FAO Supports Belize’s Efforts to Strengthen Coastal and Blue Economy Resilience

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) joined national partners in Belize for the 3rd Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum, held on June 20, 2025. The event was convened by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation in collaboration with Belize’s National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and FAO, to foster dialogue on climate change, marine conservation, and disaster resilience.

The forum brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, and coastal communities to explore integrated approaches for safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity in the face of climate risks. Discussions centered on strengthening resilience across key sectors including fisheries, tourism, and marine ecosystems—areas critical to Belize’s sustainable development under its Blue Economy framework.

Dr. Ana Touza, FAO Representative for Jamaica and Belize, emphasized the Organization’s continued commitment to national development priorities. “FAO has been a long-standing partner to Belize in advancing food security, sustainable natural resource management, and climate resilience. Our work here spans both land and sea, from supporting small-scale farmers and fishers, to strengthening national policy frameworks and promoting inclusive, resilient value chains.”

Key thematic sessions focused on:

• Climate Change and the Blue Economy: Strategies for adaptation and the role of public engagement in coastal risk reduction.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Ongoing efforts in coral and mangrove recovery led by the Belize Fisheries Department and Fragments of Hope.
• Livelihood Protection: Enhancing resilience in the fisheries and tourism sectors through targeted post-disaster recovery measures.
• Community Resilience: Risk management initiatives by NEMO and the Belize Red Cross supporting vulnerable coastal populations.

The forum underscored the value of cross-sector collaboration in achieving climate resilience goals and highlighted Belize’s proactive role in regional efforts to address the impacts of climate change on small island and coastal states.