By Zoila Palma: Belize City is being represented in Saint Lucia as Mayor Bernard Wagner leads regional discussions on climate resilience at the Commonwealth Local Government Forum’s (CLGF) Caribbean Regional Meeting in Gros Islet.
The meeting, held under the theme “Climate Resilient Urban Development in the Caribbean: Strengthening Local Leadership for Sustainable Communities,” brings together mayors, government officials, development partners and climate resilience practitioners from across the region.
As Chairperson of the CLGF, Mayor Wagner delivered the official welcome at the regional meeting, which focuses on strengthening the role of local governments in addressing the Caribbean’s growing climate challenges. Representing Belize alongside Wagner are Monique Acosta of the Belize City Council’s Planning Department and Aurelia Cal, Acting Director of Local Government at the Ministry of Rural Transformation and Local Government.
A major focus of the meeting is translating regional climate commitments into projects that can be financed, implemented and maintained at the municipal level. Through the Multi-Country Climate Resilient Development Initiative, advanced by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs) in partnership with CLGF, participants are working to develop investment-ready projects while identifying priorities for resilient infrastructure, stronger municipal capacity and improved access to climate financing.
Mayor Wagner emphasized that climate resilience must be addressed directly within communities rather than remaining confined to national discussions.
“It must be built street by street, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and community by community,” Wagner said, stressing the need for local governments to be empowered, technically supported and adequately financed to respond to climate challenges.
For Belize City, climate resilience extends beyond responding to storms and flooding after they occur.
It involves strengthening infrastructure and public services, protecting homes and livelihoods, supporting local businesses and ensuring municipalities have the authority and resources to act when communities need them most.
The Belize City Council said it remains committed to turning regional partnerships into practical projects that protect residents, strengthen communities and contribute to a more resilient future for Belize City and the wider Caribbean.
The post Mayor Wagner leads Regional Climate Resilience discussions in Saint Lucia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belize City is being represented in Saint Lucia as Mayor Bernard Wagner leads regional discussions on climate resilience at the Commonwealth Local Government Forum’s (CLGF) Caribbean Regional Meeting in Gros Islet. The meeting, held under the theme “Climate Resilient Urban Development in the Caribbean: Strengthening Local Leadership for Sustainable Communities,” brings together
The post Mayor Wagner leads Regional Climate Resilience discussions in Saint Lucia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
