Belize DOE rejects road through Northeastern Biological Corridor

The Department of the Environment (DOE) has denied environmental clearance for a proposed 2.2-mile road through the Northeastern Biological Corridor. The project, proposed by Honey Hub Limited, aimed to connect the Honey Camp area to the Neuland community road across the Orange Walk and Corozal districts.

Following a review by the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC), officials determined that the Environmental Impact Assessment failed to justify clearing approximately 13 acres of forest. The committee warned that the road would fragment wildlife habitats and increase the risk of animal injury or death. Additionally, the assessment lacked sufficient information regarding the availability of fill material, raising concerns that sourcing such material could lead to further land clearing and habitat damage.

While the road would have reduced travel distance by roughly five miles, the DOE concluded that this benefit did not outweigh the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Specifically, the assessment did not adequately address the effects on Santa Martha Village residents who rely on the existing road network. The DOE has advised Honey Hub Limited to seek an alternative route outside the protected corridor.