And moving forward, environmental issues such as proposed ports will require informed public participation, after the government finally ratified the Escazu agreement. After Costa Rica had decided to shelve the agreement, Belize had taken a wait and see approach. However, today's signing by the foreign minister comes after substantial pressure from the Belize Network of NGO's and the UBAD Educational Foundation, which has been championing the Escazu agreement since 2021.
According to chairperson, Yaya Marin Coleman, tackling this type of community concern is exactly UEF's objective - particularly ensuring that everyday Belizeans have a seat at the table to discuss matters that should involve them - like environmental issues.
Today, she explained how they first came across the agreement.
https://youtu.be/
She also told us about her confusion at hearing Senator Eamon Courtenay's comments in the Senate, as well as her reaction knowing that because of UEF, the wider public will now benefit from the agreement.
And the Belize Network of NGO's has congratulated the government for ratifying the agreement. In a press release, they state, quote, "At its core, Escazú, is about protecting the people who protect nature… It is fact, a historical milestone for civil society participation in the region's decision-making processes - this type of representation was previously non-existent… Escazú establishes the commitment to include people who have traditionally been excluded, marginalized or underrepresented in decision-making spaces for environmental issues. It also provides for the protection of the human rights of environmental defenders…" End quote.
Email
Print