World Bank: Belize takes steps towards Blue Economy
Belize has taken steps to transition to a Blue Economy, according to a recent report by the World Bank.
Belize, a country located on the northeast coast of Central America, is ecologically diverse with substantial natural capital along its coast, represented by the largest coral barrier reef and associated ecosystem in the Americas, as well as significant areas of mangroves, tropical forests, and inland wetlands.
The country derives essential benefits from the ecosystem services generated by its coral reefs and mangroves as they help prevent coastal erosion and offer protection from storm surges and hurricanes.
In 2007 it was estimated that the value of ecosystem services (fishing, tourism, shoreline protection) generated by the coral reefs and mangroves contributed between 15% and 22% of GDP in Belize (in the range of US$395–559 million per year) in 2007.
However, Belize’s ecosystems and the roles they play are being threatened by environmental and human activities.
The Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP) aimed to enhance marine conservation and climate adaptation measures to strengthen the climate resilience of the Belize Barrier Reef system.
This included improvement of coral reef protection through expanded marine protected areas and coral outplanting. The Project aimed not only to restore and conserve biodiversity but also to support local communities to diversify their livelihoods.
#Belize has taken steps to transition to a #BlueEconomy by supporting:
➡️expansion of marine protected area coverage of its territorial waters from 13 to 22 %
➡️restoration of 12 coral sites
➡️alternative livelihoods for 1,535 beneficiariesLearn more: https://t.co/HhTOxIQXsB pic.twitter.com/I1Z5uULKbe
— World Bank (@WorldBank) April 28, 2021
Amaka E. Nliam
