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December 16, 2024

A Year of Impactful Outreach and Advocacy

 

Oceana began 2024 with a wide range of engaging outreach activities. From school presentations to collaboration with our partners, our mission was seen and heard. As we go into a new year with new goals, we look forward to working with all our supporters and partners and taking bigger and better action for our reef, livelihoods, Caribbean Sea, and oceans!

Our field representatives have been super busy this year as they attended community health fairs and festivals, seminars held by various organizations, delivered presentations to schools, and hosted community meetings to have engaging conversations on Belizeans on Oceana’s campaigns, particularly on Constitutional Reform.

A pivotal focus this year has been our advocacy during Belize’s Constitutional Reform Process. As the country embarked on this process via the People’s Constitution Commission, Oceana advocated for an amendment to the Constitution of Belize that would give Belizeans the right to decide on offshore oil exploration and drilling through binding national referenda. This means that every Belizean would have a direct say in the decisions that impact Belize’s precious marine ecosystems and way of life.

What did our advocacy look like?

  • We conducted extensive presentations and conversations to Belizeans across the country
  • Launched an online call-to-action
  • Empowered citizens to demand people-powered governance

The voices of Belizeans have been extraordinary! Oceana collected over 600 letters of support from Belizeans across the country saying that they want to see this amendment in their Constitution. The passion shown by Belizeans to protect our beloved Caribbean Sea motivates our work every day; we thank you!

Our work with young Belizeans remains a source of tremendous hope and motivation. Hearing their questions and thoughts about our natural environment and seeing their genuine care for the future of our oceans is so inspiring. Oceana continues to educate and engage with young people about Belize’s marine resources and how we can all contribute to their protection. This year, we presented to over 50 primary, secondary, and tertiary level schools on Oceana campaigns.

Our approach goes beyond mere information sharing — we’re helping to build a movement of informed and passionate Belizeans. Check out our photo wrap up here!

Partner Spotlight

Earlier in December, Jacinta Usher, Outreach Director, appeared on the first episode of the Belize Tourism Board’s podcast Tea, Taak + Tourism with Miss Earth Belize 2024. The very spirited conversation focused on the vital role of marine conservation in protecting the Belize Barrier Reef, ensuring healthy oceans for future generations, and Oceana’s role in advocating for the safeguarding of Belize’s blue space. As she prepared for her journey to the international stage to represent Belize in October, Oceana also collaborated with Miss Earth Belize 2024 in a vlog and Miriam Longsworth, Communications Specialist, to discuss Oceana’s advocacy and achievements in Belize over the years.