Belize's Blueprint: Sustainable Development In Action

Sustainable development in Belize refers to the country's commitment to a development path that benefits all Belizeans and promotes long-term economic, social, and environmental balance. The Belizean government's dedication to this cause is demonstrated by the creation of the Sustainable Development Unit in 2012 and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management in 2020. The Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS) 2016-2020 is a national development plan that serves as the primary planning document, providing detailed guidance on priorities and actions to be taken. This strategy is underpinned by Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the ultimate vision of creating a country of peace and tranquillity, where citizens live in harmony with the natural environment and enjoy a high quality of life.

The Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS) 2016-2020

The GSDS addresses issues covered by previous medium-term economic development plans but, for the first time, incorporates both poverty reduction and long-term sustainable development. It is the country's primary planning document, offering detailed guidance on priorities and specific actions to be taken during the planning period. This includes actions that contribute to longer-term development objectives beyond 2020.

The strategy strives to support Belize in coping with resource constraints and increasing its resilience in the face of global economic volatility and climate change. It aims to improve the country's ability to access global markets and implement innovative social policies.

The GSDS has extensive citizen participation, including input from civil society organisations, academia, and statutory agencies. It incorporates the National Poverty Elimination Strategy and Action Plan and the National Sustainable Development Strategy, which resulted from stakeholder consultations. The strategy's monitoring and evaluation framework also includes the participation of civil society organisations at various levels.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet authorises and endorses the GSDS, with oversight provided by the CEO Caucus. Five Technical Committees are established to ensure systemic integration:

• Optimal National Income and Investment Committee
• Social Cohesion and Resilience Committee
• Natural Environmental, Historical and Cultural Assets Committee
• Governance Committee
• Citizen Security Committee

Gender equality

Sustainable development in Belize refers to the country's long-term development planning, guided by "Horizon 2030: National Development Framework for Belize 2010-2030". One of the strategic priorities of this initiative is to achieve democratic governance for effective public administration and sustainable development.

Belize has selected SDG #5, Gender Equality, as one of its key goals. The country has made efforts to align gender equality policies, plans, and other normative frameworks to achieve this goal. The National Gender Policy, revised in 2013, aims to ensure de jure and de facto gender equality, equity, and women's empowerment. This policy has led to the creation of a Gender Integration Committee and the appointment of a Gender Focal Point in each Ministry.

Despite these efforts, there are still challenges to achieving gender equality in Belize. As of February 2021, only 12.5% of seats in parliament were held by women, and there is a lack of comparable methodologies for regular monitoring of gender-related issues such as gender and poverty, physical and sexual harassment, and women's access to assets. Additionally, in 2018, 7.8% of women aged 15-49 reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner in the previous 12 months.

To address these issues, the Women's Department, the National Committee for Women and Children, and the National Women's Commission work to implement and advise the government on gender-related issues, reduce gender-based violence, and ensure gender mainstreaming in development planning. They also ensure compliance with international gender-related conventions. The Ministries of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture; Health; and Human Development collaborate with regional and international partners to address cross-cutting issues, improve data collection, and highlight priority areas.

Life below water

Belize's sustainable development plan aims to protect the country's biodiversity and natural resources, including its marine life, while also providing livelihood opportunities for the local community. The country has recognised the importance of its marine ecosystems for sustainable development and has prioritised the UN's Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water.

Belize's marine ecosystems are vital for the country's economy and the well-being of its citizens. The country's rich marine environments, including its coral reefs and coastal areas, support tourism, fishing, and other economic activities. They also provide essential services such as climate regulation and coastal protection.

To ensure the sustainable use and conservation of its marine resources, Belize has implemented several measures. The Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan, finalised in 2016, aims to balance conservation practices with economic and social needs. It includes the development of a marine spatial plan to ensure sustainable coastal resource use. Managed Access (MA) has been implemented in marine protected areas to improve fishing practices and build stewardship. The Fisheries Resource Bill has been drafted to further regulate fishing practices and ensure sustainability.

Belize also recognises the importance of addressing water pollution to protect its marine life. Municipal waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, and aquaculture practices are major sources of water pollution in Belize, which can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and the organisms that depend on them. The country is taking steps to improve waste management and reduce pollution, including the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP) and the development of a legal framework for hazardous waste disposal.

