheries research and sea-based sources of marine resources, registration and licenses, litter fisheries research, education, liaise with fishing cooperatives, management of marine reserves, fisheries law enforcement, export and research permits. Local Municipalities Partner in implementing actions to address & Rural Government land-based sources of marine litter (local authorities) NGOs Partner in Outreach, Education, and Research Private Sector Partner in Outreach and implementing actions to address waste management and marine litter
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5.3 Institutional Arrangements The following table is an implementation plan for the objectives of the Action Matrix (See Appendix 4)
Table 2 List of lead agencies, partners and estimated timeframe for the implementation of the objectives to be reached through the actions of the Belize Marine Litter Action Plan grouped by CLiP pillars.
Pillar Objective Lead Partners Estimated Timeframe Agency Y Y R Y Y R Y E 1 2 & 3 4 & 5 M M Marine Adopt standardise method in the country to DOE UB, CZMAI X X X X Litter highlight data that must and can be collected Science and provide guidelines to interested stakeholders. Increase lab capacity in terms of human DOE UB, CZMAI, X X X X X resources and equipment maintenance in Fisheries order to avoid interruptions in lab service and ensure knowledge sharing. Obtaining national and international funding DOE X to sustain collection of scientific data in the country. Work towards building capacity for DOE CZMAI, X X X X X X X X microplastic monitoring in country Fisheries Increase the involvement of other partners X X X X such as NGOs and other agencies in the DOE NGOS monitoring programmes checking for the quality of data produced. Increase awareness and science-based DOE UB, CZMAI, X X evidence on microplastic in biota that public Cooperatives can understand and relate to. Develop and implement protocols for UB DOE, X X X X surveying in marine litter in mangroves and CZMAI sargassum (environments reflective of Belizean shoreline) which can be used on the Caribbean Land- To coordinate and incentivise private sector Min of DOE X X Based engagement to reduce marine litter Finance Sources To coordinate the formation of a Waste Private OPM, Min of X X X X X Recycling and Producers Association and Sector Finance, invest in research and development BCCI Increase resource recovery and recycling in DOE, Local X X X X X X X X country by supporting the growth of the BSWaMA Authorities, recycling and composting sectors Private Sector Strengthen regulations to formalize and DOE BSWaMA, X X X X X X standardize waste management (collection Local and disposal) to promote the development municipal and strengthen of a recycling sector and /rural & establish clear roles and responsibilities for authorities all stakeholders involved in waste management
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Formulate an appropriately targeted DOE, GOB Press X X X X X X X communication strategy for land-based BSWaMA Office, NGOs sources of marine litter and their management. This forming part of a bigger long-term national waste management communication campaign on all sources and solutions to marine litter and waste management. A behavioural change is needed to drive impact and the demands for alternatives. Develop and Implement a Waste Reduction DOE Min of X X X X X X X X and Recycling Policy & Legislation - looking at Finance, potential for a Circular Economy BSWMA, BBS Sea- Develop and implement a national plan to DOE, Port X X X X Based address waste from vessels at national level Belize Facilities, Sources and incorporate pollution from ships under a Port Marina, marine pollution prevention legislation. Authority Fisheries (BPA), Sector BSWaMA, Belize Coast Guard (BCG) Conduct a coordinated national and regional DOE, BPA, Regional X X X X X X X X audit of waste from vessels Partners, IMO, COCOTRAM, Neighbourin g States Increase awareness and compliance with BPA, DOE, Private X X X X X X proper procedures for handling waste in the Fisheries, Sector domestic shipping BTB Associations Outreac Develop better mechanisms to align efforts DOE NGO, Private X X X h & and initiatives and standardise the messages Sector Educati given to the communities to increase on effectiveness of outreach and avoid potentially contrasting, confusing or incorrect information Increase enforcement capacity and DOE NGO, Law X X X X compliance by committing more resources Enforcement e.g. financial, increasing the number of institutions enforcement officers etc. Produce effective communication materials DOE NGO, Private X X X to raise awareness about the importance of Sector managing waste correctly, modify behaviours, and explore new paths to reach different parts of the communities To provide clear guidelines for sensitizing the DOE, Private X X X X public for changes in waste management BSWaMA Sector, Local infrastructure and regulations Authorities Conduct an assessment to determine a multi- TBD TBD X agency collaboration to execute an effective outreach campaign
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To effect behavioural change through DOE Partners X X X X X X X X effective outreach campaign across all sectors To encourage corporate responsibility in DOE, Private X X X private sector to participate in, conduct, and BCCI Sector promote outreach campaigns on marine litter, waste reduction, recycling To have political support and buy in for Private Entire X X X strengthening and improving waste Sector & country management and marine litter reduction NGO Map key messages about marine litter and Min of DOE X X X X waste management into the school Education curriculum via a set of Education Packs aimed at all school ages.
6 Strategic Action Development 6.1 Land-based sources and Removal of marine litter 6.1.1 Introduction and data gathering. This pillar was merged with ‘waste removal’ pillar as in Belize these two pillars are closely linked. Land based litter stems from the mismanagement of waste from households, commercial activities and illegal dumping/littering activities and the lack of effective removal, transportation and treatment. This results in as much as 80% of litter and waste on land being transported either directly or by action of rivers, wind or runoff into the sea.
Cefas sub-contracted Asia-Pacific Waste Consultants Ltd (APWC) to gather data on solid waste generation rates and composition from households and commercial activities, and to audit the waste management system in the country. APWC collected and analysed waste samples from several households and commercial activities and submitted questionnaires in order to relate waste abundance and composition with social and economic factors. Data was collected in eight areas covering urban, semi-rural and rural communities. Abundance and composition were analysed in terms of number of items, volume and weight. The categorisation of the waste followed a list already used during previous work within the CLiP project. The efficiency and structure of waste management in country was also surveyed, including the rate of satisfaction of communities and an estimate of the lifespan of the current landfill.
6.1.2 Findings The following results are summarised from a detailed scientific report authored by APWC, which will be included in the final CLiP Country Report for Belize, along with all data collected. CLiP waste generation and composition studies revealed some key findings. Specifically, household waste, which makes up ~75% of the waste stream reaching landfill, contains significant portions by weight of readily recyclable and compostable materials as seen in Figure 3 and Figure 5.
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Figure 3 Percentual composition by weight of solid waste in households, commercial activities and in the two categories combined in Belize as per CLiP survey.
The 64% of glass, 33% of plastics and 75% of metals currently in household waste stream could be recycled. Indeed 26% of PET and 34% of glass bottles covered under deposit return schemes are not being returned and ending up in the bin. Furthermore, the most significant by weight is organic, which is eminently suitable for composting. The commercial waste stream, which makes up the remaining 25%, is similar constituted with the expected exception of more recyclable paper.
10% of the household plastic stream consists of polystyrene food containers. Interestingly, 20% of the household waste stream consisted of shopping plastic bags, anecdotally the highest portion ever seen by APWC. However, it is hoped the ban could address these.
These results indicate potentially readily available supply of recyclables for a future market and organics for a composting industry, if source separation and transportation can be achieved. It is perhaps also worth noting that Belize currently imports most of its fertiliser.
A major cause for concern were the revision of the Sanitary Landfill’s lifespan at mile 24. Previous estimations had not taken into account the increase waste generation rates associated with GPD growth and so predicted a linear expansion of the site. However, APWC revised estimates of capacity from 2083 to as early as 2050 in worst case. Figure 4 shows that given a GPD growth of 4.8%, the removal of recyclables and organic waste could add 10-15 years to the lifespan of the Sanitary Landfill.
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Figure 4 Projected lifespan of the Sanitary Landfill at mile 24 in Belize after the removal of recyclables and/or compostable components from waste stream following possible future waste management policies.
There is currently no, or limited, compaction of waste on collection (lack of waste compaction trucks) and at the landfill itself. Figure 5 shows the waste composition by volume, this would suggest that compaction, particularly of plastics, could save space in the landfill and increase the capacity of waste trucks, reducing the number of waste collection rounds and therefore costs and emmissions.
Figure 5 Percentual composition by volume of solid waste in households, commercial activities and in the two categories combined in Belize as per CLiP survey.
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During consultation of stakeholders by Cefas and APWC it became clear that there was a lack of understanding of the roles each stakeholder should play in waste management. Furthermore, there were unrealistic expectations of how waste collection and management should be funded, specifically, who should pay for waste collection. Many municipalities were not charging for waste collection but were only considering it. Such confusion has led to unsustainable systems being put in place and unrealistic ideas of how these should be funded, this will only serve to undermine Belize’s significant investments to build a sustainable waste management system.
During the land-based workshops the need to coordinate and incentivise, e.g. levies, extended producer responsibility, the private sector to move towards waste reduction and transition to less damaging alternatives to reduce marine litter was identified as the highest priority. However, during targeted consultations with the private sector and the DOE, it was clear that Belize’s lack of waste reduction and recycling policy and legislation was a primary cause of uncoordinated and inconsistent private sector engagement. An effective and well consulted set of policies and legislations would be key to set an enforceable framework for the private and public sectors to develop a long term and beneficial partnership. There is also a vital need to ensure policies and legislation is enforced fairly and equally across all sectors, not doing so undermines the foundations of almost all efforts to reduce to build a sustainable waste management system and therefore efforts to reduce marine litter by extension.
6.1.3 Actions • New Waste Reduction and Recycling Policy & Legislation: To take Belize toward a circular economy by developing policy and legislation that focuses on reducing packaging and ensuring that remaining packaging is easily recyclable alongside home composting. This must be done in a way that limits the negative economic impacts and in consultation with the private sector. • Formation of a Waste Producer and Recycler Association: This is to form the focal point for the private sector to interact with the government and should facilitate constructive collaboration and help to accelerate initiatives. It also acts as a conduit and facility to coordinate the private sectors efforts to build up Belize’s waste management infrastructure. • Support the creation and improvement of recycling and compost markets in Belize: Identify markets for recyclables and compost, support the growth, development and scaling of these markets in Belize. • Incentives and disincentives for the private sector: Look at mechanisms, such as levies and extended producer responsibility, to facilitate a change and attitude and approach in the private sector towards sustainable alternatives and a circular economy. • Improve capacity to enforce waste management legislation: Training law enforcement on how to enforce environmental laws and the consequences for everyone of non-enforcement. Looking at options for the communities to enforce littering laws in their local areas. • Research and develop better packaging and products: The private sector should invest in innovative and better ways of dealing with single use packaging, finding/developing alternatives and helping to develop alternative ways of thinking about waste. • Provide clarity on roles and responsibilities in management of waste: There is a clear need for all stakeholders to understand the role they play in waste management.
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6.2 Sea-based sources of marine litter 6.2.1 Introduction & data gathering Studies indicate that 20% of marine litter originates from sea- based sources (GESAMP 1991). Marine litter in the environment can be caused by accidental loss or dumping of litter purposely. This most commonly happens from activities such as fishing, shipping, leisure and tourism and mineral extraction. In Belize, the ‘Sea-based sources of marine litter’ pillar actions were based on stakeholder meetings and data gathered by the CLiP Sub-contractor APWC, which focused the audits on three major ports and one marina. Volume of traffic was estimated from the number of port calls of vessels at each port, but the portion related to small vessels was difficult to obtain. Due to the absence of port reception facilities for waste produced by international vessels, the amount of waste produced by different vessels categories was estimated based on IMO protocols and number of port calls. Logistic problems and some reluctance to collaborate resulted in some gaps and only a partial understanding of the relative importance of different activities (shipping, tourism, fishery) on the production of marine litter on waste.
Figure 6 Port calls done by vessels at the Port of Belize between 24 June 2018 and 24 June 2019. Source: marinetraffic.com
6.2.2 Findings The following results are summarised from a detailed scientific report authored by APWC, which will be included in the final CLiP Country Report for Belize, along with all data collected. The initial findings of the APWC studies showed that no data has or is collected in a systematic and routine way on national vessels below IMO tonnages. Further still, APWC estimates show that international shipping generates significant quantities of waste while transiting Belizean waters. However, international shipping cannot land waste in Belize, due to lack of proper port reception facilities. While Belizean paperwork is audited, those audits do not extend to neighbouring states to corroborate evidence, neither are random ship inspection carried out in Belizean waters.
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These findings led stakeholders to draw two critical conclusions during the targeted and national stakeholder workshops; 1) The lack of data on national shipping means there is a potentially large hitherto unclassified and unquantified waste stream present in Belize today. Therefore, this waste stream and its growth has not been factored into the current design of the Belizean waste management infrastructure. 2) If the waste is not landed in Belize, and ships are found not to offload in neighbouring states, where does it get offloaded? Until now Belize has been trusting the shipping industry ‘to do the right thing’, but a high-profile cases such as the USD$20 Million fine on Princess Cruise liners (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/princess-cruise-lines-and-its-parent-company-plead- guilty-environmental-probation-violations) for illegal dumping of waste highlights the need for auditing. Stakeholders also underlined the need to include marine litter awareness materials for license renewal, include waste management facilities on boat inspections checklists and sharing of best practices amongst marine communities to reduce marine litter. The coordination of the above with consistent and sustained messaging was considered vital to ensure all small scale/individual users of the marine environment use the marine environment responsibly to reduce marine litter.
6.2.3 Action • Develop and implement a national plan to address waste from national vessels: To develop a diverse committee of marine stakeholders to close the data gap within existing protocols, identifying and implementing protocols where the data does not exist. The aim being to institutionalise MARPOL at a national level. • Execute coordinated national and international audits and inspections: Work with regional partners to agree and implement an approach to audit reported landing of waste to identify any inconsistencies. Seek partnerships with other nations to share resources for random inspections of vessels at sea to check compliance. • Increase awareness and compliance on proper procedures of handling waste: Add marine litter awareness materials and requirements to requirements to attain new and renew existing marine licenses (e.g. tour operators, fishermen etc). Combine with a nationwide awareness campaign to sensitise users to marine pollution, highlighting the damage that it causes to their marine environment.
6.3 Marine Litter Science 6.3.1 Introduction & data gathering Scientific data gathering and analysis is key to informing effective action plans and policy to tackle marine litter, and it is critical that scientific monitoring continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the action plan or policy. Furthermore, consistently gathered data to agreed scientific standards increases the value and insight that can be drawn from data nationally, regionally and internationally. This is particularly important to accurately inform solutions for cross sector global scale problems such as marine litter and climate change.
For the science pillar, marine litter was divided into two widely recognised categories that reflect the different methods to gather, analysis and to train stakeholders. These are ‘microplastics’ which is used to describe plastics at <=0.5mm and macroplastics which describes plastics over 5mm.
A specialised and fully equipped microplastics lab was setup under the direction of the DOE and hosted by UB. The lab was funded and equipped by CLiP and training was provided by Cefas staff to over Marine Litter Action Plan: Belize – Blue, Clean, Resilient & Strong – Approved 27 August 2019 Page 28 of 38
fifteen individuals across public and private sector, led by DOE and UB staff. Sediments and biota (animals) were used as relatively stable matrices of microplastics in the environment and moreover, in the case of biota, in the food chain. Under the guidance of the DOE, subsistence biota was specifically targeted for their relevance and impact to Belizeans. These were Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas) and for fin fish the Red Headed Cichlid (Cichlasoma synspilum) from the Belize River. The Belize Fisheries Department experts were consulted to identify these fish species.
At the moment, there are no widely accepted standardised methods for the sampling, extraction, purification and analysis of microplastics in environmental samples making spatial and temporal comparisons between data sets difficult. In the EU, some attempts are being made to work towards standardised methods with the development of inter-laboratory proficiency exercises to quantify meso and microplastics in simple and complex matrices (e.g. Joint Research Centre – European Commission, Quasimeme, BASEMAN JPI Oceans). Cefas is currently involved in two of those exercises and is aiming to be an active partner in developing standardised methods. Outputs from these exercises will help developing robust protocols for the accurate and reliable assessment of plastic microparticles in the natural environment.
