University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (UB ERI) researchers, Dr. Ivis Chan and Anwar Wade, participated in a capacity-building workshop supporting the development of Belize’s National Land Cover Classification Map for 2023-2024. From August 5th to 9th, Dr. Chan, Mr. Wade, joined environmental specialists from the Belize Forest Department and the Land Information Centre at the U.S. National Space Science & Technology Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This workshop was a crucial step in Belize's commitment to providing precise and up-to-date data for monitoring and reporting on land use changes, fires, floods, hurricanes, and other critical environmental factors.
The workshop, organized by Edgar Correa of the Forest Department’s Geospatial Monitoring Unit, was led by Dr. Emil Cherrington and a dedicated team from the NASA/USAID SERVIR program. Throughout the workshop, the Belizean team had the opportunity to present their ongoing national activities to NASA representatives, establishing vital networks for future Earth observation-related collaborations. This engagement not only highlighted Belize's current efforts in Environmental Monitoring but also provided opportunities to build partnership and innovation.
Following their return, Dr. Chan, Mr. Wade, and the rest of the team will collaborate with national geospatial experts from various sectors, including government agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and inclusive mapping process that supports long-term sustainability.
This initiative led by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society through the Biodiversity Landscape Fund, The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Swiss Re Foundation under the UB ERI's Climate Crossroads Project. Together, we are building a resilient and informed Belize, equipped to tackle environmental challenges with precision and expertise.
