Category: Belize

Our work in Belize encompasses scientific research at the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve as part of our award-winning expeditions, and community-based efforts to combat the threat of lionfish to local reefs by stimulating new markets for this invasive species.

Prioritizing inclusivity and community engagement in conservation and fisheries management in Belize! 

Dangriga Town – known as the ‘culture capital’ of Belize – is a vibrant coastal community nestled amongst the hills and valleys of southern Belize. Tales of its rich heritage can be seen, heard, and felt throughout the town’s streets...

/ Oct 22, 2021

Building capacity and strengthening networks – a participatory approach to invasive species management in Belize

The Pivot I can clearly remember waking up at the crack of dawn to the view of a breathtaking sunrise and the voices of eager volunteers who couldn’t wait to gear up. The savory aroma from the kitchen lingered like...

/ Sep 29, 2021

From Sarteneja Village to diving the reefs of the Caribbean Sea: my journey with Blue Ventures

“One thing I’ve learned throughout my life is that if you take chances you can either succeed or work yourself into succeeding”

/ Oct 22, 2020

Challenging the norm: new student scholarship scheme in Belize

Students in the coastal village of Sarteneja are now being supported with their education and receiving additional training.

/ Nov 27, 2019

Why I keep coming back to BV

Roger Vaughan has been volunteering with us for over a decade, and says a Blue Ventures expedition is an adventure like no other

/ Oct 23, 2019

Caribbean career break

IT professional Mark Jones decided that he needed to take a break from his day to day and do something completely different for a couple of months...

/ Nov 30, 2018

Belioness: empowering women and helping the reef, one lionfish at a time

Mindy Cruz had to stop going to school when she was 12, making it difficult for her to find fulfilling work, but now she is the Chairwoman of Belioness – a group of Belizean women who make jewellery from the...

/ Oct 3, 2018

Mangroves matter! Spreading the word in Sarteneja

Dianeri grew up thinking mangroves were a nuisance, but now she’s teaching the next generation how important they really are

/ Aug 22, 2018

Taming the lionfish: celebrating the contribution of our volunteers in Belize

At the European Coral Reef Symposium in Oxford in December 2017, we shared positive lessons learnt on the benefits that volunteers can bring to marine conservation, using our efforts to address Belize’s lionfish invasion as a case study.

/ Mar 14, 2018

Scaling up the success of lionfish management through practitioner exchange

Four delegates from Colombia recently visited Belize to learn about market-based approaches to invasive lionfish control.

/ Jan 24, 2018
The kids with their colour wheels.

Sarteneja’s kids learn about marine conservation through art

35 kids visited Blue Venture’s office in Sarteneja to create some marine-themed art and learn about conservation efforts in Belize.

/ Jan 10, 2018

An eye on the bigger picture: the evolution of our Belize team

Since Davide joined Blue Ventures in November 2014, the Belize team has undergone significant changes to keep community interests at the heart of their work.

/ Dec 20, 2017

4 take home messages from the International Congress for Conservation Biology

Belize Country Coordinator Jennifer Chapman distills her thoughts on why interdisciplinary skills are a must for effective conservation.

/ Aug 18, 2017

A morning of sand, salt and science

Blue Ventures volunteer, Kaesha Freyaldenhoven, provides a descriptive account of an average morning at Bacalar Chico Dive Camp in Belize.

/ Jun 28, 2017

A field trip to remember

Students from Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College visit the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve to get some first-hand experience of marine fieldwork with the Blue Ventures team.

/ May 31, 2017