[{"bbox": [102, 88, 431, 119], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 1.2 Summary of the Action"}, {"bbox": [111, 134, 1202, 322], "category": "Text", "text": "Belize's natural ecosystems are degrading at an alarming rate due to overfishing, uncontrolled wildlife trafficking and natural habitat destruction. In its new Medium-Term Development Strategy 2022-2026¹, the Government decided to prioritise investment and economic activities in rural communities through a green growth model (striking a balance between economic growth and the protection of the natural resources), in particular for the South (poorest and most vulnerable part of the country). In this context, the planning of interventions in the forested areas along the border must involve local communities, seeking a balance between biodiversity conservation and the promotion of income-generating activities in a complex landscape (encompassing protected areas and communal lands owned by indigenous people)."}, {"bbox": [111, 331, 1202, 519], "category": "Text", "text": "Furthermore, the long-term claim of Belizean territory by Guatemala that affects around 50% of the country's terrestrial and maritime territories, has negatively impacted relations between the two countries and has prevented the development on Belize's western and southern borders. Both countries voted to settle the issue at the International Court of Justice (ruling is expected in 2025). The resolution of the territorial dispute is bound to strengthen confidence in expanding socio-economic activity, opening new economic and trade opportunities. A border managed by effective and accountable institutions able to provide security, and trade benefits, and a local development planning with the local populations are essential for creating the foundations for sustainable growth and economic development."}, {"bbox": [111, 544, 1202, 678], "category": "Text", "text": "The **overall objective** of the Action is to reduce inequality and enhance the sustainable management of the southern and western regions of Belize. The two **specific objectives** are (1) promoting inclusive development, with particular regard to women, youth and indigenous people, based on a green growth model and a territorial approach (shared responsibility across levels of government) and (2) increasing border management, security and trade facilitation capacities at land and maritime borders."}, {"bbox": [111, 703, 1202, 812], "category": "Text", "text": "To achieve the **specific objective 1**, the Action will (1) promote participatory local development planning involving women and youth, (2) facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices in the agriculture sector to preserve forests and marine ecosystems and accelerate the development of local value chains, and (3) create a farming and business mentorship programme that assists community members."}, {"bbox": [111, 835, 1202, 970], "category": "Text", "text": "Under **specific objective 2**, the action contributes to stability and sustainable development of Belize and regional economic integration. It will strengthen the capacity of government institutions responsible for integrated border control planning and management, environmental protection along the border and trade facilitation. It will also support the continuity of the Organisation of American States (OAS) peace-building mission in the Adjacency zone of Belize and Guatemala and promote the dialogue between both countries including operational cross-border cooperation."}, {"bbox": [111, 995, 1202, 1076], "category": "Text", "text": "Overall, the two combined components will be mutually reinforcing and improve the management of the southern and border areas, reducing inequalities, creating an enabling environment for infrastructure investments and economic development, for opening up trade with Guatemala and for protecting the rich biodiversity of the area."}, {"bbox": [111, 1100, 1202, 1261], "category": "Text", "text": "The scope and content of the action is in line with the European Union's Global Gateway strategy, inasmuch as it fosters Belize's economic growth in a sustainable fashion, supporting the creation of an enabling environment for larger infrastructure investments. The activities of the **Global Gateway Investment Agenda for Belize** (on digital, access to credit for small businesses and small infrastructure for communities) necessitate the regularisation of the border area and correct land development planning; for this reason, interventions in the two Priority Areas of the MIP 2021-27 for Belize intend to lay the foundation for investments in areas that are relevant for the Government of Belize."}, {"bbox": [100, 1359, 337, 1391], "category": "Section-header", "text": "# 2 RATIONALE"}, {"bbox": [100, 1425, 249, 1452], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.1 Context"}, {"bbox": [100, 1468, 1159, 1527], "category": "Text", "text": "With a population of 441,714 inhabitants at the end of 2022,² Belize has the lowest population density in Central America and about half of the population is under 25-years-old and resides in rural areas. The Belizean population"}, {"bbox": [100, 1617, 779, 1643], "category": "Footnote", "text": "¹ MTDS 2022-2026. Available at: https://edc.gov.bz/elibrary/record/view?id=25"}, {"bbox": [100, 1643, 544, 1666], "category": "Footnote", "text": "² Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize, 2022."}, {"bbox": [1051, 1667, 1159, 1692], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 4 of 27"}]