Sustainability And Conservation In The Heart Of Belize

Many resorts are trying to get a handle on travel bookings post-covid while at the same time balancing the need to continue and expand their sustainability and conservation practices. The travel space has changed since the global pandemic shut down the world, but fortunately, conservation efforts have been increasing at several destinations.

Turneffe Island Resort, located on the southern elbow of the Turneffe Atoll on a 14-acre private island 35 miles off the coast of Belize, has been focusing on sustainability even among changes in bookings. Previously, the pre-covid booking window for new reservations was between 3-6 months out. Post covid, the bookings have changed considerably with many bookings taking place last-minute, even two weeks prior. Some of those last-minute bookings are a mix of special occasions and guests that just want to disconnect from the world.

Belize makes for a good getaway in part because of its variety of jungle, private island, beach, and mainland experiences. Turneffe Island Resort is a haven for divers, snorkelers, anglers, and people that just want leisure time and disconnect from technology.

At the same time the resort is coming back strong on bookings, they are also focusing on their conservation practices. Turneffe Island resort is situated on a Marine Protected Atoll, and so it has a unique, pristine coral ecosystem. On the island, they have a pair of resident nesting Ospreys, hermit crabs, lizards, and iguanas.

The resort realizes that preserving the planet’s natural resources is leading the way in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. They have a variety of environmental programs that encourage guests to participate in the protection of the Turneffe Atoll and its reefs

Expert Local Guides

Turneffe Island Resort makes an effort to staff former researchers, environmental enthusiasts, and seasoned local guides to help educate guests about the Turneffe Atoll bioregion and ensure tourism to the island is protecting the reef. These expert guides lead the daily fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions to the coveted Sayonara Wreck, The Elbow, Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, and Long Caye.

Lionfish Hunting

Guides actively hunt lionfish, which is considered an invasive species as these predators eat the fish that maintain the coral reefs. The team uses this as an educational opportunity for guests who are interested in participating in the hunt by showing them how to control the lionfish population responsibly. The culinary team then prepares fish fingers, ceviche, burgers, and many other dishes with the lionfish catch of the day for that evening’s meal.

Catch & Release Fishing

People travel from all over the world to experience fly fishing at the resort and try their hand at catching a Grand Slam, which includes a bonefish, tarpon, and a permit. The fishing industry is a significant component of the local economy in Belize. To respect and protect the livelihood of the local fishermen, as well as ocean conservation, the team created a strictly catch-and-release fly fishing program.

Manatee Conservation Program

The resort supports the Belize Manatee Conservation Program, which helps with the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured manatees. To support this conservation effort, the team sells locally hand-crafted manatee earrings in the resort’s gift shop, and all proceeds go to the conservation program.

REEF Membership

The resort is a member of the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), which seeks to conserve marine life by educating, enlisting, and enabling divers to become active ocean stewards.

Energy Generation & Conservation

Turneffe Island Resort powers its electricity with generators, heats the water with solar power, utilizes low-flow shower heads and saltwater toilet water, and waters the garden with recycled water via drip irrigation.