Biodiversity Summer Programme Engages Youth in Environmental Conservation

A three-day Biodiversity Summer Programme gets underway today under the coordination of Full Circle Belize at the Ministry of Sustainable Development in Belmopan city, bringing together young people between the ages of 13 to 30 for a series of environmental education sessions. The programme continues through Friday, July 10th and features presentations from representatives of the Department of the Environment, the National Biodiversity Office, the Forest Department, Oceana Belize, and the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority. Throughout the programme, participants are learning about biodiversity conservation, climate change, forest and marine ecosystems, waste management and recycling, as well as environmental laws and regulations. The sessions provide an opportunity for young people to gain a better understanding of Belize’s natural resources and the efforts involved in protecting them. Love News spoke with Full Circle Belize Project Activist, Kiefer Mes, who explained what the first day of the programme entailed.

Kiefer Mes, Project Activist, Full Circle Belize: “For the first day, we had the Department of Environment. So they gave a presentation about their department, how they work with environment and all these regulations and rules. What was surprising is that some of these youths did not know that they had fines or different charges when it comes to different pollution or different stuff. So when they found out about it they were really interested and wanted to learn more about it. It is really important because as I mentioned before they will be the stewards for tomorrow. After we go they will be the next one coming up. So that is why it is really important for them to understand and learn about our biodiversity and how the condition is at the moment because we just wrapped up the presentation from the National Biodiversity Office and they talk about these illegal leggings and illegal mining that are happening in our area that most of us don’t know about. And so with them come and to tell us about it, you know, it makes it really interesting. And so the youth can learn about how the condition is and how they can help improve the condition of our biodiversity.”

Belize is recognized for its rich biodiversity, with extensive tropical forests, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and a wide variety of plant and animal species. Organizers say the programme is intended to help participants better understand the country’s natural resources and the importance of sustainable environmental management.