25/06/2026
“Our Greatest Strength Is Unity": Dr. Elma Kay on Defending the Belize Maya Forest
In this presentation from our panel discussion, "Voices of Resilience: Lived Realities of Caribbean Environmental Defenders," Dr. Elma Kay discusses the Belize Maya Forest and the Maya Forest Corridor, which continue to face pressure from large-scale industrial agriculture and ongoing deforestation.
She reflects on the gap between environmental laws and their enforcement, the precedents created when harmful developments are approved, and the challenges environmental defenders face in advocating for accountability.
Despite these challenges, Dr Kay highlights the power of collective action, citing the Belize Network of Non-Governmental Organisations and the importance of a united voice in shaping environmental decision-making.
This panel discussion was held in collaboration with The Breadfruit Collective, the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, and the Caribbean Environmental Defenders Network.