AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Tracking Breakthrough: A tiny Canadian Motus bird-tag system is helping scientists decode migration as North America’s bird populations drop by billions since 1970, linking declines to land conversion and climate change. Invasive Species Alert: Belize is in the wider spotlight as New World screwworm spreads across Central America and Mexico—now confirmed in Texas—raising alarms for livestock, wildlife, and animal health surveillance. Coastal Protection vs. Dredging: Belize’s Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye dredging and mining moratorium is framed as a needed recovery pause, with researchers warning that deeper water and disturbed sediments can harm seagrass and manatee health. Marine Planning: Fishing and tourism stakeholders met in Belize City to review draft zoning under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to meet Blue Bond targets for protecting 30% of marine space. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders in southern Belize are pushing back on government moves tied to Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes. Hurricane Readiness: Belize City Council is boosting 2026 hurricane preparedness through planning sessions with meteorologist Ronald Gordon. Environment Day: Belize marked World Environment Day with a climate action message focused on shared responsibility.

Marine Invasives: Belize’s marine risk spotlighted by the “red lionfish” hunt in Israel, a reminder of how invasive species spread via canals and can rapidly reshape ecosystems. Coastal Protection & Dredging: Belize’s government is temporarily halting dredging in sensitive coastal areas, including a six-month moratorium tied to Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye—pushed by concerns that deeper, murkier water disrupts seagrass and harms manatees and other lagoon life. Wildlife Health: Manatee researchers say dredging impacts show up in manatee blood samples, arguing the moratorium must be enforceable, not “on paper.” Ocean Planning: Stakeholders in Belize City reviewed draft zoning and management measures for the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan under the Blue Bond goal of protecting at least 30% of marine space. Hurricane Readiness: Belize City Council is boosting 2026 hurricane preparedness through emergency planning sessions with meteorology briefings. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundary definitions along the Placencia/Stann Creek coast. Environment Day & Climate Action: Belize marked World Environment Day with calls for climate action and public responsibility. Digital Resilience: A regional workshop in Belize City focused on protecting critical government data during disasters and cyber threats.

Coastal Protection: Belize City Council is stepping up 2026 Atlantic hurricane readiness, with a City Hall session led by Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon to sharpen planning and response coordination. Marine Planning: Stakeholders from fishing and tourism met in Belize City to review draft zoning and management measures under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to help Belize meet its 30% marine protection target under the Blue Bond. Dredging & Wildlife: A six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is being defended by conservationists, who say dredging disturbs sediments and harms seagrass and manatees—effects they point to in manatee blood samples. Local Governance & Land: Sittee River and Hopkins are in a boundary review process, with Sittee River’s village council urging clarity for planning, infrastructure, land management, and environmental stewardship while pledging peaceful cooperation. Flood Watch: Overnight heavy rain in Punta Gorda left streets and yards flooded, with residents monitoring river levels as authorities warn of flash-flood risk in the next 24–48 hours. Conservation Leadership: Belize Audubon Society named Yashin Dujon as its new Executive Director, bringing long experience in conservation and sustainable development.

New World screwworm alert: Texas confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades, raising alarms for livestock, wildlife, and even rare human risk as the parasite spreads from Central America into Mexico and now the U.S.; officials say surveillance is active and more cases may already be present. Environment Day in Belize: Belize marked World Environment Day with a climate action message, urging public responsibility and individual steps to protect the environment. Coastal protection move: Government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after concerns over unsustainable development, with talks planned across San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and mainland communities. Sargassum-to-textiles partnership: Two global groups announced a Belize City-based collaboration to turn fast-proliferating sargassum into sustainable textile materials. Flooding watch in the south: Overnight heavy rain flooded parts of Punta Gorda as authorities monitored rivers and warned of possible flash flooding. Belize Audubon leadership: Yashin Dujon was named new Executive Director, bringing long conservation and protected-area experience. Ambergris Caye infrastructure debate: Plans for an international airport on northern Ambergris Caye advanced, while dredging pauses highlight growing pressure for environmental compliance.

