DOE Meets with Regulatory Agencies Over Cayo Rosario Project

On Monday, the Department of Environment held a meeting with regulatory agencies to address the concerns raised by San Pedro residents about the Cayo Rosario Project. As reported last week, island residents are protesting the large-scale development within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Oceana Belize has also called for stronger protection of Belize’s marine ecosystems. Beverly Wade, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Blue Economy, attended the meeting. Here’s what she had to say about the outcome.

 

Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy

“Cayo Rosario is a very emotional matter and it is understood. It is something that is close to naturally the resident’s hearts. The bottom line is that it is a private island and there was a development proposed. What happened in 2021 there was a revised ECP which took into consideration the concerns of the community, the fly fishers, the density of the project as much as possible to ensure that what was being permitted would not negatively affect the marine reserve. I am very happy to report that yesterday the DOE held a meeting with all regulatory agencies to chart a way forward in order for the agencies to be more coordinated and to ensure they are in a position to carry out the regulations in line with the ECP carried in 2021 and what was authorized for development, but also in a position for better communication with the community and stakeholders so they understand what the development is. They should also understand that the authorities have a presence to ensure what is happening out there is what is permitted.”