Belize Joins the 100% Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management with IDB Support

BELIZE CITY– Belize has joined the 100% Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management, reinforcing its leadership in marine conservation and the blue economy. With support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the country is advancing integrated ocean management to foster climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable economic growth.  

Belize's commitment to sustainably manage 100% of the ocean areas under its national jurisdiction by 2030 builds on a strong foundation of work already underway. Key initiatives such as the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, Blue Bonds, marine spatial planning, fisheries management reforms, and growing investments in the blue economy have positioned the country to take this important next step. Joining the Alliance provides Belize with an opportunity to bring these efforts together under a unified national vision rooted in science-based decision-making, integrated planning, sustainable financing, and meaningful private sector participation.  

Belize’s Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño emphasized the importance of the commitment: “Belize’s decision to join the 100% Alliance is about ensuring that every part of our ocean is managed with purpose—for our people, our economy and future generations. It gives us an opportunity to bring our existing commitments and investments together under one national ocean vision, supported by strong science, clear planning and sustainable financing.”  

The IDB is supporting Belize in strengthening the policies, governance frameworks, data systems, and financing mechanisms needed to implement a comprehensive National Sustainable Ocean Plan. This support is aimed at ensuring that ocean management contributes directly to economic development, resilience, biodiversity conservation, food security, tourism, and sustainable livelihoods.  

Central to this approach is the recognition that healthy reefs, mangroves, and fisheries are not only environmental assets but also critical infrastructure that generates economic value and supports communities across Belize. The IDB will continue supporting the development of bankable blue economy projects, including innovative Nature Public-Private Partnerships (Nature PPPs) that can mobilize public, private, and concessional capital for measurable conservation and development outcomes.  

“For nearly three decades, Belize has trusted the IDB as a partner in tackling some of its most important development challenges. Today, as the country enters a new chapter focused on natural capital, resilience, and sustainable growth, we remain committed. The IDB is proud to remain Belize's partner of choice — and why this next chapter is worth investing in”, said IDB Unit Chief Biodiversity and Natural Capital, Gregory Watson.  

Belize's decision is a clear statement of intent to manage the country's ocean resources sustainably for the benefit of its people, its economy, and future generations. 

“This commitment is closely aligned with the IDB Belize Country Strategy 2026-2030, which emphasizes ocean and reef protection through a holistic approach that recognizes the direct connection between healthy landscapes and healthy marine ecosystems. This perspective is reflected across the IDB's portfolio in Belize, including investments in water and sanitation, rural development, electrification, education, blue jobs creation, and strategic infrastructure,” said Karla González, IDB Country Representative for Belize.