Government of Belize secures landmark agreement to protect Turneffe Atoll
By Zoila Palma: The Government of Belize has secured a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening the long-term protection of Turneffe Atoll and its natural resources. The Turneffe Conservation Land Trust Deed of Mutual Release, Compromise, and Settlement was signed on August 19, 2026, transforming an earlier agreement between the Government and the Turneffe Atoll Trust […] The post Government of Belize secures landmark agreement to protect Turneffe Atoll appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
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By Zoila Palma: The Government of Belize has secured a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening the long-term protection of Turneffe Atoll and its natural resources.
The Turneffe Conservation Land Trust Deed of Mutual Release, Compromise, and Settlement was signed on August 19, 2026, transforming an earlier agreement between the Government and the Turneffe Atoll Trust into a broader national conservation arrangement.
Under the new agreement, approximately 17,000 acres will remain national lands under public ownership. The Government will hold the lands in an irrevocable conservation trust for the benefit of the people of Belize, ensuring that the area remains protected for present and future generations.
The agreement also establishes an important role for the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) in managing the lands, while maintaining the participation of the Turneffe Atoll Trust.
It further strengthens protection for three critical flats-fishing habitats within the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, which support Belize’s multi-million-dollar flats-fishing industry and species including bonefish, permit and tarpon.
Prime Minister John Briceño described the agreement as a significant step for Belize’s conservation and development goals. “These lands remain Belizean lands. They remain under public ownership. And they are being secured permanently for present and future generations of Belizeans,” Briceño said. He added that the agreement could usher in “an even stronger era of conservation, science, sustainable livelihoods, and responsible development at Turneffe Atoll.”
The agreement also secures BZ$2.2 million toward the establishment of a marine research facility at Turneffe Atoll through the University of Belize.
The Turneffe Atoll Trust has committed to helping the university mobilize up to approximately BZ$5 million in additional funding for marine research, supporting areas such as fisheries and ecosystem studies, climate and blue-carbon science, field training, international research partnerships and innovation within Belize’s blue economy.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Turneffe Atoll Trust, Senator Christopher Coye and the government team involved in the negotiations, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining, Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, Attorney General’s Ministry, University of Belize and other technical and legal partners.
The post Government of Belize secures landmark agreement to protect Turneffe Atoll appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
