VIU student examines how Building design in Belize is adapting to changing climate realities
In addition to developing recommendations for a disaster management and redevelopment plan, a considerable portion of my research concerns design guidelines. Design guidelines can be used to ensure that a community’s sense of place is maintained by regulating the built form of new developments –...
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Investment in human, economic and technical resource development essential for sustainable coastal resilience management
Photo: Working on the second phase of the Mangrove Reforestation and Coastal Management Initiative under the Pan American Development Foundation’s Community Preparedness and Resilience Project in Belize. As I enter the third month of my internship, my exposure to the socio-economic, political,...
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Jaguars to Jellyfish: Grappling with the promise and pitfalls of coastal development in Belize
Photo: With resources and help scarce, a Hopkins business is using old tires, stones, and other debris to protect what little shoreline it has left. Pictured in the top right just past the last tree is a waterfront ridge of rocks (groyne) that is worsening the situation. *** This blog post is one...
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Food and festivals give VIU tourism student a taste of Garifuna culture
The month of June has brought many new exciting experiences that have allowed me to explore the land and culture of Belize more in-depth. I have become settled and more comfortable, and have quickly learned the in-and-outs of both Seine Bight and Placencia, including where all the best local...
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Workshop highlights importance of mangroves in preserving Belizean coastlines
After more than a month of taking in the food, culture and sunshine (and thunderstorms) in Hopkins, I have received ethics approval to conduct my research on Practitioners’ Perceptions on Community Involvement in Belize, and have wasted no time getting my interviews lined up. The first two were...
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Reef Guardians: Education and Outreach on Belize's coastal waters
Although it was a bit late to start, the rainy season is now here with a vengeance! I knew going into this internship that my community (Punta Gorda) was one of the rainiest, but I didn’t realize just how much rain that would entail! It rains POURS every evening, with amazing wind, lightning, and...
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Belize environmental laws show promise – but enforcement a challenge
Beautiful Belize – I could write you a love letter. I have fallen for your lush forests, colourful communities, and contagious smiles. I have only been here a short time, but I feel the same instinctive urge to protect the environment that surrounds me as I do at home on Vancouver Island....
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Capacity Building among the Garifuna in Belize
Beautiful Belize has been a stimulating and action-packed adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, flamboyant birds, friendly folks and flavorful, coconut-infused foods. I am here as a community development and education intern with the National Garifuna Council (NGC), working in the...
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VIU geography student supports sustainability education in Belize
Hello from southern Belize! I was lucky enough to receive a QEII Scholarship through the Building Resilience in Coastal Communities program at VIU this year. With this scholarship, I am spending about six months in the coastal town of Punta Gorda as an intern for an environmental NGO called the...
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Living and working in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District
Since arriving in Hopkins two weeks ago, I have living, working and experiencing life alongside my fellow VIU graduate students outside of the resorts that line the edges of the community. This sandy destination has a lush and vibrant natural element that percolates throughout the town, displaying...
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