On Wednesday, Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai stated that there is no dredging happening for the Cayo Rosario project, located on an island near San Pedro. This project, which has been in the works for several years, is controversial because it’s situated within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Mai confirmed that the project has received all necessary environmental clearances so far. He also mentioned that if the developer wants to dredge, they can go ahead since the project has met all requirements. However, today, tour guide Oscar Iboy and U.D.P Senator Abel Zetina expressed concerns that the project could have significant negative impacts on the environment.
Oscar Iboy
Oscar Iboy, San Pedro Tour Guide
“He said that we, the people of San Pedro are misinformed concerning the dreading and development that’s going on at Cayo Rosario and I wanted to send back these words to him when he said “misinformed.” We, the people out here in San Pedro are the ones watching and seeing the excavation that’s going on, and I don’t know what he means by they’re not doing any dredging, but they are piling posts. That is the same thing. I don’t know what’s the difference that makes – dredging and piling a post. You still have to dredge to pile a post – and saying that these people have permits to do these things. One of the things is that that’s only one of the problems we have. We have another problem with the destruction of our mangroves, the filling up of our lagoons.”
Abel Zetina
Abel Zetina, U.D.P. Senator
“I think it’s ridiculous, man. We clearly went there. We saw that dredging is happening. In fact, they are building land where there wasn’t land just a couple months back. And it’s being filled with the same sand, with dredging that’s happening there. And we saw that with our own two eyes. We went there yesterday – actually it was the day before and so that is happening. We’re not opposed to development. I want to make that absolutely clear – not opposed to development, but it needs to be done in an environmentally conscious manner.”
On Tuesday, environmentalists and concerned residents of San Pedro protested the Cayo Rosario Project. This large-scale development is planned for one of the islands near San Pedro, right within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which has everyone worried. Oceana Belize, along with the residents and environmentalists, is calling for stronger protection of the country’s marine ecosystems, highlighting their crucial role in both the environment and the economy. In a statement on Facebook, Oceana Belize emphasized the growing threats to Belize’s marine resources, which are essential for the tourism and fishing industries that many communities rely on. Although the project underwent an Environmental Impact Assessment a few years ago, Chief Environmental Officer Anthony Mai reassured everyone that the developers have met all environmental requirements so far and clarified that no dredging has started yet.
On the Phone: Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer, D.O.E.
“There was a protest done, yes, but the protest was because people are misinformed. First and foremost, people believe that they were doing excavation or dredging, which they were not and so they were saying that the dredging was illegal, which again, if they do it according to the E.C.P. it’s not illegal. So the current activity is not illegal. They do have permits to do that. The dredging component, if they use the proper – if they dredge following the proper method, it won’t be legal as well because they do have clearance to dredge. The biggest issue, Miss Ali in relation to this project, back then around 2017 was in relation to the fly-fishing area. Apparently, the area is a very good area for fly fishing and so they had some concerns in relation to that because the project does have, I think about 40 over-water structures that has been approved for that island. So, the project received environment clearance in 2018 after they signed onto an Environmental Compliance Plan. Since 2018, the E.C.P has been modified just slightly, not anything significant and some development has occurred slightly. And then they were doing more background information, finalizing the architectural plans, working with C.B.A. to get C.B.A.’s approval, working with the Mining Unit to get permit to the dredge et cetera. So the project now is moving forward with creating the first tier, and I think they had requested permission to build model homes, just some of the buildings, to demonstrate to the public what the development is all about. So they’re currently on site, or they were on site yesterday with a barge and an excavator. They were installing piles for the pier, so they were not excavating, they were not dredging and they’re not doing any of that. And so the D.O.E. did respond along with personnel from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and we observed that the activities on site is permissible under the current E.C.P.”
Mai said the D.O.E will have a meeting shortly, including with its San Pedro office to develop a monitoring program for the project to oversee it as it progresses. News Five also reached out to Minister of the Blue Economy, Andre Perez, who is the Area Representative for Belize Rural South. He indicated that the entire Cayo Rosario project is now being dealt with fully by all relevant government departments and that a meeting is set for Monday to further discuss the project and to review all the documents pertaining to the development of Cayo Rosario
The Statistical Institute of Belize reported that the Consumer Confidence Index for February 2025 showed a drop in confidence among Belizean households. This indicates that people were generally feeling pessimistic about their economic future. The index fell from a little over fifty in January to forty-six in February, marking an eight point nine percent decrease in consumer confidence. The Consumer Confidence Index measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are about their financial situation over the next year. Interestingly, the S.I.B. also noted that the cost of living increased in February compared to the same time last year. News Five’s Marion Ali delves into the latest data shared by the SIB today.
