AGP Executive Report

Flood Response in Stann Creek: Heavy overnight rain triggered flooding and activated the Stann Creek Emergency Operations Center, with residents in low-lying areas— including a new Mennonite settlement near Miles Six and Seven—moving to higher ground as NEMO coordinated help. Weather Watch & Flash-Flood Risk: The National Meteorological Service confirmed exceptionally high rainfall totals and an excessive rainfall watch, while the Hydrology Unit warned flash flooding threats remain, with concern shifting toward Orange Walk and Corozal as the system moves north. Road Resilience Under Pressure: The Coastal Plain Highway saw temporary closures near Mile 16 after water overtopped sections; MIDH says only small stretches were affected and points to prior erosion protection work, while continuing monitoring of roads, bridges, and drainage. El Niño Energy Strain Prep: Belize Electricity Limited is budgeting up to $4 million monthly to protect supply if El Niño brings drought and reduces hydro output. Greening Belize Tree Push: Government CEOs and schools launched tree-planting under the 1-million-trees-by-2035 goal, with youth-led conservation and waste-separation activities. Sugar Environmental Compliance: The DOE is deepening work with sugar industry associations through the BAC SUF project to strengthen environmental clearance and sustainable practices. Regional Environment Leadership: Belize is preparing for its CCAD pro-tempore presidency, aligning priorities on climate adaptation, biodiversity, water, sargassum, and solid waste. Marine Life Signals Change: Research highlights how butterflyfish behavior may reflect ocean change—relevant for Belize’s reef health as warming pressures intensify.

Flood Response in Stann Creek: Heavy overnight rain triggered flooding and activated the Stann Creek Emergency Operations Center, with residents in low-lying areas— including a new Mennonite settlement near Miles Six and Seven—moving belongings and seeking help as NEMO coordinated response. Hydrology Warning: The Hydrology Unit says flash-flood risk remains, with models pointing to possible worsening in Orange Walk and Corozal as the system shifts north, especially for urban flooding. Road Resilience Check: Floodwaters temporarily closed parts of the Coastal Plain Highway near Mile 16; officials say the design held under extraordinary rainfall, but small vulnerable sections need continued monitoring and targeted works. El Niño Energy Prep: Belize Electricity Limited is budgeting up to $4 million per month to protect supply if drought reduces hydro output, while uncertainty remains on timing and severity. Land Compensation at CCJ: Government will appeal the Jalacte compensation ruling to the CCJ to clarify whether communal and private compensation regimes can operate together under Belizean law. Sugar Environmental Compliance: The DOE is engaging Belize’s sugar industry associations through the BAC SUF Project to strengthen environmental clearance and sustainable practices. Million-Tree Push: Belize’s Greening Belize initiative keeps rolling with CEO-led tree planting and a youth replanting program aimed at hitting the 1 million trees by 2035. Marine Science Spotlight: Research highlights how butterflyfish behavior can signal ocean change—relevant for Belize’s reef health and biodiversity monitoring. Regional Climate Leadership: Belize is preparing for its CCAD pro tempore presidency, with priorities including climate adaptation, biodiversity, water management, sargassum, and solid waste. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project is expanding renewable energy and low-carbon upgrades for fisheries and aquaculture across participating countries, including Belize. Local Capacity Boost: BSIF and the Ministry of Agriculture handed vehicles under CRESAP to support farmer services, crop monitoring, and data collection.

Flooding & Storm Readiness: Heavy overnight rain hit Stann Creek, triggering NEMO’s emergency response and flooding in low-lying areas, with the National Hydrology Unit warning flash-flood risk and possible spread of impacts northward. Road Resilience Under Pressure: Coastal Plain Highway flooding near Mile 16 raised questions, but MIDH says only short sections were affected and that earlier climate-resilience works helped limit damage. El Niño Energy Worry: BEL is preparing for possible El Niño-driven drought, budgeting up to $4 million monthly to protect electricity supply if hydro output drops. Land & Rights at the CCJ: Government confirmed it will take the Jalacte communal land compensation ruling to the CCJ to clarify whether communal and private compensation regimes can operate together. Regional Environment Leadership: Belize is preparing to assume CCAD’s pro tempore presidency, coordinating a regional work programme on climate adaptation, biodiversity, water, sargassum, and solid waste. Conservation Finance Boost: PACT marked another milestone, saying it has mobilized over BZ$36M for climate resilience with more than BZ$140M in the pipeline. Marine Science Spotlight: A new study highlights how butterflyfish behavior can signal ocean change—useful for tracking reef health in a warming world. Youth Tree Push: The Greening Belize initiative keeps rolling with CEO-led school tree planting and a replanting programme aimed at building long-term conservation stewardship.

