Summary
In 2017, Belize adopted Petroleum Operations Infinite Moratorium, which bans all oil and natural gas drilling and activities in the Caribbean Sea. The moratorium cites a need “to prevent pollution from installation devices and vessels used in the exploration or exploitation of petroleum resources of the seabed and subsoil of the maritime zone” and to “make further provisions for the protection of the Belize Barrier Reef System inclusive of the World Heritage Site.” It was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The moratorium is still in effect.
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2026. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/petroleum-operations-infinite-moratorium/.
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