Marion Ali, Reporting
In the first two months of 2025, the cost of living went up by 1.9%. In February alone, it increased by 1.6% compared to February 2024. The Consumer Price Index from the Statistical Institute of Belize highlighted that the biggest contributors to this rise were the costs of food and non-alcoholic drinks, housing, utilities, and fuel. Statistician Jefte Ochaeta provided the details.
Jefte Ochaeta
Jefte Ochaeta, Statistician, S.I.B.
“Under the food and non-alcoholic beverages, we saw that there was an increase of 2.4% and this was mainly driven by an increase of 12.8% in the prices of fruits and nuts as we observed them several fruits increasing significantly, like watermelon, limes, and pineapple cereal products also experienced an increase of 3% as we saw increase in the price of white bread, biscuits, and pasta products. The beverages components of the food and alcoholic beverages also increased with increases throughout the categories, like fruits and vegetable juices by 15.4%, where we experience increases in all the drinks like natural orange juice increasing by 25.3%, fruit drinks, powdered drinks, and also in purified water and soft drinks. In the housing and electricity and water and gas and other fuels. We also saw an increase of 2.4%, and this was mainly attributed to an increase in rent of 2.5% for the period, an increase in 6% of LPG in natural gas butane.”
Interestingly, the Consumer Confidence Index showed a drop in confidence among Belizean households in February. This means people were generally feeling pessimistic about their economic future. The index fell from 50.5 in January to 46 in February. The Consumer Confidence Index measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are about their finances over the next year. Statistician Jacqueline Sabal explained that the S.I.B. surveyed 1,200 households to determine this, with the index ranging from 0 (completely pessimistic) to 100 (completely optimistic).
Jacqueline Sabal
Jacqueline Sabal, Statistician, S.I.B.
“The idea behind the CCI is that economic uncertainly or a decline in consumer confidence creates pessimism and reduces desires to spend, while economic optimism encourages consumer confidence and a willingness to make significant purchases and other debt commitments. For the month of February 2025, the consumer confidence index stood at forty-six. This represents a decrease of eight-point nine percent from January 2025, when the index stood at fifty-point five.”
Although the SIB can’t pinpoint why people feel the way they do about spending, Director General Diana Castillo noted that they’ve observed a general improvement in how consumers feel.
Diana Castillo
Diana Castillo, Director General, S.I.B.
“T here has been a general improvement in consumer sentiment. People have been getting less and less pessimistic. And in January, we actually crossed the threshold into optimistic. In February now we saw a slight reversion back to below 50 to pessimistic territory. The general trend has been upwards, but I can’t really say why people feel the way they feel. This just captures how they feel.”
At SIB’s first presentation of 2025, they shared data on the GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2024, revealing that the economy grew by 7.1%. Statistician Christopher Hulse presented these findings.
Christopher Hulse
Christopher Hulse, Statistician, S.I.B
“Goods and services produced in the first quarter of 20024 totaled one point four, three billion dollars. This is an increase of ninety-four point four, nine million dollars 0r seven point one percent when we compare it to the fourth quarter of 2023 which, was at one point three, three billion dollars. Looking at the one point four, three billion, we can see how that is spread across the three sectors with taxes. Primary contributed a hundred and fifty-seven point eight million out of that one point four, three billion. Then secondary – a hundred and seventy point three million. Tertiary – nine hundred and seven point two million, and then taxes – a hundred and ninety point two million.”
Ronald Orellana shared that Belize did better in the first two months of this year in terms of Merchandise Trade Statistics, which track our imports and exports over the past two months.
Ronald Orellana
Ronald Orellana, Statistician, S.I.B.
“Starting with the merchandise imports, we have a line graph showing how imports have performed over the past ten years for the first two months of January and February, despite a current decrease in imports when compared to 2024, imports have been on an upward trend since 2021. The total merchandise imports for the first two months of the year amounted to four hundred and sixty-one million dollars, down seven-point eight percent or thirty-eight point eight million dollars when compared to imports for the first two months in 2024. In general, exports have been on a downward trend with notable fluctuations seen across most of these years. The total domestic exports for the first tow months of 2025 amounted to forty point four million, representing a growth of seven point seven percent or three million when compared to the same period in 2024.”