Flood & Storm Readiness: Stann Creek District saw flooding after heavy overnight rain, triggering the Stann Creek Emergency Operations Center and prompting rescues and relocations in low-lying areas. Hydrology Watch: The Hydrology Unit warned flash-flood risk remains, with models pointing to possible worsening in Orange Walk and Corozal as the system shifts north. Road Resilience Under Pressure: Coastal Plain Highway flooding near Mile 16 raised questions, but officials say only short sections were affected and that climate-resilient design is holding—while monitoring continues for erosion and overtopping. El Niño Energy Strain: Belize Electricity Limited is preparing for possible El Niño drought, budgeting up to $4M monthly to protect supply if hydro output drops. Regional Environment Leadership: Belize is gearing up to assume the CCAD regional presidency, coordinating priorities on climate adaptation, biodiversity, water, sargassum, and solid waste. Million-Tree Push: Government CEOs and schools launched Greening Belize tree-planting and a CEO Caucus Replanting Program to build climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Clean Energy for Fisheries: CRFM’s STAR-Fish project is scaling clean-energy and low-carbon upgrades for fisheries and aquaculture across participating countries, including Belize. Biodiversity & Research Links: Georgia Southern University and the University of Belize signed a partnership to expand research on marine biology, tropical ecology, and coastal resiliency. Conservation Finance Milestone: PACT highlighted major climate and conservation funding mobilized and in the pipeline to protect Belize’s natural resources. Wildlife Health Alert: New World screwworm detections in the region have led to quarantines in parts of Texas, underscoring cross-border risks to animals and people. Indigenous Consultations: FPIC consultations continue under Belize’s Indigenous consultation framework, with communities weighing environmental and cultural impacts of proposed land and development plans.

Million-Tree Push in Schools: Belize’s Greening Belize initiative is mobilizing kids and government leaders to plant trees nationwide, including a CEO-led replanting launch at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School in Roaring Creek as part of the 1 million trees by 2035 goal. Climate-Resilient Farming Support: The Belize Social Investment Fund and the Ministry of Agriculture handed over vehicles under CRESAP to strengthen farmer support, crop monitoring, and extension services—aimed at better pest management and faster technical help. Drought Relief Debate: With drought concerns after below-average rainfall forecasts, Opposition leaders backed emergency cash support for farmers but demanded strict transparency and oversight of funds. Indigenous Land Consultations (FPIC): Government says FPIC consultations are ongoing under Belize’s framework, with officials pointing to southern Belize projects where communities weigh environmental and cultural impacts. Marine Protection & Fisher Collaboration: The Protected Areas Conservation Trust highlighted major conservation and climate financing, while the Coast Guard met with fishing cooperatives to boost cooperation against illegal fishing and protect marine resources. Regional Climate Alarm: A global report flags May 2026 as the second-warmest on record, underscoring the mounting pressure on Caribbean ecosystems and resilience planning. Biosecurity Watch (Screwworm): New World screwworm detections and quarantines in the US signal a growing regional health risk from invasive parasites—an issue Belizeans should watch closely as surveillance and animal movement controls tighten.

New World Screwworm Alert: A parasitologist warns the return of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is likely spreading beyond a single confirmed case, with US counties now under quarantine as officials ramp up animal health surveillance. Belize Tree Push: Belize’s Greening Belize initiative keeps rolling—CEO-led tree planting at Our Lady of Fatima RC School and a new CEO Caucus youth replanting program aim to build a culture of stewardship while driving toward the one-million-trees-by-2035 goal. Drought and Farm Support: With drought concerns tied to below-average rainfall, Opposition leaders back disaster funding for farmers but demand strict transparency and oversight of cash assistance. Climate Finance for Conservation: Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) marks another milestone, saying it has mobilized over BZ$36M for climate resilience with an additional BZ$140M in the pipeline. Sustainable Agriculture Links: CARDI welcomed a Brazil-led delegation to strengthen regional food security and showcase climate-resilient crop outputs, including varieties produced in Belize. Coast Guard Safety & Fisheries: The Coast Guard rescued seven near San Pedro and met fishing cooperatives to improve collaboration against illegal fishing and protect marine resources. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience, focused on keeping critical government data secure during disasters and cyber threats. Heat Records: Global reports flag May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, reinforcing the urgency of climate action.

Climate Watch: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with a high chance 2026 lands among the four warmest years—an alarming backdrop for Belize’s hurricane and coastal risks. Indigenous Rights & Land: Belize continues Indigenous consultations under the FPIC framework, with officials pointing to ongoing dialogue in southern Belize as communities weigh environmental and cultural impacts. Conservation Finance: PACT marks another milestone, saying it has mobilized over BZ$36M for climate resilience and has BZ$140M more in the pipeline—aimed at protecting natural resources and boosting readiness for climate change. Marine Protection: A Belize-focused explainer challenges “dredging defenses” around Placencia Lagoon, arguing dredging disturbs sediments and seagrass habitat that support manatees and lagoon life. Coast Guard & Fisheries: The Belize Coast Guard rescued seven near San Pedro and also met with fishing cooperatives to strengthen cooperation against illegal fishing and protect marine resources. Health & Environment: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s health ministry held a youth tobacco control forum under “Unmasking the Appeal,” linking reduced nicotine use to lower environmental emissions. Regional Governance: Belize’s minister urged deeper Caribbean unity at the CDB annual meeting, stressing regional solutions for shared challenges.