The DOE, Belize Fisheries Department (BFD), CZMAI and Scouts Association of Belize were consulted to identify sample locations for macroplastics and sediment grabs for microplastics. These sample locations were divided into marine and riverine sites. Marine locations were beaches immediately north and south of Belize City to capture litter outputs from the city. Riverbanks were selected on suitable sites on the Belize River as the major river of Belize and the canals in Belize City, these were selected to capture litter that is very likely to have originated in Belize and not be transboundary. A schedule of monitoring and training over a 5 weeks period was devised using OSPAR adapted to Belize conditions to identify types, quantities and accumulation rates. A program of sediment grabs using a Van Veen grab was also devised to compliment beach and riverbank monitoring.
6.3.2 Findings The following results are summarised from a detailed scientific report authored by Cefas, which will be included in the final CLiP Country Report for Belize, along with all data collected. No macroplastics (items above 5 mm in size) were found for sediments or biota. The absence of macroplastics could indicate that microplastics found locally were mainly introduced as primary or secondary microplastics and not broken down within the digestive tract of the biota. All the sediments analysed contained microplastics. Their abundance varied between sites with concentrations ranging from 200 for the San Ignacio Board Bridge to 6500 ± 1273 particles per kg dry weight sediment for the Succotz ferry site, identified as a “hotspot” of contamination for microplastic (See Figure 7).
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Figure 7 Concentration of microplastic particles found in sediment samples expressed in number of particles per kg dry weight. Concentrations were extrapolated from the number of particles found in sediment samples collected during CLiP in Belize.
For the biota assessment of the 22 conch sampled there was low occurrence of microplastics however, most of the microplastic items were concentrated to few individuals indicating localised contamination. The most commonly found types of polymers were cellophane (e.g plastic wrap), followed by polypropylene (e.g. food containers).
Occurrence and abundance of microplastics were also investigated in specimen of the fin fish red head cichlid (Cichlasoma Synspilum), which was selected as a freshwater indicator for plastic contamination due to widespread distribution within the Belize River watershed and the potential for plastic transfer from human consumption. Microplastics were found in fish with cellophane and polyethylene being the most commonly found polymers. As the digestive tracts of the fish are being removed before human consumption, no significant impact on human health is expected.
Biota sampled from rivers contained substantially higher amounts of microplastics as compared to marine biota (Conchs). This was not surprising as rivers represent important pathways for the transport of plastic particles from land to sea with land sources accounting for about 80% of plastic materials entering the sea (Eunomia, 2016). Additional work and quality control are also being carried out on the data to increase the robustness of the dataset produced and to ensure that potential contamination occurring during sampling is being addressed.
The results so far indicate the presence of microplastics in biota and sediments, however more data and analysis are needed to confirm the sources and trends. Fish fitness and population health could also be monitored to investigate any long-term implications of the high incidence of microplastics in riverine fish.
Macro litter monitoring showed very high (up ~98%) level of plastic in all sample size. On beaches, Figure 8 shows the top 10 items, which consisted of 70% of the items found. These results indicated a large number of plastic fragments, the source of these is hard to discern. Nearly 20% of litter found, in the marine environment could be generally regarded as food containers of various types (e.g. sweet wrappers, polystyrene food containers). Caps and lids were the next prevalent item at 9.2%, likely due to these not being included in the container return scheme.
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Figure 8 List of the most frequent 10 items (top 10 items) found in the marine litter on beaches during CLiP monitoring surveys in Belize.
Figure 9 shows the top 10 items comprising of 59% of litter found on the Belize River riverbanks and drainage canals in Belize City. These results show an abundance of bottle caps and lids (15.6%), and an abundance in crisps and sweet packets, which together with the other food and drink litter items, foam cups and food trays and packets and bladders (e.g. orange juice packets), comprise of 14.4% of litter followed by paper and broken glass. Many of these items were locally available in shops.
Figure 9 List of the most frequent 10 items (top 10 items) found in the marine litter on riverbanks and in city canals during CLiP monitoring surveys in Belize.
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6.3.3 Actions The above results should be considered a snapshot of the situation in Belize for micro and macro plastics, a sustained monitoring programme is required to explore and understand these findings in more detail to determine sources more accurately. Although simple, it should not be forgotten that microplastics in most cases start off as larger macroplastics and break down.
Belize currently does not have a marine litter monitoring programme and the results shown here indicate the clear need for one. There was also an identified need to disseminate scientific data so that awareness materials with correctly interpreted and scientifically accurate data are created for public consumption. A summary of the key actions is provided below, details can be found in Appendix 4; • Establish agreed protocols and standards – There is a need to establish and standardise protocols and data standards for microplastics in alignment with national water monitoring protocol. • Research and establish a marine litter monitoring programme – Carry out a minimum 1-year monitoring programme for marine litter and use findings to establish a longer-term monitoring programme. • Build personnel and knowledge capacity – CLiP has introduced leading scientific knowledge in micro and macro plastics. However, there is a need to further establish and develop this knowledge by training more staff across organisations and to collaborate to share resources • Train NGOs and other agencies in data collection; partnering with NGOs and other agencies to assist in monitoring activities will be a vital part of an effective monitoring programme. However, these agencies and NGOs must be trained properly and the data they collect be quality assured. • Underpin outreach with evidence; support the dissemination of scientific data to organisations who conduct outreach and awareness activities so that they represent issues and problems accurately.
6.4 Outreach and Education 6.4.1 Introduction and data gathering If marine litter is to be tackled effectively in the long run, a key element of any approach must include better education on the issues surrounding marine litter and understanding of appropriate waste management practices so that future generations can make responsible decisions (Vince and Hardesty, 2018). Outreach to stakeholders and communities also has a vital role to play in reducing marine litter in the environment advances in scientific knowledge and policy changes only result in positive changes if the behaviours in the population also change (Veríssimo, 2013)
Education activities were centred around the development of educational packages (Figure 10) to incorporate them into the school curriculum. The packages were based on existing CLiP Educational materials and were tailored to fit the requirements of the education system in Belize. For example, an extra lesson was added for older children (ages 11+), exploring the global issue of marine litter. Suitable activities were identified and developed to accompany the lesson topics, with extensions suggested for older children within the age group. The packs were aimed to provide teachers with ideas for lesson planning, including background information to inform their lessons.
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Figure 10 Front covers of the educational packs developed for primary and secondary schools in Belize during CLiP. Several outreach activities were carried out through CLiP, comprising of individuals and groups from a diverse range of backgrounds, organisations and communities in order to provide them with science- based facts for communication about marine litter and to understand their concerns about marine litter. The final goal to advise of best practises and encourage others to adopt (inter)national agreed guidelines. The Cefas CLiP team avoided conflicting with local messages, ensuring that they were aligned with existing stakeholders. Community packages (Figure 11), based on the information collected for the educational packages, were also presented to stakeholders, along with infographics to be used in their outreach activities.
Figure 11 Front covers of the community packs developed for English- and Spanish-speaking communities in Belize during CLiP
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6.4.2 Findings The following results are summarised from a detailed report authored by Cefas, which will be included in the final CLiP Country Report for Belize, along with all data collected. After discussions with the Ministry of Education and Youth Services, it was clear that the Education Packs would be mapped to the national curriculum as example activities for lesson plans. This represented an ideal use of the packs; they were not converted to Spanish as the national language of education in Belize is English.
To support outreach and community education, the CLiP team produced community packs, posters, leaflets and infographics tailored to Belizean audiences, for example Figure 12. The community packs were translated into to Spanish to help adoption in a wider range of communities.
Figure 12 Example of infographic developed during CLiP to show the virtuous cycle of a recycled plastic items as opposed to its fate and effects if discarded (becoming marine litter) or burned.
A common theme amongst all stakeholders was that marine litter awareness messages are mixed, uncoordinated and in some cases provide scientifically inaccurate ‘facts’ about marine litter. Some stakeholders reported, for example, that while several organisations might attend an outreach event, they may each have different messages. This can only serve to confuse the public and result in reduced engagement and buy-in on marine litter reduction activity. This will also limit the return on investment and impact in communication for each stakeholder that engages in awareness campaigns.
The targeted workshop for Outreach and Education had a wide range of stakeholders, including NGO, government, public and private sectors who identified the need for an overarching, long-term national marine litter communication campaign. Indeed, each of the other pillar workshops identified the need for sustained awareness and outreach in each of their fields, these should be coordinated by an overarching national communication campaign and underpinned by evidence.
Furthermore, the short duration and limited scope of previous campaigns have meant little to no metrics were gathered on the reach and impact of messages. This has limited the identifying and sharing the best practices of outreach and communication that works. There is also a need to explore different channels and voices to echo messages to ensure them messages reach key audiences in engaging ways.
Many stakeholders also highlighted that littering laws should be shown to all that they are enforced at every level to send a message to the public that littering is a serious problem and that it is being taken seriously. It was also identified during the targeted and national stakeholder workshops, that enforcement laws need to be updated and that law enforcement should receive training on how to
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enforce these laws. Enforcement bodies should also be made aware of the consequences if these laws are not enforced e.g. health, economy, sanitation, civic pride etc.
6.4.3 Actions • Updated enforcement and training for enforcers: There is a need to review and update littering and enforcement laws and train enforcers on the importance of delivering them. Outreach should also be provided to communities to encourage the right behaviours. • Align and evidence base messages on marine litter: It is imperative that messages given to public are accurate with the most current information. • Raise awareness of the negative impacts of littering; Identify, train and support litter ‘champions’ as means to reach out to communities and share messages on the negative impacts as well as some of the solutions to marine litter. • Targeting audiences and measuring message effectiveness; Introduce metrics to outreach campaigns to measure effectiveness. Also consider using multi-media channels to reach audiences in Belize. • Increase private sector partnerships in awareness; Engage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets in the private sector to help focus companies on raising awareness about marine litter and to implement waste and plastic reduction initiatives in their office, in addition to getting staff to participate in community beach or river clean events. • Map marine litter education packs to the national curriculum; Work with the Ministry of Education and Youth Services to map the Belize Education Packs to the national curriculum. • Communicate the role of waste management agencies to the public; Provide clear and concise information on the roles of waste management agencies to the public, encourage the thinking that waste management is everyone’s responsibility - including theirs.
7 Risks and Challenges to Implementation 7.1 Risk Assessment During the targeted and national workshops, stakeholders were asked to identify risks that might inhibit or prevent actions from being implemented. These risks were then assessed by the DOE as the legal agency responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the plan. A standard risk assessment was carried out by assessing likelihood multiplied by impact. See Appendix 4.
7.2 Financial Sources Existing funding: The Government of Belize is proposing to fund the Acton Plan utilizing the current funding stream for the plastics phase-out initiative being implemented solely by GOB. These funding streams include the following: • Environmental Management Fund (national) – phase out of single use plastics • Protected Area Conservation Trust (PACT) –support for phase out of single use plastics • IDB – Solid Waste Management Project II – which encompasses the development of transfers stations and cost recovery initiatives as part of demonstration projects • IDB/Japan – Source separation and rural waste management technical cooperation– this is a pilot source separation project in San Pedro and Placencia • IDB – waste management optimization technical cooperation – activity that identifies the most cost-effective operational options for moving waste to the landfill
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Potential funding: In order to cover the gap, the government will seek donor funds. The pipeline projects currently envisioned to support this action plan include: • Community based funding via Toledo Institute for Development and Environment to do beach clean ups and plastic reusing (possible) • SIDS-DOCK – project to pilot waste to energy on San Pedro to reduce the burden on the waste management sector • Seeking assistance through the GEF 7 Star Allocation and under GEF 7 International Waters or GEF 7 Marine Litter (as part of Chemicals & Waste) 8 Focus areas, present and future
Future focus areas are seeking funding to a) implement a sustained outreach campaign, b) activities associated with development and implementation of a Marine Pollution Prevention Legislation, c) building capacity for implementing a minimum 1-year monitoring programme / research in microplastics and macroplastic; and d) developing and implementing policy and legislation for Waste Reduction and Recycling Sector (circular economy). Additionally, work is underway to seek technical support for the 1) development of national standards for new materials (biodegradable) for packaging and guidance for the productive sector; 2) standards for waste collection and management, inclusive of source separation and composting. The DOE’s future focus is building capacity to implement research and demonstration of concepts/projects to tackle marine litter and improve waste management techniques that are applicable in country and possibly duplicated within the Caribbean. Working towards building capacity in Belize to focus on creating, demonstrating, and testing ideas/concepts using science to address and reduce marine litter.
Cefas hopes to continue to support the DOE and the Belizean government in developing scientific capacity in Belize to assist its realisation of the vision set out in this document: Belize - blue, clean, resilient and strong.
9 References
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Caribbean Development Bank, 2018. Financing the Blue Economy: A Caribbean Development Opportunity. ISBN: 978-976-96037-8-3
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Day, R. H., Wehle, D. H. S., & Coleman, F. C. (1985). Ingestion of plastic pollutants by marine birds. Proceedings of the Workshop on the Fate and Impact of Marine Debris, 2, 344–386. US Dept. Commerce. Eunomia, 2016. Plastics in the Marine Environment. European Commission, 2019. Final Circular Economy Package, http://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm FAO, 2018. Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles, Belize http://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/BLZ/en (checked on 18/07/2019) Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N.M. and Hultink, E.J., 2017. The Circular Economy–A new sustainability paradigm?. Journal of cleaner production, 143, pp.757-768. Good, T. P., June, J. A., Etnier, M. A., & Broadhurst, G. (2010). Derelict fishing nets in Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits: patterns and threats to marine fauna. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 60(1), 39–50. Gregory, M. R., & Ryan, P. G. (1997). Pelagic plastics and other seaborne persistent debris: a review of Southern Hemisphere Perspectives. Marine Debris: Sources, Impacts, and Solutions., 49–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8486-1 Kiessling, T., Gutow, L., & Thiel, M. (2015). Marine litter as habitat and dispersal vector. In Marine anthropogenic litter (pp. 141–181). Springer, Cham. Kühn, S., Rebolledo, E. L. B., & van Franeker, J. A. (2015). Deleterious effects of litter on marine life. In Marine anthropogenic litter (pp. 75–116). Springer, Cham. Laist, D. W. (1997). Impacts of marine debris: entanglement of marine life in marine debris including a comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records. In Marine Debris (pp. 99– 139). Springer. Lieder, M. and Rashid, A., 2016. Towards circular economy implementation: a comprehensive review in context of manufacturing industry. Journal of cleaner production, 115, pp.36-51. Marshall, R. E., & Farahbakhsh, K. (2013). Systems approaches to integrated solid waste management in developing countries. Waste Management, 33(4), 988–1003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2012.12.023 Matsuoka, T., Nakashima, T., & Nagasawa, N. (2005). A review of ghost fishing: scientific approaches to evaluation and solutions. Fisheries Science, 71(4), 691. McCauley, S.J. and Bjorndal, K.A., 1999. Conservation implications of dietary dilution from debris ingestion: Sublethal effects in post‐hatchling loggerhead sea turtles. Conservation biology, 13(4), pp.925-929. Moore, E., Lyday, S., Roletto, J., Litle, K., Parrish, J. K., Nevins, H., … Piazza, M. (2009). Entanglements of marine mammals and seabirds in central California and the north-west coast of the United States 2001–2005. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 58(7), 1045–1051. Moore, M., Andrews, R., Austin, T., Bailey, J., Costidis, A., George, C., … Ligon, A. (2013). Rope trauma, sedation, disentanglement, and monitoring‐tag associated lesions in a terminally entangled North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). Marine Mammal Science, 29(2), E98–E113. Rodríguez, B., Bécares, J., Rodríguez, A., & Arcos, J. M. (2013). Incidence of entanglements with marine debris by northern gannets (Morus bassanus) in the non-breeding grounds. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 75(1–2), 259–263.
