Effective and sustainable management of southern and western part of Belize

About this project

Belize¿s natural ecosystems are degrading at an alarming rate due to overfishing, uncontrolled wildlife trafficking and natural habitat destruction. In its new Medium Term Development Strategy (2022), the Government decided to prioritise investment and economic activities in rural communities through a green growth model (striking a balance between economic growth and the protection of the natural resources), in particular for the South (poorest and most vulnerable part of the country). In this context, the planning of interventions in the forested areas along the border must involve local communities, seeking a balance between biodiversity conservation and the promotion of income-generating activities in a complex landscape (encompassing protected areas and communal lands owned by indigenous people).     Furthermore, the long-term claim of Belizean territory by Guatemala that affects around 50% of the country¿s terrestrial and maritime territories, has negatively impacted relations between the two countries and has prevented the development on Belize western and southern borders. Both countries voted to settle the issue at the International Court of Justice (ruling is expected in 2025). The resolution of the territorial dispute is bound to strengthen confidence in expanding socio-economic activity, opening new economic and trade opportunities. A border managed by effective and accountable institutions able to provide security, and trade benefits, an…

Goals

Sustainable Development Goals this project works towards

• 1No Poverty
• 2Zero Hunger
• 5Gender Equality
• 6Clean Water and Sanitation
• 8Decent Work and Economic Growth
• 10Reduced Inequalities
• 11Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 15Life on Land
• 16Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Published by

European Commission - Directorate-General for International Partnerships · Other public sector

Countries

Belize

Sectors

Multisector aidTrade facilitationDemocratic participation and civil society

Focus

Biodiversity · Also contributesGender equality · Also contributesEnvironment · Also contributesGood governance · Also contributes

Published by European Commission - Directorate-General for International Partnerships to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 29 Sept 2026 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: XI-IATI-EC_INTPA-2023-ACT-62002.

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