All that’s left of the building that once stood at the corner of Castle and Victoria streets in Belize City is a pile of ash after an early morning fire. Authorities say the two-story wooden structure was abandoned and didn’t have electricity. Thankfully, the National Fire Service responded quickly and managed to contain the blaze. Belize District Station Officer Gladstone Bucknor reported that no injuries were observed, but the investigation is still ongoing. Here’s more on that.
Gladstone Bucknor
Gladstone Bucknor, Station Officer, Belize District
“Approximately about five fifty this morning, the National Fire Service received call about a structural fire at the corner of Castle and Victoria Street when the guys did arrive both stations responded to that scene. They saw a large house fire. When large, I mean it’s a two-story structure, wooden structure in roofing. That building is an abandoned building and didn’t have electricity, let me make that clear. Didn’t have electricity at it, so the fire had to be started from inside and brought to the inside.”
Reporter
“What do you believe started the fire?”
Gladstone Bucknor
“At this moment we cannot see what actually started the fire, but however, some type of heat had to be introduced into the area.”
Reporter
“Do you believe that while it was abandoned there were maybe people, is there an evidence of people staying or doing something in there?”
Gladstone Bucknor
“Alright, from our preliminary investigation, what we discovered was that they do have squatters in and out of the building. And one main person that was frequently at this, at the house was somebody by the name of Harold. Name as full name and detail as there, we don’t know the full name. We have conflicting information that yes, he was there and no he wasn’t there. So we still looking into it. Actually, part of the investigation, we learned that some kind of heat was injured last night between nine and nine and eleven. So we’re still doing an investigation on.”
Reporter
“You wanted to speak about the issue of these abandoned lots and the, to the council, not, taking care of that.”
Gladstone Bucknor
“Yes. Within that area we have a lot of abandoned building. Some are neglected and used for criminal. And we have this abandoned building like this around the neighborhood. It pose a fire hazard to the rest of the community, especially to other buildings as well. Because anything do occur. Imagine somebody lost their building due to an abandoned building.”
This morning, in Cayo District, students from the Valley of Peace Seventh Day Adventist Academy participated in a Youth Climate Action Bus Stop Painting competition in their village. Over the past two weeks, these dedicated youths have given up their weekends and free time to create vibrant murals and anti-pollution messages on three bus stops. The initiative is supported by the British High Commission’s office, which has provided experiential prizes, and the Belize Maya Forest Trust, which is collaborating with the students on various environmental protection projects. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene and filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
While crime often grabs the headlines, the students at Valley of Peace Seventh Day Adventist Academy are quietly making a difference by prioritizing the environment. For the past several weeks, these dedicated youths have sacrificed their free time to paint vibrant murals and anti-pollution messages on three bus stops. It’s their unique way of voicing their concerns and making a positive impact in their community.
Gabreal Col
Gabreal Col, Student, Valley of Peace S.D.A. Academy
“There is a part that has forest fires and a lot of animals running away from those fires. We know that Valley of Peace is surrounded by industries and we do not come and see those animals anymore.”
Dalila Molina
Dalila Molina, Student, Valley of Peace S.D.A. Academy
“If you put fires, you should check them so it doesn’t spread; don’t leave glass or things like that because when the sun is too hot, it like reflects and it makes and it causes fire then.”
Marion Ali
Or lit cigarette.
Dalila Molina
“Yes. That’s, that’s one.”
Gabreal Col and Dalila Molina shared that their group’s murals highlight the serious impact human actions can have on wildlife and the environment. They pointed out that reckless behaviors, like causing forest fires, can displace or even kill wildlife, throwing the food chain off balance. This disruption can eventually affect humans too, as we rely on the forest for food. Their artwork also illustrates the harmful effects of water and air pollution on various forms of life. The competition, promoted by the Belize Maya Forest Trust and led by Dr. Elma Kay, emphasizes the importance of instilling good environmental practices from a young age.
Elma Kay
Dr. Elma Kay, Managing Director, Belize Maya Forest Trust
“We are looking at a project that. Is looking at empowering young voices for speaking up about climate change. The theme is really, you know, speak up, inspire, and make a difference. And it is about promoting those young voices. This is in partnership with the British High Commission. And so the students have come up with a diversity of activities and projects. Yesterday we had a cleanup in the community, and today is the bus stop competition.”