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Schmuck A.M., Lavers J.L., Stuckenbrock S., Sharp P.B., Bond A.L., 2017. Geophysical features influence the accumulation of beach debris on Caribbean islands. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 121, Issues 1–2, 2017, pp. 45-51, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.043. Smith-Godfrey, S., 2016. Defining the blue economy. Maritime affairs: Journal of the national maritime foundation of India, 12(1), pp.58-64. Stahel, W.R., 2016. The circular economy. Nature News, 531(7595), p.435. doi: 10.1038/531435a ten Brink, P.; Schweitzer, J.-P.; Watkins, E.; Howe, M. (2016) Plastics Marine Litter and the Circular Economy. A briefing by IEEP for the MAVA Foundation. United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, 2012. Blue Economy Concept Paper, s.l.: United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. UNEP, U. (2014). Year Book 2014 emerging issues update. Air Pollution: World’s Worst Environmental Health Risk. UN Environment (2017). Marine Litter Socio Economic Study, United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi. Kenya. Van Franeker, J. A. (1985). Plastic ingestion in the North Atlantic fulmar. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 16(9), 367–369. Veríssimo, D., 2013. Influencing human behaviour: an underutilised tool for biodiversity management. Conservation Evidence, 10(1), pp.29-31. UN Environment (2017). Marine Litter Socio Economic Study, United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi. Kenya. United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, 2012. Blue Economy Concept Paper, s.l.: United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Vince, J., & Hardesty, B. D. (2018). Governance Solutions to the Tragedy of the Commons That Marine Plastics Have Become. Frontiers in Marine Science, 5(June). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00214 World Bank and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 2017. The Potential of the Blue Economy: Increasing Long-term Benefits of the Sustainable Use of Marine Resources for Small Island Developing States and Coastal Least Developed Countries. World Bank, Washington DC.
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The importance of science in tackling marine litter 9 July 2019
Executive summary Definitions
This draft policy paper on marine litter science and presents CLiP: Commonwealth Litter Programme. a series of challenges and actions derived from the targeted The programme aims to share expertise workshop on marine litter science. It also includes input and find solutions to the environmental from microplastics study undertaken under CLiP. and socio-economic problems caused by marine litter. The project is character- Scientific data was collected on the abundance and ised by 5 pillars; land-based sources, ma- composition of marine litter, with laboratory analysis rine-based sources, removal and best conducted at University of Belize, with training provided for practices, science and education and Department of the Environment (DOE), Coastal Zone outreach. Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), Belize Agriculture & Health Authority (BAHA), and Bowen & Cefas: Centre for Environment, Fisheries Bowen on scientific analysis techniques. The end of the and Aquaculture Science, a UK organisa- programme will result in a microplastics lab being created tion running CLiP and collaborating with at the DOE and capacity for analysis at other facilities in the Department of the Environment in Belize. The research findings and capacity building activities Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Fore- were discussed in the targeted stakeholder workshops on try, Environment, Sustainable Develop- land-based and sea-based sources of marine litter held on ment, and Immigration (MAFFESDI). 2nd and 3rd July 2019. The dataset also acts as national baseline and facilitates the collection of comparable data in This policy paper will be used as part of a process the future to allow the assessment of the effectiveness of towards developing a National Action Plan on policy and action on marine litter. Marine Litter and Waste Management for Belize. The challenges identified during the targeted stakeholders workshop include long-term scientific study to build NGOs and other interested partners in data collection; conclusive pictures on marine litter sources and solutions; and the creation of a system to share data among
the lack of standardise methods for collection of data; monitoring . possible instability of the lab due to personnel turnover; and the lack of funding to carry out monitoring programmes. This led to the formulation of a list of actions such as the inclusion of data gathering protocols for marine litter and microplastics in the National Water Quality Protocol currently being developed by the DOE; the development of a detailed monitoring plan for minimum of one year to be submitted to funding agencies; the creation of a training programme among several agencies; the
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Introduction The methodology approach consisted of;
Science is the basis of every Cefas project and was funda- • Baseline monitoring through scientific surveys mental in the delivery of the CLiP project. Cefas scientists (beach, river and city sites) collaborated and trained DOE, CZMAI, UB and Fisheries Training DOE and CZAMI Department scientists and officers to scientific data that would form the basis of actions included in the National • Microplastic analysis Action Plan on Marine Litter and Waste Management. At (including setting up a laboratory) the same time, CLiP database represents a baseline to be Training DOE, CZMAI, BAHA, and Bowen & used in future comparison to assess the performance of Bowen the actions that will be adopted. Therefore, ensuring the collection of scientific data is an important part of a holistic • Targeted Stakeholder workshops. approach to tackling sources of marine litter, this approach is characterised by CLiP’s 5 pillars. Scientific activities in Polymer identification was achieved using microscopic Belize were carried out for the analysis of microplastics and spectroscopic techniques, namely attenuated total (items at or below 5mm) and macroplastics (items above 5 reflection – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy mm) . These two types of surveys were conducted sepa- (ATR-FTIR). PSA was also carried out to relate abun- rately and with different protocols but are critically interre- dance of microplastics and sediment composition type. lated; macroplastics eventually becomes microplastics. In order to monitor marine litter, Cefas and DOE and/or Methodology Summary CZMAI staff carried out a series of surveys on six beach- A microplastics laboratory was created by Cefas staff at the es, three river banks and two city sites in order to mon- University of Belize (UB) with supervision of DOE. Fifteen itor the abundance, composition and accumulation local stakeholders from a range of public and private or- rates of litter in the three different environments. Data ganisations were trained to extract and analyse plastic par- were gathered using the CLiP protocol that adapts ticles from environmental samples including sediments OSPAR methodology to the Caribbean region with addi- and biota to gather information about possible disposal tion of specific items which were prevalent. Before sur- pathways. veying marine litter at site, metadata are gathered Six sediments and over 27 biota samples (conchs, marine about possible cleaning activities (or any other factor and riverine finfish) were analysed in the microplastics lab. such as the weather) affecting the survey. The detection of microplastics in sediment and in biota was When metadata are recorded, data are gathered clean- carried out by using the fluorescence tagging of polymers ing a 100m of the beach are cleaned between the high using Nile Red; a method developed at Cefas in collabora- tide line and the back of the beach (defined as the line tion with the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the United where vegetation changes). After all items are collected Kingdom. The quantification aspect was carried out using and removed from the beach, they get characterised visual and automatic counting of the fluorescent particles following an alkaline digestion process to remove organic matter and suspended particles.
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according to their material (plastic, rubber, textile, pa- For the biota assessment, 22 conch samples were pro- per, wood, metal, glass, ceramic, sanitary, medical or cessed with an average of 1.30 items per individu- other) and listed with similar items in specific categories. al corresponding to 0.09 items per g wet weight. This Items that are too small or damaged to be recognised suggested a low occurrence of microplastics in conchs with certainty are categorised as ‘pieces’ and divided with most of the items being present for a few individ- based on their size. All the items in each category are uals indicating local contamination. then counted and weighted. Some of the locations were Results show that 90% of the items extracted visited other 2 or 3 times to calculate the total accumu- from biota were confirmed to be plastic using ATR- lation rates (number of items accumulated on the beach FTIR, the most commonly found polymers being cello- per day) and the rates for each item category. phane, followed by polypropylene. Results: The marine litter monitoring showed very high (~98%) level of plastic in all sample size. On beaches, drinking No macroplastics were found for sediments or biota. water bags were very frequent. Other frequent items The absence of macroplastics could indicate were, caps and lids (both plastic and metal) despite a that microplastics found locally were mainly intro- low presence of bottles (plastic and glass). There was duced as primary or secondary microplastics and not by also a strong presence of pieces between 0-2.5cm and breakdown in the gut of the biota. All the sediments an- 2.5cm-50cm, including numerous pieces of foam alysed contained microplastics. Their abundance varied foods containers (take-away boxes for food). Lots of between sites with concentrations ranging from 200 for tissues were found on the river bank/city sites. The the San Ignacio Board Bridge to 6500 ± 1273 particles accumulation rate calculated was higher for city sites per kg dry weight sediment for the Succotz ferry site, than beaches and river banks. identified as a “hotspot” of contamination for micro-
plastic.
F.1
Sweet packets and water drinking bags were in the top 10 items found on beaches in Belize
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Key Challenges The key challenges laid out below have been identified by stakeholders, using CLiP research, during science target- st ed stakeholder workshop that was held on 1 July 2019. Challenge Objective Risks 1 Inclusion of standard protocols to Adopt standardise method in the Unwillingness of collecting data; use of survey marine litter and microplas- country to highlight data that must unsatisfactory data quality due to unde- tics in the national water quality and can be collected and provide tected low compliance with protocols. monitoring protocol guidelines to interested stakehold- ers. 2 Limited resilience in laboratory Increase lab capacity in terms of Loss of trained people due to loss of capacity in country to respond to human resources and gear in order trained personnel before training of new personnel turnover or gear mal- to avoid interruptions in lab service operators; lack of funding to repair/replace function and ensure knowledge sharing. unique pieces of equipment; lack of re- sources for training; concentration of ca- pacity in only one lab. 3 Limited funding and personnel to Obtaining national and internation- Identification of funding agencies; dead- develop and implement a compre- al funding to sustain collection of lines of funding calls; lack of institutional hensive monitoring plan scientific data in the country. capacity
4 Monitoring effort limited to few Increase the involvement of other Quality of the data; low compliance with agencies with shortage of human partners such as NGOs and other protocols; limited resources to assist new and financial resources resulting in agencies in the monitoring pro- partners in data collection. monitoring plans with limited geo- grammes checking for the quality graphical and temporal scope. of data produced.
Suggested actions The actions suggested below have been taken from those identified by stakeholders and CLiP research during the science targeted stakeholder workshop held on the 1st July 2019. Challenge Action Lead Agency Partners No. 1 Adding monitoring protocols for microplastics and ma- Department of the UB, Fisheries Department, rine litter to the national water quality monitoring proto- Environment, For- CZMAI, Ministry of Health col. est Department (for mangroves) 2 Publishing a training manual to facilitate knowledge Department of the Any other eventual stake- sharing. Environment holder involved in the plan.
3 Develop a detailed project proposal and submit it to na- Department of the CZMAI, UB, Fisheries De- tional and international funding agencies. Environment partment, Forest Depart- ment 4. Invite NGOS (Belize Audubon Society, Oceana, Southern Department of the Bowen and Bowen, Bureau Environmental Alliance) and other GOB agencies (Belize Environment, of Standards, Marine Station Solid Waste Management Authority, Ministry of Health) CZMAI, UB of Tobacco Caye and private companies (Belize Water Services Limited) to actively collect data for the monitoring plan.
Page 4 of 4 Land– based sources of marine litter
9 July 2019 Executive summary
This policy paper on land-based sources of marine litter Definitions presents baseline data, challenges and actions derived from targeted workshops. Tackling land-based sources is Land- Based Sources: Studies show 80% an important part of a holistic approach to combating of marine litter originates from land- marine litter characterised by CLiP’s 5 pillars. based sources (GESAMP 1991) . Land- based marine litter finds its way into the Analysis of household and commercial waste in Belize sea via improper disposal of waste on found large numbers of plastic bags in domestic waste (up land, for example through dumping or to 20%) and 25% of the litter gathered was from littering that finds its way to the sea, riv- potentially recyclable PET bottles. Data gathered erine systems or coastal leisure activi- highlighted that action is now required to ensure the ties. longevity of the sanitary landfill at mile 24 on the George Price highway. If current waste generation rates of urban CLiP: Commonwealth Litter Programme. areas and their immediate surrounds continue (up to a The programme aims to share expertise radius of 10km), the landfill could reach capacity as early and find solutions to the environmental as 2050, nearly thirty years earlier than predicted. and socio-economic problems caused by marine litter. The project is character- Beaches, river banks and city sites were surveyed and 98% ised by 5 pillars; land-based sources, ma- of the litter found was plastic. The findings of the scientific rine-based sources, removal and best audits conducted under CLiP in collaboration with national practices, science and education and partners—Department for the Environment, Fisheries outreach. Department, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), and University of Belize (UB), revealed Cefas: Centre for Environment, Fisheries some clear findings. These findings demonstrate the need and Aquaculture Science, a UK organisa- for better coordination between organisations and tion running CLiP and collaborating with sectors, the need to standardise monitoring approaches the Department of the Environment in and the need to raise awareness on waste collection, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Fore- waste management and prevention of littering. try, Environment, Sustainable Develop- ment, and Immigration (MAFFESDI). Introduction This policy paper will be used as part of a process Belize is ahead of the curve in many respects within the towards developing a National Action Plan on Caribbean & Central America region. Findings show, however, that more can be done to improve the Marine Litter and Waste Management for Belize. coordination between key stakeholders in waste management, as well as understanding what specific and important roles these play in realising the full potential of waste management systems. Greater coordination,
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9 July 2019 consistent and evidence-led messaging to the public about waste management and marine litter would also The methodology approach consisted of; bring about many benefits. There is also a need to • Analysis of household and commercial waste streamline and increase the availability of waste collec- (generation rate and composition) tion systems in rural and in some cases urban areas in a sustainable way. These key challenges collectively limit • Baseline monitoring through scientific surveys the efficiency of waste management systems and under- (beach, river and city sites) mine and public outreach campaigns for behaviour • Targeted stakeholder workshops. change. Stakeholders agreed that simple actions such as im- willingness to pay for collection, possible amount re- proved coordination, clear roles and responsibilities for cycled and rank of support for recycling programs. all stakeholders, and a national communications cam- The household is then provided with pre-labelled 7x paign would be relatively quick and inexpensive, and 75L bags and asked to place all household rubbish would bring about positive change in addressing some of into these bags each day. Rubbish is collected daily Belize’s waste management concerns. from the selected households for the seven consecu- Methodology Summary tive days i.e. day 2 to 8 of the survey.
The commercial activities targeted for the study were
Research conducted under this pillar aims to provide a shops, hotels, restaurants, offices and bars. The col- better understanding on the causes, impacts and solu- lection procedure was the same as that for house- tions to land–based sources of marine litter. holds. Where a rubbish bin is being used, the rubbish Asia Pacific Waste Consultants (APWC) conducted work is collected directly from the bin. If rubbish is being under CLiP to gather data on waste generation rates and disposed of on street corners, the same strategy as composition building on existing studies . APWC target- that used for households is used, asking the commer- ed households and commercial activities and audited cial premises to place their daily waste in a pre- their waste, measuring abundance and composition, and tagged bag for a week. gathering information about disposal pathways. Cefas scientists carried out a series of monitoring APWC methodology to audit household waste changes surveys on six beaches, three river banks and two city according to the presence/absence of an official collec- sites in order to gather baseline data on the abun- tion system. Where collection exists, bins/rubbish bags dance, composition and accumulation rates of litter are picked up just before the collection truck arrives to in the three different environments. Data were gath- collect waste, waste from each household will be sorted ered using the CLiP protocol that uses the OSPAR separately. Where no collection is present, households methodology adapted with additional break down of are visited on day 1 of the survey and an interview is common Caribbean specific categories. Before sur- conducted to gather metadata about income level of veying marine litter at site, metadata is gathered households, percentage of waste dumped or burnt, per- about possible cleaning activities (or any other factor centage of households that utilise the service, such as the weather) affecting the survey. When metadata is recorded, data is gathered
Page 2 of 4 Land– based sources of marine litter
by cleaning a 100m of the beach only between the high 9 July 2019 F.1 tide line and the back of the beach (defined as theline Plastic composition by weight for house- where vegetation begins). After all items are collected, they hold rubbish in Belize are identified and matched to a list of over 200 item types (e.g. caps and lids, sweet wrappers, etc), which are divided by their material type (e.g. plastic, rubber, textile etc). Items that can- not be confidently identified, e.g. because of size or damage, are categorised as ‘pieces’ and divided based on their size. All the items in each category are then counted and weighed . Some of the locations were visited 2 or 3 times to cal- culate the total accumulation rates (number of items accumulated on the beach per day) and the rates for each item category. Monitoring carried out by Cefas showed very high Results: (~98%) level of plastic across all sites. On beaches,
drinking water bags were very frequent. Other fre- APWC analysed 265 samples of household and com- quent items were also caps and lids (both plastic and mercial waste in eight areas. 1/4 of plastic waste metal) despite a low presence of bottles (plastic and volume in household bins was PET bottles even glass). There was also a strong presence of pieces though these are part of the deposit return scheme. between 0-2.5cm and 2.5cm-50cm, including numer- The results also showed 20% of plastic was plastic ous pieces of foam foods containers (take-away box- bags and plastic drinking water bags. This is very es for food). Lots of tissues were found in rivers/city. high in comparison to previous studies in other City sites had a higher accumulation rate than beach- countries. There was also a large component of or- es and river banks. ganic waste which isn’t unusual and can be difficult F.2 Top 10 items found on beaches in Belize to manage. Used toilet paper was a large component of hygienic waste. Interviews showed that the satisfaction for the collection service was correlated to the frequen- cy of waste removal. Interviews also highlighted a consistent pattern of giving away and upcycling bulky items like furniture. A basic statistical modelling to estimate the lifespan of the landfill, which was projected to be full by 2063 (or as early as 2050 for worst case scenario), much earlier than the currently projection.
