. Partners in the
initiative included the Department of the Environment (DOE), the
Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), The Belize Audubon Society
(BAS) and the Central American Commission on Environment and Development
(CCAD). The event was designed to give people from all walks of life an
opportunity to speak out, exchange viewpoints and elevate awareness and
included the development community in an effort to bridge the gap between
the various interest groups concerning the environment..
In her welcome address, Executive Director of PACT,
Valerie Woods-Smith stressed the importance of looking at the environment
in the context of Belize reality - the standard of living, the need for
higher education, infrastructural development and quality of life for
all. She emphasized how we move forward, by creating more tangible
benefits from the environment, for all communities nationwide, in a
sustainable manner, is how we will be judged on our management of
Belize's natural resources.
Deputy Prime Minister John Briceño, also Minister of
Natural Resources, gave the keynote address in which he explained
government's dilemma in finding an "equilibrium between economic
development and a clean environment." He continued his speech by
mentioning the direction government is taking in trying to ensure a
cleaner Belize, such as encouraging non-polluting, environmentally
responsible industries, tougher anti-litter laws with enforcement, and
environmental awareness programs.
The huge cross-section of Belizeans that turned out
was so enthusiastic that registration had to be closed at 350
participants, and although they could not offer the registered amenities
(seating, lunch, etc.) to all, at times more than 400 people filled the
room. Three methods of communication were used for this symposium and
featured 1) open forum question and answer period, 2) written questions
that were collected, sorted and read by the panelists and 3) an afternoon
group discussion that also produced three questions for the
panelists.
Five topics regarding the environment were featured
the first day: Natural Resource Management & Utilization, Local
Perspectives on Key Environmental Issues, Economic Development &
Environmental Protection, Population Growth and its Effects on the
Environment and Advocating for Environment & Development. Fifteen
minute presentations were given by various authorities on the subjects
with a question and answer period following each. Three topics by main
speakers were given the second day. After the presentation by the main
speaker, three panelists were invited to give their views on the subject
and an open forum discussion ensued with those attending. The first topic
focused on the Sustainable Use of our Fisheries Resources, but the most
heated discussions revolved around the two final topics of day: Solid
Waste Management Concerns (Sanitary Landfill at Mile 37) and Energy
Development & the Environment (Chalillo Dam Project).
In talking with Valdemar Andrade, Advocacy
Coordinator for the Belize Audubon Society (BAS), he commented on "the
wonderful response to this symposium, especially from the private
sector." He believes that regional forums should be formed and major
issues from all sectors be prioritized for the national symposium. He
mentioned two of the main recommendations coming out of this as 1) a
demand that pertinent Ministry or government representatives be present
not only for opening ceremonies but during the entire two-day
discussions, and as always, 2) stricter enforcement of legislation.
Environmental Officer Martin Allegria of the
Department of the Environment told the San Pedro
Sun, "The symposium was very successful, based on
attendance and the presenters ëpulling their weight'. I had hoped for
more participation for resolutions this time, not just for
recommendations." His agency spoke on the DOE's accomplishments as well
as shortfalls in addressing environmental issues since the last
symposium. He also mentioned two of the more important recommendations
being 1) including social issues into discussions; reporting the social
impact as well, when performing an Environmental Impact Assessment and 2)
government giving priority to water resource management. He assures that
his department is "planning for the future of Belize" with many ongoing
projects, such as the Solid Waste Management, which was clarified during
the two day event.
Applause to all who care, took the time to attend and
made presentations for these most important environmental issues.
Completed data for the Third National Symposium on the State of Belize's
Environment will now be compiled and should be ready for review in the
next month or so. In the interim, Belizeans around the country are
reminded that "Environmental Protection is Everybody's Business."