International Women In Conservation partner for Impact

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Tue. Nov. 10, 2026

   Women from 16 countries gathered in Belize for the 3rd International Women In Conservation (IWIC) Summit, held on the theme: “Stronger Together, Building Partnerships for Conservation Impact,” at Jaguar Pavilion at Old Belize Museum from Friday through Sunday, November 5-8.

   “Conservation has many faces,” remarked Chief Executive Officer Milagro Matus of the Ministry of Sustainable Management, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management. “We have united by a deep appreciation for nature and our daily commitment to ensuring healthy, resilient ecosystems for present and future generations. There’s no single pathway to making a difference. Some women are conducting research that expands our understanding of biodiversity. Some are advocating for stronger environmental protections. Some are managing protected areas, restoring landscapes, or stewarding marine and coastal resources. Some are developing policies, negotiating agreements, mobilizing resources, and creating the enabling conditions needed for conversation to succeed.”

   Matus emphasized, “Each contribution is unique. Each serves a purpose; and each forms part of a much larger and interconnected effort to safeguard our natural heritage. … Women are not only participating in climate action, but helping to lead it.”

   A wellness practice session led by Hannah Montero got everyone in the mood to share know-how and experiences. Social scientist Jen Solomon PhD of Colorado State University and marine conservationist Jennifer Chapman of Imbricata Consulting encouraged participants to reach inside themselves for the serenity to build connections, and the trust needed for successful partnerships in conservation

   Director Nicole Auil-Gomez of the Wildlife Conservation Society moderated a panel discussion on Monday afternoon about “Community Stewardship, Knowledge Exchange and Creative Pathways for Conservation.” They heard from Sayuri Tzul of the Belize Maya Trust Fund, Alisa Modet of Chaos Oasis and the Toledo Temple Trail, Maya Moreno of National Audubon Society, Mexico, Karima Lopez Diaz of the Conserva Aves Project, and Maya Doyan Hanson of Birds Canada.

   Conservation finance and policy officer Juliet Neal of the World Wildlife Fund led a second panel discussion on “Building Partnerships and Creating Replicable Solutions for Biodiversity Conservation,” featuring senior program officer Nadia Bood of the WWF Belize, Marisa Tellez PhD of the Crocodile Research Coalition, Belize, Raquel Chun of the Belize Maya Forest Trust, Ana Zangroniz of Florida Sea Grant Extension at the University of Florida, Kathi George – director of Cetacean Conservation Biology at the Marine Mammal Center, and Rachel Beattie of Niras Consulting.

   On Day 2, the conference continued, as NOAA fellow Jahlen Pinelo led a panel discussion on “Boldness, Innovation, and Heritage: Frontiers of Blue and Green Economies”. Conservation leaders Naomi Sanchez of Zero Belize eco-packaging solutions, Hughette Saul of Barrier Skincare, Fina Cal of Barranco Botanics and agricultural biologist of Denarus Consulting talked about how entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, and environmental innovation can create opportunities for people to thrive in harmony with nature. They each shared how they used local resources and traditional knowledge to overcome environmental challenges to empower their sustainable business enterprises to strengthen community resilience.

   Biodiversity officer Rasheda Garcia of the National Biodiversity Office of Belize, led the discussion on “Stronger Together: Women in Government Leading the Management and Conservation of Belize’s Biodiversity and Ecosystems Panel”. Forest officer Mercedes Valdez, fisheries officer Alicia Eck-Nunez, senior environmental officer Celi Cho, and principal hydrologist Tennielle Hendy shared their experiences of how across government, departments can collaborate in decision making based on science, to restore ecosystems and integrate their approach to managing Belize’s forests, fisheries, environment, and water resources.