Belize Leads Regional Preparations for Possible El Niño Impacts

Belize is bringing Central American countries together to prepare for the possible effects of El Niño in 2026 and 2027, including drought, water shortages and agricultural losses.  The Government, through the Ministry of Economic Transformation, is hosting a virtual regional workshop in collaboration with COSEFIN, the Council of Ministers of Finance of Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic.  The discussions are looking at how El Niño could affect communities and economies across the region, as well as the pressure it could place on public finances.  Minister of Economic Transformation Dr. Osmond Martinez, who is also the Pro Tempore President of COSEFIN, delivered the opening remarks. He called for stronger fiscal planning, better coordination among institutions and financing mechanisms that would help countries respond to climate-related risks.  Martinez said regional cooperation and the sharing of experiences are essential to improving preparedness and resilience.  Representatives from Belize’s Climate Finance Unit, Sustainable Development Unit and National Meteorological Service joined other regional stakeholders for the workshop.  The Government says Belize will continue working with COSEFIN Executive Secretary Dr. Federico Rivera Romero to strengthen regional cooperation and improve preparedness for the potential impacts of El Niño.