Page 3 of 4 Land– based sources of marine litter
Key Challenges 9 July 2019
The key challenges laid out below have been identified by stakeholders, using CLiP research, during land-based sources target- ed stakeholder workshop that was held on 2nd July 2019. Challenge Objective Risks 1 Despite a desire from the private sec- To coordinate and incentivise pri- Unresponsive and difficult to engage with tor to reduce waste and marine litter, vate sector engagement to reduce public and private commitment to implementing solu- marine litter tions remains patchy and uncoordi- nated 2 A lack of effective and coordinated Increase resource recovery and Fluctuations in the market for resource waste recycling and composting in recycling in country by supporting recovery materials; increase of cost of country, and need for more robust the growth of the recycling and fuel for recyclers; ,monopolization of infrastructure to support it composting sectors waste collection system in Belize City; plastics classified as a hazardous material under Basel Convention and therefore more difficult to export; identification of possible use for compost by the Ministry of Agriculture; lack of national regulatory legislation or framework to manage, im- plement and coordinate a recycling sector 3 A poor understanding and coordina- Improve coordination and under- Low man power in the collection of tion of stakeholder roles in waste standing of the role each stake- waste; improper use of bins to collect management, lack of standard and holder plays.; clarify who pays and household waste; lack of approved unrealistic beliefs in who should pay agree a standard approach to dumpsites in most municipalities, villages for waste management are hamper- waste collection and management and communities; limited financing for ing effective waste collection based on better understanding of improved waste collection; unwillingness roles to participate
4 Lack of clear, consistent and long- Formulate an appropriately target- Use of ineffective messages or media; lack term communication strategy be- ed communication strategy for of responsiveness to outreach by general tween waste management stakehold- land-based sources of marine litter public; inconsistency and correctness of ers including with the general public and their management. This form- the messages if not coordinated; low ing part of a bigger long term na- reach to remote communities with limited tional waste management commu- access to specific media. nication campaign on all sources and solutions to marine litter and waste management Suggested actions The actions suggested below have been taken from those identified by stakeholders and CLiP research during the land-based sources targeted stakeholder workshop held on the 2nd July 2019. Challenge Action Lead Agency Partners No. 1 Review government finance to ensure that prob- Ministry of Finance, Ministry Department of the Envi- lematic single-use plastics as well as other com- for Economic Development ronment mon litter are not incentivised over more sus- tainable alternatives 2 Put regulation/ legislation in place to incentivise Min. responsible for the Envi- Department of the Envi- and promote the recycling centres and industry. ronment, Belize Solid Waste ronment At a local and national level. Management Service, Local Governments 3 Improve coordination and understanding of roles Department of the Environ- Ministry of Finance, Min- with all players in waste management in munici- ment, Belize Solid Waste Man- istry of Economic Devel- palities, villages and communities. Also provide agement Authority opment greater clarity around who pays for waste man- agement and why it is important to build a sus- tainable system 4. Develop a long-term communications strategy Department of the Environ- Government press office using multiple and diverse channels to reduce ment, Belize Solid Waste Man- land-based sources of marine litter as part of a agement Authority wider national campaign. The strategy should also coordinate efforts of stakeholders, such as NGOs and Government, including at public events, to ensure the public receive consistent and coordinated messages
Page 4 of 4
Sea– based sources of marine litter
9 July 2019
Definitions Executive summary Sea- Based Sources: Studies indicate This draft policy paper on sea- based sources of marine that 20% of marine litter originates litter presents a series of challenges and actions derived from sea- based sources (GESAMP from a targeted workshop on sea-based sources of 1991) . Maine litter in the environment marine litter. With 20% of marine litter coming from sea- can be caused by accidently loss or based sources, tackling this is an key part of a holistic dumping of litter purposely in the envi- approach to combating marine litter characterised by ronment. This most commonly happens CLiP’s 5 pillars. from activities such as fishing, shipping, leisure and tourism and mineral extrac- Marine litter has negative environmental, public health, tion. social and economic impacts. This is of special importance to Belize because of our pristine marine CLiP: Commonwealth Litter Programme. environment and our cultural links to the Belize Barrier The programme aims to share expertise Reef and our economic dependence through tourism and and find solutions to the environmental fishing. It has a deleterious effect on the ocean’s and socio-economic problems caused productivity and effects a range of sectors due to damage by marine litter. The project is charac- to reefs, ghost gear, and entanglement of marine terised by 5 pillars; land-based sources, creatures. marine-based sources, removal and best practices, science and education
and outreach. Methodology Summary Cefas: Centre for Environment, Fisher- ies and Aquaculture Science, a UK or- Asia Pacific Waste Consultants (APWC) conducted work ganisation running CLiP and collabo- under CLiP to perform a waste audit and gap analysis. rating with the Department of the Envi- This analysis focused on the adequacy of waste reception facilities for targeted ports in Belize, and researched the facilities available for commercial, fishing, cruise liner and This policy paper will be used as part of a process other ships normally calling at ports in Belize. towards developing a National Action Plan on APWC’s analysis is designed to provide an overview and Marine Litter and Waste Management for Belize. estimates of the types and quantities of wastes, as well as the waste reception services currently provided at the targeted ports. The analysis also identified any gaps in this service, including recommendations on how these gaps can be addressed.
Page 1 of 3
Sea– based sources of marine litter
9 July 2019
F.1 APWC’s audit process is summarised in sequential steps
Findings Because of the policy of not landing international waste at Belizean ports, Belize is relying on the Waste generation and management from domestic vessels implementation of the Marine Pollution Conven- below IMO tonnage is currently unknown due to the lack of tions (MARPOL) to address ship generated wastes data gathering and audits. This means there is a hitherto in other countries. However, there is no coordi- unclassified waste stream that has not been factored into nated plan or agreements in place to manage this the countries waste management system. waste regionally. The current infrastructure in However, national fishing cooperatives have 85% of all li- Belize has insufficient capacity to handle the ship censed fishers as members. This could be leveraged to pro- generated waste at scale. mote good waste management practices and assist in data There is a clear need for shipping waste to be collection of waste from fishing vessels. better quantified to fully understand the impacts According to research, cruise liners generate the most and need for each sector (e.g. fishing, leisure, waste in Belizean waters, however they cannot land this cruise liners). There is also a clear need for formal waste in Belize ports because it is classified as international arrangement for national or domestic fishing to waste. There is uncertainty about the final disposal of this help measure and regulate waste in this sector. waste. No auditing has been carried out to check whether it Finally, as the land-based policy paper highlights, is landed in Mexico, Honduras or the USA rather than being the Sanitary Landfill could run out of space as dumped at sea. It is not known which method and in what early as 2050, this does not factor in the domes- quantities waste generated by cruise liners is disposed of. tic or international waste from ports. It’s not Poor systems, e.g. no at sea inspections of waste. this known how much unmanaged waste streams means that shipping (cruise liners, cargo) is trusted to ‘do from port facilities would bring forward this the right thing’. worst case scenario estimation.
Page 2 of 3
Sea– based sources of marine Litter 9 July 2019—DRAFT Key challenges:
The key challenges laid out below have been identified by stakeholders, using CLiP research, during the sea- based sources targeted stakeholder workshop that was held on 3rd July 2019. No. Challenge Objective Risks
1 There is a lack of waste data on Belize’s national Need to develop and implement a Coordination of waste is shipping which is below IMO tonnages, there- national plant to address this spread across seven agen- fore potentially a large unidentified and unquan- cies tified waste stream present in Belize today (DOE, BPA, Public Health, BSWaMA, BCG and fishing and tourism sector) 2 Belize does not land international waste at its Need to conduct a coordinated Financing and expertise ports. However, there is no oversight of what national and regional audit of international vessels do with the significant waste disposal from vessels amounts of waste generated while navigating Belize waters. This means Belize relies on the international shipping industry to ‘do the right’ thing in reporting on waste management and disposal 3 Poor awareness and understanding of the causes Increase awareness and compli- Outreach—is the commu- and impacts of marine litter by small-scale com- ance with proper procedures for nication reaching the tar- mercial operators (artisanal fisherman, tour op- handling waste in the domestic get audience erators etc) means there is a high probability of shipping improper waste treatment by those operators
Suggested actions: The actions suggested below have been taken from those identified by stakeholders and CLiP research during the sea-based sources targeted stakeholder workshop held on the 3rd July 2019. Challenge Action Lead Agency Partners No. 1 Conduct pilot studies to test the effectiveness of and gaps BSWaMA and DOE BPA, port facili- in existing protocols, and pilots to any infrastructural, train- ties and marina ing and funding deficiencies for management of waste col- owners lection and disposal from vessels. Where possible these pilots to gather indicative baseline data with view to scal- ing up 2 Review APWC and other reports to understand in more Belize Port Authority, IMO detail what types and quantities of waste shipping is gener- DoF, (DOE, BPA, Public ating in international waters and what is needed for moni- Health, BSWaMA, BCG toring to fill in gaps for national vessels and fishing and tourism sector 3 Within the information packs to National Marine License BPA and Fisheries Depart- NGO holders, include material on marine litter. In information ment packs and on preparing licensees for changes to syllabus on the inclusion requirements around waste management and marine litter . Include examples and best practice material to prepare license holders
Page 3 of 3 The importance of outreach and education in tackling marine litter 9 July 2019
Executive summary Definitions
This policy paper presents the importance of education and CLiP: Commonwealth Litter Programme. outreach on marine litter in Belize, it summarises the key The programme aims to share expertise outputs of the Outreach, Education and Best Practices and find solutions to the environmental targeted stakeholder workshop on these vital aspects of and and socio-economic problems caused by holistic approach to preventing marine litter characterised marine litter. The project is character- by CLiP’s 5 pillars. It also provide an update on CLiP’s ised by 5 pillars; land-based sources, ma- education packs. rine-based sources, removal and best Outreach and education are important components of CLiP, practices, science and education and particularly in Belize. The success of environmental outreach. campaigns, including those designed to tackle marine litter Cefas: Centre for Environment, Fisheries by promoting behaviour change, are linked to effectively and Aquaculture Science, a UK organisa- sharing scientific knowledge. This was also recognised during tion running CLiP and collaborating with the CLiP best practices workshop, where stakeholders the Department of the Environment in identified ‘outreach and education’ as the most important Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Fore- best practice to be implemented in Belize. During CLiP, a try, Environment, Sustainable Develop- series of communication tools (education packages, ment, and Immigration (MAFFESDI). infographics, best practise initiatives etc.) were developed and delivered to engage with stakeholders and the general This policy paper will be used as part of a process public. towards developing a National Action Plan on During the targeted stakeholder workshop, key challenges Marine Litter and Waste Management for Belize. for the development of successful education and outreach campaigns were identified. These included the absence of coordination among all organisations involved, a lack of Introduction enforcement of current environmental laws which The aim of the research for this CLiP pillar was to pro- undermines the efficacy of outreach campaigns, and the vide information on how education and outreach can insufficient public awareness on the issue of improper help increase the public’s understanding of the caus- disposal of waste that leads to widespread dumping, es and impacts of marine litter, as well as be an inte- littering, open burning and illegal dump sites. Solution to gral part of the solution process. these challenges included the formulation of a coordinating committee; the mobilization of funding to inform officers on consequences of law enforcement; the greater involvement of politicians, companies and individuals in the outreach campaigns; the use of scientific data in outreach activities; and the revise of the government funding system.
Page 1 of 4 The importance of outreach and education in tackling marine litter July 2019 9 July 2019
The approach to gathering evidence for this pillar consisted Educational Pack produced during CLiP to pro- of: F.1 vide teachers with lessons and activities on • Outreach events key marine litter topics • Targeted stakeholder workshops • Development of education packs
CLiP organised a workshop on best practices on 7th June 2019, during which, outreach and education were identified as key best practices to be implemented in Belize. If marine litter is to be tackled effectively in the long run, a key element of any approach must include better education on the issues surrounding marine litter and understanding of appropriate waste management practices so that future generations can make responsible decisions (Vince and Hardesty, 2018); thus, developing a marine litter tool- kit for use in Belize is a key CLiP deliverable.
Stakeholder and community outreach also plays a vital role in reducing marine litter in the environment– advances in scientific knowledge and policy changes only result in posi- tive changes if the behaviours in the population also change The contents were reviewed, and lesson topics were (Veríssimo, 2013). The effects of outreach campaigns can developed around three main lesson themes which have a greater effect on reducing plastic pollution than im- were tailored to fit Belize schools. provements in waste facilities (Williset al., 2018). A success- 1. What is marine litter? ful outreach campaign for marine litter provides infor- mation on the problems marine litter poses to humans as 2. Marine litter in Belize. well as nature and the environment (Batavia et al., 2018) 3. Solving the marine litter problem. and to provide solutions to empower communities to feel education system in Belize. like they are able to contribute to the solution (Wali et al., An extra lesson was added for older children (ages 2017). 11+), exploring the global issues of marine litter. Suita- Education ble activities were identified and developed to accom- pany the lesson topics, with extensions suggested for Activities were centred around on the development of edu- older children within the age group. The packs were cational packages to incorporate them in the school curric- aimed for teachers to provide ideas for lesson plan- ulum. The packages were based on existing CLiP educational ning, including background information to inform their
materials and were tailored to fit the requirements of the lessons.
Page 2 of 4 The importance of outreach and education in tackling marine litter July 2019 9 July 2019
Outreach
CLiP outreach activities were prioritised by engaging indi- Belize Symposium’, the ‘Mango Fest in Hopkins’ and also viduals across a diverse range of backgrounds, organisa- took part in numerous clean-ups with several stakehold- tions and communities in order to provide them with sci- ers. The events highlighted an existing awareness of ma- rine litter as a problem, however, this knowledge seemed ence based facts for communication about marine litter. not to have resulted in fully practical actions, and behav- The final goal to identify best practises in Belize and to in- iour change such reducing use of plastic bags and other troduce suitable international best practices were needed. single use plastics or littering were still all observed. A The CLiP team participated in a series of outreach events recurring point of discussion during the outreach events after meeting relevant stakeholders to coordinate efforts was the about lack of current law enforcement in issues and ensure consistency of messages. Community packages, such as littering from buses and the lack of coordination based on the information collected for the educational on messages on marine litter. packages, were also presented to stakeholders, along with Private companies, especially those in the tourism indus- infographics to be used in their outreach activities. A non- try, that were engaged through the CLiP process dis- exhaustive list of organisations contacted in this process played a high awareness of the problems around marine include the Department of the Environment, Belize Audu- litter, as well as a proactive attitude finding solutions. bon Society, Oceana in Belize, Scouts Association of Belize, The BTIA is working on a three year plan towards sustain- Belize Tourism Industry Association, Brodies, and Radisson ability in the tourism sector. Fort George Hotel and Marina. A consultation with the Department of the Environment CLiP was present at the ‘Belize Tourism Industry Associa- highlighted the need of better/ more effective communi- tion (BTIA): Paving the Road to Sustainable Development in cation to reduce the common habit of burning plastics, F.2 Example of infographics produced to raise which will be done through communication tools such as awareness on burning plastics and incorrect infographics (see graphic). disposal
Page 3 of 4 The importance of outreach and education in tackling marine litter July9 July 2019 2019
Key Challenges The key challenges laid out below have been identified by stakeholders, using CLiP research, during outreach and education targeted stakeholder workshop that was held on 4th July 2019. Challenge Objective Risks 1 Insufficient coordination among all organ- Develop better mechanisms to align Unresponsive and difficult to en- isations involved in outreach campaigns efforts and initiatives and standardise gage public and private sector; that leads to duplication of the effort and the messages given to the communities limited resources; different levels heterogeneity in the messages to increase effectiveness of outreach of engagement level within the and avoid potentially contrasting, con- coordination group. fusing or incorrect information 2 Wrong example given by low enforce- Increase enforcement capacity and Political interference in enforce- ment which undermines the effects of compliance by committing more re- ment; low compliance by enforce- outreach campaigns sources e.g. financial, increasing the ment officers; lack of resources; number of enforcement officers etc. difficulty in changing current be- haviours and habits 3 The public has insufficient awareness Produce effective communication ma- Low responsiveness to outreach about the adverse effects of marine litter terials to raise awareness about the campaign and resistance to on the economy, public health and the importance of managing waste correct- change behaviours, limited re- environment and incorrect disposal— ly, modify behaviours, and explore new sources, messages not clear or resulting in widespread unwanted behav- paths to reach different parts of the easy to understand iour at community and individual level communities 4 More work is needed to develop and in- Map key messages about marine litter Curriculum timings for school tegrate educational materials on the im- and waste management into the school year, busy period of education, portance of marine litter, its sources, im- curriculum via a set of Education Packs lack of interest, not making the pacts and prevention into the school cur- aimed at all school ages. " materials easily accessible to riculum for all age groups. teachers. Suggested actions The actions suggested below have been taken from those identified by stakeholders and CLiP research during the outreach and education targeted stakeholder workshop held on the 4th July 2019. Challenge Action Lead Agency Partners No. 1 Formalize the plastic working group as a coordinating com- Department of the NGOs, private mittee for national campaigns (revisiting membership) Environment, sector, Plastic Task Force 2 Raise awareness of law enforcers on the importance of upholding Department of the Unions, law en- and actively implementing environmental laws Environment forcement agen- cies 3.1 Create multi-media advertising campaigns to raise awareness of Department of the NGOs, Private incorrect disposal of waste and marine litter generation, as well as Environment Commu- sector (media encourage behavioural change as part of the long– term solution nication and Public companies) Awareness Working Group (CPAWG) 3.2 Provide accurate and robust data to assess the relevance and im- Department of the Funding agencies pact of outreach campaigns and introduce metrics that will allow Environment, the government channel funding in the most effective way NGOs
4 Map the educational packs into the Belize National Curriculum for Ministry of Education, Department of all age groups. Youth, Sports and the Environment Culture. Page 4 of 4 APPENDIX 2 – Priority matrix
A list of challenges identified in tackling marine litter and improving waste management in Belize. An objective to overcome each challenge is also presented, together with a priority level identified though vote by stakeholders during the consultation process. Challenges and objectives are grouped according to the relevant CLiP pillar.
CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective
Marine 1. Inclusion of standard protocols to 1. Adopt standardise method in the Litter survey marine litter and microplastics in country to highlight data that must and Science the national water quality monitoring can be collected and provide guidelines protocol to interested stakeholders. Need to include as part of national priorities. Marine 2 2. Limited resilience in laboratory 2. Increase lab capacity in terms of Litter capacity in country to respond to human resources and equipment Science personnel turnover or lab equipment maintenance in order to avoid malfunction interruptions in lab service and ensure knowledge sharing. Marine 1 3. Limited funding and personnel to 3. Establish a national marine litter Litter develop and implement a monitoring programme. Obtaining Science comprehensive monitoring plan. national and international funding to sustain collection of scientific data in the country.
Marine 4. Lack of state-of-the-art equipment to 4. Work towards building capacity for Litter analyse microplastics composition, microplastic monitoring in country Science which limits the analytical capacity of the country
Marine 5. Monitoring effort limited to few 5. Increase the involvement of other Litter agencies with shortage of human and partners such as NGOs and other Science financial resources resulting in agencies in the monitoring programmes monitoring plans with limited checking for the quality of data geographical and temporal scope. produced under the national water quality monitoring program. Marine 6. Lack of clarity on target species to 6. Increase awareness and science- Litter include in a monitoring plan that based evidence on microplastic in biota Science includes presence of microplastics in that public can understand and relate to. biota. Marine 7. Lack of protocols to survey marine 7. Develop and implement protocols for Litter litter in mangroves and sargassum, surveying in marine litter in mangroves Science original protocols were developed for and sargassum (environments reflective beaches only. of Belizean shoreline) which can be used on the Caribbean CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective
Land- 1 8. Despite a desire from the private 8. To coordinate and incentivise private Based sector to reduce waste and marine litter, sector engagement to reduce marine Sources commitment to implementing solutions litter remains uncertain and uncoordinated efforts to present a unified position on the transition to affordable alternatives exist within the public and private sector. 9. Lack of a unified platform for the 9. To coordinate the formation of a recyclers and private sector waste Waste Recycling and Producers managers as part of the solid waste Association and invest in research and management. development Land- 3 10. A lack of effective and coordinated 10. Increase resource recovery and Based waste recycling and composting in recycling in country by supporting the Sources country and the infrastructure to growth of the recycling and composting support it. sectors Land- 4 11. A poor understanding and 11. Strengthen regulations to formalize Based coordination of stakeholder roles in and standardize waste management Sources waste management, lack of standard (collection and disposal) to promote the and unrealistic beliefs in who should pay development and strengthen of a for waste management are hampering recycling sector and establish clear roles effective waste collection and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved in waste management
Land- 3 12. Lack of clear, consistent and long- 12. Formulate an appropriately targeted Based term communication strategy between communication strategy for land-based Sources waste management stakeholders sources of marine litter and their including with the general public. management. This forming part of a bigger long-term national waste management communication campaign on all sources and solutions to marine litter and waste management. A behavioural change is needed to drive impact and the demands for alternatives and promote waste as a resource. Land- 13. Collaboration with manufacturing 13. Develop and Implement a Waste Based companies to transition to alternative Reduction and Recycling Policy & Sources products Legislation - looking at potential for a Circular Economy Sea-Based 1 14. There is lack of waste data on 14. Develop and implement a national Sources Belize’s national shipping which is below plan to address waste from vessels at IMO tonnages, therefore potentially a national level and incorporate pollution large unidentified and unquantified from ships under a marine pollution waste stream present in Belize today prevention legislation. CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective
Sea-Based 3 15. Belize does not land international 15. Conduct a coordinated national and Sources waste at its ports. However, there is no regional audit of waste from vessels oversight of what international vessels do with the significant amounts of waste generated while navigating Belize waters. This means Belize relies on the international shipping industry to ‘do the right thing’ in reporting on waste management and disposal Sea-Based 2 16. Poor and lack of awareness and 16. Increase awareness and compliance Sources understanding of the causes and with proper procedures for handling impacts of marine litter by small-scale waste in the domestic shipping commercial operators (artisanal fisherman, catamarans, tour operators etc) means there is a high probability of improper waste treatment by those operators Outreach 1 17. Insufficient coordination among all 17. Develop better mechanisms to align & organisations involved in outreach efforts and initiatives and standardize Education campaigns that leads to duplication of the messages given to the communities the effort and heterogeneity in the to increase effectiveness of outreach messages and avoid potentially contrasting, confusing or incorrect information Outreach 2 18. Wrong example given by low 18. Increase enforcement capacity and & enforcement, which undermines the compliance by committing more Education effects of outreach campaigns resources e.g. financial, increasing the number of enforcement officers etc. Outreach 3 19. The public has insufficient 19. Produce effective communication & awareness about the adverse effects of materials to raise awareness on the Education marine litter on the economy, public importance of managing waste health and the environment and correctly, modify behaviours, and incorrect disposal—resulting in explore new paths to reach different widespread unwanted behaviour at parts of the communities community and individual level Outreach 1 20. Poor support to inform and sensitise 20. To provide clear guidelines for & broad public to changes in waste sensitizing the public for changes in Education management infrastructures and waste management infrastructure and regulations. regulations Outreach 2 21. Limited and/or fragmented financial 21. Conduct an assessment to & resources to carry out effective outreach determine a multi-agency collaboration Education campaign to execute an effective outreach campaign CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective
Outreach 3 22. Low efficiency of outreach 22. To effect behavioural change & campaigns due to generalist and not through effective outreach campaign in Education relatable messages instead of multiple languages personalised and targeted messages vehiculated through adequate media products. Outreach 1 23. Poor participation of private 23. To encourage corporate & companies in outreach campaigns responsibility in private sector to Education against marine litter and limited participate in, conduct, and promote recognition of the social responsibility outreach campaigns on marine litter, coming from unsustainable business waste reduction, recycling models. Outreach 2 24. Limited political will or interest 24. To have political support and buy in & about environmental issues in the for strengthening and improving waste Education political agenda. management and marine litter reduction Outreach 3 More work is needed to develop and 25. Map key messages about marine & integrate educational materials on the litter and waste management into the Education importance of marine litter, its sources, school curriculum via a set of Education impacts and prevention into the school Packs aimed at all school ages. curriculum for all age groups.
APPENDIX 3 – Risk assessment List of key risks linked to the implementations of the actions of the Belie Marine Litter Action Plan. The actions are linked to their corresponding objective grouped by CLiP pillar. All risks were identified at the targeted and national workshops and subsequently by Department for the environment staff. The Department for the Environment also performed the risk assessments as the legal agency responsible for overseeing this Action Plan, therefore Cefas and its sub-contractors did not participate in this activity. CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar Marine Unwillingness of stakeholder High Litter to collect data Science Unsatisfactory quality of data Extreme due to low compliance with 1. Adopt standardise method in 1.1 Adopt and implement standardized protocols for surveying marine protocols the country to highlight data that litter and microplastics within the national water quality monitoring Lack of financial resources for Medium must and can be collected and protocols; marine litter due to allocation provide guidelines to interested 1.2 Include mechanism for standardizing data collection and data of monitoring funding to stakeholders. Need to include as sharing in the water quality monitoring programme. priority indicators for water part of national priorities. quality Incomparability between Medium citizen data and validated scientific data Marine 2.1 Strengthen laboratory and human resource capacity increasing High turnover rate and loss of Medium Litter number of trained people and of equipped laboratories; lab personnel trained to Science 2. Increase lab capacity in terms of 2.2 Training personnel in different organisations to follow the adopted conduct monitoring human resources and equipment scientific protocols; Limited/Lack of successional High maintenance in order to avoid 2.3 Publishing a training manual to facilitate knowledge sharing. planning for building capacity interruptions in lab service and 2.4 Allocate resources within current government budget (software Lack of funding to Extreme ensure knowledge sharing. training, repairs and maintenance), repair/replace unique pieces 2.5 Cross-organisational training to boost collaboration and of equipment partnership (expands pool of experts but also increases competition), Lack of resources for training Medium CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar 2.6 Establish a collaboration where all parties can share technology and Low Concentration of capacity in equipment, only one lab 2.7 Provide short courses (specialised course) for lab protocols Marine Identification of funding Low Litter agencies and development of Science 3. Establish a national marine litter 3.1 Develop a detailed project proposal and submit it to national and project proposals before hard monitoring programme. Obtaining international funding agencies for implementation of a minimum 1- and short deadlines of national and international funding year monitoring programme to establish a baseline. funding calls to sustain collection of scientific 3.2 Use findings from baseline programme to inform and establish Lack of institutional capacity Medium data in the country. longer term sustained monitoring programme. Poor willingness of funding Extreme agencies to fund long-term data collection projects Marine Account for sustainability Medium Litter (financial, physical, 4. Work towards building capacity 4.1 Identify international laboratory with microFTIR and establish Science consumables) and for microplastic monitoring in collaboration (1-2 years) maintenance country 4.2 Expand national capacity acquiring a micro-FTIR (5+ years) Cost of equipment Medium
Marine Low 5.1 Invite NGOS (Belize Audubon Society, Oceana, Southern Litter 5. Increase the involvement of Environmental Alliance) and other GOB agencies (Belize Solid Waste Science Low quality of the data other partners such as NGOs and Management Authority, Ministry of Health) and private companies
other agencies in the monitoring (Belize Water Services Limited) to actively collect data for the programmes checking for the monitoring plan; Form a national microplastics & macroplastics Low quality of data produced under monitoring network with a data storage / information collection and the national water quality management system hub. Low compliance with monitoring program. 5.2 Train officers of the interested stakeholders to protocols and data protocols gathering procedures;5.3 Securing the presence of trained personnel in CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar all regions to expand strategic capacity nationally; High 5.4 Establish a committee between trained officers and stakeholders Limited resources to assist interested in monitoring to coordinate the effort of providing expert new partners in data support during operations; collection 5.5 Rank/select stakeholders based on the proved quality of the data provided. Marine 6.1 Developing a list of species which can have a direct impact to Potential negative impacts on High Litter humans and/or are indicators/ readily consumed by Belizeans fisheries industry and 6. Increase awareness and Science 6.2 Developing a list of criteria to rank species and select the most commercial products science-based evidence on suitable/important to monitor the target parameters;6. Reduction in local subsistence High microplastic in biota that public 6.3 Implementing a monitoring programme on the selected species; consumption of marine can understand and relate to. 6.4 Communicate findings with scientific accuracy to avoid unintended species (fish) affecting caloric decision not based on science. intake Marine 7. Develop and implement High 7.1 Research existing methods for surveying marine litter. Litter protocols for surveying in marine Unsuccess in having protocols 7.2 Determine acceptable method for surveying marine litter and Science litter in mangroves and sargassum accepted and established as sargassum in the marine environment. (environments reflective of Standard Protocol nationally 7.3 Developing standard protocol to survey mangroves and sargassum, Belizean shoreline) which can be or regionally which can be used nationally and regionally. used on the Caribbean Land- 8.1 Review and make improvements / changes to government finance Extreme Unresponsive and difficult to Based to ensure that problematic single-use plastics as well as other common engage with public and Sources litter are not incentivised over more sustainable alternatives; 8. To coordinate and incentivise private 8.2Ensure that any policies, disincentives and levies are fairly and private sector engagement to equally applied across target sectors without exception, unless Corruption and lack of Extreme reduce marine litter necessary for health and national security; independency in monitoring 8.3 (6 months) Review existing KAP surveys for public and business and enforcing agencies and attitudes to alternative products. activities CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar 8.4 Identify and implement a KAP survey focussing on waste Medium management, business attitudes and use of alternative products; Extension/Exemption of 8.5 Targeted public education outreach program to inform public of import duties material readily available that is recyclable and compostable, as well as the use and advantages of composting. [9-12 months] 8.6 Review the efficiency and effectiveness of existing resources, High Financial resourcing (lack of) financial and human, allocated for enforcement activities in collaboration with key stakeholders through the coordination of an enforcement meeting/discussion Extreme 8.7 Review and update existing enforcement protocols 8.8 Spread existing best practices for waste management across the Unwillingness to collaborate private sector and implement public education and outreach for best practices for waste management Land- Difficulties in finding Medium Based alternatives 9.1 Investments in research & development for alternatives Sources Unwillingness to change Extreme (alternative materials, alternative behavioural changes, alternative habits disposal patterns) to single-use plastics. Attention should be given to 9. To coordinate the formation of Increase costs due to change Extreme material readily recyclable and readily compostable in garden a Waste Recycling and Producers of materials composters. [9-12 months] Association and invest in research 9.2 Establish a Waste Producer and Recycling Association to coordinate Lack of funding Extreme and development and lobby GOB for infrastructure, policy, legislation, and regional and Conflict of interest Extreme international funding; to include a constitution (guiding principles) to Absence of infrastructure to Extreme commit member organizations for environmental benefit correctly dispose alternative materials Land- 10. Increase resource recovery 10.1 (2 months) Put regulation/ legislation in place to incentivise and Fluctuations in the market for Extreme Based and recycling in country by promote the recycling centres and industry, at a local and national resource recovery materials Sources supporting the growth of the level. The group provided example such as fuel subsidies and scope to Increase of cost of fuel for Extreme recycling and composting sectors opening markets. (timeline: 2 months changed to at least 1 year) recyclers CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar 10.2 (3 months) Assess the type and volume of materials that are being Monopolization of waste Extreme recycled in Belize and improve resource recovery of the materials; collection system in Belize 10.3 (1 month) Provide guidance and starter packs for people and/or City businesses wishing to venture into recycling; Problems in plastic export due High 10.4 (1 year +) Instigate a pilot project to demonstrate the viability of to its classification as a separation at source for composting and recycling and markets to buy hazardous material under and sell the products of these activities. Basel Convention 10.5 (5 years+) Explore administrative options to conduct a feasibility Identification of possible use High study for a composting market, e.g. town councils, beautification, for compost by the Ministry of (positive) schools, resorts, etc. Agriculture 10.6 Promote awareness campaigns for public and private sector Lack of national regulatory Extreme legislation or framework to manage, implement and coordinate a recycling sector Insufficient communication Extreme among stakeholders Delays and resistance in Extreme changing legislation Land- 11. Strengthen regulations to 11.1 Strengthen and improve national regulations for waste Lack of human resources Extreme Based formalize and standardize waste management lobbied for by keys stakeholders (public and private) power in the collection of Sources management (collection and 11.2 Improve coordination and understanding of roles with all players waste disposal) to promote the in waste management in municipalities, villages and communities. Improper use of bins to High development and strengthening Including understanding that who pays for waste management and why collect household waste of a recycling sector and establish it is important to build a sustainable system. Lack of proper or approved Extreme clear roles and responsibilities for 11.3 Publish clear information about what agency is responsible for dumpsite in most all stakeholders involved in waste each part of waste management municipalities, villages and management 11.4 Adoption of standardise requirements set out to facilitate communities CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar collection of garbage nationwide Lack of long-term sustainable Extreme 11.5 Increase number of receptacles countrywide and increase the financing for improved waste number of villages and communities with collection system. The group collection added that these receptacles should be suitable for source separation. Unwillingness to participate Extreme Land- 12.1 Develop a long-term communications strategy using multiple and Use of ineffective messages or Medium Based diverse channels to reduce land-based sources of marine litter as part media Sources of a wider national campaign. The strategy should also coordinate Lack of responsiveness to Medium 12. Formulate an appropriately efforts of stakeholders, such as NGOs and Government, including at outreach by general public targeted communication strategy public events, to ensure the public receive consistent and coordinated Inconsistency and correctness High for land-based sources of marine messages across different media types and channels. of the messages if not litter and their management. This 12.2 Declare a Clean Belize Day, arranging multi-sector awareness coordinated forming part of a bigger long-term events across the country on the day. Low reach to remote Medium national waste management 12.3 Apply industry standard Public Relation tools to measure the communities with limited communication campaign on all effectiveness and deficiencies in any land-based sources of outreach access to specific media sources and solutions to marine campaign. High litter and waste management. A 12.4 Change reference to "Waste" in the context of waste management Funding (lack of) behavioural change is needed to and recycling, to "Resource" as part of a wider effort in Belize to change drive impact and the demands for conception of waste as a valueless materials, to a valuable resource. Medium alternatives and promote waste as 12.5 Consider ways to boosting value of commonly identified litter a resource. Persistence of widespread items. For example, extending deposit return schemes, incorrect behaviours 12.6 Develop and implement national outreach & education campaign about waste as a resource. Land- 13.1 Formulate new regulation for packaging to primarily minimise use Private companies’ Medium 13. Develop and Implement a Based of materials and ensuring materials used are readily recyclable and unwillingness to collaborate Waste Reduction and Recycling Sources lastly that readily compostable in garden composters. Attention should Policy & Legislation - looking at Unaffordability (not Extreme be paid to ensure introduction of new regulations are sustainable and potential for a Circular Economy affordable/no funding to minimise negative impacts on business in the short term (Develop and implement CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar Implement a Waste Reduction and Recycling Policy & Legislation - Lack of willingness of GOB to Extreme looking at potential for a Circular Economy). implement 13.2 Spread existing best practices for waste management across the Extreme private sector. For example, BSI solid waste management plan and Uncertainty of standards British Army Training Unit Belize (BASTUB) Sea-Based 14.1 Create national steering committee to oversee and explore the High Sources adequacy of existing protocols on data collection and to explore the formulation of new guidelines and protocols for collection data to fill gaps. 14.2 Review data from existing sources to identify gaps (for example data on vessels below IMO tonnage limit, illegal dumping in Cayes, transboundary waste, waste in marinas, vessels with no designated landing place) 14. Develop and implement a 14.3 Adapt existing and/or develop new protocols to address the Uncertainty about the national plan to address waste identified gaps in waste generation on all types of national vessels. coordination in waste from vessels at national level and (considering internationally accepted protocols) management in the maritime incorporate pollution from ships 14.4 Conduct pilot studies to test the effectiveness of and gaps in sector because spread across under a marine pollution existing protocols, and pilots to any infrastructural, training and seven agencies prevention legislation. funding deficiencies for management of waste collection and disposal from vessels. Where possible these pilots to gather indicative baseline data with view to scaling up. 14.5 Use pilot study to engage government and funding organisations to address protocol gaps, and other deficiencies to then enable national roll out of protocols and data gathering. 