Blue Economy Unit

Key Agency

Blue Economy Unit

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).

Policy Priority Areas​

  • Governance Framework for Blue Economy Development
  • Incentives for Blue Economy Development
  • Capacity Building, Education & Research
  • Resource Mobilization for the Sector

The Role of the Blue Economy Unit​​

The BEU’s work is centered on policy implementation, intergovernmental collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and research-driven decision-making. It plays a pivotal role in shaping Belize’s Blue Economy by ensuring that national and international commitments to sustainability and economic resilience are upheld.
Implementing the National Blue Economy Strategy

The BEU leads the execution of Belize’s Blue Economy Development Policy and Strategy (BEDPS) and the Belize Maritime Economy Plan (MEP). These frameworks outline the national approach to leveraging marine resources responsibly, ensuring that Belize benefits economically while preserving its coastal and marine ecosystems. Through strategic policies, the BEU helps position Belize as a global leader in sustainable ocean governance and marine resource management.

Belize’s coastal communities depend heavily on fisheries and marine-related activities for their livelihoods. The BEU plays a crucial role in supporting projects such as Promoting Sustainable Growth in the Blue Economy (BL-L1042), which enhances income-generating opportunities for artisanal fishers while ensuring that fish stocks are managed sustainably. By encouraging responsible fishing practices, implementing marine conservation strategies, and promoting alternative livelihoods such as seaweed farming and aquaculture, the BEU ensures that economic progress does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.

The success of the Blue Economy relies on strong partnerships. The BEU actively collaborates with government agencies, international organizations, local communities, and private sector stakeholders to promote investment in sustainable marine industries. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, the BEU ensures that Belize’s Blue Economy remains a priority across multiple sectors, integrating sustainability into tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, and maritime transport.

In an era of rapid environmental change, science and technology play a crucial role in sustainable ocean management. The BEU supports marine research, data collection, and innovation to enhance ocean governance. Through partnerships with universities, research institutions, and global organizations, the BEU ensures that Belize remains at the forefront of marine conservation technology, including piloting Ocean Accounting for sustainable development in Belize.