The deep sea completes the puzzle: Belize finalises its plan to protect 30% of its ocean

Belize made a promise in 2021, as part of its Blue Bond debt-for-nature deal: protect 30% of its ocean. It is now finalising the plan that completes it. The draft Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, submitted to the government on 8 September, proposes three new marine protected areas in deep offshore waters — together about 1,652 square kilometres — chosen because a gap analysis showed reefs and seagrass are already well protected (over 50% of corals and nearly 40% of seagrass sit inside protected areas) while deepwater features are not. The design deliberately steers clear of the inshore grounds local fishers depend on, and fishers have broadly welcomed that. The plan is due for delivery by 4 November under the Blue Bond milestones; if enacted, about 16.3% of Belize's ocean would be highly protected. 'The goal is not only to reach 30%,' said Blue Economy ministry chief executive Beverly Wade, 'but to ensure protected areas are effectively managed and financed.'

SDG 14 · Life below water — Mechanism: policy reform