The establishment of the National Biodiversity Office (NBIO) was formally approved via a Cabinet decision in March of 2020 and reinforced in January of 2021. This decision sought to formalize the NBIO through a process of reprogramming and reallocating of existing government resources from within existing structures therefore not requiring any new sources of revenues nor personnel.
The NBIO is dedicated to coordinating the administration and management of protected areas declared under the National Protected Areas System Act, the conservation of biodiversity resources, and serve as the government agency responsible for coordinating and implementing government’s policies, plans and commitments relating to biodiversity under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Furthermore, the NBIO aims to introduce administrative oversight over the NPAS, realign existing expenditures/resources to deliver better results and boost biodiversity and protected areas management efficiency.
Vision
A Belize with healthy, strong, resilient ecosystems for the benefit of its people.
Mission
To be the leading institution safeguarding Belize’s biodiversity and ecosystems for future generation, through effective partnerships while maximizing sustainable social and economic opportunities.
Services Offered
Operationally NBIO serves as the primary liaison between GOB and protected areas stakeholders. Assistance is also provided to various Ministries and protected areas stakeholders for the advancement of strategic objectives. Current services offered by this office includes:
- Protected Areas Management Planning
- Processing of research application within National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Nature Reserve, Natural Monument, Special Management Areas,
- Management Effectiveness
- Project endorsement
- Updating of the Protected Areas Registry
- Updating and reporting on the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan updating
- Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
News & Public Awareness
News updates and public awareness is the key to creating the climate of informed public opinion within which biodiversity and the national protected area system can be developed. There is already considerable action in this area although it tends to be spasmodic and generally spoken in isolation and only relevant to the needs of initiatives and organizations. The aim NBIO aims to promote a holistic and targeted approach to keeping our people and world informed.
Contact Information:
Mailing & Telephone
Mailing address: Green Building Complex, Ground Floor
#2557 Hummingbird Highway, City of Belmopan,
Belize
Telephone numbers: +501 828-9056, +501-828-9055
Email address: info.nbio@environment.gov.bz
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BelizeNBIO/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belize_nbio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Belize_NBIO