Belmopan, December 4, 2024.
On December 3, 2024, The Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit (BBFP) hosted the Barbados Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) and the Barbados Marine Spatial Planning Unit for an in-person peer-to-peer learning session. The purpose of this session was to provide the Barbados team with an in-depth understanding of the implementation and execution of the Belize Blue Bonds program, which has been recognized for its success. The BBFP shared insights on its governance structure and the alignment of the Blue Bond program with national and international conservation targets and initiatives.
The peer learning session is part of a week-long Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) knowledge exchange between Belize and Barbados, taking place from December 2 – 6, 2024. The exchange includes a series of face-to-face engagements with key actors and institutions in Belize to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions in the formulation of MSPs in both countries. The Nature Conservancy, the strategic partner for both Belize and Barbados in the successful negotiation of their blue bond agreements, is supporting this exchange. This collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to foster meaningful partnerships between the teams in Barbados and Belize, who serve as technical conservation managers and government-appointed leads for the MSP in their respective countries. The goal is to enhance understanding and integration of marine spatial planning, ocean conservation, protected area management, and the blue economy.
The Government of Belize and its partners continue to work towards the development of the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan (BSOP) to promote the conservation and sustainable use of Belize’s ocean space. This initiative aims to support a thriving and robust blue economy for the benefit of both nature and people.
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For more information, contact:
Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit
Office of the Prime Minister
3rd Floor Eleanor Hall Building
Lake Independence Boulevard
Belize City
infobbfp@opm.gov.bz
The Nature Conservancy Belize
14 B Garden City Plaza
City of Belmopan, Belize
belize@tnc.org
