December 22, 2025
A YEAR OF WAVES WITH YOU
We’d like to think of 2025 as a year of empowering voices for change. We were able to strengthen our partnerships and expand our outreach efforts through engagement with community groups, in classrooms, summer camps, and in shared public spaces. Every conversation we had was rooted in the belief that a thriving future for our sea and all Belizeans depends on informed, empowered communities.
A Constitution that Gives Your Voice Power
Throughout the year, we held meetings and did presentations with businesses, schools, and community members to discuss the importance of civic engagement and people power within the framework of Belize’s Constitution. These conversations provided a platform to highlight the importance of Belizeans having a say in shaping of our future, one where both people and marine life thrive. This future we deserve has no place for the dangers of offshore oil and gas activities. So, we continue to engage communities in these conversations that can help to strengthen advocacy efforts and protect our natural heritage.
Supporting Community-led Cleanups
We joined our partners throughout the country to support community-led cleanup events in coastal and inland areas. Those cleanups were more than just efforts to remove trash; they were opportunities to educate and empower Belizeans, and to protect marine life and fragile ecosystems from the harmful impacts of pollution. By supporting these events, we amplify the fact that protecting what we love is a shared responsibility. Photo Spotlight!
Engaging Youth at Summer Camps
During the summer, we partnered with the Scout Association of Belize and the public libraries in Corozal Town and Independence Village to lead presentations to the campers on sustainable practices. These were great opportunities to not only have fun with our future leaders, but also to explore ways to reduce single-use plastics in their daily lives. Through interactive activities, like soap making and creating tote bags from t-shirts, campers were able to reinforce what they’ve learned and take those lessons home and back to school. Photo Spotlight!
Community Engagement
Community fairs and local events, like school open days and festivals, provided opportunities to connect with a wide audience. By participating in these events, Oceana’s staff were able to share information and engage in meaningful conversations about the work we do and how the public can support us. These interactions help to strengthen our relationships and messages to the communities we advocate with. Photo Spotlight!
Outreach Highlight: Turning Fishers into Advocates
A key part of our outreach this year focused on conversations with local commercial fishers, those whose livelihoods are directly tied to the health of our sea. We discussed the importance of sustainable fisheries management, but more importantly, the crucial role of their voices in the decisions made for the fisheries sector of Belize. Moving into the new year, we’ll continue to back the fishers’ call for transparency and fairness in how they are represented on the Fisheries Council and support them in advocating for the inclusion of their voices in shaping our future. Here’s how you can join us.

