A recent consultation in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, wrapped up a nationwide effort to pinpoint climate adaptation needs for Belize. This final session, held at El Fogon Restaurant, brought together participants from the tourism and fisheries industries, local governments, and non-profits to support Belize’s Multi-sectoral National Adaptation Plan (MNAP).
The National Climate Change Office (NCCO) led the sessions, teaming up with Metroeconomica, a consulting firm. Sascha Goonesekera from Metroeconomica presented insights on climate risks affecting Belize. Shockingly, Belize ranks eighth out of 167 countries in climate risk. Goonesekera highlighted that hurricanes are one of the biggest threats to infrastructure.
He also pointed out concerning public health trends. Rising temperatures are linked to heat-related illnesses, and warmer, wetter conditions can lead to outbreaks of diseases like malaria and dengue. With sea levels expected to rise by one meter by 2100, coastal areas face risks of land loss and saltwater intrusion.
To protect their tourism sector, participants discussed several strategies. These included better urban planning, preserving natural coastal barriers, and even measures to enhance the resilience of beaches and coral reefs.
Suggestions also focused on improving visitor safety with shaded areas, hydration stations, and flexible tour timings to cope with extreme temperatures. Additionally, diversifying tourism offerings to reduce climate vulnerability was a key topic. Integrating climate criteria into certification programs for tourism operators was proposed to reward those leading the way in sustainability.
The meeting concluded with group discussions, where many voiced the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations. Organizers noted that all feedback will be gathered for future stakeholder sessions, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in building Belize’s climate resilience.
As climate concerns grow, it’s clear that collaboration among stakeholders is vital. The input from these consultations will be essential in shaping an effective response to climate challenges.
For further reading, check the NCCO for updates on Belize’s climate initiatives.
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Belize Tourism Board,Climate Adaptation,Climate Change,Metroeconomica,Ministry of Sustainable Development; Climate Change; and Solid Waste Management,Multi-sectoral National Adaptation Plan,National Climate Change Office
