Dr. Leandra Cho-Rickets will moderate a panel discussion featuring numerous recipients of the Belize Fund awards. Hear about how organizations are working towards a vision of healthy oceans through sustainable finance
The Belize Fund is a transparent and inclusive financing mechanism that is successfully mobilizing investments for the conservation and responsible development of Belize’s marine and coastal resources.
Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts is the Executive Director of the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future. Celebrated as a 2022 Oceana Ocean Hero, she has over two decades of experience in marine conservation and scientific research in Belize, promoting academic interest and shaping policies and regulations. Notably, she co-founded the University of Belize's Environmental Research Institute in January 2010, dedicated to bolstering scientific capacity for the sustainable use and conservation of Belize's natural resources. Dr. Cho-Ricketts' unwavering commitment to marine ecology and ecosystems management has paved the way for future marine conservationists, ensuring the continued preservation and restoration of Belize’s precious resources.
Amanda Acosta is the Executive Director of the Belize Audubon Society (BAS), Belize’s oldest environmental NGO focused on environmental education and protected areas management. With a background in biology and practical conservation, she has led BAS since 2010, strengthening its science and community programs to effectively manage protected areas that support tourism and local development. A committed conservationist, Amanda advocates for collaboration with partners to achieve BAS’s mission of “balancing people and the environment.” She also serves on various local and international committees, including the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) board and the Global Council of BirdLife International.
Nancy Dominguez a proud member of the Maya community, grew up deeply connected to nature, surrounded by Belize's lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife. After spending several years in the tourism industry, she eventually found her true calling in community work. Since joining Humana People to People Belize (HPPBZ) in 2018, Nancy has dedicated herself to advancing sustainable development and environmental protection. Her work with HPPBZ enables her to support vulnerable populations and strengthen community resilience, reflecting her enduring love for nature and commitment to meaningful change in Belize’s rural communities.
Kirah Forman is the Belize National Coordinator for MarAlliance. Growing up in a fishing family, nurtured a love for the sea from an early age. The decision to pursue marine science came while volunteering out in Half Moon Caye, working closely with researchers on spawning aggregations affirmed that this was the direction she wanted to pursue. While still completing her bachelor’s in biology at the University of Belize, she accepted the position of Biologist and began overseeing the monitoring work at Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Later she moved on to work within one of the most visited marine protected areas in Belize, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve where she spent the last 17 years as a biologist, and program supervisor. During her tenure with Hol Chan she obtained Master’s degree in Protected Areas Management and Eco-Regional Development from the University of International Cooperation, Costa Rica. She has a passion for sea turtles and has led the sea turtle conservation efforts in Belize. She now serves as the National Coordinator for Belize working with Dr. Rachel Graham and the Belize team to implement MarAlliance’s vision for marine megafauna and their dependent fisher communities.