Mada Fyah

Belize is racing toward protecting 30% of its ocean by 2026—but what does that look like on the water?

This latest investigation delves into the daily reality of marine rangers: 4 a.m. patrols, dangerous encounters, rescues of trapped wildlife, and long weeks away from their families.

From drones and 360° camera towers to the expanding risks of transboundary fishing, the story reveals the pressure—and passion—behind safeguarding Belize's seas.

The work of the country's rangers shows what it really takes to turn global commitments into everyday protection.

To view photos, images and videos from this story, visit: https://climatespotlight.com/marine-protected-areas-are-everybodys-business/
(01:02) Intro 
(03:13) 30% x 2026
(05:32) The Story of the Blue Bond
(09:13) The Work of a Ranger Part 1
(14:51) The Work of a Ranger Part 2
(20:17) New Challenges and Increased Risks at Sea
(23:31) The Push for International Collaboration
(26:11)  Measuring Efficacy of MPA Strategy
(29:19) Support So Far
(33:02) Closing Credits
Credits
Investigation by André Habet
Additional reporting by Marco Lopez.
This story was published with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.
The opening theme song is by Alexander Evans, and the closing theme is by Michael Pacheco

What’s really happening on Belize’s buses? From near-disasters on the highway to overcrowding, breakdowns, and a struggling industry weighed down by high fuel costs and low fares, this in-depth investigation reveals the daily realities of commuters and the uphill battle of operators.
Journalist André Habet takes you inside the stories of passengers, drivers, and bus owners to uncover the risks, frustrations, and potential solutions for public transportation in Belize.
✦ Why are bus operators struggling to survive?
✦ How do safety lapses put thousands of Belizeans at risk?
✦ Can the government’s proposed National Bus Company fix a broken system—or is it “Novelo’s 2.0”?
This is the story of an industry that affects everyone in Belize, whether you ride the bus every day or rely on the people who do.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(01:07) GC's Story
(04:30) Bargain Travel, Unknown Risks
(10:06) "Not that Bad, Not that Good, but It Can Be Better"
(14:12) Two Weeks in the Lives of Commuters
(16:48) The [Brief] Reign and Fall of Novelo's
(19:05) High Interest Rates, High Operational Costs: A Cutthroat Business
(26:04) Novelo's 2.0 and Other Solutions
(35:26) Uncertain Near Future

👉 View images, videos, and links related to the full investigation at ClimateSpotlight.com/bus
👉 Follow André Habet at andrehabet on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more reporting.

In this episode of Mada Fyah, André Habet and guest Yaya Marin Coleman continue their conversation on the proposed cruise terminal and cargo expansion project at Port of Belize following the September 1 public consultation about the revised Environmental Impact Assessment. They discuss how the consultation went, the difference between a hearing and a consultation, and how environmental regulation has changed through revisions to legislation.

On the first episode of Mada Fyah after our extended hiatus, André Habet talks to returning guests and comrade YaYa Marin Coleman about the Escazú Agreement, an international treaty signed by 25 Latin American and Caribbean nations concerning the rights of access to information about the environment, public participation in environmental decision-making, environmental justice, and a healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations.

If you'd like your organization added to the list of contacts for the Escazú Agreement's awareness campaign, please visit this Google Doc and add your org's name and a URL or contact number/email.

For more on the Escaú Agreement, check out Krem Sunday Review's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/krem.sundayreview) for upcoming conversations with community leaders and experts from across the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

On this episode of Mada Fyah, Andre talks to Dassia Regada and Jonathan Tremillo of the Crocodile Research Coalition regarding their efforts to relocate crocodiles and teach people about the significance of crocodiles to Belize as biological indicators.

Crocodile Research Coalition FB page

https://www.facebook.com/crocodileresearchcoalition/

Mada Fyah FB page

https://www.facebook.com/MadaFyah/