Co-sponsors, the British High Commission’s Office, represented to by Deputy British High Commissioner, Robert Ower.
Robert Ower
Robert Ower, Deputy British High Commissioner to Belize
“We’re keen to empower youth. These are the future leaders, so it’s very important that we instill these environmental behaviors in them at a young age, and then they can then lead future generations and be environmentally aligned. So we see this as an excellent initiative. It’s making people think.”
School principal, Justine Myvett explained that the school really just encouraged the students with ideas they already had to get the message across.
Justine Myvett
Justine Myvett, Principal, Valley of Peace S.D.A. Academy
“The kids were talking to us about the idea of doing a project here in the community, and we decided to try at art expression for youths. It’s very powerful. It’s a way to show different persons of the community that the students are feeling the various. Impacts of climate change and they are concerned about their future.”
A generous hundred-thousand-dollar investment from the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) is set to boost enforcement across four protected areas in Belize. At today’s annual grant award ceremony, two conservation NGOs were each awarded fifty thousand dollars. The lucky Small recipients were the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development. Both organizations plan to use the funds to enhance monitoring and enforcement within their protected areas. News Five’s Paul Lopez has a full story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Today, the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation (BNCF) awarded a total of one hundred thousand dollars in grant funding to two conservation organizations. The first recipient is the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique organization that blends tourism and conservation across three thousand acres of protected forest land. With accommodation for up to two hundred guests and a variety of tour offerings, the revenue generated is reinvested into environmental education, community outreach, and habitat management.
Eli Miller
Eli Miller, Managing Director, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
“We are managers of two protected areas within the Maya Forest Corridor and we take that responsibility very seriously in terms of enforcement. A lot of the rules were not being respected. So, we are trying to bring that park back from one that tis being respected to being enjoyed by the general public.”
This funding will boost their management efforts by enhancing enforcement across the sanctuary and Monkey Bay National Park. The Maya Forest Corridor, located north of the sanctuary, is rapidly being deforested for monocrop expansion. To ensure that the natural habitat in these areas remains a haven for wildlife in the future, enforcement and education are crucial.
Eli Miller
“What we are trying to do at Monkey Bay is not directly stop that deforestation, the march of development is almost unstoppable, but we are trying to mitigate the impacts that development has. What we are going to do with this project is acquire a ATV to allow the rapid deployment of the park ranger team to combat illegal infractions, incursions, and also wildfires or whatever the need might be within the corridor for our partners and buffering communities.”
The Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development also received a generous fifty thousand dollars in grant funding from the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation. Like the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the alliance is dedicated to research, monitoring, enforcement, and education. However, their primary focus is on Belize’s marine resources, particularly within the expansive seventy-two-thousand-hectare Corozal Wildlife Sanctuary and Bacalar Chico National Park. This fifty-thousand-dollar grant will help establish a permanent enforcement presence within the national park, ensuring these precious marine areas are protected for the future.
Samuel Barrett
Samuel Barrett, Development Director, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development
“We are now at a point where we will be launching a permanent presence by stationing a team of rangers on rolling shift patterns so that we have three hundred and sixty-five days presence within the national park.”
Paul Lopez
“What is the biggest threat to the park?”
Samuel Barrett
“In collaboration with the stakeholders, their biggest concern is illegal hunting and extraction of forest products like bush sticks, royal palms form the protected areas that are being used in the development of resorts and thinks within northern San Pedro.”
Leonardo Chavarria, Chairman of the Belize Nature Conservation Foundation, explains that conservation organizations are chosen to receive these grants through a thorough application process. Applications are carefully vetted and approved if they align with the foundation’s objectives. The Belize Nature Conservation Foundation oversees the annual conservation grant funding provided through the Blue Bond.
Leonardo Chavarria
Leonardo Chavarria, Chairman, BNCF
“Coming from a conservation organization myself, I am from TIDE, so we know the true meaning of small grant. We know the impact these grants can have. So, for me it was specially rewarding and a privilege to be here, because it was a moment we have to actually share, but share in terms of creating a meaningful future impact for the National Protected Area System.”
