October 30, 2024
Celebrating 15 Years of Protecting Belize’s Marine Resources Together
Over the past 15 years, Oceana has helped Belize meet major milestones for its people and marine resources. Our partnerships with local communities have made waves in ocean conservation in Belize, from protecting 36,182 km2 of Belize’s marine space from dirty and destructive offshore oil activity, to safeguarding critical marine habitats through promoting the use of non-destructive fishing gear. This journey has not only helped to protect the health of our vibrant barrier reef and the marine life it sustains, but also the livelihoods of the tens of thousands of Belizeans who depend on our Caribbean Sea. As we reflect on our achievements for the past decade and a half, we also celebrate the resilience of Belizeans and our natural environment, which we all want to enjoy for generations to come.
Our victories
Let’s take a look back on the victories Oceana has celebrated in Belize:
- December 2010 – Belize becomes one of the first countries to protect its waters from all forms of trawling.
- February 2012 – Oceana holds the People’s Referendum, asking the question, “Should there be oil exploration and drilling in Belize’s offshore?” Around 30,000 Belizeans showed up at 51 polling stations across the country, and 96% voted overwhelmingly against offshore oil.
- January 2016 – Launch of the Fish Right, Eat Right program. This was a partnership effort between Oceana and the Belize Federation Fishers, Belize Tourism Board, Environmental Defence Fund, Belize Tourism Industry Association, Wildlife Conservation Society, The Nature Conservancy, and Belize Fisheries Department. The goal was to promote compliance to fisheries regulations and responsible consumption of seafood.
- December 2017 – Enactment of the People’s Law, reflecting Belizeans’ opposition to offshore oil exploration and drilling in Belize. The Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone Moratorium) Act, 2017, was passed, placing an indefinite moratorium on offshore oil activities in Belizean waters.
- November 2020 – The Government of Belize passes Statutory Instrument 158 of 2020 titled Fisheries Resources (Gill Net Prohibition) Regulations 2020, prohibiting the possession and use of gillnets in Belize’s marine territorial seas, Exclusive Economic Zone, and internal waters.
- June 2023 – Oceana submits 22,090 petitions signed by dedicated Belizean voters determined to have a say via an official referendum if any administration wants to lift the indefinite moratorium on offshore oil in Belize.
- November 2023 – The Government of Belize passes a law that ensures that the people of Belize will have their voices heard through national referendum in the event that the Government desires to amend or repeal the Moratorium Act.
We continue to work
We continue to advocate for policies that will ensure that Belize’s marine resources are protected, ensuring they can provide for our economy, culture, and livelihoods for generations to come. Presently, Oceana alongside Belizeans is campaigning for Constitutional Reform that empowers every Belizean and protects our precious marine ecosystems. We are advocating for an amendment to the Constitution of Belize that would give Belizeans the right to decide on offshore oil exploration and drilling, as well as major coastal development projects, through binding national referenda. Click here to find out more or to add your voice.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 15 years of advocacy, Oceana acknowledges invaluable support of our amazing Wavemakers and Belizeans across this beautiful nation. So, here’s to another milestone for Belize and the oceans – let’s continue to make waves together #toloveandprotectBelize.
