By: Omar Silva, NP Staff Writer

Belize City, Tuesday 11th April 2023

Belize's robust readiness and aggressive implementation of climate-financed projects have caught the attention of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) hosted representatives from the GCF Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) during the week of March 27-31, 2023, to learn about Belize's experience with the GCF and to collect information from stakeholders on the relevance and effectiveness of the GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme.

The IEU's mission was to identify countries with comprehensive readiness portfolios that will enable them to meet their climate change goals and access the urgently needed climate finance to adapt and mitigate climate change impacts. Belize's 15 national and regional readiness projects in various areas and sectors make it an ideal candidate for a case study to inform the evaluation.

The IEU team, led by Ms. Elangthoko Mokgano and Mr. Phillip Cox, visited government officials, delivery partners, private and civil society stakeholders, representatives of accredited entities, development partners, other climate-related projects, and academia, and GCF project beneficiaries to gather information for the evaluation.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Belize's NDA to the GCF and Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Economic Development, expressed his gratitude to MED's Climate Finance Unit members who facilitated the IEU team's visit. The ministry also thanked all stakeholders who took the time to meet with the team and looks forward to continuing work with the GCF and stakeholders to champion climate change impacts in and for Belize.