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.
Learning exchanges – the gateway to knowledge sharing and networking for local fishers
Sustainable fisheries management is often dependent on localised knowledge. Local communities have been present for in situ observation of their resources for many years and possess insights that can be traced back generations. Though not usually formally recorded, this valuable...
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...
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...
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”
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.
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
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...
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...
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.