14.6 Ensure that data collection for waste from vessels and monitoring is included in legislation to institutionalize MARPOL at national level. Financing and Expertise Extreme CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar Sea-Based 15. Conduct a coordinated 15.1 Review APWC and other reports to understand in more detail Length of time taken to go Medium Sources national and regional audit of what types and quantities of waste shipping is generating in through international waste from vessels international waters and what is needed for monitoring to fill in gaps organizations for international vessels. Medium Delays in coordination at 15.2 Coordinate with regional partners (Mexico/USA) and other regional level (lengthy relevant bodies (IMO) to create a clear agreement where process) (Ministry of Foreign international waste not manageable in Belize waters is disposed of. Affairs and other Ministerial 15.3 Work with international bodies, and regional partners to support levels) random waste audits of vessels in Belize waters to ensure compliance. Sea-Based 16. Increase awareness and 16.1 Within the information packs to National Marine License holders, Medium Sources compliance with proper include material on marine litter. In information packs and on procedures for handling waste in preparing licensees for changes to syllabus on the inclusion the domestic shipping requirements around waste management and marine litter. Include examples and best practice material to prepare license holders. 16.2 Need to nationalize MARPOL Conventions - institutionalize into national legislation (marine pollution prevention legislation) Inability of communication to 16.3 Inclusion of waste management/disposal in the check list to reaching the target audience obtain tour operator licences. Also Include marine litter in the syllabus for license tests. 16.4 Consult with stakeholders impacted by changes outlined above to explain clearly why and what the benefits will be. 16.5 Conduct a Sensitization Campaign with maritime domestic sector on proper disposal of waste, pros and cons to improper disposal, and marine litter Outreach 17. Develop better mechanisms to 17.1 Formalize the plastic working group as a coordinating committee Unresponsive and difficult to Medium and align efforts and initiatives and for national campaigns (revisiting membership) engage public and private Education standardize the messages given to 17.2 Identify a common message and share goals, develop a unified sector the communities to increase vision. Limited resources High CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar effectiveness of outreach and 17.3 Stakeholders to form a committee to avoid blame on other Different levels of High avoid potentially contrasting, organisations. engagement level within the confusing or incorrect information coordination group self-interest from individual Medium stakeholders and conflict of interests could lead to monopolisation of the council, need incentive for organisations to coordinate Outreach Political interference in Extreme and enforcement Education 18.1 Revision of environmental laws to update fines; Low compliance by High 18.2 Mobilise resources to scale up enforcement; enforcement officers 18. Increase enforcement capacity 18.3 Raise awareness of law enforcers on the importance of upholding Lack of resources Extreme and compliance by committing and actively implementing environmental laws Difficulty in changing current Extreme more resources e.g. financial, 18.4 Outreach to communities and general public to decrease the need behaviours and habits increasing the number of of enforcement encouraging virtuous behaviours. People will find a way to Extreme enforcement officers etc. 18.6 Increase public awareness on ticketing system for environmental circumnavigate, e.g. dumping laws (littering) and about persons that can enforce the environmental rubbish at night-time laws. Major crimes go unpunished Extreme so improper disposal will not hit radar Outreach Medium 19. Produce effective 19.1 Identify individuals within small/medium communities as and Low responsiveness to communication materials to raise 'Champions' to spread best practices to spread information and Education outreach campaign and awareness on the importance of disseminate best practices to tackle marine litter; resistance to change managing waste correctly, modify 19.2 Training 'Champions' using a nation-wide scheme; behaviours behaviours, and explore new 19.3 Organise a calendar among all stakeholder involved in outreach to CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar paths to reach different parts of be present to national and local events to create awareness; Medium the communities 19.4 Create multi-media advertising campaigns to raise awareness of incorrect disposal of waste and marine litter generation, as well as Limited resources, messages encourage behavioural change as part of the long– term solution not clear or easy to 19.5 Provide accurate and robust data to assess the relevance and understand impact of outreach campaigns and introduce metrics that will allow the government channel funding in the most effective way Outreach Lack of perception of the Extreme and 20.1 Lobbying for new and improved legislation and acquire technical value linked to materials Education 20. To provide clear guidelines for support from SWAMA to correctly inform at municipal and community handled by solid waste sensitizing the public for changes level management in waste management 20.2 Develop a national communication and education strategy Lack of funding for prolonged Extreme infrastructure and regulations (determining roles of councils and other organizations including private educational campaigns on garbage collection companies) waste management Legislative change takes time High Outreach 21.1 Revisiting existing system for fund management and allocation; Medium and 21.2 Providing data to assess the relevance and impact of outreach Education campaign to allocate funding's effectively, introducing a system of 21. Conduct an assessment to measurables; determine a multi-agency 21.3 Merge ideas and effort to create a unique proposal to increase Unwillingness of agencies to collaboration to execute an the reach and impact of communication campaigns; e.g. Audubon collaborate and coordinate effective outreach campaign Model/SEA - collaborate effort to avoid duplication and go towards a wider coverage of outreach 21.4 use the unique plan to lobby and request funding as a single group. CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar Outreach 22.1 Involve media houses to incorporate environmental ads (with a Low and particular focus on positive messages); encourage corporate social Limited availability Education responsibility. (manpower) 22. To effect behavioural change 22.2 Create visual content (printing, billboards, cartoons, video ads) through effective outreach and audio for radios. Low campaign in multiple languages 22.3 Encourage/sustain training for environmental journalism. 22.4 Use engaged media to help in scaling up best practices in waste Unwillingness to participate management. 22.5 Use social media to increase coverage. Outreach 23.1 Raise awareness in the private sector about environmental laws Lack of cooperation, limited Extreme and 23. To encourage corporate and risks of not compliance; resources Government Education responsibility in private sector to 23.2 Establish a system of incentives and penalties to ensure corruption hinders proper participate in, conduct, and compliance to the laws; enforcement promote outreach campaigns on 23.3 Ensure resources to support and encourage environmentally Extreme Little to no incentives for marine litter, waste reduction, friendly corporate initiatives; private sector to change recycling 23.4 Advocate for environmental corporate responsibility in all practices aspects of business, from operations, management, etc. Outreach 24.1 Raise awareness with top politicians, including one-on-one and lobbying with relevant and targeted Ministers to propose Lack of support, Medium Education environmental laws and pledge for compliance; 24. To have political support and 24.2 Increase outreach impact on politicians and authorities Low prioritisation of the issue Extreme buy in for strengthening and conducting visits to waste management facilities or area with obvious Extreme Lack of political will in the improving waste management negative effects due to waste mismanagement; government to improve and marine litter reduction 24.3 Encouraging actions presenting scientific data of mis-usage (such recycling (e.g. investing in as illegal land filling) and of negative impacts of litter and equipment and finding a microplastics on environment and human health and have evidence market) based decisions and policy. 25. Map key messages about Wrong curriculum timings for Low marine litter and waste school year CLiP Objectives Actions Risks Risk level Pillar Outreach management into the school 25.1 Map the educational packs into the Belize National Curriculum Lack of time to fit new Low and curriculum via a set of Education for all age groups. arguments in the curriculum Education Packs aimed at all school ages. 25.2 Issue packs out for next school year. Lack of interest Low Poor accessibility to the Extreme materials by teachers
Action Matrix for the Marine Litter Action Plan Belize: Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong
Appendix 4, August 2019
Challenge Estimated Lead Implementing CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective Action Measurable Key risks Partners Relevant National Policy Relevant Regional and International Policy Funding Source Cost No. Timelines Agency
Unwillingness of stakeholder to collect data ; 1 years to Unsatisfactory quality of Regional: develop a SOP, NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target Appendix about data due to low compliance GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', 2 years for test 2.1.3, Action 6; Issue 4, Goal 4.1, Target 4.1.1, 1. Adopt standardise method in the country 1.1 Adopt and implement standardized protocols for surveying microplastics or marine litter with protocols ; Lack of Goal 1, Objective 1; Theme 'Research and and Action 1; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target 8.1.2, Actions Inclusion of standard protocols to survey to highlight data that must and can be marine litter and microplastics within the national water quality monitoring in the national financial resources for Ministry of Monitoring', Goal 2, Objective 4. Marine Litter improvement - 1 and 2 1 marine litter and microplastics in the national collected and provide guidelines to interested monitoring protocols; water quality monitoring marine litter due to CZMAI and DoE Health; NGOs & Science Develop water quality monitoring protocol stakeholders. Need to include as part of 1.2 Include mechanism for standardizing data collection and protocol; specific roles and allocation of monitoring Private Sector RAPMaLi 2014, 4.3 Action 3 protocol within BICZMP (2016), Strategy 1, Topic 1.7, Action 3; national priorities. data sharing in the water quality monitoring programme. rules about data sharing in funding to priority indicators 6 months, Strategy 3, Topic 3.1, Action 1 the monitoring programme for water quality; International: standardise Incomparability between SDG 12 & SDG 14 within 3 years citizen data and validated scientific data
2.1 Strengthen laboratory and human resource capacity increasing number of trained people and of equipped CZMAI, UB, laboratories; High turnover rate and loss Fisheries 2.2 Training personnel in different organisations to follow the of lab personnel trained to Department, adopted scientific protocols; Number of labs/officers that conduct monitoring; Forest Regional: 2.3 Publishing a training manual to facilitate knowledge can carry out marine litter Limited/Lack of successional 2. Increase lab capacity in terms of human Department NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 1, Goal 1.2, Target GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', Limited resilience in laboratory capacity in sharing. and microplastics analysis in planning for building capacity Marine Litter Phased resources and equipment maintenance in Department of the Ministry of Public 1.2.1, Action 5; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target 8.1.2 Goal 3, Objective 9. 2 2 country to respond to personnel turnover or 2.4 Allocate resources within current government budget accordance with SOP; ; Lack of funding to Science Approach order to avoid interruptions in lab service and Environment Service; Belize lab equipment malfunction (software training, repairs and maintenance), repair/replace unique pieces ensure knowledge sharing. Bureau of NDF Horizon 2030, Bricks & Mortar; Goal 1 International: 2.5 Cross-organisational training to boost collaboration and Publication of a training of equipment ; Lack of Standards; partnership (expands pool of experts but also increases manual resources for training ; External Funders: competition), Concentration of capacity in Green Climate 2.6 Establish a collaboration where all parties can share only one lab Fund; technology and equipment, 2.7 Provide short courses (specialised course) for lab protocols
Identification of funding Any other Regional: 3.1 Develop a detailed project proposal and submit it to agencies and development of eventual GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', national and international funding agencies for implementation project proposals before 3. Establish a national marine litter Proposal for Establishment & stakeholder Goal 2, Objective 5; Theme 'Research and of a minimum 1 year monitoring programme to establish a hard and short deadlines of NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 4, Goal 4.1, Target Marine Litter Limited funding and personnel to develop and monitoring programme. Obtaining national Implementation of a Department of the involved in the Monitoring', Goal 3, Objective 7; Theme 3 1 baseline. funding calls; Lack of 4.1.1, Action 1; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target 8.1.2, Science implement a comprehensive monitoring plan. and international funding to sustain collection Monitoring Programme for Environment plan. Academia, 'Governance', Goal 1, Objective 1. 3.2 Use findings from baseline programme to inform and institutional capacity; Poor Actions 1 and 2 of scientific data in the country. Plastics (micro & macro) Fisheries establish longer term sustained monitoring programme. willingness of funding Department, International: agencies to fund long-term CZMAI data collection projects
Regional: CZMAI, Fisheries Account for sustainability GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', Est: $50,000 BZE Department, Lack of state-of-the-art equipment to analyse 4.1 Identify international laboratory with microFTIR and (financial, physical, NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 4, Goal 4.1, Target Goal 3, Objective 6; Theme 'Research and to purchase, ship, Marine Litter 4. Work towards building capacity for Collaboration with labs Department of the University of 4 1-2 years microplastics composition, which limits the establish collaboration(1-2 years); consumables) and 4.1.2, Action 3; Issue 1, Goal 1.2, Target 1.2.1, Monitoring', Goal 3, Objective 9. install Science microplastic monitoring in country equipped with microFTIR Environment Belize; Belize analytical capacity of the country 4.2 Expand national capacity acquiring a micro-FTIR (5+ years) ; maintenance ; Cost of Action 5; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target 8.1.2, Action 2; Maintenance Bureau of equipment International: cost: Unknown Standards
5.1 Invite NGOS (Belize Audubon Society, Oceana, Southern Environmental Alliance) and other GOB agencies (Belize Solid Establishment of monitoring Waste Management Authority, Ministry of Health) and private network and active members companies (Belize Water Services Limited) to actively collect Regional: data for the monitoring plan; Form a national microplastics & Number of monitoring Partners in NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 1, Goal 1.2, Target GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', macroplastics monitoring network with a data storage / 5. Increase the involvement of other partners activities done by NGOs or Low quality of the data ; Low monitoring 1.2.1, Action 5; Issue 5, Goal 5.1, Target 5.1.3; Goal 4, Objective 11. Monitoring effort limited to few agencies with information collection and management system hub. such as NGOs and other agencies in the other agencies; numbers of compliance with protocols ; programmes NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target Marine Litter shortage of human and financial resources 5.2 Train officers of the interested stakeholders to protocols Department of the 5 1-2 Years monitoring programmes checking for the stakeholders involved in Limited resources to assist already on-going 8.1.2, NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 12, Goal 12.1, RAPMaLi 2014, 4.3 Action 3 Science resulting in monitoring plans with limited and data gathering procedures;5.3 Securing the presence of Environment quality of data produced under the national monitoring and accredited; new partners in data for other Target 12.1.2. geographical and temporal scope. trained personnel in all regions to expand strategic capacity water quality monitoring program. numbers of officers trained; collection environmental nationally; establishment of a concerns. BICZMP (2016), Strategy 1, Topic 1.7, Action 3 International: 5.4 Establish a committee between trained officers and committee between trained stakeholders interested in monitoring to coordinate the effort officers and external of providing expert support during operations; stakeholders. 5.5 Rank/select stakeholders based on the proved quality of the data provided. Action Matrix for the Marine Litter Action Plan Belize: Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong
Appendix 4, August 2019
Challenge Estimated Lead Implementing CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective Action Measurable Key risks Partners Relevant National Policy Relevant Regional and International Policy Funding Source Cost No. Timelines Agency
6.1 Developing a list of species which can have a direct impact to humans and/or are indicators/ readily consumed by Potential negative impacts Regional: Belizeans on fisheries industry and Marine Station of Department of the GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', Lack of clarity on target species to include in a 6. Increase awareness and science-based 6.2 Developing a list of criteria to rank species and select the Implementation of the commercial products ; Tobacco Caye NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target Marine Litter Environment, CZMAI, Goal 2, Objective 4. 6 1 year monitoring plan that includes presence of evidence on microplastic in biota that public most suitable/important to monitor the target parameters;6. monitoring plan focused on Reduction in local 2.1.3, Actions 1, 2, 4, 6; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target Science UB. Fisheries microplastics in biota. can understand and relate to. 6.3 Implementing a monitoring programme on the selected the selected species. subsistence consumption of Fisheries 8.1.2 Department International: species; marine species (fish) Cooperative 6.4 Communicate findings with scientific accuracy to avoid affecting caloric intake unintended decision not based on science.
