About the Ministry
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation (MBEMC) is responsible for leading Belize’s national efforts to develop a thriving, resilient, and sustainable Blue Economy. This approach balances economic growth with the sustainable use and conservation of Belize’s coastal and marine resources.
Established in 2020, the Ministry was created to guide and coordinate the long-term development of Belize’s blue space, supporting livelihoods and enhancing the wellbeing of Belizeans through innovative, science-based, and inclusive blue economy development.
Despite significant progress, the fragmentation of legislation related to ocean and coastal management presents challenges to the effective delivery of blue economy development. The Ministry is actively working to harmonize efforts, close policy and governance gaps, and enable a more coordinated and effective national blue economy framework.
Effective Ocean Governance
Guiding National Frameworks
The MBEMC is guided by key national policy instruments or frameworks, including the national Blue Economy Development Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Plan (2022-2027) and the Maritime Economy Plan (MEP), both of which were adopted by the Government of Belize.
These strategies affirm the Ministry’s central role in facilitating inter-sectoral coordination, working closely with government agencies, civil society, the private sector and local communities to promote inclusive and integrated ocean resource management.
The Ministry’s work is aligned with Belize’s national development goals, and international commitments, ensuring that ocean stewardship supports coastal communities and the socio-economic well-being of its people.
Effective Ocean Governance
Strengthening Policy & Governance
Agencies Within the Ministry
The Ministry is composed of key agencies that work towards its vision:
The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Conservation
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).
Belize Fisheries Department
The Belize Fisheries Department oversees the management of aquatic and fisheries resources, ensuring optimal present and future benefits through efficient and sustainable practices.
Coastal Zone Management Authority
The Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI) is Belize’s leading institution responsible for the planning and sustainable management of coastal resources. Its mission is to lead the sustainable use and planned development of Belize’s coastal resources through scientific research, policy development, and stakeholder collaboration.