On Sunday, residents of Placencia Village acted when some property owners ignored a D.O.E. order to remove some breakwater along the beach. The Department of Environment had given them until March seventh to take it down. Three days after the deadline, over a dozen residents showed up and dismantled the wall themselves. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this issue affecting coastal and island communities in Belize.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
On Sunday morning, residents gathered at a beachfront property to dismantle a breakwater that posed an environmental threat. The Department of Environment had sent a letter on February twenty-seventh to the property owners, stating that no proper assessments or studies had been done to prove the breakwater’s effectiveness. The letter also noted that the owners had not consulted with relevant authorities, including the DOE, before erecting it. The DOE ordered the owners to remove the structure by March seventh. When they didn’t comply, the residents acted themselves.
Warren Garbutt
Warren Garbutt, Chairman, Placencia Village
“The issue we are having is that people are not respecting these letters given by these different entities. So, villagers were aware of our attempts through public meetings, and we expressed people have these concerns, ask us. We do what we can. People just got tired and enforcement is extremely lacking. We wait forever for action to be taken. Residents just went out, had enough yesterday and went out.”
Tensions flared briefly between residents and the police when a few men tried to move a massive boulder. Amateur video captured a police officer pushing a resident causing him to fall. His fellow villagers rushed to his aid.
Warren Garbutt
“It is evident, as soon as these structures go up we see the effects of them. The erosion is rapid and especially to the south and changes to the beach in the north as well. It does not obstruct people passing as much, but the issue is the rapid erosion cause by the structures. That is why whenever we see them going up I personally go out to these owners and ask them to go through the proper procedure of applying to the physical planning unit, because it is on public beach.”
Belize’s beachfront properties, with their paradise-like appeal, attract investors from all over. However, these developments often cause conflicts between residents and property owners. Placencia isn’t alone in this struggle. In January, we reported a similar incident in Caye Caulker, where the village council dismantled a fence built in the beach reserve. At the time, Chairlady, Seleny Villanueva-Pott, shared her thoughts on the matter.
Seleny Villanueva- Pott
Seleny Villanueva- Pott, Chairlady, Caye Caulker Village
“Many people do not adhere to the process, and they just go in and do their stuff. We really need to put a stop to that. If we just sit down and watch, we will be taken over. And the island has been pressuring us on numerous occasions to claim what is rightfully for the people of Caye Caulker.”
Belize Rural South Area Representative, Andre Perez, mentioned that Ambergris Caye is also facing controversial developments that could harm the environment.
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Former Area Rep, Belize Rural South
“It is not only Caye Caulker, it is Ambergris Caye and even down in Placencia we are having these issues as well where we have the private investors coming in and believing these areas are just designed for their guest. We cannot. We can make that clear out there that the beach or sea front is public access anywhere.”
In Placencia, Chairman Garbutt explained that although residents still had access, environmental concerns prompted action. He emphasized that the village welcomes investors but urges them to consult with the relevant authorities during construction.
Warren Garbutt
“The action yesterday was geared towards one specific property, but it is a huge mess, the entire peninsula and it is not only Placencia being impacted, it is the entire peninsula.”
In the rural community of San Roman, Stann Creek District, a new rudimentary water system is being installed, bringing hope and excitement to the residents. This essential project aims to provide clean and safe drinking water, significantly improving the quality of life for the community. With the installation of this system, San Roman will no longer have to rely on potentially contaminated water sources, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Rudimentary water systems are crucial for providing clean and safe drinking water, which is essential for health and well-being. Without these systems, communities like San Roman might have to use contaminated water sources, leading to dangerous waterborne diseases. These basic water systems are key to improving the quality of life and supporting sustainable development in rural areas.
Olusola Oladeji
Dr. Olusola Oladeji, Health & Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF
“This community has been suffering, [has] had issues with its water for the past fourteen years. We need to commend the effort of the government to ensure that, in partnership with UNICEF and other partners, to ensure that this has become a reality. This is a demonstration of government and UNICEF’s partnership in supporting the government in terms of the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Access to water is not only about water, access to water affects health also because the commonest cause of death among children is actually diarrhea and acute respiratory infections which is actually due to [limited] access, when there is no water or poor sanitation.”
By cutting down on diseases like cholera, dysentery, and other stomach illnesses, these systems make a big difference in public health. Regular well testing also spots harmful contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and chemicals that can seep into the water supply.
