Belize launches SOFF Investment phase, pioneering implementation in the Caribbean
Belmopan, Belize, 22 May 2025. Belize has officially launched the investment phase of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), becoming the first country in the Caribbean to implement SOFF support through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s ability to collect, share, and utilize basic weather and climate observations data, which informs forecasts and early warnings, and further builds resilience against climate change.
Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Ministry of Public Service, Governance and Disaster Risk Management, commented, “The Government of Belize recognizes the importance of the global sharing of Meteorological data since weather phenomena know no political or territorial boundaries. We, therefore, commit to providing the support necessary to ensure the successful implementation of this project and to sustain Belize’s GBON compliance. Afterall, we do recognize that the ultimate objective is the availability of life-saving weather forecasts, which ties in with this government commitment to reducing disaster risks and protecting lives and livelihoods” (source: Government of Belize Press Release).
With more than USD 860,000 in grant funding, the National Meteorological Service of Belize, under the Ministry of Public Service, Governance and Disaster Risk Management, is supported by the IDB serving as SOFF Implementing Entity and the UK Met Office acting as peer advisor.
The SOFF initiative in Belize focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, human resources, and meteorological infrastructure. A central component includes the upgrade of the weather station in Punta Gorda, which will be brought into compliance with the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards. This upgrade will complement the existing GBON-compliant station at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, significantly enhancing Belize’s contribution to the global exchange of high-quality meteorological data.
The project builds on the completed SOFF Readiness phase, during which a comprehensive National Gap Analysis, National Contribution Plan and Country Hydromet Diagnostics were developed. These tools identified the key improvements needed for Belize to meet GBON standards and sustain its observational systems over the long term.
By closing critical data gaps and enabling the sharing of real-time basic weather and climate observations with the global meteorological community, SOFF investments in Belize will not only strengthen national resilience but also enhance forecasting accuracy across the Caribbean and beyond. Belize’s early implementation of the SOFF investment phase positions it as a regional leader in climate data modernization and a contributor to collective climate action.
Belize’s leadership was further demonstrated during the SOFF Caribbean Regional Workshop, co-hosted by CREWS and IDB in Kingston, Jamaica in May 2025. The workshop brought together National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, regional institutions, and partners to align regional efforts. Belize shared its experiences and contributing valuable insights on national coordination and capacity-building. Through its continued commitment, Belize is strengthening not only its own resilience but also supporting regional cooperation in the Caribbean region.
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