<
https://caribbeannewsservice.com/2-years-of-action-delivering-on-belizes-commitment-to-ocean-conservation/>
"Beyond its incredible and undeniable beauty, Belize’s ocean space is an
important asset for our economic development. It contributes to the livelihoods
of thousands of Belizeans, but our coastal and marine environments face threats
from biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution—termed the triple
planetary crisis. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, agricultural
runoff, and habitat destruction further jeopardize these vital resources.
Almost two and a half years ago, the Belize Fund was set up to help Belize
achieve its ambitious goals of protecting its precious marine ecosystems while
alleviating national debt, through the Belize Blue Bonds. This wasn’t your
typical financial instrument; it demonstrated innovation in bridging the gap
between ambition and action in ocean conservation.
Joel Verde, one of Belize Fund’s Board of Directors and Executive Director for
the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, emphasized the
critical role of this new funding, “This has secured funding that was much
needed, and it was urgent. Those who have been involved in protected areas
management know how much that has been for us.”
Leah Carriere, representing the Belize Blue Investment Company and The Nature
Conservancy’s Nature Bonds Program, shared her perspective on the journey from
concept to reality. “When we closed the historic Belize Blue Bond transaction
in November 2021, it felt momentous yet incomplete. It wasn’t until I saw the
Belize Fund team in action, translating those debt restructuring funds into
tangible marine protection initiatives, that I realized the full potential of
what we had set in motion.”
Carriere marvelled at the Fund’s rapid progress. “In just two years, they’ve
gone from a concept to a fully operational entity, disbursing millions in
grants and setting new standards for transparency and effectiveness in
conservation finance. The global conservation community is taking notice –
Belize is becoming a model for how innovative finance can drive real-world
conservation impacts.”"
Via
Fix the News:
https://fixthenews.com/light-into-lightning/
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