Charles Galvez
Charles Galvez, Coordinator, Rural Development
“When this government took office, there was a well that was drilled a little before this government took office thereabout, in the old site and that was considered the new well. When I came on three and a half years ago as the coordinator for the Rural Water Supplies & Sanitation Unit just about when we were supposed to celebrate the inauguration of that, connecting that to the system, I said to myself, and I spoke to the minister and my minister and I said, you know what, I am not comfortable enough, based on my research of the history or the data collected from that well. Although it was a new well, I needed to do some pump testing of that well.”
By catching and fixing issues early, pump testing keeps the water system safe. Having reliable water sources can really boost local economies by helping agriculture, livestock, and small businesses thrive. It also saves people time and effort from fetching water, so they can focus on more productive activities.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West
“Water is an essence of life, we have to be able conserve it to make sure that we have it for generations to come. So today is a significant milestone and I am happy that I was able to become a part of what’s happening in Santa Rosa/San Roman today.”
Building and maintaining these systems often involve community participation, fostering a sense of ownership and cooperation among residents. Simple, low-cost water systems are easier to maintain and repair, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience against disruptions.
Venancio Itch
Venancio Itch, Chair, Santa Rosa/San Roman Water Board
“This project is not just about pipes, pumps and reservoirs, it is about life, health and the future of our communities. Your commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that this system will serve for generations to come. I want to also express my heartfelt appreciation to our local leaders, community members and volunteers who have played an essential role in advocating for this project and ensuring its success. Your voices, cooperation, patience have been invaluable throughout this journey. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and today, we take a huge step forward for improving public health, sanitation and overall quality of life. This system will not only provide safe drinking water, but will also support agriculture, businesses and daily household needs.”
Chemical fertilizers are being swapped out for compost, a greener alternative. Composting involves breaking down organic material into nutrient-rich soil that boosts plant growth. Studies show that food scraps in landfills release a lot of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. But those same scraps can be turned into compost instead. It’s not just food scraps—animal manure is also great for composting. In tonight’s installment of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Paul Lopez dives into the composting process.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Have you ever wondered what happens to your organic food waste after you toss it in the garbage bin, and it’s picked up by the truck? Fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, bones, and leftover bread all end up at a nearby transfer station and are used as landfill. When mixed with other household garbage, these organic scraps decompose and release gases that are harmful to the environment.
Tara Hoisington
Tara Hoisington, Consultant, Recycle Organics
“With climate change being a concern, there are three sources of methane contributing to climate change. The first is fossil fuel, the second is agriculture and the third is coming from landfills and waste. They found that twenty percent of methane contributing to greenhouse gases typically comes from organic matter being suppressed among other trash and in the anaerobic environment creates a gas called methane.”
Tara Hoisington, a consultant at Recycle Organics, explained that methane is twelve times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Recycle Organics is on a mission to reduce the amount of methane released into the air through backyard composting. But what exactly is composting? We asked Louis Wade Junior, the owner of Blessed Garden, to explain.
Louis Wade
Louis Wade, Owner, Blessed Gardens
“Composting is the human effort to duplicate humus, which is the natural process that takes place in the ecosystem. What composting does. It takes organic material and speed up the natural process of decay and decomposition, ensuring that the right nutrients are available for the plants you want to grow.”
Tara Hoisington
“Canada had donated two hundred compost bins to get backyard composting education program started in the country. We had gone into four town, San Pedro, San Ignacio, Belmopan and Corozal and we had distributed these bins. We done workshops. We are doing a six-month pilot program where we go to the person’s home who decided they want the bin, we give them tutorials, lessons on how to properly compost, as well as having a form to fill out every month to gauge how much food waste is getting diverted from the trash, as well as organic matter like leaves.”
Hoisington shared that the initiative is off to a great start, with most participants eagerly using their compost bins and repurposing over half a pound of organic food waste daily. In Belmopan, Louis Wade has made composting a central part of his gardening operation.
Louis Wade
“Most people want black dirt, they ask for black dirt, but they mean something by that, because soil color does not determine fertility. You can have very black soil, but if it does not have compost or organic material in it, then it is still not going to give you the results you want. So, when people say they want black dirt, what they are really talking about is that they want highly fertile soil that produces a good quality.”
Unlike Recycle Organics, Wade uses animal manure for his composting. To the untrained eye, a mix of horse and chicken manure, rice waste, and a special blend of microbes from Belize Agro Enterprise Limited might look unappealing. But after weeks of decomposition and careful moisture management, the result is like gold for farmers.
