At the heart of Belize's tourism industry lies a deep commitment to preserving and protecting the natural beauty and resources that make the destination so unique. From the lush rainforests to the stunning Belize Barrier Reef, Belize is blessed with natural wonders that demand responsible stewardship. The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has long recognized this responsibility and prioritizes sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and maximize benefits for local communities and visitors alike.
In an era where sustainable practices are pivotal for the growth and longevity of the tourism industry, Belize is dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Below are some of the updates on the destination’s efforts for your story consideration:
- Belize has made history by being one of the first government entities to oversee and manage funds from the Green Climate Fund. Over three million, one hundred fifty thousand Belize dollars (BZD$3.135M) was handed over to the Government of Belize to fund several climate resilience projects across the nation.
- Along with these efforts is a vibrant culture of community engagement and collaboration, where organizations like the Belize Audubon Society and Sea of Life play pivotal roles. The Belize Audubon Society focuses on safeguarding and sustainability managing vital wetland ecosystems within the region, while Sea of Life mobilizes a network of partners to address, educate and collaborate to solve pressing issues facing the sea and communities within the Caribbean.
- At the forefront of Belize’s sustainability efforts are the Belize Blue Bonds, an initiative aimed at financing marine conservation and prioritizing sustainable development. Launched in November 2021, Belize has successfully achieved conservation milestones such as protecting 20.3% of its total ocean space, designating all existing national lands within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System and initiating the Marine Spatial Planning process to develop the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan.
- In line with this, the Belize Fisheries Department received a BZ$130,040 donation from the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit. This is part of an BZ$11.7 million investment to enhance governance, management, and monitoring of coastal and marine resources. The contribution aims to strengthen fisheries governance and management in Belize's Blue Space, aligning with national development goals and Blue Bond commitments.
- Belize promotes community and partner collaboration towards sustainable travel. For example, the Chabil Mar Resort’s efforts allow tourists to swim with manatees along Belize's lagoon, which offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat, contributing to the resort's commitment to responsible tourism. Belize also recently marked a successful third edition of the Lionfish Derby, organized by Reef Adventures in San Pedro Town as part of its ongoing efforts to combat the invasive Lionfish species. The Lionfish Derby showcases community-driven conservation in Belize, uniting teams to protect the marine environment by raising awareness about invasive species and fostering collaboration among fishing communities, marine biologists, and environmentalists.
By welcoming new ideas and disseminating these developments, Belize has created a path for a tourism sector that is captivating for tourists and advantageous for the destination and communities it serves.
