Nested in the pristine rainforests of Central America, Belize, the only English-speaking country in the region, serves as a natural sanctuary of incredible biodiversity and a catalyst for climate action.

As a developing nation, Belize is in crisis mode. Its citizens debate whether to proceed with agriculture and other industries that require clearing the forests of mahogany and gum species, directly affecting the diverse flora and fauna below or continue to designate more blocks of the rainforest as protected areas.

On the wave of the recent significant steps Belize took to protect our treasure valued at over 125 trillion USD, Team Belize 2022 takes the opportunity to showcase the scarlet macaw as the team mascot.

These thirteen high school students from Belize City are as equally bright-eyed and brilliant as the scarlet macaw. As catalysts of climate change, Team Belize will highlight and connect this year’s theme to their experience as brilliantly as the beautiful red feathers on the gorgeous scarlet macaw.

This highly social “flock” of high flyers is led by Captain Justin Zhou. These learners and leaders are committed to their catalyst roles to be as helpful to the climate action campaigns within Belize Schools. Similarly, the scarlet macaws are effective tools for reseeding deforested areas with trees.

Carrying the message of climate change under the unique country flag that mirrors the same red and blue colors of the scarlet macaw are Alexander Usher, Benny He, Jaden Chen, Justin Zhou, Karii Domingo, Ngakei Choi, Olivia Quinto, Ray Wu, Sebastian Garcia, Tristian Bradley, Victoria Quan

Team Mentors: Jamie Usher, Godfrey Sosa, Gustavo Carrillo, Ray Liang, Luis Silva, and Armando Moralez.

Team Belize’s robot will be designed to demonstrate the symbolism of scarlet macaws as guardians and protectors of clean air.
Additionally, Team Belize looks forward to meeting, collaborating, and forming lasting relationships as a testament to the mission and vision of FIRST Global.

Note: information regarding scarlet macaws was pulled from Volunteer Latin America and JustBirding.com.

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