Living Heritage & Sustainable Urban Development Workshop Opens in Belmopan
On August 25, 2025, the Institute for Social and Cultural Research of the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH-ISCR) launched the Living Heritage & Sustainable Urban Development Workshop in Belmopan. The week-long initiative, part of the regional program “Strengthening Capacities for Resilient Communities through Sustainable Tourism and Heritage Safeguarding,” is supported by UNESCO and funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Heritage, History & Urban Development
Senior Archaeologist Josue Ramos (NICH-IA) underscored the role of archaeology in policymaking, citing new findings from Belmopan’s Riviera area. Public History Officer Giovani Pinelo reflected on the city’s origins, while Carren Williams connected the 2017 Belmopan Master Plan to heritage safeguarding. UNESCO representative, Carlos Sanchez Otero presented global insights from a 2022 survey on intangible heritage in urban contexts, followed by Director Rolando Cocom, who emphasized heritage as a key to building resilient urban futures.
Reimagining Belmopan’s Future
Discussions shifted toward guiding the capital’s future growth with heritage at its heart. University of Belize lecturer Delmer Tzib stressed the role of academia in safeguarding culture and language while supporting development. Participants highlighted that heritage is not just about preservation, it is about shaping inclusive, resilient, and culturally grounded communities.
Experiencing Belmopan’s Heritage
A Heritage Tour gave participants the chance to connect recommendations to real spaces in Belmopan, illustrating how cultural landmarks and traditions can actively inform city planning and design.
The Belmopan Living Heritage Declaration
The workshop concluded with the formulation of “The Belmopan Living Heritage Declaration”, a landmark document submitted to the Belmopan City Council, the University of Belize, and the National Institute of Culture and History. The declaration affirms a shared vision of Belmopan as a “sustainable garden city,” where development is guided by community and rooted in heritage.
This collaborative effort, with partners including the City of Belmopan, the University of Belize, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, marks an important step toward placing heritage at the core of urban policy. As Belmopan grows, it is envisioned as a model city for Belize and the wider region: one where history, heritage, and community thrive alongside sustainable development.
Written By Reynaldo L. Cus
NICH-ISCR: Multimedia Officer
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