Programme For Belize

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE

August 14, 2026

Conserving the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area and contributing to the sustainable development of the adjacent communities through education
Programme for Belize celebrated a short ceremony to award book grant to 21 high school students from 10 communities adjacent to the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area- a 251,000 acres reserve located in northwestern Belize, owned and managed by Programme for Belize.

While the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (RBCMA) has no community rights claim since it has always been privately owned, Programme for Belize has adopted a moral commitment to support the sustainable development of the adjacent communities, to build an amicable relationship with the communities, build understanding of and support to the management regime of the RBCMA and reduce the pressure on the natural resources and on the reserve.

On this day, Programme for Belize awarded book scholarship grant to 21 needy students from the communities adjacent to the RBCMA thereby providing them with an opportunity to develop a career that will reduce the dependence and pressures on the reserve and the natural resources of Belize. The 21 student come from 6 mestizo communities from Orange Walk South including San Carlos, Indian Church, San Felipe, August Pine Ridge, Guinea Grass, and San Antonio, and from 4 Belize River Valley Communities including Rancho Dolores, Lemonal, Willows Bank, and Double Head Cabbage attending four high schools. Programme for Belize wish these students success in their high school education and career development.

Jaguar sighting!

Our ranger Richard Cuellar took these pictures of two Jaguars near the Hill Bank Field Station this morning, and they look stunning!

🌱 Planting seeds for a greener future! 📚🐾

Programme for Belize continues to engage local communities, sharing the vital importance of protecting our natural ecosystems.

Yesterday, on July 16th, our team had the amazing opportunity to present to 40 bright young participants at the Sandy Hunter 2026 Summer Program! This year's inspiring national theme is: “Public Libraries – Plant di Seed, Mek we Read.” ✨

It is so important for the next generation to learn about the incredible animals—both big and small—that share our environment. During the session, we highlighted the crucial role that protected areas like the Rio Bravo Conservation & Management Area play in preserving habitats for all forms of wildlife. We also discussed the everyday actions we can all take to keep these beautiful areas protected for generations to come. 🐆🌳

Big thanks to the organizers and all the youth who joined us! Let's keep learning, reading, and protecting our planet. 🌎💚

🦉 Incredible Wildlife Sighting at Hill Bank! 🦉

Look who was spotted keeping a watchful eye over the savanna!

PFB Ranger Gustavo Romero captured this absolutely stunning image of a majestic Great Horned Owl on July 2, 2026.

Perched high up in the pine branches against a beautiful blue sky, this incredible apex predator reminds us just how vibrant and diverse the wildlife is here at the Hill Bank Field Station, within the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area.

Fantastic spotting, Ranger Gustavo!

Applications for the Admin Assistant and Ranger positions are officially closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.

🌿 Congratulations to the Winners and All Participants of our 2026 Poster Competition! 🌿

Back in February, Programme for Belize officially launched our 2026 Poster Competition, themed “Climate Change, Forests, and Communities.” We were thrilled to have the energetic participation of six local primary schools:

🏫 St. Michael Roman Catholic School
🏫 August Pine Ridge Government School
🏫 San Carlos Government School
🏫 Burrell Boom Methodist School
🏫 St. Therese Roman Catholic School
🏫 Belize Rural Primary School

The core objective of this initiative was to raise critical awareness about climate change, its impact on our local communities, and the threats to our natural ecosystems. Through their incredible artwork, these brilliant students demonstrated a deep understanding of these complex challenges—ensuring that our youth are actively engaged in the future of our environment.

🏆 A Massive Congratulations to St. Michael Roman Catholic School, the overall winners of this year’s competition! 🏆

While we celebrate their success, this competition also reminds us of the urgent work ahead. Every day, our natural environment faces severe pressures from wildfires, illegal logging, and the poaching of wildlife—including the endangered Yellow-Headed Parrot, which Programme for Belize works tirelessly to protect.

Programme for Belize remains deeply committed to safeguarding the Rio Bravo Conservation & Management Area (RBCMA). We recognize that our surrounding communities are our most important partners and stakeholders in this vital effort.

Thank you to all the schools, teachers, and talented students who made this competition a success! Together, we can protect our forests and secure our future. 🇧🇿🦜🌳

📚 OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! 🇧🇿

Programme for Belize is officially accepting applications for our Book Scholarship! If you are a student living in one of our RBCMA partner communities and attending one of our eligible high schools, we want to help support your education.

📝 Application Requirements:
1️⃣ Letter of Request: Include your current academic year, date and place of birth, community, complete address, names of parents or guardians, and contact information.
2️⃣ One-Page Essay: Describe why you are a deserving candidate for this scholarship.
3️⃣ 200-Word Essay: Discuss the significance of conserving and protecting biodiversity in Belize, focusing on protected areas like the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area.
4️⃣ Academic Documents:

For 1st Form Students: Include your high school letter of acceptance AND copies of your primary school report cards from Standard 4, Standard 5, and Standard 6.

For 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Form Students: Provide a copy of your most recent high school report card.

📩 How to Submit:
Email your complete application, including all required documents, to: [email protected]

⚠️ DEADLINE TO APPLY: 17th of July, 2026

Applications for the Biodiversity Monitoring and Research Officer are officially closed. Thank you to everyone that applied.

🌿 Discover Paradise at Hill Bank Field Station! 🌿

Looking for the ultimate escape where nature meets adventure? Whether you’re planning a memorable family vacation or a romantic couple's getaway, Hill Bank Field Station is your perfect destination.

Nestled in the breathtaking Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area in Orange Walk, this is the eco-friendly haven you've been dreaming of.

✨ Why You’ll Love Hill Bank:
🐒 Rich Wildlife – Get up close and personal with incredible biodiversity.

🌱 Breathtaking Rainforest Views – Wake up to the sights and sounds of pristine nature.

🧘 Peaceful Eco-Friendly Environment – Unplug, unwind, and recharge.

🥾 Perfect for Explorers – Curated for ultimate nature lovers.

🛶 Activities You’ll Love:
From sunrise to after dark, adventure awaits you:

Birdwatching 🦜

Kayaking & River Tubing 🌊

Guided Nature Trails 🌳

Night Walks 🌙

🔥 LIMITED TIME OFFER: 10% OFF! 🔥
We are offering 10% OFF on all Family & Couple Packages!

🗓️ Deal Alert: Offer valid until August 30, 2026.
🗝️ Promo Code: Use code PFB2026 when making your reservation.

📞 Book Your Adventure Today!
📧 Email: [email protected]

📱 WhatsApp/Call: +501-615-3900

🌐 Website: www.pfbelize.org

Don't wait—paradise is calling! Scan the QR code in the image or reach out today to secure your dates. 👇