Belize submits marine spatial plan to expand deep sea ocean protection

Belize submitted a draft marine spatial plan on September 8 for government approval to fulfill its pledge to protect 30 percent of its ocean, Mongabay reported. The plan proposes establishing three offshore marine protected areas in deep waters to close the final gap in its conservation targets. [1]

The establishment of these new protected areas marks the completion of the sixth milestone under the country's Blue Bond agreement, according to Mongabay. The initiative focuses on safeguarding deep sea marine environments to ensure long-term oceanic sustainability. [1]

Belize features a 300-kilometer coastline protected by the Belize Barrier Reef, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for its exceptional marine biodiversity. The nation relies heavily on tourism drawn to its natural assets, alongside agriculture and services. [3]