Regional: Forestry (legally 7. Develop and implement protocols for 7.1 Research existing methods for surveying marine litter. Unsuccess in having GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', mandated to monitor NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target Lack of protocols to survey marine litter in surveying in marine litter in mangroves and 7.2 Determine acceptable method for surveying marine litter Adoption of the methods to protocols accepted and Goal 1, Objective 1; Theme 'Research and Marine Litter mangroves) DoE, UB, CZMAI 2.1.1, Action 3; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target 8.1.2 7 1-2 years mangroves and sargassum, original protocols sargassum (environments reflective of and sargassum in the marine environment. survey mangroves and established as Standard Monitoring', Goal 2, Objective 4 Science Fisheries Department BTB, BTIA were developed for beaches only. Belizean shoreline) which can be used on the 7.3 Developing standard protocol to survey mangroves and sargassum Protocol nationally or (monitor sargassum in BICZMP (2016), Strategy 1, Topic 1.3, Action 4 Caribbean sargassum, which can be used nationally and regionally. regionally International: marine environment)
8.1 Review and make improvements / changes to government finance to ensure that problematic single-use plastics as well as other common litter are not incentivised over more sustainable alternatives; 8.2Ensure that any policies, disincentives and levies are fairly and equally applied across target sectors without exception, unless necessary for health and national security; 8.3 (6 months) Review existing KAP surveys for public and NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 6, Goal 6.1, Target business attitudes to alternative products. Unresponsive and difficult to 6.1.2, Action 1 Despite a desire from the private sector to 6 months 8.4 Identify and implement a KAP survey focussing on waste Implementation of engage with public and reduce waste and marine litter, commitment Ministry of Finance, reviewing management, business attitudes and use of alternative incentives and/or private ; Corruption and lack GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 1, to implementing solutions remains uncertain Ministry for Economic results and 3 products; 8.5 programmes to promote of independency in Action 'Development of strategies that mitigate Land-Based and uncoordinated efforts to present a unified 8. To coordinate and incentivise private sector Development Department of 8 months for 1 Targeted public education outreach program to inform public sustainable alternatives in monitoring and enforcing the impacts of land based and marine pollution, Sources position on the transition to affordable engagement to reduce marine litter Attorney General the Environment proper of material readily available that is recyclable and compostable, finance sector, taxes, and agencies and activities; especially those generated by domestic and alternatives exist within the public and private Chamber of implementatio as well as the use and advantages of composting. [9-12 changes to budgetary Extension of import duties; industrial activities'; Necessary Condition 3.3, sector. Commerce BTIA BTB n months] allocations Financial resourcing; Action 7 8.6 Review the efficiency and effectiveness of existing Unwillingness to collaborate resources, financial and human, allocated for enforcement NDF Horizon 2030, Pillar I; goals 2, 3, and 6. activities in collaboration with key stakeholders through the coordination of an enforcement meeting/discussion 8.7 Review and update existing enforcement protocols 8.8 Spread existing best practices for waste management across the private sector and implement public education and outreach for best practices for waste management
9.1 Investments in research & development for alternatives (alternative materials, alternative behavioural changes, Difficulties in finding alternative disposal patterns) to single-use plastics. Attention alternatives; Unwillingness OPM, Ministry of Establishment of a Waste should be given to material readily recyclable and readily to change habits; Increase Finance, Ministry Lack of a unified platform for the recyclers and 9. To coordinate the formation of a Waste Recycling and Producers Land-Based Dependent on compostable in garden composters. [9-12 months] costs due to change of for Economic 9 private sector waste managers as part of the Recycling and Producers Association and Association and research and Private Sector Sources Private Sector 9.2 Establish a Waste Producer and Recycling Association to materials; Lack of funding; Development, solid waste management. invest in research and development development being coordinate and lobby GOB for infrastructure, policy, legislation, Conflict of interest; Absence Belize Chamber of conducted by private sector and regional and international funding; to include a of infrastructure to correctly Commerce constitution (guiding principles) to commit member dispose alternative materials organizations for environmental benefit Action Matrix for the Marine Litter Action Plan Belize: Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong
Appendix 4, August 2019
Challenge Estimated Lead Implementing CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective Action Measurable Key risks Partners Relevant National Policy Relevant Regional and International Policy Funding Source Cost No. Timelines Agency
10.1 (2 months) Put regulation/ legislation in place to Fluctuations in the market NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 6, Goal 6.1, Target incentivise and promote the recycling centres and industry, at a for resource recovery 6.1.2, Action 1 local and national level. The group provided example such as materials ; Increase of cost fuel subsidies and scope to opening markets. (timeline: 2 of fuel for recyclers ; GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 1, months changed to at least 1 year) Monopolization of waste Action 'Development of strategies that mitigate 10.2 (3 months) Assess the type and volume of materials that collection system in Belize Department of the the impacts of land based and marine pollution, are being recycled in Belize and improve resource recovery of City ; Problems in plastic Environment (legal Register of recyclers in Belize especially those generated by domestic and the materials; export due to its entity for pollution Report with quantitative industrial activities'; Critical Success Factor 3, 10.3 (1 month) Provide guidance and starter packs for people classification as a hazardous control & hazardous Regional: analysis of recycled material Action 'completion and implementation of other A lack of effective and coordinated waste 10. Increase resource recovery and recycling and/or businesses wishing to venture into recycling; material under Basel waste), Belize Solid Municipalities, RAPMaLi 2014, 4.1 Action 1 Land-Based in Belize critical policies, plans and projects in the area of 10 5 years 3 recycling and composting in country and the in country by supporting the growth of the 10.4 (1 year +) Instigate a pilot project to demonstrate the Convention; Identification of Waste Management Private Sector Sources Information pack forests, infrastructure to support it. recycling and composting sectors viability of separation at source for composting and recycling possible use for compost by Service (legal entity (recyclers, etc.) International: Official section on source fisheries, oil spill contingency, land-based and and markets to buy and sell the products of these activities. the Ministry of Agriculture; for waste Basel Convention separation in waste marine pollution, readiness for the Green 10.5 (5 years+) Explore administrative options to conduct a Lack of national regulatory management), Local management guidelines Climate feasibility study for a composting market, e.g. town councils, legislation or framework to Governments & Local Fund, sustainable livelihoods, and technology for beautification, schools, resorts, etc. manage, implement and Authority climate change mitigation and adaptation'; 10.6 Promote awareness campaigns for public and private coordinate a recycling sector Necessary Condition 3.3, Action 7 sector ; Insufficient communication among stakeholders; Delays NDF Horizon 2030, One Binding Constraint; Goal and resistance in changing 1, 2 & 3, Brick and Mortar; Goal 1 legislation
11.1 Strengthen and improve national regulations for waste NEAP (2014-2024) Issue 6, Goal 6.1, Target 6.1.1, management lobbied for by keys stakeholders (public and Low man power in the Action 5; Issue 6, Goal 6.1, Target 6.1.2, Action 1 private) Updated national regulations collection of waste; Improper 11.2 Improve coordination and understanding of roles with all on waste management use of bins to collect GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 3, 11. Strengthen regulations to formalize and players in waste management in municipalities, villages and enacted. household waste; Lack of Action 'completion and implementation of other A poor understanding and coordination of Local Municipalities Regional: standardize waste management (collection communities. Including understanding that who pays for waste proper or approved SWAMA, Ministry critical policies, plans and projects in the area of stakeholder roles in waste management, lack through Mayors RAPMaLi 2014, 4.1 Action 1 Land-Based and disposal) to promote the development management and why it is important to build a sustainable Implementation of national dumpsite in most of Local forests, 11 2-3 years 4 of standard and unrealistic beliefs in who Association and Sources and strengthening of a recycling sector and system. 11.3 standards for waste municipalities, villages and Government, and fisheries, oil spill contingency, land-based and should pay for waste management are DAVCO,Attorney International: establish clear roles and responsibilities for all Publish clear information about what agency is responsible for management (collection, communities; Lack of long- DOE marine pollution, readiness for the Green hampering effective waste collection General stakeholders involved in waste management each part of waste management separation, disposal) for term sustainable financing Climate 11.4 Adoption of standardise requirements set out to facilitate local and national authorities for improved waste Fund, sustainable livelihoods, and technology for collection of garbage nationwide to follow. collection; Unwillingness to climate change mitigation and adaptation'; 11.5 Increase number of receptacles countrywide and increase participate Necessary Condition 3.3, Action 7 the number of villages and communities with collection system. The group added that these receptacles should be suitable for source separation.
12.1 Develop a long-term communications strategy using multiple and diverse channels to reduce land-based sources of marine litter as part of a wider national campaign. The strategy should also coordinate efforts of stakeholders, such as NGOs Use of ineffective messages 12. Formulate an appropriately targeted and Government, including at public events, to ensure the or media ; Lack of communication strategy for land-based public receive consistent and coordinated messages across responsiveness to outreach sources of marine litter and their different media types and channels. by general public ; NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 6, Goal 6.1, Target management. This forming part of a bigger 12.2 Declare a Clean Belize Day, arranging multi-sector Inconsistency and National Household Survey Department of the 6.1.2, Action 3; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target Regional: Lack of clear, consistent and long-term long term national waste management awareness events across the country on the day. correctness of the messages to determine change Environment, Belize 12.2.2, Action 4, Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target RAPMaLi 2014, 4.4 Action 6 Land-Based communication strategy between waste communication campaign on all sources and 12.3 Apply industry standard Public Relation tools to measure if not coordinated ; Low Government Press 12 1-4 year 3 understanding of "waste as a Solid Waste 12.2.1, Action 1; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target Sources management stakeholders including with the solutions to marine litter and waste the effectiveness and deficiencies in any land-based sources of reach to remote Office NGOs resources" and practices Management 12.2.2, Action 4 International: general public. management. A behavioural change is outreach campaign. communities with limited associated with marine litter. Authority needed to drive impact and the demands for 12.4 Change reference to "Waste" in the context of waste access to specific media ; alternatives and promote waste as a management and recycling, to "Resource" as part of a wider Funding ; Unresponsive resource. effort in Belize to change conception of waste as a valueless public ; Persistence of materials, to a valuable resource. widespread incorrect 12.5 Consider ways to boosting value of commonly identified behaviours litter items. For example, extending deposit return schemes, 12.6 Develop and implement national outreach & education campaign about waste as a resource. Action Matrix for the Marine Litter Action Plan Belize: Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong
Appendix 4, August 2019
Challenge Estimated Lead Implementing CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective Action Measurable Key risks Partners Relevant National Policy Relevant Regional and International Policy Funding Source Cost No. Timelines Agency
13.1 Formulate new regulation for packaging to primarily Adoption of a National minimise use of materials and ensuring materials used are Policies inclusive of new readily recyclable and lastly that readily compostable in garden legislation to address waste Private companies NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target composters. Attention should be paid to ensure introduction of reduction and recycling. willingness to collaborate ; 2.1.5, Action 1; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target 2 4 Must be time new regulations are sustainable and minimise negative impacts Unaffordability ; Costs of BSWAMA, Belize 13. Develop and Implement a Waste Department of the Land-Based efficient to Collaboration with manufacturing companies on business in the short term (Develop and Implement a Waste Modernizing the Returnable import duties ; Uncertainty Bureau of GSDS (2016-2019), Necessary Condition 3.3, 13 Reduction and Recycling Policy & Legislation - Environment, Ministry Sources maintain to transition to alternative products Reduction and Recycling Policy & Legislation - looking at Containers Act (repeal and of standards; Would require Standards; Private Action 7 looking at potential for a Circular Economy of Finance momentum potential for a Circular Economy). replace) to a wholistic political buy-in Sector 13.2 Spread existing best practices for waste management recycling legal framework (endorsement from NDF Horizon 2030, One Binding Constraint; across the private sector. For example, BSI solid waste which encompasses government) Goals 1, 2 & 3 management plan and British Army Training Unit Belize potential recyclable (BASTUB) materials in country.
