Reef Guard Project

Project’s purpose

The Reef Guard Project supports the protection of Belize’s rich marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Focused on improving the management of four key marine protected areas in the Southern Belize Reef Complex (SBRC)—South Water Caye, Glovers Reef, Laughing Bird Caye, and Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes—the project also works toward designating Placencia Lagoon as a conservation area.

By strengthening these ecosystems, the project helps sustain marine biodiversity, reduce climate-related risks, and protect the livelihoods of seven coastal communities. In a time of growing threats from climate change, overfishing, and unregulated coastal development, the Reef Guard Project is preserving a paradise—one reef, one mangrove, and one community at a time.

Participating communities

Dangriga, Hopkins, Riversdale, Maya Beach, Seine Bight, Placencia and Independence

Time frame

2024 to 2019

Executing partners

• WWF Germany

• WWF Mesoamerica

• Southern Environmental Association (SEA)

• Humana People to People Belize

Government partner

Belize Fisheries Department