{"id":7899,"date":"2026-03-10T11:58:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T17:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marfund.org\/en\/?p=7899"},"modified":"2026-03-11T16:17:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T22:17:55","slug":"ecolens-summit-in-belize-celebrating-regional-partnerships-and-mar-funds-20th-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marfund.org\/en\/ecolens-summit-in-belize-celebrating-regional-partnerships-and-mar-funds-20th-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"ECOLENS Summit in Belize, Celebrating Regional Partnerships and MAR Fund’s 20th Anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund) continued celebrating its 20th anniversary during the cocktail party held after the ECOLENS Summit: Focusing on People and Nature, at the Belize City Civic Center on March 5, 2026. The summit\u00a0 brought together a diverse coalition of leaders and practitioners working to safeguard Belize\u2019s natural heritage, creating a space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration around shared environmental priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jointly hosted by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF) , the summit convened representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, community groups, and conservation initiatives. Through keynote talks, technical panels, and interactive discussions, the event explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of conservation\u2014from strengthening protected areas and enforcement to advancing innovative financing for nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

Within this collaborative setting, MAR Fund contributed a regional perspective on conservation finance and cross-border cooperation to protect the Mesoamerican Reef, a vital source of livelihoods and biodiversity for the region. Mar\u00eda Jos\u00e9 Gonz\u00e1lez, Executive Director of MAR Fund, joined regional leaders in the panel <\/span>\u201cUnlocking Sustainable Financing for Marine Protected Areas.\u201d<\/span><\/i> Moderated by Sabreena Daly of Great Belize Media, the discussion brought together Osmany Salas (WWF Mesoamerica), Alana Godoy (The Nature Conservancy), and Fabian Kyne (Caribbean Biodiversity Fund). The panelists explored how innovative financial tools and regional cooperation can help secure resilient marine protected areas while supporting the coastal communities that depend on them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The day concluded with a closing cocktail celebrating MAR Fund\u2019s two decades of regional cooperation and strategic alliances with founding member Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (BFSF), alongside the many partners, friends, and allies who have contributed to advancing conservation across the region. The gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on shared achievements while reaffirming a collective commitment to the long-term protection of the Mesoamerican Reef.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Belize is home to one of the most emblematic sections of the Mesoamerican Reef, and the leadership represented in this room has been instrumental in positioning both the country and the region as an international reference in marine conservation. Our work in Belize has been made possible through strong collaboration.
\n– <\/span>Yvonne Ram\u00edrez, President of MAR Fund\u2019s Board of Directors<\/b><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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The cocktail also included a tribute to individuals whose work has shaped the conservation history of the Mesoamerican Reef. Beverly Wade, CEO of Belize\u2019s Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, was also honored for her decades of public service and her leadership in advancing marine policy, strengthening marine reserves, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms for sustainable ocean management. Marine scientist Melanie McField was also recognized for her pioneering leadership in reef science and for spearheading the world\u2019s first coral reef \u201creport card,\u201d an initiative that has helped guide conservation action across the region for nearly two decades. Together, the recognitions highlighted the power of science, policy, and collaboration in safeguarding the future of the reef.<\/span><\/p>\n