14.1 Create national steering committee to oversee and explore the adequacy of existing protocols on data collection NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target and to explore the formulation of new guidelines and protocols 2.1.3, Actions 4, 6. for collection data to fill gaps. 14.2 Review data from existing sources to identify gaps (for Private Port GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 1, example data on vessels below IMO tonnage limit, illegal facilities and Action 'Development of strategies that mitigate dumping in Cayes, transboundary waste, waste in marinas, marina owners the impacts of land based and marine pollution, Regional: vessels with no designated landing place) Establishment of the (Marinas), especially those generated by domestic and GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', 14.3 Adapt existing and/or develop new protocols to address steering committee Shipping agents, industrial activities'; Critical Success Factor 3, Goal 2, Objective 4. Action 1 - 2 There is lack of waste data on Belize’s national the identified gaps in waste generation on all types of national Publication of a list of gaps Uncertainty about the DOE, Belize Port Water taxi Action 'completion and implementation of other months 14. Develop and implement a national plan to shipping which is below IMO tonnages, vessels. (considering internationally accepted protocols) from data review coordination in waste Authority, Belize Solid operation, waste critical policies, plans and projects in the area of RAPMaLi 2014 - 4.1 Action 3 and Action 7; 4.5 Sea-Based Actions 2 & 3 - address waste from vessels at national level 14 1 therefore potentially a large unidentified and 14.4 Conduct pilot studies to test the effectiveness of and gaps Publication of protocols to management in the maritime Waste Management disposal forests, Action 6 Sources 4 months and incorporate pollution from ships under a unquantified waste stream present in Belize in existing protocols, and pilots to any infrastructural, training be used in data analysis sector because spread Authority, Belize companies, fisheries, oil spill contingency, land-based and Action 4&5 - 1 marine pollution prevention legislation. today and funding deficiencies for management of waste collection Data from pilot studies across seven agencies Coast Guard fisheries marine pollution, readiness for the Green year and disposal from vessels. Where possible these pilots to Data from national wide cooperatives, Climate International: gather indicative baseline data with view to scaling up. survey Fisheries Fund, sustainable livelihoods, and technology for MARPOL Annex V Regulation 3 14.5 Use pilot study to engage government and funding Department, climate change mitigation and adaptation'; UN SDG 6.3 organisations to address protocol gaps, and other deficiencies tourism sector Necessary Condition 3.3, Action 7 to then enable national role out of protocols and data (yachting); NGOs gathering. NDS Horizon 2030, Pillar I - Action 6; Bricks and 14.6 Ensure that data collection for waste from vessels and Mortar, Action 1 Long-term Solid Waste monitoring is included in legislation to institutionalize MARPOL Management at national level.
NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target 2.1.5, Action 1.
15.1 Review APWC and other reports to understand in more GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 1, detail what types and quantities of waste shipping is generating Action 'Development of strategies that mitigate Belize does not land international waste at its Financing and Expertise ; in international waters and what is needed for monitoring to fill the impacts of land based and marine pollution, ports. However, there is no oversight of what Length of time taken to go Belize Port Authority, in gaps for international vessels. especially those generated by domestic and Regional: international vessels do with the significant through international DoF, (DOE, BPA, 15.2 Coordinate with regional partners (Mexico/USA) and other Audit Reports for waste industrial activities'; Critical Success Factor 3, Sea-Based amounts of waste generated while navigating 15. Conduct a coordinated national and organizations; Delays in Public Health, IMO, SICA, Charge Vessels for 15 5+ Years 3 relevant bodies (IMO) to create a clear agreement where disposal from vessels calling Action 'completion and implementation of other International: Sources Belize waters. This means Belize relies on the regional audit of waste from vessels coordination at regional level BSWaMA, BCG and COCOTRAM inspections international waste not manageable in Belize waters is on Belize. critical policies, plans and projects in the area of MARPOL Annex V Regulation 7 international shipping industry to ‘do the right due to busy implementers fishing and tourism disposed of. forests, thing' in reporting on waste management and (Ministry of Foreign Affairs sector 15.3 Work with international bodies, and regional partners to fisheries, oil spill contingency, land-based and disposal and other Ministerial levels) support random waste audits of vessels in Belize waters to marine pollution, readiness for the Green ensure compliance. Climate Fund, sustainable livelihoods, and technology for climate change mitigation and adaptation'; Necessary Condition 3.3, Action 7
16.1 Within the information packs to National Marine License holders, include material on marine litter. In information packs and on preparing licensees for changes to syllabus on the inclusion requirements around waste management and marine Section on marine litter in litter . Include examples and best practice material to prepare informative package license holders. distributed to license holders NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target 6 months 16.2 Need to nationalize MARPOL Conventions - institutionalize Question about waste 2.1.3, Action 5; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target 8.1.2, Poor and lack of awareness and understanding 1 Year into national legislation (marine pollution prevention management and disposal in Actions 3; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target 12.2.2, of the causes and impacts of marine litter by Inability of communication to NGO, Tour Guide Regional: (Checklist) 16. Increase awareness and compliance with legislation) the check list for tour BPA, Fisheries Action 4 Sea-Based small-scale commercial operators (artisanal reaching the target audience. Associations, Tour 16 1-2 Years 2 proper procedures for handling waste in the 16.3 Inclusion of waste management/disposal in the check list operators Department, DOE, Sources fisherman, catamarans, tour operators etc) Behavioural change may not Operator International: (Syllabus) domestic shipping to obtain tour operator licences & tour guide tests Official inclusion of marine BTB BICZMP (2016), Strategy 1, Topic 1.6, Action 1 means there is a high probability of improper occur with domestic vessels Associations; BTIA 1 year - Also Include marine litter in the syllabus for license tests. litter in the syllabus to waste treatment by those operators Sensitization 16.4 Consult with stakeholders impacted by changes outlined obtain licenses NDF Horizon 2030, One Binding Constraint; above to explain clearly why and what the benefits will be. Implementation of Targeted Goals 5 & 6 16.5 Conduct a Sensitization Campaign with maritime domestic Campaign for domestic sector on proper disposal of waste, pros and cons to improper maritime sector. disposal, and marine litter 16.6 Develop and implement a marine litter outreach program with artisanal fishers Action Matrix for the Marine Litter Action Plan Belize: Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong
Appendix 4, August 2019
Challenge Estimated Lead Implementing CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective Action Measurable Key risks Partners Relevant National Policy Relevant Regional and International Policy Funding Source Cost No. Timelines Agency
Unresponsive and difficult to engage public and private 17. Develop better mechanisms to align 17.1 Formalize the plastic working group as a coordinating NGOs, private Regional: 3 months to sector ; Limited resources ; NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target Insufficient coordination among all efforts and initiatives and standardize the committee for national campaigns (revisiting membership) sector, NGOs, GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Governance', Goal 1, establish a Different levels of 2.1.3, Action 7; Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target 2.1.5, Outreach & organisations involved in outreach campaigns messages given to the communities to 17.2 Identify a common message and share goals, develop a Formalization of the group. Department of the public sector, Objective 2. 17 group and 1 engagement level within the Action 1; Issue 12, Goal 12.1, Target 12.1.1, Education that leads to duplication of the effort and increase effectiveness of outreach and avoid unified vision. Standardized messages Environment, church, terms of coordination group ; Conflict Action 1; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target 12.2.1, heterogeneity in the messages potentially contrasting, confusing or incorrect 17.3 Stakeholders to form a committee to avoid blame on other municipality, International: reference of interests could lead and Action 1 information organisations. councils monopolisation of the council
NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 1, Goal 1.2, Target 1.2.1, Action 5; Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target 2.1.3, Political interference in Action 8; Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target 2.1.4, Action enforcement ; Low 2; Issue 6, Goal 6.1, Target 6.1.2, Actions 1, 2, 3, 18.1 Revision of environmental laws to update fines; Regional: approval of new/revisited compliance by enforcement 6; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target 12.2.1. 18.2 Mobilise resources to scale up enforcement; GMPL Caribe - GMPL Caribe - Theme laws; amount of funding officers ; Lack of resources ; 18.3 Raise awareness of law enforcers on the importance of 'Governance', Goal 1, Objective 2; Theme 18. Increase enforcement capacity and mobilised; training scheme Difficulty in changing current Department of the GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 4, Wrong example given by low enforcement, upholding and actively implementing environmental laws NGOs, unions, law 'Capacity Building', Objective 2. Outreach & compliance by committing more resources for law enforcers; behaviours and habits; Environment Action 'Provision of adequate basic equipment 18 2 years 2 which undermines the effects of outreach 18.4 Outreach to communities and general public to decrease enforcement Education e.g. financial, increasing the number of community outreach about People will find a way to attorney general's and training to law enforcement officials to campaigns the need of enforcement encouraging virtuous behaviours. bodies RAPMaLi 2014. Action 2, Action 7 enforcement officers etc. enforcement; Ad campaigns; circumnavigate, e.g. office, municipality conduct 18.6 Increase public awareness on ticketing system for increased ticketing and dumping rubbish at night surveillance'; Necessary condition 4.3, Action 1. environmental laws (littering) and about persons that can National: enforcement of littering. time; Major crimes go enforce the environmental laws. UNDG Goal 14, 1.1.1.4 unpunished so improper BZCZMP, Strategy 3, Topic 3.1, Action 3 disposal will not hit radar NDF Horizon 2030, Pillar I; Goal 6
19.1 Identify individuals within small/medium communities as 'Champions' to spread best practices to spread information and disseminate best practices to tackle marine litter; 19.2 Training 'Champions' using a nation-wide scheme; NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 2, Goal 2.1, Target 19.3 Organise a calendar among all stakeholder involved in 2.1.3, Action 7; Issue 5, Goal 5.1, Target 5.1.3 The public has insufficient awareness about Low responsiveness to Department of the Regional: 19. Produce effective communication outreach to be present to national and local events to create and 5.1.4; Issue 8, Goal 8.1, Target 8.1.2, Actions the adverse effects of marine litter on the outreach campaign and Environment NGOs, Private GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', materials to raise awareness on the awareness; 3 Outreach & economy, public health and the environment Establishment of a network resistance to change Communication and sector (media Goal 5, Objective 16. 19 6-12 months 3 importance of managing waste correctly, 19.4 Create multi-media advertising campaigns to raise Education and incorrect disposal—resulting in of 'Marine Litter Champions' behaviours; Limited Public Awareness companies), modify behaviours, and explore new paths to awareness of incorrect disposal of waste and marine litter GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 2, widespread unwanted behaviour at resources, messages not Working Group Funding Agencies International: reach different parts of the communities generation, as well as encourage behavioural change as part of Action 'strengthening of community-driven community and individual level clear or easy to understand (CPAWG), NGOs the long– term solution approaches for the implementation of livelihood 19.5 Provide accurate and robust data to assess the relevance programs' and impact of outreach campaigns and introduce metrics that will allow the government channel funding in the most effective way
Lack of perception of the 20.1 Lobbying for new and improved legislation and acquire value linked to materials Regional: NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target technical support from SWAMA to correctly inform at municipal handled by solid waste GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Governance', Goal 1, Poor support to inform and sensitise broad 20. To provide clear guidelines for sensitizing Publication of new Local Authorities, 12.2.2, Action 4 Outreach & and community level management; Lack of Objective 4. 20 2 years 1 public to changes in waste management the public for changes in waste management legislation and technical DOE & BSWAMA Private Education 20.2 Develop a national communication and education strategy funding for prolonged infrastructures and regulations. infrastructure and regulations guidance from SWaMA Companies GSDS (2016-2019), Necessary Condition 3.3, (determining roles of councils and other organizations including educational campaigns on National: Action 7 private garbage collection companies) waste management ; UNDG Goal 14, 1.1.1.6 Legislative change takes time
21.1 Revisiting existing system for fund management and allocation; 21.2 Providing data to assess the relevance and impact of NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 5, Goal 5.1, Target outreach campaign to allocate funding's effectively, introducing Regional: Publication of new funding Unwillingness of agencies to 5.1.1; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target 12.2.2, Action 4 21. Conduct an assessment to determine a a system of measurables; GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Capacity Building', Outreach & Limited and/or fragmented financial resources scheme; draft of a unique collaborate and coordinate; 21 TBD 2 multi-agency collaboration to execute an 21.3 Merge ideas and effort to create a unique proposal to TBD Objective 3. Education to carry out effective outreach campaign proposal to be presented to Negative effect of GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 4, effective outreach campaign increase the reach and impact of communication campaigns; funding agencies. competition Action 'Pursuit of budget efficiencies and e.g. Audubon Model/SEA - collaborate effort to avoid International: synergies' duplication and go towards a wider coverage of outreach 21.4 use the unique plan to lobby and request funding as a single group. Action Matrix for the Marine Litter Action Plan Belize: Blue, Clean, Resilient and Strong
Appendix 4, August 2019
Challenge Estimated Lead Implementing CLiP Pillar Priority Challenge Objective Action Measurable Key risks Partners Relevant National Policy Relevant Regional and International Policy Funding Source Cost No. Timelines Agency
22.1 Involve media houses to incorporate environmental ads (with a particular focus on positive messages); encourage NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 6, Goal 6.1, Target Regional: corporate social responsibility. 6.1.3. GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', Low efficiency of outreach campaigns due to Creation of outreach 22. To effect behavioural change through 22.2 Create visual content (printing, billboards, cartoons, video Limited availability Goal 1, Objective 3; GMPL Caribe - Theme Outreach & generalist and not relatable messages instead contents with targeted 22 1-2years 3 effective outreach campaign in multiple ads) and audio for radios. (manpower); Unwillingness DOE Media GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 2, 'Communication', Goal 1, Objective 3. Education of personalised and targeted messages messages; environmental languages 22.3 Encourage/sustain training for environmental journalism. to participate Action 'strengthening of community-driven vehiculated through adequate media products. journalism training. 22.4 Use engaged media to help in scaling up best practices in approaches for the implementation of livelihood International: waste management. programs' 22.5 Use social media to increase coverage.
NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 5, Goal 5.1, Target 23.1 Raise awareness in the private sector about environmental 5.1.3; Issue 12, Goal 12.2, Target 12.2.2, Action 4 laws and risks of not compliance; Outreach campaigns Lack of cooperation, Limited Regional: Poor participation of private companies in 23. To encourage corporate responsibility in 23.2 Establish a system of incentives and penalties to ensure targeting private sector; resources ; Corruption and Department for the Tax offices, GSDS (2016-2019), Critical Success Factor 1, GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Research and Monitoring', Outreach & outreach campaigns against marine litter and private sector to participate in, conduct, and compliance to the laws; incentives/penalties in place; consequent lack proper Environment corporate Action 'Development of strategies that mitigate Goal 5, Objective 14; Theme 'Governance', Goal 2, 23 1 year 1 Education limited recognition of the social responsibility promote outreach campaigns on marine 23.3 Ensure resources to support and encourage amount of resources to enforcement; Little to no Belize Chamber of companies, the impacts of land based and marine pollution, Objective 5. coming from unsustainable business models. litter, waste reduction, recycling environmentally friendly corporate initiatives; support corporate initiatives. incentives for private sector Commerce & Industry Private Sector especially those generated by domestic and 23.4 Advocate for environmental corporate responsibility in all to change practices industrial activities' International: aspects of business, from operations, management, etc.
24.1 Raise awareness with top politicians, including one-on-one lobbying with relevant and targeted Ministers to propose Backlash, ; Lack of support, ; Regional: environmental laws and pledge for compliance; Visits of ministries and other Low prioritisation of the GMPL Caribe - Theme 'Communication', Goal 1, 24.2 Increase outreach impact on politicians and authorities 24. To have political support and buy in for authorities to waste issue ; Lack of political will in Objective 1; Theme 'Capacity Building', Objective Outreach & Limited political will or interest about conducting visits to waste management facilities or area with NEAP (2014-2024), Issue 1, Goal 1.2, Target 24 1 year 2 strengthening and improving waste management facilities; the government to improve Private Sector & NGOs Entire country 2. Education environmental issues in the political agenda. obvious negative effects due to waste mismanagement; 1.2.1, Action 5; Issue 5, Goal 5.1, Target 5.1.3 management and marine litter reduction periodic update on scientific recycling ( e.g. investing in 24.3 Encouraging actions presenting scientific data of mis- monitoring data. equipment and finding a International: usage (such as illegal land filling) and of negative impacts of market) litter and microplastics on environment and human health and have evidence based decisions and policy.
Wrong curriculum timings More work is needed to develop and integrate 25. Map key messages about marine litter Education Packs adapted to for school year ; Lack of time educational materials on the importance of 25.1 Map the educational packs into the Belize National Ministry of Education, Outreach & and waste management into the school Belizean culture/curriculum to fit new arguments in the Department of 25 1 year 3 marine litter, its sources, impacts and Curriculum for all age groups. Youth, Sports and Education curriculum via a set of Education Packs aimed Belize Education Packs curriculum; Lack of interest; the Environment prevention into the school curriculum for all 25.2 Issue packs out for next school year. Culture. at all school ages. mapped to Curriculum Poor accessibility to the age groups. materials by teachers