BELMOPAN, Belize – The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) announce its participation in the Sustainable Livelihood Project, an initiative spearheaded by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in collaboration with the cooperative department and Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE). This partnership aims to foster climate resilience and economic sustainability for communities across Belize.
As part of Component 2 of the project, BELTRAIDE has been allocated BZD 744,500 to support the development of nature-based enterprises, equipping five community groups with business development skills, technical assistance, and expanding market access for sustainable ventures.
The initiative strengthens Belize’s national commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development, empowering communities that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods.
A meeting between BELTRAIDE’s executive director, Ishmael Quiroz, and IICA’s Representative in Belize, Mauricio Guevara, was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025. This meeting focused on finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will serve as the framework for BELTRAIDE’s contributions to the project.
This initiative receives financing from the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) through its Adaptation Fund Enhanced Direct Access funding window, as part of the Building Community Resilience via Transformative Adaptation project, which supports initiatives to bolster Belize’s resilience against climate threats, such as droughts, water scarcity’s, floods, and wildfires.
BELTRAIDE will drive the development of five nature-based enterprises in key communities, ensuring that local entrepreneurs are equipped with essential tools and knowledge to build resilient and profitable businesses while preserving Belize’s rich natural resources. Through targeted training and mentorship programs, BELTRAIDE will empower community members, including women and youth, enhancing their economic sustainability and strengthening their climate resilience
“This partnership with IICA, MAFSE, and the cooperative department is a significant step forward in promoting sustainable economic development in Belize,” stated Ishmael Quiroz, BELTRAIDE’s executive director.
Also, “by supporting the development of climate-resilient businesses, we are not only enhancing the livelihoods of Belizeans but also contributing to the country’s long-term sustainability goals.”
This collaboration demonstrates BELTRAIDE’s commitment to fostering a robust and sustainable business environment that integrates climate resilience, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship into its core strategies.
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