Belmopan Youth Climate Action Fund Celebrates Year of Environmental Initiatives

The Belmopan Youth Climate Action Fund, an initiative aimed at empowering young people to tackle climate change, held its closing ceremony today. Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropy and implemented by the Belmopan City Council, the program focused on climate change awareness, resilience, and innovative waste management solutions, including the repurposing of garbage. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the youth-led projects that have made a tangible impact on the community over the past year. From educational campaigns to creative recycling initiatives, Mayor of the City of Belmopan, Pablo Cawich, expressed his pride in the success of the projects during an interview earlier today. 

Dr. Pio Saqui, advisor for the University of Belize’s Environmental Club, has been guiding his students in executing an impactful project aimed at inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. As one of the recipients of the Belmopan Youth Climate Action Fund, the club’s goal was to “meet students where they are” by organizing a Youth Environmental Action Symposium targeting primary and high school students. Topics ranged from reducing plastic waste to understanding the importance of biodiversity, with an emphasis on practical solutions that students could implement in their schools and communities.  Dr. Saqui, an advocate for environmental education, spoke with Love News about the project and how the funding was utilized. 

The Youth Climate Action fund was launched in June 2024.