Replanting Belize’s Mangroves to Preserve Biodiversity

It is no secret that mangroves are an important aspect of Belize’s environment. They contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the removal of carbon from the atmosphere, bolstering the blue economy. However, deforestation continues to be a threat to the integrity of Belize’s mangroves. We asked the Minister of Blue Economy, Andre Perez, how the issue of deforestation is being addressed within the coastal zone. Here is his response.

 

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“We are still talking about issues about replanting as well. Of course, we realize and we, again, from the Ministry of Blue Economy standpoint, we all know the importance and the critical role that the mangroves play. Obviously, what we’re seeing or developing down south is also a concern for us. And the Blue Economy always plays a role in there. That is always good that we, the development happens in a very sustainable manner. And the blue economy understands that it’s always important that we take care of our mangroves and that much the development has to be looked at very carefully. So it’s a fine balance we have to look at. Of course, development has to happen, but certainly not in such a magnitude where once only people are destroying mangroves. We’re totally against that.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So you feel that we’re trying to take a proactive approach moving forward?”

 

Andre Perez

“In terms of our ministry and the Coastal Zone Management Authority Institute, we are working together. Also collaborative with all the different departments. In fact, just yesterday, we were discussing these things, about replanting, not only the mangroves, but as well as the forest reforestation. Actually, the project is going to come online very soon about replanting. So we got to do it in that way. In terms of that slash and burner, we talk about destruction of the forest. We have to find other ways, alternative, which we’re working on to be more effective and protecting our mangroves as well as the forest.”