Stakeholders at the Climate Data and Information Gap Assessment and Action Plan Validation Consultation for the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector of Belize

The Government of Belize through The Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation (MBECA), in collaboration with The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), hosted a Climate Data and Information Gap Assessment and Action Plan Validation Consultation for the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector of Belize on Thursday December 15, 2022.

The consultation is second and final round which is part of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness project entitled, “Enhancing adaptation planning and increasing climate resilience in the coastal zone and fisheries sector of Belize”.

The representatives engaged in the previous consultation, have moved towards data collection and have also initiated policy and planning processes. The participation of these stakeholders and involvement in climate data activities, support the implementation of Belize’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) commitments. The main objectives of the collaborative process include:

1. To examine each institution’s climate and environmental data system (what is being collected, managed, shared, what data is needed – NDC and non-NDC indicators).
2. To identify where synergies can be established to improve data management.
3. To assess key cross-sectoral climate data and information gaps for the coastal zone and fisheries sector relevant to the monitoring of climate change impacts, as well as adaptation and mitigation actions and;
4. To explore potential solutions to inform the action plan and data collection strategy. The information collected is geared towards addressing the gaps identified in the climate data and information assessment.

This activity under this readiness project will provide important baseline information to build coastal resilience and improve adaptive capacity for fishing communities. The data solutions proposals identified will be vital to developing the climate rationale for fisheries and coastal zone projects for future GCF and overall climate change projects.