By Kyle Ali – Climate Spotlight Staff Writer
AMBERGRIS CAYE, San Pedro, April 12, 2025 – Building the capacity of residents of coastal communities to respond to the growing pressures of climate change is key to fostering meaningful climate action. On April 9, in San Pedro, local and national experts converged to blend their voices on strategies to strengthen Belize’s coast.
The workshop was made possible through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Workshop objectives and outcomes
At its core, the workshop aimed to achieve several key goals. Firstly, the development of a community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) plan tailored specifically for San Pedro Town. They also explored the formulation of a climate change and disaster risk management community engagement strategy and action plan, and the establishment of a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework.
Capacity building and community involvement
A major highlight of the workshop was its commitment to community empowerment and capacity building. Enhancing the understanding of climate change and disaster risk management was a core goal.
It builds on past efforts to boost the ability of Belize’s coastal communities and safeguard its critical fisheries sector. The project highlights how essential teamwork is between government bodies, global partners, and residents in facing the multifaceted impacts of the climate crisis. By encouraging inclusive participation and building local capacity, San Pedro Town is steadily advancing toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
Why this matters now
For people living in San Pedro, the climate crisis isn’t theoretical, it’s showing up in daily life. From more intense hurricanes and rising sea levels to coral reef degradation and saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems, these climate-fueled disasters threaten not just ecosystems but livelihoods, homes, and cultural heritage.
The urgency is compounded by recent events: Belize’s 2024 hurricane season saw multiple severe storms, with infrastructure damage still lingering in some coastal regions. Meanwhile, fisheries, particularly small-scale operations, are facing declines due to coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and unpredictable weather patterns.
That’s why gatherings like this one are more than timely; they’re necessary.
They empower local residents to take the lead in developing strategies that reflect their realities and knowledge systems. They also help bridge the gap between national climate policy and community-based action, ensuring that no one is left behind in resilience planning. In a time when adaptation is no longer optional, San Pedro’s proactive approach can serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) navigating the frontlines of the climate crisis.
The workshop was carried out under the project entitled “Community Engagement of the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector of Belize through CCA and DRM Capacity Building.”
