Belmopan, November 20, 2025.
The Government of Belize has taken another major step toward strengthening the protection and sustainable use of the nation’s coastal and marine resources through the Blue Bond Program, hosting a national validation workshop for the National Fisheries Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan (NFECMSAP).
Held on November 11, 2025, the workshop convened government agencies, co-management partners, NGOs, and fisheries associations to review and prioritize the actions that will guide enforcement and conservation monitoring for the next five years. Together, stakeholders validated key measures to modernize and coordinate how Belize protects its blue space and freshwater systems.
CEO Narda Garcia underscored the significance of the effort, stating:
“Developed under the Blue Bond Program, this strategy gives us a clear roadmap for safeguarding Belize’s coastal and marine resources. It represents our vision for a coordinated, professional, and technology-driven enforcement system that ensures every part of our blue space is responsibly managed and sustainably used for the benefit of our people.”
Led by the Belize Fisheries Department in partnership with the Belize Coast Guard and the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, the national strategy will strengthen enforcement capacity, improve monitoring, and ensure that decisions are informed by the best available data. These efforts support Belize’s commitment under the Blue Bonds initiative to protect up to 30% of our ocean by 2026, securing healthy ecosystems that sustain livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage.
The strategy is being developed by Exulans, an international firm with over 20 years of experience in marine law enforcement. Finalization of the NFECMSAP is expected by December 2025.
This workshop reaffirms the Government of Belize’s commitment to strong ocean governance and demonstrates how the Blue Bond Program is delivering real, on-the-ground action to protect Belize’s natural heritage and safeguard a resilient blue future for generations to come.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit
Office of the Prime Minister
3rd Floor Eleanor Hall Building
Lake Independence Boulevard
Belize City
infobbfp@opm.gov.bz
Belize Fisheries Department
Coastal Zone Management Complex
Princess Margaret Drive
Belize City
Fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz
Belize Coast Guard
4.5 Miles George Price Highway
Belize City, Belize
coastguard@bncg.gov.bz
