Enhancing Post-Storm Reef Response: Site Visit and Response Practice at Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize
Photo: Mauricio Valenzuela
On August 24, 2026, strategic partners gathered at Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize for a demonstration on post-storm reef response and conservation efforts. The activities provided a first-hand look at the rapid reef response capacities and local governance mechanisms that are key pillars of the MAR Insurance Programme, and highlighted how these efforts contribute to climate resilience across the Mesoamerican Reef region. Supported by MAR Fund and its partners.
The event brought together 27 participants representing the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, the British High Commission, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Belize Fisheries Department, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund). We had the opportunity to welcome the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA), a key MAR Fund partner that has supported the MAR Insurance Programme from the design of the policy, to the reef response establishment and to scaling the program to other Caribbean countries.
The day began with opening remarks from Hon. Andrés Pérez, Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, and H.E. British High Commissioner Alistair White, whose participation highlighted the importance of strengthening reef resilience and emergency response efforts.
Following the opening remarks, María José González, Executive Director of MAR Fund, and Chip Cunliffe, Senior Director and Co-Founder of ORRAA, provided an overview of the significance of the event, highlighting the collaboration and partnerships that have made the MAR Insurance Programme possible and that continue to strengthen reef resilience and post-storm response across the region.
Partner organizations shared a series of presentations highlighting different aspects of reef conservation, preparedness, and post-storm response. Hol Chan Marine Reserve provided an overview of the Marine Reserve and its conservation work, while the Belize Fisheries Department’s Post-Storm Response Committee Coordinator shared insights into the coordination and preparedness involved in post-storm response. A local brigade instructor from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) presented the recently updated Response Protocol for the Rescue of Coral Reefs Affected by Hurricanes, highlighting the procedures, roles, and actions that guide reef response efforts following a hurricane.
Photo: André Herrera
The group then traveled to Tufuy, a marine site outside of the reserve, where they observed a practical demonstration by reef brigade members. The exercise provided a first-hand look at the coordination, teamwork, and specialized skills involved in post-storm reef response, demonstrating how preparedness and local response capacity can come together in the field.
The day continued with a snorkel in the Marine Reserve, followed by a visit to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Visitor Center, bringing together field experience, knowledge exchange, and a deeper appreciation of the work being done to protect Belize’s coral reefs.
It was a wonderful opportunity to spend the day with our partners and show our donors the impact that their support can have on coral reef restoration. — Julio Noble, Marine Biologist at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
As the final activity of the day, MAR Fund, ORRAA, and Virginia Burns Perez, Project Lead for the Reef Resilience & Risk Financing Mechanism (R3FM) Project at the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), held a working meeting to discuss ongoing initiatives and explore opportunities for future collaboration across the Mesoamerican Reef Region and the Wider Caribbean. The meeting provided a valuable space to exchange experiences, share challenges and best practices, and identify opportunities to strengthen the implementation and impact of projects supporting climate resilience, reef conservation, and innovative financial mechanisms throughout the region.
This site visit demonstrated the value of bringing partners together to strengthen local capacity, share knowledge, and improve post-storm reef response. We are grateful to our donors and partners for making these results possible. — María José González, Executive Director, MAR Fund
Seeing Belize’s reef response brigades train firsthand showed exactly what climate resilience should look like: local, practiced, and ready to go. This isn’t just insurance sitting in the background. ORRAA is glad to be part of the MAR Fund’s work to make that possible. — Chip Cunliffe, Senior Director and Co-Founder of ORRAA
Together, these efforts demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships and collaboration to strengthen preparedness, local capacity, and innovative financial mechanisms in building a more resilient Mesoamerican Reef.
Photo: André Herrera