 Belize's course with the stunning coral reefs, mangrove forests and viral coastal communities faces significant challenge from climate change. Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity and coastal erosion threaten the very fabric of Belize's coastal ecosystems and communities. To critical threats include sea level rise and more frequent and intensified storms, particularly because Belize is a low-lying country. It is ranked as the third most vulnerable country in the small island developing states. These impacts from climate change can pose significant challenges, such as causing increased erosion and causing loss. So key habitats such as sea grass, coral reefs and mangroves that really support our thriving economy and support livelihoods that depend on tourism and fishing. Belize's coastal communities are particularly vulnerable through impacts of climate change. Coastal planning helps identify areas at risk and develop strategies to protect communities from these threats. The government has implemented several measures and these implementation of measures really are tied to important national policies and plans such as the national climate change strategy, policy and master plan. Really these documents articulate the government's vision and commitment to addressing these important challenges and threats for the coastal zone. The government, through project funded, through the Green Development Project, is financing the development of a comprehensive national adaptation plan that will help to strengthen our response to the impacts from climate change on the coastal zone and the fisheries sector. CZMEI is responsible for the development and the updating of Belize's integrated coastal zone management plan, which really is a tool that serves to guide decision making and really is a tool that helps to promote the improved management of our coastal and marine resources for Belizeans, you know, our present and our future generation. An integrated approach to coastal zone management, considering the social, economic and environmental aspects through the coast, has been adopted. This holistic approach involves coordinating various sectors and stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities and non-governmental organizations to promote sustainable development and adaptation practices. Some adaptation measures that have been identified and are currently being implemented include measures like ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions, which really focused on using ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves to continue to protect and conserve them so that they can better able to help us strengthen our coastal protection and to support important livelihoods. Effective coastal zone management in Belize is instrumental in building resiliency against climate change impacts. The government recognizes the importance of adaptive strategic objectives for achieving a sustainable coast, which encompasses encouraging sustainable coastal resource use and addressing climate change. Coastal communities have been engaged in coastal zone management through several approaches. The most common and I guess popular one being our awareness activities and we actually plan and implement a full week dedicated to this awareness and it's known as Coastal Awareness Week and through this week, we plan, we engage and we target communities and the general public as well as students at the various level to improve their awareness, their knowledge and understanding of the impacts of climate change. By adopting sustainable practices, we can protect the biodiversity, cultural heritage and economic prosperity of these invaluable coastal ecosystems. Taking action really requires a collective effort from all those involved. It's not only the government that is responsible but we all have a call to duty as citizens of Belize, the public sector, the private sector, civil society and individuals. We all can play a part by participating in implementation of adaptation measures such as coral reef and mangrove restoration. These are done at the community level and we can all increase our knowledge and understanding of the impacts of climate change through participating in these initiatives while building our resilience as communities and as citizens of Belize. Visit Coastal Zone Management and Charity Institute's website at www.coastalzonebelize.org to access information on coastal planning, policies and ongoing initiatives.