Conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

Let’s face it! Our world is awesome! Belize is proud to be the home of the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, a haven for awesome and diverse marine life. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Marine Site, and if you have ever had the good fortune to dive or snorkel in this area, you will understand why Charles Darwin declared it to be, “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies”. Charles Darwin, the originator of the theory of evolution studied “life” and its “origin” and found it in Belize’s Barrier Reef.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest in both the Northern and Western Hemisphere, linking the country’s coastline for almost 140 miles, an extensive wall made up of beautiful, live, coral organisms. The reef is the home of 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, 500 species of fish, the West Indian manatee, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, American crocodile, and hundreds of invertebrate species. The Belize Barrier Reef System includes 9 marine reserves:

·      Bacalar Chico

·      Caye Caulker

·      Gladden Spit & Silk Cayes

·      Glover’s Reef

·      Hol Chan

·      Port Honduras

·      Sapodilla Cayes

·      South Water Caye

·      Turneffe Atoll

Belize is also home to 3 of the 4 atolls in the northern hemisphere:

·      Glover’s Reef Atoll

·      Lighthouse Reef Atoll

·      Turneffe Islands Atoll,

Many government, international, regional, national, and local organizations work together to protect the reef, few of these include:

·      Forest Department

·      Fisheries Department

·      Southern Environmental Association

·      Coral Reef Alliance

·      Wildlife Conservative Society,

·      Natural Conservancy

·      Ecomar

·      Green Reef

·      Oceana

·      APAMO

·      PACT

·      Belize Audubon Society

·      Placencia Mooring Masters

The reef is Belize’s livelihood and without it Belize as we know it would not exist, therefore conservation of the reef is primal. The hard work of many of these organizations have resulted in the implementation of many conservation laws including:

·      Coral Reef Conservation Act (CRCA)

·      Fishing Regulation in the protected area        

o   Protecting parrotfish, grazers, Nassau grouper (an endangered species)

·      Banning spearfishing within marine reserves

·      No- take Zones in protected areas:

o   South Water Caye, Sapodilla Cayes marine reserves, and Pelican Cayes

The goals for protection of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserves include working with local fishermen to manage the use of the reserve, raising public awareness of the value of the ocean, and to maintain fishing regulations. Conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef not only allows for the growth and development of a diverse eco-system, but also for maintaining the aesthetic beauty for all divers to experience such an amazing wonder.

Many local organizations that call Placencia home are active in reef conservation.

Splash Dive Center facilitates many community projects such as Splash Kids Club, The Placencia Mooring Masters lion fish culling. Through Splash Kids Club, local children are given the opportunity to become professional divers, and are thought about the importance of reef conservation. The Placencia Mooring Masters is a community organization that protect Belize's Reef through the installation of anchor mooring buoys, to prevent permanent damage to the reef caused by dropped anchors and their dragging chains. Splash has paid for mooring buoys at Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird National Park and has provided dive equipment to assist with the installations.  Together we all can protect the Belize Barrier Reef.

Contact Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com to find out how you can help us protect the Belize Barrier Reef!

Together in Conservation-Splash Dive Center 8th Annual Environmental Day

Splash Dive Center 8^th Annual Environmental Day

The Belize Barrier Reef is known as the longest in both the Northern and Western Hemisphere. As described by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):

“It provides a classic example of the evolutionary history of reefs, contains superlative natural phenomena and areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance, and is one of the most pristine reef ecosystems in the Western hemisphere.”

Diving in the reef: it is no doubt that the beauty is an entirely new world filled with extraordinary habitats.

Charles Darwin in 1842 referred to this beauty as “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies”.  It is not surprising then that there is never a dull moment on the diving tours offered by Splash Dive Center in Placencia Peninsula, Belize.

The locals in Belize have stood their stance and continue to play a great part in the conservation of the reef today. It is for this reason that we can continue to offer the natural wild life beauty found in our Belizean Caribbean Sea. Splash Dive Center also contributes in the conservation of the reef by organizing its annual Environmental Day. This year Splash Dive Center will be hosting its 8^th Annual Beach Cleanup and Lionfish Hunt, where we are expecting over a 100 school kids to participate.

• Event: 8^th Annual Environmental Day
• Venue: Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Placencia
• Date: July 13, 2013
• Register/volunteer: contact Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com

Thanks to the strong support of both locals and visitors we can continue to give all our divers a natural untouched scuba diving experience in the Belize Barrier Reef. Through our beach cleanup and Lionfish hunt we aim at not only cleaning the environment, but also at teaching the community and children the impact of reef trash and the threat of the Lionfish to our reef. The kids will also have the opportunity to learn more on Belize’s marine life during a special presentation done by the senior members of the Splash Kids Club. In addition, they will have a moment to enjoy time at the National Park, a World Heritage Site

The beauty of natural wildlife is evident. As you head out on many of our snorkeling and diving tours you may spot the graceful and intelligent Bottlenose Dolphins. Belize is certainly an unspoiled beauty! Help us to keep our Caribbean Sea intact.

Contact Patty to book your tour at patricia@splashbelize.com or visit us at www.splashbelize.com to learn more about our diving tours. 