CDB Call for Resilience: Caribbean Development Bank leaders wrapped up talks in the Bahamas with renewed calls for bigger investment in youth, stronger resilience, and safeguards against climate and geopolitical shocks. Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar flagged slow progress on non-communicable diseases and stressed that healthier environments depend on public policy, trade choices, and climate vulnerability. World Environment Day Climate Push: The Green Game Jam returns with 70 games aiming to raise awareness and funds for reef and rainforest ecosystems, pairing gaming reach with conservation partners. Screwworm Alert: The first US New World screwworm case in decades was confirmed in Texas, raising alarms for livestock, wildlife, and even rare human risk—an urgent reminder for biosecurity. Coastal Protection in Belize: Government temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after complaints about unsustainable practices, with new planning talks involving key marine and environment departments. Sargassum-to-Textiles: Belize-based Bloom to Business is partnering with marine science and textile networks to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable fiber and textile materials. Flood Watch: Overnight heavy rain hit Punta Gorda, flooding low-lying streets as authorities monitor river levels and flash-flood risk. Conservation Leadership: Belize Audubon Society named Yashin Dujon its new Executive Director, bringing long conservation and sustainable tourism experience. Ambergris Caye Airport Momentum: Reports say IDB-approved designs for a proposed San Pedro International Airport are moving forward, but questions remain about readiness and impacts. Fisheries Clean Energy: STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including cold-chain upgrades and low-carbon certification support. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Belize Coast Guard detained three Honduran nationals after an interception near Gladden Spit in a targeted operation against illegal fishing.

Coastal Protection: Belize temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after backlash over unsustainable development, with Cabinet agreeing to pause beach reclamation while a new plan is developed with Environment, Fisheries, and Health, including talks involving San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Seine Bight, and Placencia. Marine Conservation & Jobs: Belize Audubon Society named Yashin Dujon its new Executive Director, as the group continues managing protected areas and pushing conservation and sustainable resource management. Flood Watch: Overnight heavy rain hit Punta Gorda, flooding low-lying streets and yards; officials warn flash flooding risk remains as rainfall continues and drainage struggles. Protected Waters Enforcement: Belize Coast Guard detained three Honduran nationals after intercepting an illegal fishing vessel near Gladden Spit, using drone surveillance and a multi-agency operation. Climate Readiness: Belize urged early hurricane season prep as officials monitor conditions for another active Atlantic season and potential rainy-season flooding. Sargassum to Value: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partnered with Belize’s Bloom to Business to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable textile materials. Ambergris Caye Growth: Plans for an international airport on northern Ambergris Caye moved forward, with IDB approval reported for designs meeting ICAO standards. One Health Alert: Texas confirmed the first New World screwworm case in decades, raising concerns for livestock and wildlife across the region.

Coastal Protection: Belize temporarily halted dredging in sensitive coastal areas after backlash over unsustainable development, with meetings planned across San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Seine Bight and Placencia to map a compliant path forward. Marine Conservation & Enforcement: Belize Coast Guard detained three Honduran nationals after intercepting an illegal fishing vessel near Gladden Spit, using drone surveillance and a multi-agency operation to protect a spawning aggregation zone. Sargassum to Value-Chain: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partnered with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process sargassum into sustainable textile materials. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Belize urged early preparation as the Atlantic hurricane season begins, while southern communities like Punta Gorda reported overnight flooding and authorities warned of flash-flood risk amid unstable weather. Biodiversity Leadership: Belize Audubon Society named Yashin Dujon its new Executive Director, bringing conservation and sustainable tourism experience to protected-area work. Regional Resilience (Digital): Belize hosted a workshop on digital resilience and the “data embassy” model to safeguard sovereign government data during cyber threats and climate disasters. Hurricane Season Data: CRFM flagged 2026 Atlantic hurricane impacts on fisheries and aquaculture, stressing preparedness as El Niño conditions could shift risks.

Coastal Protection Pause: Belize’s Blue Economy and Marine Conservation Minister Andre Perez says the government has temporarily halted dredging and beach reclamation in sensitive coastal areas while it develops a path forward with Environment, Fisheries, Mining, and Health—covering San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Seine Bight, and Placencia. Sargassum-to-Textiles Push: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partner with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process sargassum into sustainable textile materials. Flood Watch in the South: Overnight heavy rain flooded low-lying streets and yards in Punta Gorda; officials warn flash flooding risk remains as residents monitor river levels. Marine Enforcement: Belize Coast Guard detained three Honduran nationals after intercepting an illegal fishing vessel near Gladden Spit inside a protected spawning aggregation zone, with a drone and multi-agency support. Belize Audubon Leadership: Yashin Dujon named new Executive Director, bringing decades of conservation and sustainable tourism experience. Hurricane Season Prep: Belize urged early readiness as the Atlantic season opens, with officials tracking storms and flood risks. Digital Resilience Workshop: Regional talks in Belize City focus on protecting government data and continuity using the “data embassy” model.

