Belize is an idyllic tropical destination – boasting the only barrier reef in its hemisphere, a jaguar sanctuary, hundreds of Cayes, an abundance of bird species, and rich culture. Ecotourism – an eco-friendly way of taking advantage of this biodiversity – has become increasingly popular with travelers visiting Belize.
Belize stands as an international model of sustainable tourism, boasting 44% protected land and marine areas and having banned Styrofoam in 2020.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Belize tourism industry plays an integral part of Belizean economy, accounting for roughly 40 percent of total exports. Therefore, we must contribute our part in keeping it vibrant by supporting sustainable development efforts and keeping up with developments within it.
Belize has taken great strides toward this end. One key effort is a moratorium on offshore oil exploration and drilling in all Belizean waters, which protects their world heritage coral reef system. Belize is also committed to conserving biodiversity, leading to investments such as eco-lodges, wildlife sanctuaries, organic agriculture projects etc.
As a traveler, you can help to make a difference by following some basic tips. Be aware of cultural differences and customs, don’t leave trash behind, support local businesses and community projects whenever possible, respect wildlife and the environment at all times, etc.
As part of Belize’s sustainability initiative, one key aspect is educating tourists on its natural and cultural treasures. Belize excels at this endeavor with a host of tours available that cover everything from exploring its magnificent Barrier Reef to lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant bird watching spots.
Many tour operators also provide opportunities for Garifuna communities and culture immersion – an invaluable way to learn about their fascinating history and traditions, recognized by UNESCO in 2001 as Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Belize would not be complete without taking in its world-famous Garifuna drum beats, which are unmistakably Belizean in sound, power, and beauty. They will take your breath away!
Eco-Lodges
Belize’s lush landscape and vibrant cultures draw visitors who understand that protecting paradise is everyone’s responsibility, with programs and policies such as banning single-use plastics making sustainability a top priority in Belize.
Belize eco-lodges are designed with sustainable tourism in mind, featuring small, private accommodations that seek to minimize their impact on local ecosystems and promote cultural preservation. In addition, they often offer activities designed to immerse travelers in Belizean culture; whether that means learning Garifuna language skills or exploring its rainforests and reefs.
Eco-lodges go beyond protecting the environment; they also employ locals who prioritize employing residents and investing back into the community. Eco-lodges serve as a model for other businesses and tourists to follow by showing that it’s possible to operate sustainably while still offering an unforgettable travel experience.
Another initiative is the national plan for sustainable tourism development, which sets forth quantitative and qualitative objectives by 2030. These include creating an exclusive multicultural sustainable destination in Belize while simultaneously encouraging healthful, green development throughout Central America.
The national sustainable development plan for tourism focuses on protecting the natural environment of the nation, such as reducing pressure on coral reefs which serve as an economic driver and provide shelter to an array of marine life. Furthermore, water pollution threatens reef health as well as wildlife.
Not only is it crucial to the country’s natural environment, but preserving Belize’s cultural heritage should also be of utmost concern. This can be done by promoting traditions and culture while teaching new generations about maintaining these traditional values, as well as encouraging tourists to engage with local communities by learning more about their lifestyles and engaging in sustainable tourism practices. Belize’s sustainable tourism development plan features initiatives designed to meet this goal – for instance, promoting responsible community-based tourism or supporting indigenous tourism products creation.
Responsible Tour Operators
Sustainable tourism may seem straightforward, but in reality, it encompasses an expansive set of practices designed to minimize impacts on both natural and cultural resources while benefiting local economies through tourism activity. Belize stands out as an international leader when it comes to sustainable tourism – meaning you can explore its natural wonders while knowing that your travel dollars are spent responsibly.
Belize stands out as a leader in ecotourism because of its emphasis on conservation and the well-being of its people, leading to numerous community-based tourism initiatives where locals share their culture and natural surroundings with visitors in an authentic yet responsible manner. These initiatives also serve to protect Belize’s rich biodiversity – both terrestrial and marine ecosystems are protected in many cases through such projects.
As an example, when visiting the Great Blue Hole your guide will likely take you to an outer section where it remains protected and less crowded, allowing you to see its beautiful coral formations and vibrant waters without disrupting a local habitat. When visiting an ancient Maya ruin like Caracol or Xunantunich you will also be guided towards optimal viewing spots that help preserve these treasures for future generations.
Belize also provides visitors with ample opportunities to experience the Garifuna culture, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Tour operators in cooperation with the Belize Tourism Board make this experience accessible; from learning some Creole language skills to experiencing drum beats and dance moves that constitute this ancient heritage.
Belize’s National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan includes increasing airlift while remaining aware of protecting ecosystems and cultures within its borders. A team is in place dedicated to this aim, working alongside airlines to ensure that new flights add minimal impact on both the environment and Belizean communities.
Community-Based Tourism Projects
Belize stands out as a leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, thanks to its seamless blend of nature and culture that draws responsible travelers who understand that preserving paradise is everyone’s responsibility. Belize’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond minimizing environmental impact; rather, its aim is also to maximize the benefits of tourism for local communities.
The Belize Tourism Board promotes responsible travel practices and works closely with tour operators to ensure their businesses adhere to best sustainability practices. In addition, a voluntary certification program exists for those wishing to abide by high ecological and social responsibility standards. Furthermore, funds have been set aside by BTB in support of community tourism initiatives that encourage responsible travel and ecotourism throughout Belize.
Belize offers numerous popular tourist attractions for wildlife enthusiasts, such as wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas where you can see jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys and over 500 different bird species. Many of these sites also provide educational opportunities about both nature as well as indigenous cultures in Belize.
Chan Chich Lodge in Belize stands as an example of conservation-based tourism initiatives in this region. Owned and run by the Maya people and in partnership with Belize Maya Trust, the lodge supports their efforts in protecting rainforest and archeological preservation while supporting sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities and providing educational outreach about Belizean cultural heritage to guests who visit.
Other eco-friendly activities in Belize include hiking and trekking through its dense jungles, where you may spot exotic wildlife and breathtaking natural scenes. Or you could spend your time kayaking or canoeing across its beautiful rivers and lagoons; kayaking provides more eco-friendly access than swimming as it uses less water while simultaneously decreasing pollution entering into ecosystems.
At its heart lies sustainability for Belizeans: drinking tap water that is both clean and pure. Hotels, resorts, and private homes rely on rainwater-collecting cisterns to supply their supply, helping conserve precious water resources as the country endures periodic droughts.
