Regulatory framework
This Policy is the latest attempt to finalize a national water resources management policy using an integrated approach. The policies spelt out cover more than just freshwater and its previous attempts did not give major consideration to the impact of Global Climate Change on the water resources of Belize.
This National Adaptation Strategy (ENA) and Action Plan aims to address the current and projected impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector in Belize. This strategy was prepared with specific adaptation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change and climate variability on Belizean agriculture. For this, it was necessary to carry out an evaluation of the agricultural sector that included its vulnerability and adaptation to climate variability and climate change; a review of relevant policies, legislation, institutions, organizations and resources directly or indirectly related to agriculture, taking into account the views, concerns and recommendations of key stakeholders; and the financial, institutional, human and other resource needs to implement the proposed strategic options.
This Act concerns the management and conservation of water resources in Belize. Conservation measures also aim at prevention of pollution of water resources.
An Act to make new provision with respect to the supply and control of water and sewerage services in Belize; to promote the conservation and proper use of water resources; to provide for the issue of licences to water supply companies; to provide for the vesting of the assets and liabilities of the Water and Sewerage Authority in the company or companies licensed by the Public Utilities Commission; to repeal the Water and Sewerage Act, Chapter 185 of the Laws of Belize; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The Act provides for the establishment of an Authority, to be called the Water and Sewerage Authority, as a body corporate.
This Strategy contains the action plan for landscape restoration in Belize. It consists of seven sections: 1. Background; 2. The Planning Context – the External Environment; 3. Summary of the ROAM process and results; 4. Assessing the current status of the landscape restoration process in Belize; 5. Vision, Mission and Key Result Areas; 6. Strategic Objectives and Actions; and 7. NLRS Implementation Schedule (2021-2030).
The National Agriculture and Food Policy is a national policy document with a sectoral approach. The timeframe of the policy is 15 years between 2015 and 2030. The objective of the policy is to ensure the development of the agriculture and food sector, in order to enhance the sustainable growth of the sector, to ensure food and nutrition security, to improve the income of farmers and processors, to create employment, and to attract private sector investment and participation in the sector. The five pillars to support this objective are: (I) production, productivity, and competitiveness; (II) market development, access and penetration; (III) national food and nutrition security and rural livelihoods; (IV) sustainable agriculture and risk management; and (V) governance.
This Act concerns the management and conservation of water resources in Belize. Conservation measures also aim at prevention of pollution of water resources. The 102 sections of this Act are divided into 13 Parts: Preliminary (I); Water Resources Administration (II); National Policy and Licensing (III); Functions, Powers and Duties of Licensees (IV); Abstraction and Use of Water (V); Control and Protection of Ground Water and Well Drilling (VI); Gathering Grounds (VII); Control of Water Abstraction and Use (VIII); Water Pollution Control (IX); Control of Pollution (X); Control of Water Quality and Reservation (XI); Finances, Audit and Reports of the Authority (XII); Miscellaneous (XIII).
The national environmental policy and strategy: green, clean, resilient, and strong establishes policies, priorities, action plans, and expected results for the next ten years (2014-2024) based on a clear assessment of existing environmental challenges and resources and the institutional framework and capacities to address them. This report is intended to be used as an operational/management tool for resource mobilization, capacity building (both institutional and legal), and as a guide for addressing gaps and improving the implementation of the Department of Environment's (DOE) mandate.
The document establishes a list of priority sectors on which the Government of Belize should focus its efforts, including agriculture, tourism, energy, forestry, and fisheries. This strategy is intended to serve as a roadmap for all official bodies of the Government of Belize, including the National Climate Change Office under the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development. The Policy guides short-, medium- and long-term climate change adaptation and mitigation processes in accordance with national sustainable development goals and regional and international commitments.
Institutional Framework
To improve the lives of consumers by delivering cost-effective and sustainable supply of high quality water and wastewater services, in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, promoting employee excellence and providing a fair return to our shareholders.
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Unit: Has the responsibility of ensuring that rural communities have access to good quality drinking water and continues to drill new water sources for the villages.
Water Management and climate change unit: To develop a climate resilient agriculture sector in Belize through the fulfillment of climate change adaptation and mitigation activities using sustainable practices and the promotion of climate smart agricultural technologies
Irrigation and drainage unit: was established in order to promote drainage and irrigation technology among producers for improved crop water management, cope with the effects of climate change and to increase overall crop productivity.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is one of the largest ministries in the Public Service of Belize, and is a key agency responsible for the management of the country’s vital natural resources. The Ministry of Natural Resources undertakes the immense responsibility, to foster and integrated approach of coordination, protection and sustainable management of Belize’s vital natural resources. The Ministry works diligently, to ensure a better quality of life for present and future generations of Belizeans.
Belize is very rich in surface and groundwater resources. However, total water resources cannot be assessed at present because existing data are limited, particularly with regard to groundwater availability. Surface water resources appear to be abundant throughout the country, except on the Vaca Plateau, where streams disappear into porous limestone. Northern rivers show meandering streams, while the south has smaller watersheds and flows more rapidly into the sea. The sum of quantified river discharges is 15 km3/year, occupying 59% of the territory. Water is mainly used for industrial processes. The total water abstraction of 95 million m3/year is insignificant compared to surface water resources. Per capita domestic water consumption is 240 to 280 liters per day in urban areas and 160 liters per day in rural areas. This is roughly equivalent to the amount consumed in industrialized countries. Of the total water used in urban areas, 70% is surface water.
Belize
UNICEF
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Groundwater is also used as a source of drinking water in the towns of Corozal, Orange Walk, Cayo and Toledo districts and in some rural areas of Toledo and Cayo.The amount of water used for irrigation is estimated to be less than 1% of the total water withdrawal. Water quality in urban areas is good and is constantly monitored by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). In rural areas, however, water quality, mainly in the Toledo, Stann Creek and Cayo districts, is not satisfactory: full water purification is carried out only in the systems connected to the urban WASA systems (about 30%).