San Pedro Town, Belize — April 9, 2025
On April 8th, residents and environmental advocates gathered in San Pedro Town to voice concerns over a controversial development project on Cayo Rosario, a protected island within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The meeting, led by activist Elito Arceo and supported by groups like Oceana and the Belize Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, focused on dredging and mangrove destruction linked to a plan to build 45 over-the-water structures.
Despite receiving environmental clearance, locals claim ongoing dredging violates regulations and threatens marine habitats vital to Belize’s fishing and tourism industries. Presentations by Mito Paz (Green Reef) and Dr. Addiel Perez (Bonefish & Tarpon Trust) challenged the official Environmental Impact Assessment, providing scientific evidence of the area’s ecological and economic value.
Public officials including Mayor Wally Nuñez and UDP Senator Gabriel Zetina voiced their support for protecting the reserve, with plans for fundraising and community action. Concerns were echoed by fishing communities across Belize, emphasizing the threat to the nation’s ecosystem.
The meeting ended with a call for unity, vigilance, and action against unsustainable development, though notably Minister Andre Perez was absent from the event.
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