[{"bbox": [82, 120, 1146, 386], "category": "Text", "text": "The formulation of Action Documents for the two priority areas of the MIP (I) Green growth and sustainable socio-economic development (II) Regional integration and border management is at the forefront of this action, carried out by direct and indirect management. For supporting a smooth and swift implementation of identified actions, the MSEFP will contract preparatory and complementary studies, organise the exchange of valuable experiences for public functionaries and project stakeholders, including civil society, through funds for relevant initiatives aimed at guaranteeing the fulfilment of expected results. Alongside implementation, the MSEFP will institute an efficient monitoring system for the actions under the partnership in a regular and regulated manner providing for a result orientated dialogue between stakeholders and ensure accountability to the population of Belize. In this context, a mechanism for enhanced donor coordination, including international finance institutions and regional organisms, will be established and aimed for resource optimization and harmonised information flows."}, {"bbox": [82, 412, 1146, 492], "category": "Text", "text": "This action shall apply a human rights based approach (HRBA) encompassing all human rights and give particular attention to the rights of women, children and the empowerment of youth. Appropriate environmental screening, including for climate change and biodiversity impacts, shall be undertaken at the level of the action."}, {"bbox": [72, 547, 301, 578], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2. RATIONALE"}, {"bbox": [101, 610, 234, 637], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### 2.1. Context"}, {"bbox": [72, 651, 1158, 865], "category": "Text", "text": "The COVID pandemic impacted severely Belize' society and economy, resulting in a deep economic recession. Following a successful containment of the first wave of the pandemic, the country experienced a second wave starting in June 2020. This wave has been controlled, but it left Belize with one of the highest numbers of cases and deaths per capita in the Caribbean. With regard to the economy, the pandemic led to a 72 percent fall in tourist arrivals in 2020 and a decline in activity in contact-intensive sectors, resulting in a contraction of real GDP of 14.1 percent in 2020. The fiscal position deteriorated markedly and public debt increased to 127.4 percent in 2020². Some 11 percent of Belizeans were unemployed in April of 2021, while a further 21 percent are considered underemployed³. The economic recovery is projected to be protracted and subject to large risks, in particular related to the increase of tourist arrivals."}, {"bbox": [72, 890, 1158, 998], "category": "Text", "text": "Belize's long-term development is guided by its National Development Framework, *Horizon 2030*, which prioritizes democratic governance for effective public administration and sustainable development, education, economic resilience and a healthy citizenry and environment. Due to the severe impacts of the COVID pandemic and Belize's difficult fiscal situation and possible budget cuts, the achievement of Horizon 2030 objectives is challenged."}, {"bbox": [72, 1023, 1158, 1183], "category": "Text", "text": "Building on *Horizon 2030*, subsequent 5-years plans set the priority actions for the medium term and links them with relevant SDGs. However, the last plan expired in 2020 and no new medium term development plan has yet been presented. The new government started in November 2020 with a profound redesign of the policy framework, aligning its electoral *Plan Belize* with the Horizon 2030. There are already indications that accountability and delivery to the public constitute significant commitments of the new administration which would have positive impacts on future policy dialogue, coordination and partnerships with its external donors."}, {"bbox": [72, 1209, 1158, 1369], "category": "Text", "text": "After Brexit, no Member State has a permanent representation in Belize, a few have honorary consuls accredited in the country while some others cover Belize from neighbouring countries. However, Belize represents a valuable partner for the EU in its ambition to expand cooperation and build stronger partnerships with the LAC region since the country is a member of both regional pacts, CARICOM and SICA, and offers an interesting position as a bridge between the Caribbean and Central America. Belize counts with extraordinary abundance of natural resources and biodiversity and a high potential for green development and blue economy."}, {"bbox": [72, 1394, 1158, 1580], "category": "Text", "text": "The border dispute between Belize and Guatemala affects the entire south of the country, representing around 50% of the terrestrial and maritime territories. Based on national Referendums in both countries, the issue will be settled by the International Court of Justice. Though some time extension has already been ordered by the Court, legal proceedings will finalise during the execution period of the MIP 2021-2027, and define the future of Belize. Over many years, the EU has been supportive to the peaceful settlement of the border dispute by motivating both countries to organise their Referendum processes and funding a peace-building OAS initiative and socio economic development with support of CSOs at the Adjacency Zone."}, {"bbox": [72, 1612, 389, 1637], "category": "Footnote", "text": "² IMF 2021, Art. 4 consultation report"}, {"bbox": [72, 1636, 414, 1661], "category": "Footnote", "text": "³ Statistical Institute of Belize, May 2021"}, {"bbox": [1051, 1661, 1158, 1685], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 4 of 13"}]