Protecting biodiversity in Belize

Protecting Wildlife While Producing Raw Sugar in Belize: BSI’s Human-Wildlife Conflict Response in Action

Belize is blessed with rich biodiversity and stunning wildlife. Rebecca Bobadilla, Sustainability Manager, from Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) one of our key raw sugar suppliers, tells us how they manage to protect local wildlife around its operations.

BSI is rolling out a Human-Wildlife Conflict Response Procedure aimed at ensuring employees’ safety while supporting biodiversity conservation.

From Jaguars to Owls: Evolving with the Ecosystem

Originally, the procedure was designed with a focus on jaguars, apex predators that had been spotted near BSI’s operations. However, it has been expanded as crocodiles and owls have also made unexpected appearances.  Rebecca tells us about some recent events.

Owls were discovered living in a crane, inside the cane yard in February 2025. The owls have been safely relocated to the Belize Bird Rescue, where they are being cared for until they can fly independently. Given the ecological role owls play as natural pest control, BSI is now planning to install owl boxes around the perimeter of the facility to encourage their continued presence — safely and sustainably.

Crocodiles have made multiple appearances, and BSI worked with the Forest Department and the Crocodile Research Coalition to safely remove the animals. The crocodiles were transported to the Crocodile Research Coalition for health checks before being released back into the wild.

Training and Collaboration: Key to Coexistence

BSI’s efforts have been guided by ongoing collaboration with governmental and non-governmental partners, including the Forest Department, Crocodile Research Coalition, and The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center. These partnerships are central to ensuring wildlife is treated ethically and responsibly.

To prepare employees for future encounters, BSI is also launching wildlife-specific training sessions, with an initial focus on jaguars, crocodiles, and snakes. These trainings will help staff identify, report, and respond to wildlife encounters calmly and appropriately.