UK and Belize Join Forces to Protect Mesoamerica’s Natural Wonders
Historic Pact Sealed in Belmopan
The UK government has upped its green game with Belize. British High Commissioner Nicole Davison and Belize’s Minister for Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to back the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund. The signing took place at a reception hosted by Davison in Belmopan, cementing a vital partnership to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
£16m Fund Targets Mesoamerica’s Wildlife Havens
The Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, driven by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), aims to pour up to US$20 million (£16m) into preserving the rich biodiversity of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras between 2023 and 2029. In Belize, efforts will focus on the Selva Maya Region and the iconic Chiquibul Forest Reserve.
Local Communities to Lead Environmental Charge
The initiative will empower local communities, indigenous groups, and environmental experts to boost sustainable farming, smart resource management, and nature recovery. It’s more than just conservation — it’s about protecting livelihoods and respecting indigenous rights.
Watch This Space: Projects Kick Off Soon
Defra is currently hunting for a Delivery Partner to roll out the programme across Mesoamerica, with projects expected to launch in mid-2023. This fund, part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance commitment, also supports global targets set by the UN for biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development.
