The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is supporting Belize’s efforts to transform Belize City into a memorable destination, focusing specifically on cleanliness, entertainment, safety, aesthetics, land use zoning, transportation, retail shopping, and heritage development. PADECO analyzed historical trends and the existing situation, conducting a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and identified investment priorities, intervention strategies, and possible land use scenarios. PADECO also conducted a strategic environmental assessment of the fragile natural environment, which is both an invaluable and vulnerable resource of the city. Based on this initial analysis, PADECO formulated an overall master plan incorporating specific strategies and instruments in: (i) urban development, (ii) social stability, (iii) economic development, (iv) the environment, and (v) implementation and financing. PADECO also established the hardware and software components of a heritage database to supplement IDB’s Heritage Trust by providing a database inventory of historic infrastructure and creating a cultural preservation fund. Additionally, the consulting team recommended a set of laws for the implementation of the Heritage Trust. The final component of the project involved the creation of sustainable institutional structures and establishment of target benchmarks with which to manage the downtown area.
