Belize, which is a GreenVoyage2050 partnering country, identified these data gaps during a virtual national roundtable (held 19 July, one in a series) that explored the drivers and benefits of creating a NAP for Belize. Fifteen participants* across government agencies and national ports attended the session, which confirmed the need for a NAP as part of the sustainability component of Belize’s wider maritime policy. Attendees are expected to continue the roundtable discussion in the coming months. 

“We are very pleased to assist the government of Belize to address ship-based emissions through strategic means including development of a NAP and implementation of MARPOL Annex VI,” says Astrid Dispert, GreenVoyage2050 Project Technical Manager. “Our experience has shown that a strategic approach that is data driven and includes input from relevant stakeholders increases the likelihood of successfully reducing emissions in a sustainable manner.” 

*The virtual roundtable saw attendance by representatives from the Belize Port Authority, Ministry of Blue Economy, Belize’s Ministry of Public Utilities and Energy, Belize Coast Guard, The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE), Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority, Belize Energy Unit and Belize Department of the Environment, as well as the Port of Belize Ltd, Harvest Caye Cruise Port and the Port of Big Creek.