Belize: A Leader In Sustainability

Let’s face it, sustainability has become a buzzword in tourism. But some countries do more than talk the talk, they have programs in place to help protect the environment, culture and food sources of the region. Belize is one of those places.

For many countries, at the heart of sustainability is tourism. Many countries depend on tourism dollars as their primary source of income. Preserving their environment is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good economic sense.

Belize is located in Central America, but it also has a decidedly Caribbean feel, making it appealing for visitors who want to go snorkeling and diving in some of the most beautiful water in the world. It’s home to the second-largest barrier reef. It has a plethora of small, unique islands off the coast, with rainforests blanketing the mainland.

Travelers come here for a variety of reasons—active adventure, culture, cuisine and wildlife.

To this end, Belize has set up several programs to not only attract travelers, but to protect the land.

For example, to protect endangered species such as the jaguar, Belize is a partner of the Maya Forest Corridor, protecting landscapes from Belize’s Maya Mountains, through the tri-national Maya forest of Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala. This region is the most extensive continuous stretch of jungle in Central America.

More than 70% of the country is forested, making it a mecca for wildlife. Belize has over a hundred protected areas, many of them serving as animal sanctuaries. For example, the Community Baboon Sanctuary spans 20 miles and is home to over a thousand howler monkeys, birds and other mammals, including jaguars and manatees.

Another key effort is to support local community tourism so travelers can engage with and learn about the local Garifuna culture. This can involve eating the local Creole cuisine, experiencing the traditional Garifuna dance called Punta, and purchasing handicrafts and other items from local artisans.

Preserving the water and coastline of Belize is another key initiative. These waters host a diverse variety of marine life, from sting rays, sea turtles and sharks to colorful corals and sea grass beds. It draws scuba divers, snorkelers and water enthusiasts from all over the world. Belize has a reef protection and sustainable tourism program that includes a new wreck diving site allowing divers to explore the marine life and waters while reducing strain on these radiant reefs and eco-systems.

The country has also signed into law a moratorium on offshore oil exploration and drilling in the entirety of Belizean waters. The reef is an integral part in many Belizeans’ livelihoods, whether in the fishing industry or tourism industry and preserving that water is a key sustainability effort.

Ecotourism thrives in Belize with tour operators offering guided tours that reflect the diversity in activities, including hiking to waterfalls, horseback riding, ziplining through the canopies and visiting wildlife sanctuaries. Belize is a key bird-watching destination as well, drawing bird enthusiasts from around the world.

In addition to the fact that Belize is known to be devoid of chain restaurants, there’s an opportunity for travelers to pick their own ingredients, create their own meal, and eat sustainably.

Recently, eco-resorts in Belize are hopping onto the farm-to-table trend that prioritizes sustainability as its basis in all things they do. Western Belize is especially a hotspot for these experiences. Many resorts in the area offer the option of foraging fresh ingredients from their on-site gardens and farms. This hands-on experience allows travelers to practice more mindful travel through culinary choices.

Additionally, the Fish Right, Eat Right program was created to control illegal fishing and promote best practices in fisheries. Many restaurants, especially in Ambergris Caye, have signed up for the program and have been sourcing seafood responsibly. The program initially targeted restaurants and hotels, but is slated to include cooperatives, fish markets, supermarkets and other seafood purveyors.