BSOP Process Update and Announcement of Slogan Competition

From August 15-22, 2023, Mrs. Shari Banner-Gentle, MSP Communications and PR Officer, and Mr. Samir Rosado, MSP Process Lead, appeared on various local media shows to provide updates on the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan (BSOP) process. These appearances included Sunup on 7, Love Morning Show, and Open Your Eyes on Channel 5.

BSOP Process Overview:

• Importance and Benefits: The BSOP encourages new management frameworks and governance structures to ensure long-term benefits from healthy oceans for coastal communities. It provides a transparent, equitable, and participatory process for the government, local communities, and marine sectors to address developmental and usage challenges, develop effective solutions, and create a plan.
• Expected Outcomes: These include clear legal zones for economic activities, improved ocean management, strategies for ecosystem protection, and climate change adaptation.

Conservation Commitments: The Government of Belize has committed to implementing a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) and designating up to 30% of its ocean as Biodiversity Protection Zones by 9.5% by November 4, 2026, an increase from the current 20.5%.

Community Sensitization Meetings: Nine public meetings were held in large coastal communities to raise awareness about the BSOP process and involve various key stakeholders. Major feedback from these meetings included concerns about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the legal enforceability of the plan, and the inclusion of public feedback.

Next Steps: The BSOP team will conduct a stakeholder mapping exercise using SeaSketch, an online participatory mapping platform. This will involve targeted meetings with key sectors to gather data and draw areas used for current and future activities.

Slogan Competition: The BSOP is launching a slogan competition focused on the MSP process. The competition aims to promote awareness and encourage engagement via BSOP’s social media platforms and website. Details on criteria, prizes, and submission processes are provided, with an emphasis on public involvement through consultations and online feedback.

Engagement Platforms:

• Website: http://bsop.coastalzonebelize.org
• Social Media: YouTube and Facebook (Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan), Instagram (bsop_bz)