In addition to government initiatives, Belize has also involved local communities in its efforts to protect marine life. The planning team for the country's sustainable development engaged with community members to understand how they rely on the natural environment, including marine ecosystems, for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and well-being. This community engagement helps ensure that conservation efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of local communities.

Belize's comprehensive approach to sustainable development, which includes protecting marine life, balancing economic and social needs, and involving local communities, sets a notable example for other countries in the region and beyond.

Sustainable fisheries practices

The fishing industry has been a key driver of Belize's economic growth, providing jobs, food security, and foreign currency reserves. However, the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector is threatened by several challenges. Notably, the industry relies heavily on two species: the spiny lobster and the queen conch, which together comprise 95% to 98% of all marine exports. This overreliance on a limited number of species, coupled with a lack of comprehensive scientific data, poses risks to the sector's sustainability.

To address these challenges, Belize is taking a dual approach. Firstly, the country is investing in acquiring scientific data to properly manage and utilise its oceanic resources. This includes undertaking national stock assessments of key species such as spiny lobster, conch, and finfish. By collecting and analysing data on fish populations, Belize can make informed decisions about sustainable fishing practices and update management plans for these species. Additionally, the country is working to improve the data management capacity of the Belize Fisheries Department, ensuring that data is digitised, properly stored, and of consistent quality.

The second part of the approach focuses on diversifying the economy and enhancing the government's capacity for sustainable management of the fisheries sector. This includes promoting the adoption of sustainable technologies and best practices among small-scale fisherfolk. Access to financing is a significant challenge for Belizean fisherfolk, as it is often difficult for them to access formal credit sources or financial products like micro-credit and micro-insurance. To address this, the government provides grants and technical assistance to fisherfolk to implement sustainable technologies and improve their business plans.

Additionally, Belize has established the "Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Blue Economy Program" with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a $7 million investment loan. This program aims to enhance the livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk, maintain export quantities, and promote the sustainable utilisation of commercial maritime resources. It also seeks to increase fisherfolk's monthly income, facilitate the development of sustainable finfish fisheries, and preserve the biological integrity of commercial fisheries.

Furthermore, the Belize Fisheries Department plays a crucial role in encouraging sustainable conservation and development. The department leverages scientific research and stakeholder knowledge to manage the country's aquatic and fisheries resources sustainably. This includes activities such as data collection and analysis, education, enforcement of fisheries laws, and management of marine reserves.

Belize has also implemented the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan, which aims to balance conservation practices with economic and social needs to ensure sustainable coastal resource use. The Managed Access (MA) initiative, piloted in two marine protected areas and later expanded across territorial waters, aims to improve fishing practices by establishing nine fisheries management areas.

Overall, these efforts demonstrate Belize's commitment to sustainable fisheries practices, ensuring the long-term viability of the sector and the well-being of the communities that depend on it.

Sustainable coastal resource use

Belize's Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan was finalised and endorsed in 2016. The plan aims to ensure sustainable coastal resource use by balancing conservation practices with economic and social needs.

Belize's coastline is a vital source of national wealth and pride, with many Belizeans depending on it for its numerous resources. The country's coastal areas and its Barrier Reef—the largest in the Northern Hemisphere—have been degraded by climate change impacts, unsustainable coastal development, overfishing, and agricultural runoff. In addition to the environmental harm, this pollution threatens the local economy.

To address these challenges, Belize has implemented several measures as part of its ICZM plan:

• Managed Access (MA): MA has been piloted in two marine protected areas and then rolled out across territorial waters. It aims to build stewardship and improve fishing practices by establishing nine fisheries management areas.
• Fisheries Resource Bill: The bill has been drafted and is awaiting enactment. It will provide a regulatory framework for sustainable fisheries practices.
• Conservation Funding: Belize has committed to protecting 30% of its ocean territory, with support from the largest debt conversion for ocean conservation to date. This will enable the country to restructure its external commercial debt, reduce the national debt, and invest in conservation efforts.
• Blue Bonds: The Nature Conservancy has structured a "Blue Bonds" transaction aimed at generating up to $180 million for conservation projects in Belize over 20 years by purchasing and restructuring the country's sovereign debt.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The development of the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS) involved extensive citizen participation, including civil society organisations, academia, and statutory agencies.

These measures demonstrate Belize's commitment to sustainable coastal resource use and the protection of its vital marine ecosystems. By balancing conservation, economic development, and social needs, Belize is working towards a sustainable future for its coastline and the communities that depend on it.

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