Agriculture Minister Skeptical About Upcoming COP29

Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai is set to attend COP29 in Baka, Azerbaijan in the coming days. However, he expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of global summits, suggesting they often serve as more of a talk shop than a platform for meaningful action on climate change and other pressing environmental issues. His remarks were made during an appearance on Open Your Eyes this morning, where he also discussed the looming threat to Belize’s livestock industry if the new screwworm is detected in the country.

 

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“Our livestock industry, sustainable livestock practices that we are applying… the sad thing about this, though, is that sustainable agriculture, climate smart agriculture, all these fancy terms mean nothing without financial backing.  So when you go to this COP24 and COP23… and all the fancy talking, there is no money put behind that.  I have now, actually, been forced to go to Azerbaijan in the next week and I did not want to go because I do not like talk shops.  I would not [go] but because of the Central American ministers putting up a position, I’ve been asked to be a panelist.  I’ve haven’t been there since I was elected, other people go, I said, “Listen, let them go.  I have other things I need to.”  But this year I need to go and I have been asked that.  But this year, it will be one of the main topics.  They have messed up their environment, we still have out trees, we are practicing some sustainability, but it’s not cheap.”