W.W.F. Responds to Questions About Royal Caribbean Partnership

The United Democratic Party has issued a three-page release in which it expresses growing concern about the economic viability of the current proposals, as well as the detrimental environmental impact of the proposed Port of Magical Belize project. The release points to the project’s proposed clearance of almost four hundred hectares of mangroves, despite the importance of conserving mangroves and the critical role they play in building resilience. Furthermore, the U.D.P. release also points to the impact the proposed road project will have on the mangroves that it will be centered in. And in the middle of the proposed development stands the World Wildlife Fund, W.W.F. The W.W.F. and Royal Caribbean Group have a joint press release dating back to April of last year, in which they confirm joining forces. Royal Caribbean announced its (quote): commitment to the next phase of its ongoing partnership with W.W.F for guidance and counsel in establishing bold environmental goals and sustainable business practices, end quote. The two have said that the next five years of the partnership will focus on setting ambitious, measurable sustainability targets around the reduction of carbon emissions, the sustainable growth and development of the business, sustainable commodity sourcing and tourism, the elimination of single-use plastics and waste management, among other areas. And they have pledged to work together to establish sustainability goals across three key areas of Ship, Sea and Shore. And in yet another recent press release, the W.W.F. expresses concern about the potential environmental and social impact of the development of new ports, including of Port Magical. It states, quote: Poorly designed infrastructure can cause significant harm to biodiversity, the natural coastal environment, our climate, and local communities. The potential for destruction of mangrove forests and disruption of the free movement of species should be addressed and avoided, (end quote). The W.W.F. urges the Government of Belize to exercise caution with strong due process and input from the environmental community.