BELMOPAN, Belize, Aug 4, CMC – The Belize government Monday said it has signed an agreement launching the country’s groundbreaking blue carbon pilot project, which will lead to the development and issuance of Belize’s first high-quality blue carbon credits.
“This blue carbon pilot exemplifies Belize’s leadership in mobilizing innovative finance for both nature and people,” said Christopher Coye, Minister of State for Finance.
“By valuing our natural assets, we are unlocking new investment opportunities that strengthen our economy, empower local communities, and advance global climate goals,” he added.
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation said it has entered into a partnership with the United Kingdom-based Brightwater Collective and that the agreement reflects Belize’s continued leadership in nature-based climate solutions and its commitment to advancing a thriving blue economy through community engagement and long-term conservation.
“The launch of this pilot is a major step forward for Belize’s blue economy,” said Beverly Wade, the chief executive officer in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation. “It reflects our commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems and advancing nature-based solutions as a core strategy for creating real economic value for our people, addressing the climate crisis, and delivering global environmental benefits.”
The chief executive officer of Brightwater Collective, Jessie Stenftenagel, said the mission is to develop high-quality blue carbon projects that deliver tangible community benefits, meaningful climate impact, and measurable biodiversity gains, grounded in local knowledge and stewardship, and building on the strong scientific foundation already established in Belize.
“We are proud to work alongside the government of Belize and our technical advisors to bring this landmark project to life,”Stenftenagel said.
Brightwater develops high-quality, people-centered blue carbon projects that leverage the power of coastal ecosystems to drive climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. Working in partnership with governments, scientists, investors, and communities, Brightwater is setting a new global standard for integrity, transparency, and long-term value in nature-based climate solutions.
The pilot brings together the expertise of the Brightwater Collective’s technical advisors—Stantec Inc., JLL, SEARCH LLC, and Climate Wedge—alongside the Ministry’s on-the-ground partner, the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA).
“This collaboration combines world-class knowledge in coastal and marine science, carbon markets, finance, and cultural heritage. The pilot will serve as a model for scalable, science-driven climate action that delivers measurable emissions reductions, supports sustainable livelihoods, and strengthens the resilience of Belize’s coastal ecosystems and communities,” the ministry said.
It said first focused on Turneffe Atoll, one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems in the Caribbean and a global priority for conservation, this blue carbon pilot aims to protect and restore critical mangrove and seagrass ecosystems that deliver essential climate mitigation benefits.
In addition to carbon sequestration, the project will focus on measurable biodiversity uplift, enhance marine and coastal resilience, safeguard cultural and ecological heritage, and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Grounded in science and stakeholder engagement, the project is designed to meet leading international standards for carbon verification and to serve as a scalable model for future blue carbon investments throughout Belize.
The Turneffe Atoll pilot includes ecological and carbon baseline assessments, participatory stakeholder engagement, ecosystem mapping, and the establishment of a robust monitoring and verification framework. Alongside carbon storage, the project will support sustainable fisheries, enhance reef health, and build local capacity in climate adaptation and coastal restoration.
The government said that the initiative builds upon Belize’s world-renowned conservation legacy and its leadership in marine protection.
“It sets a new precedent for aligning government policy, scientific innovation, and international investment with nature-based climate solutions that center people, culture, and ecosystems,”it added.
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