Belize is a small, predominantly English-speaking country located on the Caribbean coast between Mexico and Guatemala. In addition to its lush, tropical forests, rivers, and mountains it is also home to magical ecosystems of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, part of the second longest reef in the world and a World Heritage site inscribed in 1996.

With 40% of the country designated as parks or nature reserves, Belize is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and is fast becoming a draw for sustainable travelers everywhere. But all of this natural beauty may come at a price: by attracting tourism, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System’s conservation may be jeopardized.

Many community-owned businesses – from restaurants to adventure equipment stores – are committed to preserving Belize’s natural attractions as a way to conserve biodiversity and keep travelers coming back for the long haul.

Here’s what our grantees are doing to improve travelers’ experience and maintain the natural beauty of Belize.

The Belize Audubon Society
Goal: To introduce responsible ecotourism to communities operating tours around the Blue Hole Natural Monument, a unique 400 foot sinkhole along the barrier reef.
How they will use the grant:
The organization will train and certify local people to conduct ecotours, since tours that highlight the unique beauty of the site not only help tourists understand the value, but also foster pride in the community. The group will also install signs for visitors on what the site has to offer and how to reduce tourists' impact around Blue Hole Natural Monument.

Toledo Tour Guide Association (TTGA)
Goal: To provide tour services to the local Mayan ruins and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve along the southernmost part of the country’s reef.
How they will use the grant:
The grant will be used partly to create areas where tourists can rent equipment for snorkeling and kayaking. Ideally this will keep more income in the community by providing the equipment that travelers previously rented from elsewhere. TTGA will also provide trained guides to tourists who wish to see the reef.

• Return to the Helping Build Communities Campaign home page
• Contribute to the Friends of World Heritage Fund

Find a community tour operator for your next trip. See the list.

• The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is a World Heritage site (1996)
• The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef in the northern and western hemispheres
• The Reserve includes the following sites:
  - Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
  - Blue Hole Natural Monument
  - Half Moon Caye Natural Monument
  - South Water Caye Marine Reserve
  - Glovers Reef Marine Reserve
  - Laughing Bird Caye National Park
  - Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve
• Significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile.