ILO and IOM implement EU-funded development initiatives in southern Belize

The European Union (EU) in partnership with the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), have announced two new projects designed to promote inclusive socio-economic development of southern Belize, and to increase the capacities of Government institutions responsible for integrated border control planning and management.

Both initiatives underscore the vital role of the longstanding partnership between the United Nations system and the European Union in reducing barriers to inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Belize.

The UN Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador, Raul Salazar, stated that “the partnership between the European Union and the United Nations is rooted in shared principles of multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development. This partnership, through two new projects with ILO and IOM, demonstrates our strong and collective commitment to support vulnerable communities and impact livelihoods in Belize.”

For her part, Her Excellency Dr. Erja Askola, EU Ambassador to Belize, described the EU’s partnership with Belize as an “important milestone”  that would have “significant  transformational potential for new economic prospects in Belize, especially the southern and border areas.” Their  common objective was to “promote inclusive development, reduce inequalities and stimulate sustainable economic growth,” she said. “We will also support the strengthening of border management, security and trade facilitation capacities at land and maritime borders, which are all key priorities for Belize.”

Designs to build economic resilience and strengthen border management

PROSPER (Participation, Ownership, and Sustainable Progress for Economic Resilience)  is a four-year initiative focused on the southern district of Toledo. It is designed to promote sustainable local economic development with an emphasis on women and young persons and, using a participatory approach, empower rural and indigenous communities to build economic resilience, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance skills development. The EUR 4.2 million (BZD 8.9 million) project was signed by Joni Musabayana, Director, ILO Decent Work Team, Caribbean.

The budget for the other project, Effective and Sustainable Management of Belize’s Western and Southern Border, is EUR 3.3 million (BZD 7 million).  The aim of that project is to enhance border management, security, and cross-border facilitation and cooperation at Belize's southern and western borders through a comprehensive Integrated Border Management (IBM) approach, which includes developing a National Strategy for Integrated Border Management and updating of Conservation and Protected Areas Management Plans for the effective protection of forests in the south and western border areas. It will also build the capacity among border enforcement agencies and conservation agencies, providing equipment to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This project was signed by Diana Locke, Head of Office, IOM Belize.

Both initiatives will be implemented in close coordination with civil society and local stakeholders.  The projects represent a key contribution to the Government’s Medium-term Development Strategy 2022-2026, and reflect the continued deep commitment of the European Union and United Nations to foster inclusive development and address socio-economic challenges in Belize to leave no one behind.

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More on the PROSPER (Participation, Ownership, and Sustainable Progress for Economic Resilience) project is available at the ILO Caribbean website.

Information about the Border Management Project can be requested from IOM Belize  (+501-223-9500).

Media contacts:
Shireen Cuthbert, ILO Caribbean Office – cuthbert@ilo.org
Renata Samuels, IOM Belize – iombelize@iom.int
Mirsy Ponce, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, Belize – mirsy.ponce@un.org
Elizabeth Lanzi Mazzocchini – Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas - Elizabeth-Mary.LANZI-MAZZOCCHINI@eeas.europa.eu