Is it allowed to operate an underwater hotel room connected to the reef in Belize without environmental impact assessment approval?

Last updated on October 10, 2025

NO. The DOE’s EIA regime requires that developments likely to affect coastal and marine ecosystems undergo screening and, if necessary, a full Environmental Impact Assessment and obtain Environmental Clearance with an Environmental Compliance Plan. Constructing or operating an underwater hotel room connected to the reef would trigger DOE screening and likely a full EIA, so proceeding without DOE approval is prohibited.

 

https://doe.gov.bz/resource-center/environmental-clearance-process/

2/14/2024

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