The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation (MBEMC) is responsible for leading Belize’s national efforts to develop and build a thriving, resilient, and sustainable Blue Economy. This approach balances economic growth with the sustainable use and conservation of Belize’s coastal and marine resources.
Established in 2020, the Ministry was created to guide and coordinate the long-term development of Belize’s blue space to support livelihoods and enhance the wellbeing of Belizeans through innovative, science based and inclusive blue economy development.
Despite this, the fragmentation of legislation related to ocean and coastal management currently present challenges to effectively deliver successful blue economy development. The MBEMC is therefore working to harmonize efforts and close policy and governance gaps to enable a more coordinated and effective blue economy framework.
The MBEMC is guided by key national policy instruments or frameworks, including the national Blue Economy Development Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Plan (2022-2027) and the Maritime Economy Plan (MEP), both of which were adopted by the Government of Belize.
These strategies affirm the Ministry’s central role in facilitating inter-sectoral coordination, working closely with government agencies, civil society, the private sector and local communities to promote inclusive and integrated ocean resource management.
The Ministry’s work is aligned with Belize’s national development goals, and international commitments, ensuring that ocean stewardship supports coastal communities and the socio-economic well-being of its people.
The Blue Economy Unit serves as the policy and planning arm responsible for coordinating and implementing blue economy development in Belize guided by Belize’s first Blue Economy Development Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Plan (BEDPSIP 2022-2027).
The Belize Fisheries Department oversees the management of aquatic and fisheries resources, ensuring optimal present and future benefits through efficient and sustainable practices.
The Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI) is Belize’s leading institution responsible for the planning and sustainable management of coastal resources. Its mission is to lead the sustainable use and planned development of Belize’s coastal resources through scientific research, policy development, and stakeholder collaboration.
