By Zoila Palma: The Government of Belize has launched the Hicatee Conservation and Action Plan 2026–2031, establishing a national framework to protect and support the recovery of the critically endangered Central American River Turtle, known locally as the Hicatee or Tortuga Blanca.
The plan was officially launched on August 26 during the fourth day of Belize Climate Week by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation and the Belize Fisheries Department.
The Hicatee (Dermatemys mawii) is classified as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is considered one of the world’s 25 most endangered turtle species.
The new plan was developed through collaboration between the Belize Fisheries Department, the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education, the Turtle Survival Alliance, Zoo New England and other stakeholders.
The 2026–2031 plan outlines eight conservation goals and 58 actions focused on strengthening enforcement and regulations, protecting and restoring habitats, increasing research and population monitoring, improving public awareness, supporting captive management and reintroduction, and involving communities in conservation efforts.
Key threats to the Hicatee include illegal and unsustainable harvesting, habitat destruction, riparian deforestation, wetland drainage and pollution.
The Government has formally endorsed the plan and committed to supporting its implementation through coordination among agencies, policy development, technical assistance and the mobilization of national and international resources.
The post Belize launches National Plan to protect critically endangered Hicatee appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Government of Belize has launched the Hicatee Conservation and Action Plan 2026–2031, establishing a national framework to protect and support the recovery of the critically endangered Central American River Turtle, known locally as the Hicatee or Tortuga Blanca. The plan was officially launched on August 26 during the fourth day of
The post Belize launches National Plan to protect critically endangered Hicatee appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.