NGOs say govt. needs to do more to protect environment

A National Environmental Forum at the Radisson Fort George today brought together representatives of various environmental organizations to discuss the government’s environmental record since it took office in August of last year. According to Pepe Garcia, President of the Belize Audubon Society, while we need development in the country, we have to be careful that whatever work is undertaken does not pollute our waters or exploit the people. Garcia says while they have been impressed with the level of development that has been undertaken, there are concerns that need to be addressed.

Pepe Garcia, President, B.A.S.

“It’s been nine months and it’s not a test actually that we are doing; it’s an evaluation. What are you doing? You promised certain things in your manifesto. What have you done? What have you accomplished?

We are not fighting with anyone. We do not believe that we should not stop any development in this country. We are for development but we don’t want development that will impact the environment drastically and with no social or economic benefit for this nation.”

Garcia says he does not think the government is doing enough for the environment and feels that the strength of the department of environment is being eroded as he understands that the department’s budget has been cut. Garcia says they also hope that development projects are not being promoted by politicians to the extent that they bypass the Environmental Impact Assessment Process.