Introduction
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Belize stands out as the only country in the Caribbean to have published a Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) and this webpage acts as a resource that can be shared with stakeholders and partners alike.
The National Climate Change Office (NCCO) is the agency that leads the development of the LT-LEDS and is responsible for the implementation of climate change policies in Belize. The primary objective of this strategy resource is to provide a roadmap to eliminate the majority of the country's gross carbon emissions by 2050 - across all sectors of the economy. This effort is driven by Belize's vulnerability to climate change, including the severe impacts of droughts, floods, coastal erosion and altered precipitation patterns.
The LT-LEDS process unfolded in two phases:
Phase I established decarbonization pathways for each sector, while Phase II focused on creating an action plan prioritizing impactful mitigation options. Extensive local stakeholder engagement was a key feature, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office and international partners.
By aligning its LT-LEDS with national development plans, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and global net-zero targets, Belize is positioning itself as a proactive contributor to international climate goals while advancing national resilience and sustainability. This process reveals both the challenges and successes that can inform other countries as they embark on their own LT-LEDS process.
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Key lessons learned
Stakeholder engagement
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Belize’s LT-LEDS development process encountered challenges due to the varying objectives of stakeholders, both state and non-state actors, each aligned with their own organizations' mandates. Initially, the diverse views of the stakeholders complicated consensus-building however, this was overcome by encouraging agencies to align their goals with national priorities, leading to a more cohesive decision-making process. Continuous and inclusive stakeholder consultations are essential throughout the entire process. Engaging not just government institutions, but also Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), indigenous groups, and vulnerable communities ensures that the strategy is comprehensive and receives widespread support. These groups, often impacted by climate change, can provide critical insights and facilitate effective implementation. |
Clear communication and methodology
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The journey to developing Belize’s long-term strategy had the initial challenge of stakeholders not fully understanding the methodology used for developing the LT-LEDS, however this challenge was addressed early in the process. This allowed sufficient time to clarify the approach and modify the methodology in consultation with local stakeholders. This also led to a shared understanding of the process, ultimately ensuring the success of the strategy development. Clear communication about the methodologies and approaches used in strategy development is essential to ensure stakeholder buy-in and informed decision-making. |
Local context
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When the LT-LEDS was being developed, Belize and the world were being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to this, travel in and out of the country was restricted, hindering the ability of the consultants contracted to develop the strategy - to carry out their missions. This proved to be a major challenge as it raised concerns among stakeholders about the strategy’s reflection of local realities. Despite this, the process was strengthened by the NCCO providing the consultants with extensive local data and insights, ensuring that the strategy was grounded in Belize’s unique context. When external consultants are involved, particularly in remote settings, it is crucial to prioritize the incorporation of local knowledge and data. National stakeholders must be proactive in ensuring that the strategy is rooted in the country’s specific climate circumstances and challenges. |
Flexible and iterative process
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The LEDS development in Belize was faced with additional challenges regarding time management due to the overwhelming amount of information that needed to be processed in a limited time. To mitigate this, Belize adopted a flexible approach, conducting sessions in stages to allow stakeholders the opportunity to revisit and refine their priorities. This iterative process helped to address any misunderstandings, refine methodologies, and ensure that the final strategy was both comprehensive and practical. The development of the LT-LEDS should be flexible and adaptable, with room for iteration. This allows for corrections, refinements, and deeper engagement, ensuring that the final product is robust and actionable. |
Alignment with national frameworks and plans
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One of the key successes of Belize’s LT-LEDS was its integration with existing national frameworks such as the National Climate Change Policy Strategy and Action Plan (NCCPSAP). This alignment ensured that the LT-LEDS did not operate in isolation but instead reinforced and built upon ongoing national climate policies.
By linking long-term goals with immediate national development targets and ensuring that policies were complementary, Belize created a coherent strategy that could be effectively implemented. Integrating the LT-LEDS with national policies and frameworks is essential for ensuring coherence and fostering synergy between long-term and short-term objectives. This alignment not only supports the efficient use of resources, but also strengthens the likelihood of achieving emissions reductions.
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Technical and financial support
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Belize’s LT-LEDS process was supported by international partners such as the UNDP, which provided essential technical and financial assistance. This support was critical to overcoming challenges related to capacity, expertise, and funding, which are common barriers for many countries, particularly smaller or less developed nations. International financial and technical support plays a key role in the successful development and implementation of the LT-LEDS. Countries should seek partnerships with international organizations to leverage resources and expertise that may be unavailable domestically.
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Conclusion
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The National Climate Change Office in Belize led the process of developing the LT-LEDS, and is the entity responsible for the implementation of climate change policies in the country. Based on their experience they provided a few lessons learnt for Caribbean countries who are now embarking on their own LT-LEDS process. These include engaging stakeholders throughout the process to ensure widespread support and input, establishing clear objectives, aligning with international climate commitments, integrating the strategy with national development plans to enhance effectiveness, and securing financial and technical support from international partners to facilitate successful implementation.
Belize’s Low Emission Development Strategy and Action Plan can be accessed on the UNFCCC website at this link: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Belize%20LEDS.pdf.
The RCC Caribbean would like to thank Mrs Edalmi Pinelo, Chief Climate Change Officer at the National Climate Change Office within the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change for her contributions to this resource.
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