G.O.B. Hosts Inaugural Blue Forum

Key players in Belize’s marine sector came together in Belize City to chart the future of one of the country’s most precious natural treasures. The Government of Belize, teaming up with the Inter-American Development Bank, launched the first-ever Blue Forum. Over the next two days, the event will spotlight knowledge, innovation, and action. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at the Biltmore for the opening ceremony and has this report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This morning in Belize City, the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank launched the Blue Forum. Themed ‘Advancing Collaboration and Innovation for Belize’s Blue Economy,’ the event aims to foster new ideas and partnerships. Prime Minister John Briceno took center stage as the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is not just for us to be here at a forum to talk and boast about our accomplishments. It is important for us to come together as a community, as Belizeans and people that live outside of Belize to discuss what we have done so far and what we have done together. This Blue Forum is about knowledge, innovation and action. So, we gather for more than a celebration of our progress but to testify about our shared commitment to the sustainable management and conservation of Belize’s vast marine resources. And we take this opportunity to gather as like-minded people, to rally behind this just cause, a cause which will shape a future where Belize’s marine wealth is not only protected but harnessed to uplift every Belizean.”

 

The forum is a gathering of key players in Belize’s marine sector, diving into insightful discussions on science-based ocean management. On the first day of the Blue Forum, the spotlight was on knowledge, innovation, and action driving Belize’s vibrant blue economy. Beverly Wade, the CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy, highlighted that the engagement zeroes in on both the triumphs and hurdles within the marine space.

 

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

“It is really a call to action for us to colelctiv3ly put our efforts together to help us continue to chart a way for a successful blue economy in Belize that is based on science, informed decision making and that we have people central to the discussion. We have a series of sessions to touch on various areas, from sciences, to applying that science, community resiliency, stewardship and the big discussion around sustainable financing. The idea is that each session will lead to discussions, and we are hoping to now have a  formal proceeding that will have recommendations coming from each session that we will use as regulatory agencies, as on the ground partners, to look at where are those areas we now need to look at strategically and put our investments in.”

 

Minister of Blue Economy, Andre Perez, delivered the closing remarks at the ceremony. Minister Perez emphasized that Belize’s blue space is not just a natural treasure but also a key economic driver. He stressed that his ministry is committed to making science-based decisions and ensuring that everyone has a voice in the process.

 

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy

“We cannot do this work alone. The challenge we face such a climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat degradation and the need for long-term financing are complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires a collective effort, bringing together government agencies, local communities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and international partners. This is why the blue forum is so important.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez