PACT Invests $12 Million in Belize’s Conservation Efforts

Belize is once again making headlines for its leadership in conservation. This week, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust, better known as PACT, rolled out a major investment in the country’s natural future. With twelve million dollars committed over the next three years, and nearly eight million already disbursed, PACT is partnering with fifteen agencies to protect twenty-eight of Belize’s most treasured protected areas. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust, better known as PACT, is leading the charge when it comes to conservation in Belize. With strategic investments and strong partnerships, PACT continues to play a key role in protecting the country’s natural resources and building a more sustainable future.

 

Abil Castaneda, Executive Director, PACT

“The work that we do, that you do in conservation that it is a selfless commitment, it is a selfless dedication and passion and the truth is when all is said and done, we will look back, we will have pioneers and new commers and we want to be a part of that story, of the Belizean story in conservation.”

 

PACT is continuing its mission to protect Belize’s natural treasures. On Monday, the organization awarded a total of twelve million dollars in funding to fifteen co-management agencies. These groups are responsible for overseeing twenty-eight protected areas across the country.

 

Milagro Matus, Chairperson, PACT

“We come together today to celebrate the dedicated co-manager organizations that are at the very heart of our national conservation efforts. These organizations which are protectors of biodiversity, champions of communities, guardians of our ecosystems and partners in shaping a resilient nature positive future for Belize. This award ceremony is an opportunity to highlight the significant investments being made through PACTS conservation investment strategy 2.0.”

 

Fifteen agencies were honored as they officially signed on to a major conservation partnership with PACT. Representatives from each agency were on hand to receive their awards during a special ceremony. The agreement, which spans three years, marks a significant investment in Belize’s environmental future. During the event, PACT disbursed an impressive seven million dollars toward the total value of the project. Prime Minister John Briceño, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the growing urgency for conservation efforts worldwide, highlighting Belize’s continued leadership in protecting natural resources.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Around the world there is this urgency of conservation and it has never been as clearer than ever. People are truly realizing how important conservation is, not only to themselves, but to planet earth. This is so much more we can do in this world, there is so much we can accomplish and in many instances it vexes me, it makes me upset. When we were in Scotland and I was interviewed I blurted out that we are doing our part, the big countries are not doing their part. The reporter pointed out what I said to Boris Johnson and he had to admit sheepishly that it is true, they are not doing their part to help us to protect mother earth for all of us.”

 

Minister Orlando Habet emphasized the importance of Belize maintaining its position as a pioneer in the global conservation movement. He praised the Protected Areas Conservation Trust’s latest initiative, Conservation Investment Strategy 2.0, calling it a bold step forward in protecting the country’s natural heritage. Minister Habet says the strategy reflects Belize’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience, ensuring that both people and the planet benefit from smart, forward-thinking investments.

 

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“It is also excitement times with in conservation and protected areas management here in Belize. With the highly anticipated Project Finance For Permanence Initiative to be launched later this year and with the newly established partnership between PACT and the Belize Fund also poised to become an avenue for further resource mobilization and support for the national protected areas system. The future is bright for conservation, indeed it is.”

 

The organization says its latest funding isn’t just backing NGO co-managers, but also community groups and government agencies. The focus? Building climate resilience. PACT says these investments are aimed at helping Belize’s protected areas adapt to the growing challenges of climate change, ensuring both ecosystems and communities are better prepared for the future. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.