Louis Wade
“Horses and cows eat only grass, so you really should not be afraid of their poop. But when people think about poop, they have all these negative connotations. When in reality, the stomach of the cow and horse breaks it down in such a way that you still have these organic materials in cow and in horse. Another thing you can also use is tilapia. I will show you my little tilapia experiment. You feed the tilapia and fish also release ammonia, a little bit of uric acid into the water and so you can actually take that water from the tilapia, and you can actually water your plants with tilapia water and you will get the proteins you need.”
Wade mentioned that dried leaves and freshly cut grass are also great for making organic compost. He combines these materials with black soil to create a highly sought-after product that he sells all over the country.
Louis Wade
“How do you know very good soil, how do you measure very good soil. You measure very good soil, by squeezing it and then it is suppose to hold together and when you loose it it should break back apart. That is your test right there.”
This afternoon, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust made a generous donation of over four million dollars to fund projects that will boost climate resilience in Belize. These grants are set to help communities tackle climate change issues like flooding and wildfires. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the ceremony to get the scoop on how this money will be used and the positive impact it will have on the lives of Belizeans. Here’s her report.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
In 2024, wildfires ravaged hundreds of acres of forest and nearby areas, impacting thousands of Belizeans. These fires are a harsh reminder of the devastating effects of climate change. The Protected Areas Conservation Trust is dedicated to fighting and reducing these impacts. Today, PACT stepped up by donating over four million dollars to climate resilience projects across the country.
Abil Castaneda
Abil Castaneda, Executive Director, PACT
“PACT is currently the only institution in Belize that are credited to both the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund, which are climate finance mechanisms that provide financing support to countries to build resilience against the challenges and impacts of climate change. So this particular award ceremony was is directly related to the Adaptation Fund. There was a particular mechanism that’s called EDA and Enhance Direct Actions that that are geared towards specifically to fund programs that target community resilience. So it’s more for the local communities to be able to address specific vulnerabilities that they are facing..”
The ten-million-dollar program kicked off on February twelfth, 2024. Now, celebrating its first anniversary, four recipients have committed to using the funds to improve their communities. PACT also plans to award grants to another four organizations in the coming months.
Abil Castaneda
“Today we highlighted four partners. One was the Belmopan City Council. And they are, I’m sure my colleague from Belmopan, here could appreciate the vulnerabilities of Ten Cents Creek. And the idea is that this project will assist in improving the drainage. Infrastructure within the Ten Cents Creek area, and so we hope that will assist them upon to be able to better address flood issues into the future. We also have a partnership with ICA, the Inter American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture. They received a grant to provide additional support and lending to improve livelihood initiatives within communities across the country. And so that’s not specific to one community that would be funding that would be later sublet to additional communities within the country.”
The Forest Department also received a donation as it is one of the key regulatory departments within the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change. That project will focus on addressing wildfires in Belize. Sarteneja Village is the final grant recipient of the day. Village Chairman, Paulino Guerrero, expressed his gratitude to PACT for the generous donation of four hundred sixty-four thousand dollars.
Paulino Guerrero
Paulino Guerrero, Chairman, Sarteneja Village
“I feel happy because first time we have this break in our village. Because every year in the dry season we have problem with fire. And now I think that we will have the solution of that.”
Britney Gordon
“What do you plan to invest the money in specifically?”
Paulino Guerrero
“We have the repair the building and some machines for engines for the fire.”
Castaneda reassures everyone that PACT keeps a close eye on how the funds are used, making sure they go towards the intended projects and objectives.
Abil Castaneda
“To be honest with you, to be able to access these funds, PACT as an organization has had to invest a lot in specific policies and procedures and systems that allow us to monitor and evaluate what are the impacts of these. And so we have installed within PACT a project management unit that’s part of our climate finance unit specific to this program. But also as we saw today, there are other elements that are in place. So there is a technical expert team that is there to provide guidance and also a project steering committee that will be providing overall oversight on the program. We do have various mechanisms to be able to ensure that we are meeting our targets. We have about three years or so to finalize these investments. And we need to make sure that we meet all those objectives before the time runs out.”
Guerrero also thanked PACT for their continuous support of the village, noting that PACT also funded its water system.
Paulino Guerrero
“I think the people of my village will be happy because every year, then it’s the ones that suffer the bad moments.”
