BELMOPAN Belize, Apr 8, CMC – The Belize government says it has successfully secured a BZD$1.9 million (One Belize dollar=US$0.49 cents) grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to advance Belize’s climate change agenda and national priorities included in Plan Belize2.0.
The Ministry of Economic Transformation said the funding marks a significant step, as the project will enable the Climate Finance Unit (CFU) to initiate the process of transitioning into a full-fledged department, as well as establishing a climate finance fund.
Additionally, the initiative will provide critical support to key institutions, including the University of Belize (UB), the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), National Climate Change Office, and national disaster risk management efforts.
The ministry said that this readiness initiative is designed to fortify the institutional capacities of key governmental and non-governmental entities that play a pivotal role in addressing climate change challenges.
Among the primary objectives of the project are to strengthening and developing legal frameworks, strategic documents, policies, and plans that align with Belize’s national climate priorities as well as enhancing access to climate change information through a dedicated public awareness campaign strategy for the National Climate Change Office (NCCO) and the Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET).
it is also intended to develop an education model at UB focused on climate change and environmental health research to foster a new generation of climate-conscious leaders. This includes a curriculum, as well as a gap and needs assessment to support the creation of interdisciplinary graduate level programmes (Masters and Doctoral) in climate change, climate smart agriculture, renewable energy, and related fields.
“This project will directly benefit the people and country of Belize, including students interested in coursework and research in climate change topics, and national emergency agencies that will be better equipped to serve the country’s needs,” the ministry added.
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