Updated Nationally Determined Contribution of Belize.

This updated Nationally Determined Contribution includes both a mitigation and an adaptation component and lays down targets to reduce GHG emissions at the expected level between 2021 and 2030. Targets also include a number of sectoral actions to build resilience and develop capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change in key economic sectors and supporting systems.
In order to reduce GHG emissions and increase GHG removals related to land use change, reforestation practices will be implemented for 1,400 hectares in forest areas inside protected areas, as well as 6,000 hectares of degraded and deforested riparian forests will be restored by 2030, with 750 hectares of this being restored in key watersheds by 2025. In addition to that, forest degradation will be reduced by eliminating wildfires, improving logging practices, and controlling other human disturbance by 2030. Assessment will be carried out to find out the potential to reduce emissions related to fuelwood collection and use, including an assessment of social and cultural impacts and collection of data on current fuelwood use in local communities throughout Belize and these findings will be incorporated into forestry sector strategies. Agroforestry practices will be incorporated into agricultural landscapes by planting shade trees, in line with the draft National Agroforestry Policy. Furthermore, the capacity of the country’s mangrove and seagrass ecosystems will be enhanced to act as a carbon sink by 2030, through increased protection and restoration of mangroves. Measures will be taken to halt and reverse net mangrove loss by 2025 through partnerships with private landowners, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders. The stewardship of local community and indigenous people’s lands and coastal lands will be promoted as sustainably managed landscapes to serve as net carbon sinks. Financing options will be diversified to support protection and restoration of forests and mangroves. The management of the agro-landscape will be improved through good agricultural and silvopastoral practices, including by bringing 30,500 hectares under sustainable agriculture systems with biodiversity benefits and 15,000 hectares in production systems under sustainable land management in order to reduce methane emissions from livestock by 10% by 2030. Moreover, the reduction of agricultural GHG emissions will be promoted through altering crop cultivation methods, including green mechanical harvesting in sugar cane production systems, through a public awareness campaign targeting women, youth and local communities, and through implementing effective livestock management that involves changing the feeding practices of livestock to include more optimal nutrient levels. Energy efficiency and conservation will be improved and expanded capacity from renewable energy sources will be introduced to reduce emissions in the energy sector. Finally, waste management processes will be improved to avoid emissions in line with the national waste management strategy. A legal and policy framework will be developed for the sustainable management of solid waste in Belize.