The Belize government says it has not entered into any agreements for seismic studies or oil exploration in offshore areas.
It was responding to an announcement by international company, Oceana that it would begin collecting the necessary signatures to trigger a national referendum.
In a statement, the Belize government said that consistent with Plan Belize and its mandate to ensure the responsible use of its natural capital to realize its economic, social, and environmental goals, the government will continue to approach its natural capital resources in a responsible and wise manner.
Oceana Vice President Janelle Chanona said the company took the decision following a conversation with Prime Minister John Briceño during which he confirmed his administration's intention to proceed with seismic testing in Belizean waters without prior approval of the public and to lift the moratorium against the exploration and exploitation of offshore oil.
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