University of Belize and DOE Launch GEO Belize 2024 Environmental Data Portal

The University of Belize and the Department of the Environment (DOE) launched the GEO Belize 2024 report data portal, which contains vital information about Belize’s environment. UB and the DOE worked on the report with funding from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The report looks at changes in the environment and the country’s response to those changes using the Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) framework. Francesco Gaetani, Science Policy Regional Coordinator, UNEP underscored the importance of data to drive the creation of effective policies, while Edgar Eck, Deputy Chief Environmental Officer, DOE spoke on some of the areas covered in the report.

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President of UB said that the launch was a momentous occasion for the university as research is an important part of the institution. Also speaking at the launch was Minister of State for Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Ramon Cervantes, who spoke on areas that the report has shown needs greater protection.

The report was launched to coincide with the celebration of World Environment Day.