At the forefront of this effort is our team at Blue21, leading the engineering and feasibility study for this transformative initiative. Supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and with valuable input from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mexico, this project demonstrates how floating infrastructure can serve as both a climate adaptation measure and a tool for inclusive urban development.

In partnership with the Belize City Council, Senior City Planner Carla Patnett, and Mayor Bernard Wagner, the floating boardwalk represents a bold step toward reconnecting the city with the sea. As Mayor Wagner expressed, the boardwalk will create a vital link between land and water, offering opportunities for recreation, tourism, and entrepreneurship, while highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will soon be able to stroll along historic Albert Street, admire landmarks such as St. John’s Cathedral and the House of Culture, and continue their journey onto the new boardwalk with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

Beyond its aesthetic and economic potential, this initiative plays a crucial role in Belize City’s climate adaptation strategy. The floating boardwalk is designed to serve as a buffer against coastal erosion, mitigating wave impacts and helping to protect the vulnerable Southern Foreshore. In this way, it exemplifies how floating solutions can contribute to the resilience of waterfront cities worldwide. 

The Blue21 project team comprises:

• Rui Gomes – Maritime engineering and project leader

• Barbara Dal Bo Zanon – Urban design and research

• Rutger de Graaf – Societal impact and government relations

This work is being conducted with technical support from the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), whose experts bring insights in climate action financing and nature-based solutions:

• Mercedes Blázquez G-Ibarrola – Climate action financing

• Alejandro Jiménez Hernández – Nature-based solutions and ecological impact

The project has also attracted high-level attention, including a presentation to Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño, reflecting the national importance of this innovative undertaking.

We extend our gratitude to all partners involved, particularly the GCoM’s Business-to-Cities matchmaking program, for their ongoing support and facilitation.

This project is more than just infrastructure—it is about creating a future-proof, climate-resilient Belize City that remains vibrant, accessible, and inclusive for generations to come.

Click here to hear Mayor Bernard Wagner explain the vision and importance of this project in his own words.