Belmopan, Belize. April 2, 2025. – The Department of the Environment (DOE), within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, has announced measures to enhance monitoring of the Cayo Rosario Project following a high-level meeting with key regulatory agencies.
The meeting, which aimed to address growing public concerns over the project’s potential environmental impact, included representatives from the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Fisheries Department, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Forest Department, Lands and Surveys Department, Mining Unit, Central Building Authority, and Belize Port Authority.
According to a joint statement from the participating agencies, the Cayo Rosario Project underwent the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, during which “all relevant technical and social issues of the project and the site where it is located were taken into consideration by the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC).”
The statement noted that after thorough review, the NEAC recommended Environmental Clearance for the project under “strict conditions to reduce the possible negative environmental and social issues.” An Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) was signed in May 2018 and updated in 2020, which remains the current valid version for compliance monitoring.
Acknowledging public concerns over the potential negative impacts on the ecologically sensitive site and nearby fly-fishing areas, the joint team emphasized the importance of citizen participation in monitoring the project. “The team acknowledged the importance of citizen participation in monitoring these projects and reporting any concerns to the relevant regulatory agency.”
Monitoring Cayo Rosario Development
To improve the government’s monitoring of the development, the joint team has outlined several steps:
- Improving communication among key regulatory agencies regarding permits such as mining, mangrove alteration, pier construction, and other relevant approvals.
- Conducting an inter-agency site visit to assess the project’s progress and ensure compliance with the ECP.
- Implementing joint monitoring during all critical phases of the project.
- Requesting frequent status reports from the project owner and identifying a technically proficient liaison for the project.
- Conducting regular compliance inspections through the DOE’s San Pedro Office.
The agencies expressed confidence that adherence to the ECP and applicable permits would ensure the project’s sustainability and alignment with the objectives of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
A copy of the Environmental Compliance Plan is available on the DOE’s website at www.doe.gov.bz. The public is encouraged to participate in monitoring the project and to report any environmental concerns by emailing complaints@environment.gov.bz or calling the provided contact numbers.
2 Responses
Give them an inch they take a mile! Quote from Bob Marley’s Real Situation. History tells us that one cannot trust government, regardless of party because often times the interest of the general public is placed on the back burner to appease the rich and this is a typical example. What the public needs to do is recruit scientists to bring scientific awareness. Recruit locals who have historical perspectives to marry with the scientific knowledge. Internationalization of the issues surrounding this rape, I meant development. Be frustrated but not discouraged! Keep up the pressure and utilize all media platforms to spread the word. Research the firm(s) and individuals involved here as you may discover some interesting titbits! Who can trust the developer to oversee themselves? Who will be the oversight committee? How many members will be regular residents versus political appointments? Who will select members? If these will political appointments then you will have a rubber stamp, the equivalent of ineffective! Remember, once an environment is destabilized, an ecosystem is altered it will NEVER be the same again and the cascading effects will need to be adjusted! Just for the sake of few dollars and the ineptitude/greed of a few!
Somebody got paid off