BELMOPAN, Belize – Belize's government has underscored the importance of the country’s blue space saying it is not just a natural treasure but also a key economic driver.
Prime Minister John Briceño addressing the Blue Forum to Advance Marine Conservation and Sustainable Blue Economy.Addressing the two-day Blue Forum to Advance Marine Conservation and Sustainable Blue Economy, Prime Minister John Briceño reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to a sustainable future, saying Belize’s story is one of bold action.
“We are not simply protecting our ocean; we are securing our future. We are not just conserving nature; we are building an economy that will stand the test of time,” he told the event that ends later on Wednesday.
Briceño told the forum being held in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank(IDB) that “it is not just for us to be here at a forum to talk and boast about our accomplishments.
“It is important for us to come together as a community, as Belizeans and people that live outside of Belize to discuss what we have done so far and what we have done together. This Blue Forum is about knowledge, innovation and action.
“So, we gather for more than a celebration of our progress but to testify about our shared commitment to the sustainable management and conservation of Belize’s vast marine resources. And we take this opportunity to gather as like-minded people, to rally behind this just cause, a cause which will shape a future where Belize’s marine wealth is not only protected but harnessed to uplift every Belizean,” he told key stakeholders from across Belize’s marine and coastal sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, conservationists, and community representatives.
They are discussing innovative solutions for balancing economic growth with ocean conservation and according to a government statement, Belize’s economy is deeply connected to its marine resources, making sustainable ocean management essential for long-term economic prosperity.
According to the statement, the Blue Forum provides a critical platform to explore strategies for responsible governance, highlighting key topics such as sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, climate resilience, and the role of the ocean in securing livelihoods.
The IDB Country Representative, Rocio Medina Bolivar, spoke of the importance of collaboration, saying that the IDB is proud to support the Blue Forum, “an essential platform for strengthening partnerships, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of Belize’s Blue Economy.
“We remain committed to advancing bold, forward-thinking solutions that safeguard Belize’s natural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for its people,” Bolivar added.
The Blue Forum will also highlight the importance of conservation in maintaining the health and productivity of marine ecosystems. By managing ocean resources wisely, Belize can strengthen its fisheries sector, enhance its tourism industry, and position itself as a global leader in sustainable ocean governance.
Through science-based decision-making and inclusive planning, the Blue Forum underscores the role of strategic partnerships in driving Belize’s leadership in ocean conservation. Discussions will also explore innovative financial mechanisms and community engagement strategies that support a resilient and thriving Blue Economy.
This event reaffirms Belize’s unwavering commitment to marine conservation and sustainable development, ensuring that economic progress is achieved in harmony with the health of its ocean ecosystems.
Blue Economy Minister, Andre Perez, said that Belize’s blue space is not just a natural treasure but also a key economic driver, telling delegates that his ministry is committed to making science-based decisions and ensuring that everyone has a voice in the process.
“We cannot do this work alone. The challenge we face such a climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat degradation and the need for long-term financing are complex and interconnected.
“Addressing them requires a collective effort, bringing together government agencies, local communities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and international partners. This is why the blue forum is so important,” he added.
The chief executive officer in the Ministry of the Blue Economy, Beverly Wade, said the forum is “really a call to action for us to collectively put our efforts together to help us continue to chart a way for a successful blue economy in Belize that is based on science, informed decision making and that we have people central to the discussion.
“We have a series of sessions to touch on various areas, from sciences, to applying that science, community resiliency, stewardship and the big discussion around sustainable financing.
“The idea is that each session will lead to discussions, and we are hoping to now have a formal proceeding that will have recommendations coming from each session that we will use as regulatory agencies, as on the ground partners, to look at where are those areas we now need to look at strategically and put our investments in,” she said.