15th Annual Placencia Lobsterfest- It is Time for a Beach Party

It is Time for a Beach Party

Beach party, who called a beach party?

In celebration of the opening of the lobster season in Belize, the Placencia Peninsula will be having its 15^th annual Placencia Lobsterfest. The first Placencia Lobsterfest was in June 1998, it celebrated both the opening of the lobster season and the Placencia Fishermen’s Cooperative’s celebration of Fishermen’s Day. The Belize Tourism Board selected Placencia’s Lobsterfest as Belize Festival Of The Year For 2012!  Today, the celebration continues and has developed into an extravagant event that promotes food - a lobster galore, music, games, prizes, as well as a Lionfish tournament, in an effort to minimize the impact of Lionfish.

You do not want to miss out on an enticing local experience in the tranquil village-paradise of Belize!  On June 28 to June 30 the beach party commences at the beach front in Placencia village.  Culturally diverse dishes all containing lobster will be on sale and will be eligible to enter the Best Lobster Dish Competition. The savory taste of a diverse array of dishes is certainly a treat. Don’t worry if you are not into the taste of lobster, on sale will also be fish, shrimp, chicken, steak, pork and vegan dishes.   

Relax on the beach and sip on the local beer of Belize, Belikin, as you enjoy the sound of local DJ’s and musicians. It is time to kick back and relax on Belize’s #1 Beach Destination, Placencia!

It is time for a beach party! 

To get more information on Lobsterfest and other events be sure to visit www.splashbelize.com

Belize A Tropical Rainforest-

Top 5 Jungle Expeditions

Planning my trip to Belize took a bit of research. Many of my close friends and family didn’t know much about Belize and questioned my vacation plans to visit a small unknown country. However, Belize was exactly what I needed. Belize is certainly a natural beauty with its untouched tropical rainforest. As with many developed countries roads and skyscrapers have taken the beauty of nature away from us, the natural habitat of many animals and plants has been destroyed. Belize is distinct! It is known that 75% of Belize is covered in tropical forest, the colors, and shapes of many species of animals and birds that are found in Belize’s rainforest are extraordinary.

Belize is like no other. My adventurous side got the best of me as I learned about the top 5 jungle expeditions that I had to experience. I highly recommend that if you are planning your vacation to Belize you must take the tour of at least one of these jungle expeditions.

First, Belize is known for its archeology and ancient history of the Mayas. Throughout Belize they are many different Maya expeditions that are worth experiencing. Indulge yourself in culture and history walking the paths of the Mayas amongst the many ancient Maya ceremonial temples.   

Second, Belize is proud to house one the first and largest jaguar preserve in the world, The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve. While visiting this unique sanctuary be on the look out for jaguars.

Third, caving in Belize is more than limestone formations. Belize is known to have the most extensive cave systems in the world. Experience the underworld of the Mayas and witness the authentic Maya artifacts that remain in the caves today. The most advanced cave, which was featured in National Geography ‘Top 10 Sacred Caves’, is Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre).  Actun Tunichil Muknal involves hiking, wading, and underwater swimming.

Fourth, walking amongst Belize’s tropical rainforest you are bound to hear the prominent and distinct sound of the howler monkeys. Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary or take a boat ride up Monkey River, and get a chance of a lifetime to view the black howler monkeys enjoying their natural habitat.

Fifth, Belize has many natural jungle trails found across the country that are safe to explore alone or with a licensed tour guide.       Take a walk through a medicinal trail and learn about the many plants and herbs that are often used by locals for healing. Hiking, horseback riding, mounting biking, and canoeing down a river are only a few of the many ways to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna in Belize’s tropical rainforest.

If you would like to learn more about Belize’s tropical rainforest contact Patricia Ramirez at patricia@splashbelize.com

Belize, A Melting Pot

Belize is incomparable to any other country I ever visited. While planning my vacation to Belize I was captivated by the diversity of cultures all in one tiny country. I can surely say that this was one of the many factors that influenced my decision to visit Belize over Costa Rica, which my husband and I were deliberating.

It is the locals that make a difference. Similar to many Caribbean countries the people are ‘laid-back’. Leaving the hustle and bustle of our everyday life took some getting use to. I had to constantly remind myself that we were here on vacation. As we entered the airport my husband and I were greeted by the rhythmic drumming, what we now know to be Garinagu music. The Garinagu music is a traditional music of the Garifuna culture. It didn’t take long for us to notice that the Garinagu were only one of the many racial ethnic groups that share the beautiful and natural land of Belize.

                                                                                    

The fact that Belize’s official language is English made our travels easier. This was surely a relief, as we were both able to interact more with the locals and not only experience the touristic side of the country. We later learned that although everyone understands and speaks English, many locals speak Belizean Creole (Kriol), which is best described as broken English. However, trying to eavesdrop on two locals conversing, sounds like mayhem.

Two Spanish-speaking countries, Mexico and Guatemala surround Belize; contributing tremendously to the prevalence of the Spanish language and the Mestizo culture. I was surprised by the intense flavors of many traditional mestizo foods such as the tamales, panades, and tacos, to name a few. Many cultural foods can be easily found at the markets, and is commonly sold by many street vendors. Traditional Mestizo foods are primarily made using corn. Corn is also a staple used by the traditional Mayas who we encountered in the village of Maya Center a small Mopan Maya Village on our way to Placencia, where we were heading.