Digital Resilience: Belize City hosted a regional workshop (June 2–3) to strengthen digital resilience, including plans to keep encrypted copies of vital government records so public services can continue after hurricanes, cyber-attacks, or other crises. Marine Protection & Fisheries: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to meet the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space while balancing fishing and tourism. Conservation Finance: The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) marked another milestone, saying it has mobilized over BZ$36M for climate resilience with about BZ$140M more in the pipeline. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders raised concerns about government moves affecting Maya customary land tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes along the coast. Coast Guard & Safety: The Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water, and separately met fishing cooperatives to strengthen cooperation against illegal fishing. Climate Signal: Global data showed May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, underscoring rising climate risk for Belize and the region.

Placencia Lagoon & Ambergris Caye: Belize’s six-month moratorium on mining and dredging is getting renewed attention as conservationists warn that deeper, disturbed waters can harm seagrass and manatee health, with impacts showing up in blood samples—calls are growing for the pause to be enforceable, not just “on paper.” Marine Planning: Stakeholders from fishing and tourism reviewed draft zoning and management measures under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting at least 30% of marine space. Coast Guard & Fisheries: The Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro and also met with fishing cooperatives to strengthen cooperation against illegal fishing and better protect marine resources. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience, focusing on cybersecurity and government continuity during disasters and cyber-attacks. Health & Youth Tobacco Control: PAHO/WHO and Belize’s Ministry of Health held a youth forum to counter nicotine and tobacco addiction under a “smoke-free and emission-free” regional initiative. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders raised concerns about government moves that could reshape control over Maya and Garifuna traditional lands, intensifying long-running disputes over tenure and boundaries. Wildlife Threat Watch: New World screwworm continues to spread in the region, with Texas confirming its first locally acquired case in decades—raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and highlighting the need for surveillance across borders.

Reef Protection Gap: A new look at Caribbean reefs finds about half of the most important coastline-protecting reefs are still unprotected from human pressures like warming, pollution, and coastal development. Regional Food Security: CARDI in Trinidad welcomed a high-level IICA and Brazil delegation, highlighting climate-resilient crops produced in Belize, including sweet potato varieties and commercial beans. Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan: Fishing and tourism stakeholders reviewed draft zoning and management measures for the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan under the Blue Bond goal of protecting at least 30% of marine space. Coastal Safety & Fisheries: The Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro and met with fishing cooperatives to strengthen cooperation against illegal fishing and protect marine resources. Placencia Lagoon Dredging Debate: Belize voices push back on dredging impacts, with a call for real enforcement of the Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye moratorium to let habitats recover. Digital Resilience: Belize hosted a regional workshop on strengthening digital resilience for government continuity during disasters and cyberattacks. Environment Day Climate Call: Belize marked World Environment Day with a push for climate action and public responsibility. New World Screwworm Watch: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case after spread through Central America and Belize—raising concerns for livestock and wildlife health and surveillance.

Invasive Species Alert: Texas has confirmed New World screwworm in a calf, triggering quarantines and movement restrictions across parts of La Salle, Uvalde, Webb and Zavala counties—an urgent reminder that pests can threaten livestock, wildlife and even people when warm-blooded hosts are exposed. Coastal Safety: The Belize Coast Guard rescued seven people near San Pedro after a vessel began taking on water, coordinating with nearby boats to get everyone to safety. Fisheries & Marine Protection: Coast Guard meetings with fishing cooperatives focused on tackling illegal fishing and improving collaboration to protect marine resources. Sustainable Ocean Planning: Stakeholders reviewed draft zoning and management measures for Belize’s Sustainable Ocean Plan under the Blue Bond goal of protecting at least 30% of marine space. Placencia Lagoon Recovery: Belize’s moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye is being defended as necessary for habitats to recover—especially for manatees and seagrass. Climate & Resilience: Belize marked Environment Day with a push for climate action and public responsibility, while a regional workshop in Belize City strengthened digital resilience for government continuity during disasters.

