“Summit” looks at freshwater resources
We often point to Belize’s magnificent Caribbean coast, reefs, cayes and adjoining seas as perhaps the nation’s greatest natural resource. But when it comes to water, Belize’s most important variety may prove to be fresh, not salt. Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali, Reporting
There is so much of it around us that we often take it for granted. But do you know how much of our water is safe?
Today several environmental groups thought it important to discuss just that. Executive Director of Programme for Belize, Edilberto Romero, says the First Belize Freshwater Summit aims to draft proposals to effectively manage the use of Belize’s water resources, and where necessary, reduce its contamination.
Edilberto Romero, Executive Dir., Programme for Belize
“We think there are several causes: agriculture using toxic chemicals, the industries using different treatments, deforestation causing soil erosion.”
“This summit will present information of some of the relevant research done in Belize and will discuss research gaps that are needed to generate information that will allow the people, stakeholder, and the authorities, to develop proper conservation plans for freshwater, proper policies for managing freshwater in Belize.”
One step toward proper water management, according to Chief Meteorologist Carlos Fuller, is for everyone to become involved.
Carlos Fuller, Chief Meteorologist
“When you think about the Belize River for example, the first user is the Belize Electricity Limited through BECOL. We use it to generate power. But as that water leaves there and come downstream, San Ignacio takes out water to drink, we also deposit our effluent into that same river. In Roaring Creek the same thing happens. As we go down to Big Falls, farmers take out water to irrigate their fields. When it comes to Belize City, the electricity company takes out water again and we throw more effluent into it. So there are many users of the water and we have to get all these users to talk about what we are taking out and what we are putting in, and how much can a body of water withstand.”
Recommendations arising from the two-day session will be forwarded to all those involved in environmental conservation as well as government. Marion Ali for News 5.
Belize currently has more fresh water per capita than any other Central American country.
