Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2025. 6:37 pm CST.
Signing of coconut industry agreement in Forest Home, Toledo District – Photo Credit: MAFSE
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: On Thursday, April 10, 2025, a significant step forward was taken for coconut farmers in Toledo during a handing-over ceremony of materials for the construction of a nursery and coconut seedlings. The event, held under the banner of the “Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods, Building Resilience – Investments in Co-operatives Project,” took place in Forest Home and marked a meaningful investment in the future of the region’s coconut industry.
The project, generously funded by the GEF Small Grants Programme Belize, is executed by Belize Enterprise for Sustainable Technology (BEST) and the Department of Co-operatives in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE). Designed to bolster sustainable agricultural practices, the initiative seeks to improve the livelihoods of local farmers while promoting resilience in the face of modern agricultural challenges.
The ceremony featured remarks from several key figures, including Osmond Martinez, Minister of State for Economic Development and Toledo East Area Representative, who emphasized the importance of cooperative efforts and sustainability. Leonel Requena, National Coordinator of the GEF Small Grants Programme Belize under UNDP, spoke about the program’s commitment to local community development. Gareth Murillo, Registrar of Co-operatives, highlighted the pivotal role of co-operatives in the economic and social progress of the region.
Additional perspectives were shared by Michelle Longsworth, Acting Managing Director of BEST, and Lester Cabral, Farm Manager of Copal Tree Lodge, who reflected on the broader impact of the initiative on the community and its agricultural aspirations.
The ceremony concluded with a signing of agreements among all parties, symbolizing their unified commitment to advancing the project. The construction of the nursery, combined with the provision of high-quality coconut seedlings, is expected to usher in new opportunities for farmers and help build a more resilient coconut industry in Toledo.
This partnership reaffirms the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing dedication to empowering local communities through innovative and sustainable solutions, paving the way for agricultural growth and long-term environmental stewardship.
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The post Coconut industry in Toledo gets a boost with new sustainable livelihood initiative appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, April 10, 2025. 6:37 pm CST. Signing of coconut industry agreement in Forest Home, Toledo District – Photo Credit: MAFSE By Rubén Morales Iglesias:
The post Coconut industry in Toledo gets a boost with new sustainable livelihood initiative appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.