Seaweed-to-textiles push: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network are partnering with Belize’s Bloom to Business to turn harmful sargassum into sustainable fibre, training local collectors and processors. Digital resilience for disasters: Belize hosted a regional workshop on cyber threats and climate disruptions, discussing the “data embassy” model to securely store encrypted government data while keeping sovereignty. Southern flooding watch: Overnight rain hit Punta Gorda with flooded streets and yards; officials say rivers are being monitored and flash flooding risk remains if heavy rain continues. New conservation leadership: Belize Audubon Society named Yashin Dujon its new Executive Director, bringing tourism and conservation experience to manage protected areas and education. Marine enforcement: Belize Coast Guard detained three Honduran nationals after intercepting an illegal fishing vessel near Gladden Spit, with partners including fisheries and NGOs. Hurricane season readiness: Officials urged early preparation as the Atlantic season begins, stressing preparedness for both storms and rainy-season flooding. Protected-area ranger base: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to strengthen research and protection in Chiquibul and Mountain Pine Ridge.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1, and officials are urging early preparation as forecasts point to near-average storm activity but still warn that “one storm” can be catastrophic. Marine Protection & Enforcement: Belize Coast Guard reports a major illegal fishing bust near Gladden Spit, detaining three Honduran nationals after a drone-supported interception inside a protected spawning area. Climate-Resilient Health: PAHO is helping Belize advance its Health National Adaptation Plan so healthcare can better handle climate shocks, with priority actions for safer, more resilient services. Sargassum to Sustainable Products: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partner with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process harmful sargassum into fiber and textiles. Renewables & Power Reliability: BEL reminds customers that storm-related outages can include brief protection-trigger interruptions, and directs people to report outages via its app or hotline. Coastal Development Planning: Cabinet approved a six-month high-rise moratorium in coastal communities, while San Pedro is moving toward an urban planning committee to curb haphazard growth and protect infrastructure and utilities. Greening Belize Initiative: Reforestation efforts in Toledo are expanding under the Greening Belize Initiative, with groups signing data-sharing agreements and distributing thousands of trees to restore forests and livelihoods.

Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean tourism leaders opened Caribbean Week 2026 in Manhattan, with Belize expected among regional representatives, as ministers push for stronger connectivity, resilience, and a unified Caribbean tourism voice. Hurricane readiness: With the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season starting June 1, Belize meteorologists and NEMO urged early preparation, noting El Niño may reduce storm formation but warmer seas could still fuel impacts; Cabinet also approved hurricane and transport measures. Marine protection enforcement: Belize Coast Guard intercepted a Honduran fishing vessel near Gladden Spit, detaining three men after drone spotting in a protected spawning area, in a multi-agency push to curb illegal fishing. Sargassum-to-value in Belize: Black in Marine Science and the Black Fiber & Textile Network partnered with Belize’s Bloom to Business to train locals to collect and process harmful sargassum into sustainable textiles. Climate-resilient health planning: PAHO is supporting Belize’s Health National Adaptation Plan to make healthcare systems more proactive against climate shocks. Reforestation momentum: Greening Belize Initiative partners expanded reforestation in Toledo, distributing thousands of trees and improving coordination for biodiversity and climate resilience. Community health boost: A new Duck Run polyclinic and hurricane shelter improved access for six rural communities, supported by EU and IOM under a resilience and integration initiative. Marine science + textiles: The Belize sargassum program links community collection with marine science and regenerative textile innovation, aiming for both environmental cleanup and local jobs. Protected-area ranger support: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base near Guacamallo bridge to strengthen research in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s meteorologists and NEMO are urging early prep as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opens June 1, with forecasts of 8–14 named storms and possible major hurricanes—plus reminders that even “below-normal” seasons can still bring one devastating hit. Coastal & Marine Enforcement: Belize Coast Guard reports detaining three Honduran nationals after a drone-assisted interception of an illegal fishing vessel inside a protected spawning zone near Gladden Spit, with a multi-agency push to safeguard marine life. Climate-Ready Health: PAHO is helping Belize advance its Health National Adaptation Plan, aiming to make healthcare systems more proactive and resilient to climate shocks, including stronger infrastructure and early warning for climate-sensitive diseases. Cleaner Transport Push: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan on Belize’s electric bus pilot, while the Belize Bus Association asks to be included so independent operators can test the technology firsthand. Reforestation in Toledo: The Greening Belize Initiative is expanding tree planting and data-sharing to restore forests after recent fires and protect biodiversity and food systems. Tourism Pressure on Sensitive Areas: Belize Rural South Rep. Andre Perez backs a temporary moratorium on mining/dredging in Placencia Lagoon and supports broader steps to manage coastal development impacts.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s National Meteorological Service and NEMO kicked off the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season reminders for June 1–Nov 30, warning that even a single storm can cause major damage and urging families and businesses to update emergency plans and supplies. Coastal Development Pressure: Belize Rural South Rep. Andre Perez backed a 6-month moratorium on high-rise approvals in coastal communities (including Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Placencia and Sittee River) while pushing for tighter, coordinated planning to curb haphazard growth and illegal claims on the coast. Clean Transport Push: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot, with officials saying electric buses cut long-term operating costs and emissions; the Belize Bus Association is now asking to be included in the next pilot phase. Reforestation in Toledo: The Greening Belize Initiative is expanding tree planting and reforestation in southern Belize, with new data-sharing among partners and thousands of trees already distributed to Maya communities. Health Access Upgrade: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter will improve emergency and primary care access for six rural communities, supported by the EU and IOM Belize. Conservation Rangers: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to better support research and protection work in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge. Tourism Policy & Markets: Belize’s participation was noted in regional tourism planning, including K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair 2026, framed as sustainable, community-based tourism across the Mundo Maya region.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s National Meteorological Service and NEMO kicked off the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season reminders for June 1–Nov 30, stressing that even a “slightly below-normal” forecast can still bring major impacts, and urging families and businesses to update plans and supplies. Cabinet Action: Government approved hurricane preparedness steps plus transport and rural development measures, including a concession framework aimed at modernizing public buses. Clean Transport Push: UNDP hosted an e-mobility conference in Belmopan sharing results from Belize’s two-year electric bus pilot, with officials saying electric buses cut long-term operating costs and deliver environmental benefits; the Belize Bus Association is now asking to be included directly in the next pilot phase. Coastal Protection & Development Controls: Belize Rural South Rep. Andre Perez backs a moratorium on mining and dredging in sensitive coastal areas like Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, while Cabinet also approved a six-month high-rise construction pause in key coastal communities to curb environmental damage. Reforestation in Toledo: The Greening Belize Initiative is expanding tree planting and data-sharing to restore forests after 2024 fires, with thousands of trees already distributed to Maya villages. Biodiversity & Community Conservation: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to strengthen research and protection work in and around Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge. Health Access for Rural Communities: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter improves emergency and primary care access for six rural communities through EU- and IOM-supported resilience work.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s National Meteorological Service and NEMO kicked off the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season reminders for June 1–Nov. 30, warning that even a “slightly below-normal” forecast can still bring major impacts; authorities urged families and businesses to update plans, stock essentials, and follow official updates. Cabinet Action: In Belmopan, Cabinet approved hurricane preparedness measures plus transport and rural development steps, including a concession framework aimed at modernizing Belize’s public bus system. Power During Storms: BEL reminded customers that brief outages can happen when protection systems isolate faults during severe weather, and urged people to report outages fast via the BEL 24/7 app or hotline. Coastal Development Controls: Belize Rural South Rep. Andre Perez backed a six-month moratorium on high-rise approvals in key coastal areas and said San Pedro is moving toward an urban planning committee to curb haphazard growth and protect infrastructure and the island’s character. Reforestation in Toledo: The Greening Belize Initiative is expanding reforestation with new data-sharing among partners, distributing thousands of trees and pushing climate-resilient land use after recent fires and ongoing environmental pressures. Community Resilience Health: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter will improve emergency and primary care access for six rural communities, delivered through government, IOM Belize, and EU support. Conservation Rangers: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to strengthen research and protection work in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge. Sustainable Transport Push: The Belize Bus Association asked to join the next phase of Belize’s electric bus pilot so independent operators can test and evaluate the technology under real local conditions.

Hurricane Readiness: Belize’s National Meteorological Service and NEMO kicked off the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season advisory for June 1–Nov 30, warning that even a slightly below-normal year can still bring major impacts, and urging families and businesses to update plans and supplies. Cabinet Moves: Government approved hurricane preparedness steps plus transport and rural development measures, including a concession framework aimed at modernizing public buses. Coastal Development Controls: Belize Rural South Rep. Andre Perez says an urban planning committee is being set up for rapidly growing San Pedro, following a six-month high-rise moratorium in other coastal communities to curb environmental and infrastructure strain. Health + Resilience Infrastructure: A new Duck Run One polyclinic and hurricane shelter now serves six rural communities, improving access to emergency and primary care. Reforestation in Toledo: The Greening Belize Initiative is expanding tree planting and coordination, with Maya leaders and partners signing data-sharing to strengthen monitoring and restore forests after recent fires. Ocean Protection Planning: The Draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan is open for public review, mapping marine zones for fishing, tourism, shipping, and conservation. Wildlife Enforcement: Honduran nationals were charged after illegal fishing in the Sapodilla Keys Marine Reserve’s Conservation Zone 4. Community Health Strategy: MOHW and UNICEF launched a 2026–2030 national community health strategy to strengthen support for community health workers. Conservation Rangers: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to better support research in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge.