Belize Environment Outlook: GEO Belize 2010

Belize is a Caribbean country located in Central America that has a small area and a relatively small population size compared to its neighboring countries and other countries around the world. But despite its small size, the country is rich in biodiversity and natural resources, in particular, boasting the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. However, similar to the situation in the majority of developing nations, Belize’s natural resources and environment, including its world re-known barrier reef, are under growing pressure as the country seeks to develop in order to be competitive in the global economy. The purpose of this report was to examine the state of the country’s environment by documenting the existing pressures on the country’s environment and the responses that have been taken with respect to these pressure either contributing to their exacerbation or their mitigation. The report reflects the Government of Belize’s mandate and commitment to report on and take stock of the state of the environment in order to inform future decision–making for the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.