Belmopan, May 7, 2025.
The Government of Belize has officially launched the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of Ambergris Caye, setting out a long-term vision to guide the island’s sustainable growth, resilience, and overall quality of life. The event took place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Sunset Caribe Resort, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
The plan outlines a clear path toward the year 2045, envisioning Ambergris Caye as a sustainable territory, by building resilient, nature-sensitive infrastructure, and the generation of economic opportunities, and promoting cultural identity in a productive, inclusive, and equitable environment.
It includes strategic investments in key areas such as new airport and transportation infrastructure, water and sanitation, electricity, health services, housing, and community development, which will ensure that the island’s rapid growth is effectively managed and benefits all residents.
The Strategic Plan was developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, who established a national task force in 2022 to oversee its formulation. The task force brought together representatives from the Government of Belize, the San Pedro Town Council, and the private sector. Technical support for the plan’s development was provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The plan is the result of a comprehensive multisectoral diagnosis, which analyzed natural risk vulnerabilities, urban growth trends, and the island’s carrying capacity. The development process involved 15 participatory workshops and numerous meetings with stakeholders from public institutions, private sector entities, and civil society organizations.
The Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, said, “Ambergris Caye holds significant value for our country and through this plan, we are committing to the strategic development of the island, with the well-being of residents and long-term national interest in mind. On behalf of the Prime Minister, I express our sincere gratitude to the IDB for its technical partnership and look forward to continued collaboration as we move into implementation.”
Rocío Medina Bolívar, IDB Country Representative for Belize, said, “The IDB is pleased to support the Government of Belize in this important initiative. The Strategic Plan for Ambergris Caye sets a strong foundation for sustainable development, and we are committed to supporting its implementation, including investments in vulnerable communities such as San Mateo and the exploration of public-private partnerships for key infrastructure projects.”
Implementation of the plan will require investments estimated at over US$300 million over the next 20 years. These investments present opportunities to leverage both public resources and private sector participation through innovative financing mechanisms.
