Protecting Paradise: Belize’s Coastal Awareness Week

Belize’s Coastal Zone Awareness Week kicked off with a forum in Belize City. It was organized by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. The event highlighted the critical importance of protecting Belize’s coastal resources—its beaches, mangroves, and barrier reef. This year’s theme asks, “What would happen if we failed to manage Belize’s coastal zone?” Presenters emphasized that without planning, these ecosystems, vital to Belize’s identity, food security, and economy, are at risk. The week’s activities include a trivia challenge for primary students and a coastal awareness run. The C.E.O. of the institute shared more.

 

Chantalle Samuels, C.E.O., CZMAI 

“The talks will track the evolution of the organisation over time, beginning with how the concept of coastal zone management all started. And the historical significance to the formation of the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, and then we will be featuring the various programs. So, coastal planning—why is it important to plan? We will be featuring water quality monitoring and reef resilience. We also do site management for Goff’s Caye. And so through the storytelling, we hope that we can increase the public’s awareness about the CZMAI and they can join in our various events and assist us in tackling key coastal management challenges. Once today’s events end, we will then be hosting another important event tomorrow. which is a trivia challenge, and it is catered to students at the primary school level. It’s a very important platform for us to share information. with various target groups in the country of Belize on the work that we do, the impact we want to have, and how the public can join us. And then finally, on Saturday, we will be hosting our fun run for the coast. I think there’s still time to register. The event will start at the BTL Park at six a. m. If you’re not athletic, you can still come out. Take a fun walk or stroll along the seaside, taking in the nice Caribbean Sea, and just enjoy the significance and the blessings that we as Belizeans have in terms of our wealth of natural resources.”