Climate Change Consultations for Coastal Communities Launched in Belize City

The first of four Climate Change Vulnerability and Livelihood consultations for the coastal zone and fisheries sector was held this morning in Belize City. The goal of these consultations is to assess the vulnerabilities of three coastal communities, Belize City, Dangriga, and San Pedro. Subsequent to these consultations being held, the Ministry of Blue Economy intends to develop strategies these communities can adapt in their fight against climate change issues, such as erosion. We spoke with Doctor Osmond Martinez, the National Designated Authority for Global Climate Fund, as well as Kennedy Carillo, the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Blue Economy, at this morning’s event.

Osmond Martinez

Osmond Martinez, National Designated Authority, G.C.F.

“The objective of the project, right now we are currently at the consultation stage on how to move into adaptation with all the impacts of climate change within the coastal areas. We understand how important the blue economy, which is our sea, is for Belize. So, we want to keep it that way. So, what we want to do is make some improvements, see what policies, what systems, mechanisms need to be put in place, in order to improve adaptation within the blue economy The total cost for the consultation is one point two million Belizean dollars. These are funds that are coming from G.C.F., so not a dollar coming from the Government of Belize.”

Kennedy Carillo

Kennedy Carillo, C.E.O., Ministry of the Blue Economy

“We know that the country has had to urgently respond to climate change. There is the Climate Change Unit of the Ministry of Sustainable Development that has really taken the late in terms of policy development and so forth. And, for us at the Ministry of Blue Economy, it is very important. It is something that impacts marine conservation. It is something that impacts the fisheries sector. So, we through our newly endorsed National Blue Economy Policy and Strategy, as well as our Maritime Economy Plan, we are moving forward to ensure that there is that resilience, when it comes to  fishing sector and of course the fishing communities as well.”

G.C.F. is providing one point two million dollars to conduct consultations.