Wildlife Program Manager Shanelly Carrillo Balan of the Forest Department tells you what to do if there is a sighting of a crocodile in your area. Shanelly Carrillo Balan, Wildlife Program Manager, Forest Department “What we have seen in the past years is that Belize City and Ladyville areas is that it is becoming […]
The hot weather is cyclical and every year around April/May, the heat is on. But if the days seem warmer to you, it is because the temperatures are in the hundreds and the breeze doesn’t help. The heat wave won’t let up until Thursday when it is expected to rain in some parts of the […]
Although we are in the dry season, Gordon says that it cannot be described as a drought because the analysed data indicates this type of weather will continue up to end of May, early June. While rains are expected for Thursday and Friday in the south, by Saturday, we will be back to the dry […]
While the Government and the Opposition clash over the Nature Conservancy transaction, at least one conservationist believes it is a boon for the people of Belize. He spoke to News Five about how these protected areas are purchased, the tourism revenue they generate, and the management of such areas. Wil Maheia, Conservationist “The way […]
Maheia is calling on N.G.O.’s, and former N.G.O. employees who are now government officials, to stand in support of The Nature Conservancy. Maheia told News Five that while he does not endorse the way the former administration went about the agreement; it is not a bad deal. Wil Maheia, Conservationist “N.G.O.’s need to stick […]
The Department of Environment continues with its restoration efforts for the New River that runs through Orange Walk. The crisis on the stagnation of the river, and the associated public health and environmental hazards, first came to light back in 2019 and while there was some relief, the issue has resurfaced, along with the stench […]
Last night we brought you the story of concerned residents and farmers in Pomona who are concerned about the continued degradation of a riverbank that abuts the village. Tonight, Isani Cayetano has more from both the community residents and the company which says it is not doing anything differently than before. In fact, they say […]
The first phase of a five-year project to build the adaptive capacity of sugarcane farmers in northern Belize was virtually launched on Tuesday. In its first year, the Belize Sugar Industry Limited (B.S.I.) and the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI) will be carrying out research on cane varieties and its resistance to climate […]
April twenty-fifth was World Malaria Day, but Belize’s Vector Control Unit is planning awareness activities across the country for this entire week. They are also celebrating the strides Belize has made as we work towards being declared “malaria free.” News Five’s Andrea Polanco has more. Andrea Polanco, Reporting Belize hasn’t recorded a single case […]
On Monday night, we brought you the story of an environmental crisis that is taking place in Pomona Valley where mining activities along the North Stann Creek River are adversely affecting the community. Residents claim that operations conducted by West End Construction, a company that has been working in the area since 201, have led […]
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center has a new leader. He’s a familiar face, having spent over two decades with the organization. His academic studies and experience have prepared him for this career advancement. Today, we stopped in at the zoo for a chat with the new director about his exciting new role. […]
The Nature Conservancy says that with the help of local and international partners it has acquired some two hundred and thirty-six thousand acres of the Belize Maya Forest for conservation work. According to T.N.C., the idea of acquire the then privately owned property began way back in 2005. Program Director Julie Robinson tells News Five […]
This Maya Forest that Robinson speaks of forms part of the parcel of lands that Minister Henry Usher raised concern about at the budget debate on Friday. You’ll recall Usher said that just weeks before the elections, G.O.B. signed an agreement with The Nature Conservancy to waive their land taxes for fifty years on two […]
Some citrus growers in the Pomona Valley are alarmed about mining activities along the North Stann Creek River. Today, Citrus Products of Belize Limited came forward with a complaint that the extraction of minerals by a Mennonite concern operating in the area is causing considerable erosion of citrus groves and private property. The waterway spans […]
According to Montero, residents have met with the principals of West End on previous occasions but the company has yet to address the concerns of the community. Dwight Montero, Senior Farm Manager, C.P.B.L. “This type of mining in the North Stann Creek River needs to stop so that C.P.B.L. stops losing their trees and […]
Climate change requires urgent action from all countries to build resilience against the phenomenon. Back in 2015, the Government of Belize approved a national climate change policy and established a National Climate Change Office, which has been working on developing partnerships and getting the country the much needed assistance and support to adapt to climate […]
As Doctor Gladden shared with the media the findings of a recent assessment on the effects of climate change, we asked about the impact of COVID-19 as it relates to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change efforts. The Chief Climate Change Officer says that both the pandemic and climate change affect vulnerable populations. Dr. […]
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, is the twenty-sixth of its kind that is scheduled to be held in the city of Glasgow from November first to the twelfth 2021 under the presidency of the United Kingdom. Negotiating at the conference on behalf of the region, including Belize, is the […]
Over the weekend, the environmental clearance letter to Portico Enterprise Limited was leaked and circulated online. Signed and stamped by Chief Environmental Officer, Martin Alegria on April ninth, the letter gives approval for the construction and operation of Port of Magical Belize, a cruise ship port and day resort six kilometres south of the Sibun […]
In the wake of the approval to Port of Magical Belize, OCEANA Belize have gone on record to say there must be meaningful engagement on all development proposals to support informed decision making. The conservation group claims the government is not looking at the larger picture in terms of the cumulative impact of multiple cruise […]
Back on February first, the Belize Port Authority sent out a letter saying that all port development projects were suspended. In that letter, Lloyd Jones said a national port policy would be developed. We asked Alegria for an update and whether the suspension had been lifted. Here’s his response. Martin Alegria, Chief Environmental Officer, […]
There is a small group of children and youth who are making waves on the Rio Grande River. The residents of San Pedro Columbia in Toledo are removing garbage from their beloved river and also setting an example for other young people in Belize. Reporter Andrea Polanco connected with the stewards of the Rio Grande […]
In January, a team of researchers from the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, TIDE, was stopped by members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces from conducted scientific studies within the area of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve known as Corona Reef. The incident sparked public outrage because the location in question spans the maritime boundaries […]
Late this evening, OCEANA Belize issued a release saying that G.O.B.’s dismissal of the cumulative impact of multiple cruise port proposals is short-sighted. The release comes on the heels of an environmental clearance granted to Portico Enterprise Limited for the construction and operation of Port of Magical Belize, a cruise ship port and day resort […]
Tonight, we take you to Toledo where another protected area is under threat from Guatemalans illegally clearing large swaths of Belizean land. The Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve incursions are happening just a few miles into the forest and the Ya’axche Conservation Trust has disturbing drone footage to prove it. Reporter Andrea Polanco tells us […]
