By Zoila Palma: Today, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation participated in “Belizing the Blue Economy” virtual session hosted by the University of South Florida (USF) in collaboration with the Strong Coasts Project.
The Strong Coasts Project is a long-term initiative led by the USFand funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, focused on strengthening the resilience of coastal communities in Belize and the region.
CEO Beverly Wade presented on Belize’s implementation pathways for the blue economy, highlighting a national vision anchored in natural capital, where coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass are treated as critical infrastructure.
CEO Wade emphasized innovative financing mechanisms such as blue bonds and conservation funds to secure long-term outcomes, strong coordination across government and communities to drive effective implementation and enforcement, compliance, and data transparency to build trust and protect marine resources.
Other panelists included Osmany Salas, Lead for the Project Finance for Permanence at the WWF Mesoamerica; and Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director for the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future – Belize Fund.
The session also featured participation from Belizean student Monique Vernon, who is currently pursuing her Marine Science graduate degree at USF.
The session reinforced that Belize’s blue economy is about growth, safeguarding ecosystems, supporting livelihoods, and building long-term resilience.
The post Ministry of Blue Economy engages in “Belizing the Blue Economy” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Today, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation participated in “Belizing the Blue Economy” virtual session hosted by the University of South Florida (USF) in collaboration with the Strong Coasts Project. The Strong Coasts Project is a long-term initiative led by the USFand funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, focused on
The post Ministry of Blue Economy engages in “Belizing the Blue Economy” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
