PACT Wins Green Climate Fund Support to Advance National Climate Resilience Project

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) has secured a major win for Belize’s climate ambitions. The Green Climate Fund has officially approved a Project Preparation Facility Service to develop the full proposal for a national climate resilience project aimed at strengthening Belize’s National Protected Areas System.  The announcement was made on November 19 on the sidelines of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. PACT’s Board Chair, Milagro Matus, Executive Director Abil Castañeda, and Leroy Martinez of the Climate Finance Unit joined GCF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Kristin Lang, for the ceremonial signing.  The proposed project, titled “Strengthening the Belize National Protected Areas System to Provide Resilience and Reduce Vulnerability of Communities Against Climate Change,” seeks to fortify the country’s protected areas, which are essential for biodiversity, tourism, water security, and sustainable livelihoods.  With this PPF approval, PACT, as Belize’s Direct Access Entity to the Green Climate Fund, will now lead the preparation of a detailed funding proposal. This will include environmental, financial, technical, and social assessments in partnership with the Ministry of Sustainable Development and APAMO.  Once fully funded, the project promises to enhance ecosystem health, strengthen resilience in buffer communities, and reduce climate-related risks across protected landscapes.  PACT’s Executive Director, Abil Castañeda, says the approval highlights Belize’s leadership in nature-based climate solutions and underscores the country’s growing capacity to directly access international climate finance.