Belize's Blue Reputation vs. Reef Reality
Belize promotes itself as a model for marine conservation, with a "blue bond" initiative that has reduced public debt and created a 20-year conservation finance stream.
Targets for 30% ocean protection by 2026 are now embedded in policy, following a 2021 transaction that converted Belize's "Superbond" into a blue loan backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
- Public debt reduced by roughly 12% of GDP
- $180 million earmarked for marine conservation over two decades
- Government commitment to protect 30% of its waters by 2026
Do the reefs and fish show it? And are day-to-day rules on the water keeping pace with the promises on paper?
Author's summary: Belize's marine conservation efforts show promise.