3-day Biodiversity Summer Programme in Belmopan

BELMOPAN, Thurs. July 9, 2026

   Young people from across Belize are focused this week on learning how they can help safeguard the country’s natural resources, as Full Circle Belize hosts its three-day Biodiversity Summer Programme in Belmopan.

   The programme, which runs from July 8 to 10 at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, brought together participants between the ages of 13 and 30 for interactive sessions focused on biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Participants heard from experts representing the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the National Biodiversity Office, the Forest Department, Oceana Belize, and the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority. The sessions were designed to equip young Belizeans with the knowledge and skills needed to become future environmental leaders.

   Project activist, Kiefer Mes said the initiative draws participants from communities across the Cayo and Stann Creek districts, including Riversdale, Steadfast, Unitedville, Armenia, Cotton Tree, Ontario, Teakettle, Camalote, and Belmopan.

   “It’s about having youths from different communities come and learn about biodiversity and how they can be the stewards for tomorrow,” Mes said. “This three-day summer programme has different departments from the Ministry of Sustainable Development giving presentations about the work they do and the importance of protecting our environment,” he further explained.

   Mes noted that many participants were surprised to learn about Belize’s environmental regulations and the penalties associated with pollution and other environmental offences. “Some of these youths did not know that there were different fines and charges when it comes to pollution. When they found out about it, they were really interested and wanted to learn more,” he said.

   Beyond environmental laws, participants were also introduced to some of the country’s most pressing conservation challenges, including illegal logging and illegal mining. “The National Biodiversity Office spoke about illegal logging and illegal mining that are happening in our area, that most of us don’t know about,” Mes explained. “With them coming and telling us about it, it makes it really interesting, and the youths can learn about the conditions and how they can help improve the state of our biodiversity,” he said.

   According to Mes, educating young people is critical to ensuring that Belize’s rich biodiversity is protected for future generations. “It is really important, because they will be the stewards for tomorrow. After we are gone, they will be the next ones coming up. That is why it is important for them to understand and learn about our biodiversity,” Mes emphasized.

    The Biodiversity Summer Programme concludes on July 10, with organizers hoping that participants will return to their communities equipped to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices throughout Belize.