The Belize Association of Professional Planners (BAPP) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 2013 to represent and advance the planning profession in Belize.

BAPP brings together professionals across planning, environmental management, architecture, engineering, and related disciplines to support the sustainable development of Belize’s natural and built environments. Operating at national, municipal, and community levels, the Association promotes integrated approaches to development that are inclusive, climate-resilient, and grounded in sound planning practice.

The Belize Association of Professional Planners (BAPP) was established in 2013 as a non-profit organization to strengthen the role of planning in Belize’s development.

The Association was formed in response to increasing challenges such as rapid urbanization, unplanned development, growing social inequalities, and rising environmental and climate risks affecting communities across the country. Recognizing the need for a stronger planning framework and professional voice, BAPP was created to promote more coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Since its inception, BAPP has worked to advance planning as a critical tool for national development—integrating social equity, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience into the management of Belize’s natural and built environments. The Association is part of regional and international networks, including the Caribbean Association of Planners and the Commonwealth Association of Planners, supporting knowledge exchange and professional advancement.

Guided by global frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda, BAPP continues to advocate for effective planning systems, evidence-based policy, and resilient, well-managed communities across Belize.

Since its establishment, BAPP has achieved several significant milestones, including:

• Hosting the Caribbean Urban Forum 2017, one of the region’s key dialogues on sustainable urban development.
  
  

• Conducting land use and tenure research for Belize’s coastal region, which contributed to policy discussions influencing the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef from UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” list.
  
  

• Implementing urban resilience and biodiversity initiatives in vulnerable Belize City communities, benefiting more than 2,500 residents.
  
  

• Strengthening civil society and government collaboration on data-driven governance through a regional CARSI-funded project.
  
  

• Leading gender-responsive climate resilience initiatives, including the EnGenDER Project and the Urban and Rural Women and Girls Ambassador Project, reaching thousands of participants across the country.
  
  

• Advancing collaborative research with international universities on spatial inequality, disaster vulnerability, and informal settlements.

Governing Body / Executive Committee Structure: The affairs of the Association shall be managed by an Executive Committee, which shall be comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Term Lengths and Election/Appointment Process: All members of the Executive Committee shall be appointed to a term of two years through general elections held at the Annual General Meeting.

BAPP’s membership reflects an interdisciplinary mix of professionals across planning, architecture, environmental management, marine science, law, gender and social inclusion, and academic research. Together, this diverse network supports the organization’s mission to advance sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban and environmental planning in Belize. The Association currently comprises approximately 20 members, with participation spanning various membership categories, including student, associate, full, and honorary members.