Climate Decision-Makers Convene in Belize to Strengthen Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Climate experts from around the world gathered at the Grand Caribe Resort in San Pedro, Belize, for a global forum on strengthening the alignment between National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

The forum, running from August 12 to 14, is co-organised by the NAP Global Network and the Government of Belize. 

The event brings together experts and government representatives to discuss how to improve coherence between NAPs and NDCs, which are countries’s climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.

“Our path ahead must ensure that we reduce the impacts of climate change by building adaptive capacity and resilience, and we must facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation into relevant new and existing policies, programs, and activities across all sectors,” stated Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management. 

 

 

Participants from Belize, Benin, Burundi, Fiji, Haiti, Grenada, Madagascar, Nepal, South Sudan, and Suriname are in attendance, along with representatives from the UNDP and the NDC Partnership. Experts from Brazil, Switzerland, and Canada are also contributing to the discussions.

Belize is currently seeking to update its latest NDC, which was submitted to the UNFCCC in 2021 “Through the National Climate Change Office, the NCCO, we’re developing a comprehensive multi-sectoral national adaptation plan that includes critical sectors such as forestry, agriculture, health, tourism, land use, human settlement, and infrastructure, ” said Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change. “These efforts are not just about meeting international commitments; they are about creating a sustainable and resilient future for Belize,” he added.