Funder
Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Project ID: BFSF/GAP/TA4/2023/10)
Cofinancing
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Blue Social Challenge Fund (Project ID: 301439-407), The Nature Conservancy (Project ID: GBELIZ-080422), International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Timeframe
February 2024 – October 2025
Empowering Belize’s Seaweed Mariculture: Strengthening Institutional Capacity
Every growing movement needs a strong backbone. While earlier projects focused on farms and training, this Belize Fund project was about building the institutional strength BWSFA needed to manage larger projects and scale responsibly.
With the support of the Belize Fund, BWSFA established systems for governance, finance, staffing, and branding. The Association moved into a permanent office, created financial policies, strengthened seaweed farm operations and positioned seaweed as not just a raw product, but a proudly Belizean identity.
Highlights
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- First Handbook and Policy created; QuickBooks system established for transparent accounting.
- Established an office space to ground operations.
- Recruited a Logistics & Administrative Officer and a Seaweed Farming Officer.
- Secured permits for up to 10 plots, conducted 30+ farm visits, and harvested 12,580 lbs wet Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed (550 lbs dried).
- Launched new packaging, piloting sales at events and online.
- National TV appearances and international features highlighted women’s leadership in the blue economy.
Outcomes
Partners
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- The Nature Conservancy
- Belize Fisheries Department
- Department of Environment
- Ray Caye Island Resort
- News 5 (Greater Belize Production)
- 7 News
- Open Your Eyes Morning Show
- Sun Up on 7 Morning Show