YEREVAN, Armenia (CMC) – Belize has reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and inclusive natural resource management.

Sustainable Development and Climate Change Minister, Orlando Habet, led the country’s  delegationn to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), highlighting the country’s  national conservation achievements and priorities for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Habet said that approximately 40 per cent of Belize’s land territory is within protected areas, forest cover remains close to 60 per cent, and the country is close to protecting 30 per cent of its ocean space.

He said also there is the urgent need for biodiversity financing, noting that Belize’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2035 estimates that approximately US$137 million is required for implementation.

He called on developed countries to fulfil their commitments under Target 19 and provide adequate, predictable, and accessible financing, alongside capacity-building and technology transfer.

Belize also advanced discussions on the Tri-national Biocultural Corridor and Mesoamerica’s 30×30 agenda, emphasising ecological connectivity, cultural heritage, and the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conservation.

A key highlight was Belize’s commitment to join the Women Ocean Guardians Initiative, alongside 15 other governments, advancing women’s leadership in marine conservation and the blue economy.

“Belize has always punched above its weight in marine conservation, but our success has never been an accident of geography — it is the result of the dedication, wisdom, and leadership of our women on the coast,”  Habet said.

A government statement said that Belize’s participation at COP17 reinforces its commitment to international cooperation and collective action to translate biodiversity commitments into meaningful results for nature and people.