Digital Resilience Workshop: Belize hosted a regional workshop (June 2–3) to strengthen digital resilience, with 13 Caribbean countries planning how to keep government services running during cyberattacks and disasters by securing vital records and continuity systems. Marine Protection Planning: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting 30% of marine space, weighing zoning and management areas that balance conservation with fishing and tourism. Coastal Dredging Debate: Local voices pushed back on dredging claims around Placencia Lagoon, warning that deeper water and disturbed sediments can harm seagrass and manatee health; the government’s moratorium is framed as a needed recovery pause. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders raised concerns about government moves affecting Maya customary land tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes, saying land governance changes could reshape traditional territories. Environment Day Climate Call: Belize marked World Environment Day with a message that climate action and environmental responsibility start with everyday choices. Fuel Relief Pressure: Pressure grew for broader fuel tax relief as the Prime Minister criticized calls for transparency and relief efforts tied to pump price impacts.

Placencia Lagoon & manatees: Belize’s government is facing mounting pressure to protect key habitats after a six-month moratorium on mining and dredging in Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye, with conservationists warning that dredging can harm seagrass and even show up in manatee blood samples. Ocean planning: Stakeholders from fishing and tourism met in Belize City to review the draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting at least 30% of marine space, with proposed zoning meant to balance conservation and livelihoods. Indigenous land rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government moves that could reshape Maya customary land tenure and village boundary definitions affecting Garifuna traditional territories. Hurricane readiness: Belize City Council is boosting 2026 hurricane preparedness through emergency planning sessions and coordination with meteorological experts. Environment Day & climate action: Belize marked UN Environment Day with calls for climate action and shared responsibility. Wildlife & invasive threats: A global spotlight is on the hunt for red lionfish and the spread of New World screwworm—both reminders of how quickly ecological threats can move across borders.

Coral Reef & Lagoon Protection: Belize’s Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye dredging and mining pause is getting attention as marine voices push back on claims that deeper water helps wildlife, arguing dredging stirs sediments that can harm seagrass and manatees and that the moratorium must be enforceable. Marine Planning: Stakeholders in Belize City reviewed draft zoning and management measures in the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, tied to the Blue Bond goal of protecting at least 30% of marine space. Hurricane Readiness: Belize City Council is stepping up 2026 Atlantic hurricane preparedness with new coordination and briefings for emergency response teams. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are raising alarms about government moves affecting Maya customary land tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes on the Placencia and Stann Creek coasts. Environment Day & Climate Action: Belize marked UN Environment Day with calls for climate action and shared responsibility. Wildlife Health Watch: The New World screwworm outbreak in Texas is a regional warning for livestock and wildlife health surveillance, with Belize already in the fly’s wider spread path. Biodiversity & Research: Belize is also represented at the GEF Assembly, focusing on climate and coastal priorities and resilience financing.

Wildlife Tracking Breakthrough: A tiny Canadian Motus bird-tag system is helping scientists decode migration as North America’s bird populations drop by billions since 1970, linking declines to land conversion and climate change. Invasive Species Alert: Belize is in the wider spotlight as New World screwworm spreads across Central America and Mexico—now confirmed in Texas—raising alarms for livestock, wildlife, and animal health surveillance. Coastal Protection vs. Dredging: Belize’s Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye dredging and mining moratorium is framed as a needed recovery pause, with researchers warning that deeper water and disturbed sediments can harm seagrass and manatee health. Marine Planning: Fishing and tourism stakeholders met in Belize City to review draft zoning under the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, aiming to meet Blue Bond targets for protecting 30% of marine space. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders in southern Belize are pushing back on government moves tied to Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundary processes. Hurricane Readiness: Belize City Council is boosting 2026 hurricane preparedness through planning sessions with meteorologist Ronald Gordon. Environment Day: Belize marked World Environment Day with a climate action message focused on shared responsibility.

Marine Invasives: Belize’s marine risk spotlighted by the “red lionfish” hunt in Israel, a reminder of how invasive species spread via canals and can rapidly reshape ecosystems. Coastal Protection & Dredging: Belize’s government is temporarily halting dredging in sensitive coastal areas, including a six-month moratorium tied to Placencia Lagoon and Ambergris Caye—pushed by concerns that deeper, murkier water disrupts seagrass and harms manatees and other lagoon life. Wildlife Health: Manatee researchers say dredging impacts show up in manatee blood samples, arguing the moratorium must be enforceable, not “on paper.” Ocean Planning: Stakeholders in Belize City reviewed draft zoning and management measures for the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan under the Blue Bond goal of protecting at least 30% of marine space. Hurricane Readiness: Belize City Council is boosting 2026 hurricane preparedness through emergency planning sessions with meteorology briefings. Indigenous Land Rights: Indigenous leaders are pushing back on government land plans affecting Maya customary tenure and Garifuna village boundary definitions along the Placencia/Stann Creek coast. Environment Day & Climate Action: Belize marked World Environment Day with calls for climate action and public responsibility. Digital Resilience: A regional workshop in Belize City focused on protecting critical government data during disasters and cyber threats.