National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan to Address Climate Change In Belize.

Considering the adverse effects of Climate Variability and Climate Change, particularly on crop production and food security, natural ecosystems, marine and coastal areas, water resources and human health, as well as on housing and infrastructure, the Government of Belize (GOB) has taken initiatives to mainstream Climate Change into its national development processes and mechanisms. These initiatives include the establishment of a National Climate Change Office under the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development (MFFSD), the adoption of climate sensitive response mechanisms for some economic development sectors. The present comprehensive National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan shall provide policy guidance for the development of an appropriate administrative and legislative framework, in harmony with other sectoral policies, for the pursuance of a low-carbon development path for Belize. Climate change shall have an impact on the following sectors: agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture and coastal and marine areas, tourism, human health, water resources and energy
These impacts pose major impediments to efforts being implemented by the Government of Belize to promote sustainable economic and social development and poverty reduction, which are the first and overriding priorities of the national government. Ocean acidification due to rising carbon dioxide levels will create serious risks to marine ecosystems and species, including our coral reef systems. The Visions of the present documents is defined as follows: Demonstrating leadership and commitment in ensuring the challenges of Climate Change and sea level rise are fully addressed, harnessing necessary resources in support of the development of special programmes that is effective, resilient and sustainable.
Chapter 5.3 establishes that the goal of this Policy is to guide the short, medium and long-term processes of adaptation and mitigation of Climate Change in accordance with national prospects for sustainable development in addition to regional and international commitments. This Policy shall ensure an integrated and well-coordinated approach to Climate Change adaptation and mitigation by fostering the development of appropriate administrative and legislative mechanisms in alignment with national sectoral policies and adaptation plans. The Policy will further provide guidance to mainstreaming along a low emission development pathway by focusing on the reduction of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. Chapter 5.4 deals with objectives establishing that they are to: 1) Integrate Climate Change adaptation and mitigation into key national developmental plans, strategies, laws, regulations and budgeting. 2) Build Climate Change resilience in order to prevent, reduce or adapt to the negative impacts of Climate Change on key sectors, economic activity, society and the environment through policies and strategic processes. 3) Promote capacity building and networking across all implementing/involved agencies in addition to securing adequate financing over the short, medium and long term periods for effective and timely adaptation and mitigation responses .4) Capitalize on opportunities currently available through Climate Change negotiation processes that can also enhance development prospects of the nation. 5) Ensure that all national sectors are adequately prepared to address the negative impacts of global Climate Change. 6) Encourage the private and public sectors to invest in Climate Change adaptation and mitigation initiatives by providing economic incentives. 7) Enhance diplomatic and negotiating capacities to better address Climate Change concerns and interests on the regional and international stage. 8) Promote the development of efficient and relevant institutional mechanisms that will enhance the planning and response capacity to Climate Change.
The text of the document consists of 10 Parts as follows: Introduction (1); Climate change models and predictions (2); Sector vulnerability and assessment (3); Policy, institutional and legislative framework (4); Draft national climate change poliche (5); Guiding principles (6); Strategy and action plan (8); Institutional arrangement and management mechanism (9); Conclusions and recommendations (10). Eight Tables are enclosed.