We drove south to Placencia after leaving Belize City and we were greeted with a welcoming smile by many different faces. Heading to Placencia we passed by Belmopan, the country’s capital which happens to be near Spanish Lookout - an area inhabited by Conservative German Mennonites, who strictly use simple machines. While on the main road we were approached by a fast galloping horse and buggy driven by conservative Mennonites, this took us by surprise. Belize is truly a natural haven comprised of many racial ethnic groups who all contribute to the rich and diverse culture in Belize.

After arriving in Placencia, we instantly knew that we were in paradise. The sandy beaches and crystal blue waters made Placencia the perfect vacation getaway for my husband and I who had never been on a honeymoon. Belize is certainly a ‘melting pot’ of different racial ethnic groups working and living together in harmony. 

Something More than just the Deep Blue

My family and I decided to go the extra mile and explore Belize a bit more and we were all happy we made the decision to experience the Mayas in Belize. We were in for an early start leaving Splash Dive Center in Placencia, by road at 6:00 am. I had no doubt that we were on an adventurous and rewarding journey as we headed back to 600 AD!  Archeologists believe that the temples in Xunantunich (pronounced shoo-nan-too-neech), located in the Cayo district dates back to the early Classical Period. It is unimaginable to climb the temples that were built so long ago; yet still remain sturdy.

However, before getting to Xunantunich our licensed tour guide took us to visit the Blue Hole National Park, also located in the Cayo District. I must add, the best thing about Belize is the close proximity of the sites; it took us more or less  1.5 hours to arrive to the Blue Hole and another 45 minutes to get us to Xunantunich. The Blue Hole is a natural 25-foot deep pool in the middle of a cave where the singing of birds is rhythmical. This Blue Hole is found inland and is distinct to the Great Blue Hole, found out in the center of the Lighthouse Reef. It is said that this inland Blue Hole was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave. The Blue Hole is named for its glistening turquoise water and is used by many for a quick refreshing swim.

After a quick visit to the secret natural pool we were back on the road to Xunantunich. The kids, Harry and Jim were excited to learn that in order to get to the Maya temple we would need to cross the Mopan river using a cool, hand-cranked ferry. This was one of the major highlights for the kids, as they got a chance to crank the ferry themselves!

We learned that the name Xunantunich was Maya for “maiden of the rock”, or “stone woman”. The area has 6 major plazas surrounded by more than 25 Maya temples and palaces. The largest of all, and also the second largest manmade structure in Belize, is named, “El Castillo” (The Castle), standing 130 feet tall above the plaza. Our guide explained to us that it is believed that Xunantunich was used extensively used for ceremonies and rituals.

The best reward of all was finally getting to the top of “The Castle”, as we stood 130 feet high, we got the chance to enjoy the ‘jungle view’: viewing Western Belize, and into the borders of Guatemala. It is thrilling to stand tall on a structure that holds the secrets of the Maya Civilization. It was certainly worth taking the tour to the Cayo district. The adventure was invigorating!

“A great way to discover the beauty and adventure of Belize above water”

Your Next Dream Vacation

At the start of every New Year we begin to envision and plan towards our dreams and future goals. In the hustle and bustle of an ordinary life it should be an obligation to take a few weeks off to enjoy a vacation, one that will allow you to experience the natural wonders of the world. There is but one place that allows you to experience the natural wonders of several “worlds”, and that place is called Belize.

Belize has been referred to for many years as a secret, the secret country in Central America that is marvelous in every aspect, despite the small landmass it occupies on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Belize is approximately 185 miles long and 75 miles wide.  In size Belize is often compared to the state of Massachusetts in the U.S.A, yet it has so much to offer, with an opportunity for 247,019 discoveries (diverse cultures, caves, Mayan temples, rivers, marine life, and many natural resources).

Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation you can bet you will find it in Belize.   Belize is known for its many acres of unspoiled forest that hold the secrets of the Maya heritage, incorporating a vast array of temples, rivers, caves, and mountains. Belize was the center of the ancient Maya world.  Be it no surprise that Belize has one of the only jaguar preserves in the world, the “Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve.”

Not interested in experiencing miles of natural jungle life? Then be sure to visit one of Belize’s 400 tropical islands, and get a chance to dive into the enchanting Blue Hole, along the Western Hemisphere largest barrier reef. Enjoy the beauty of the magnificent underwater world, a nature so natural and captivating you will be left in awe. Belize is known for its intact Coral Barrier Reef that is home to 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, 500 species of fish, and hundreds of other diverse plants and animals.  With all that Belize has to offer you will enjoy and explore a wide array of activities from the jungle to the beach such as:  hiking, birding, caving, camping, zip lining, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, cultural experiences, and sailing just to name a few.

Relax, and take a breath of pure air! Forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge into paradise. Start planning your dream vacation by choosing one of Belize’s resorts either inland or on any of Belize’s picturesque islands or beaches. Allow yourself to be one with nature, be one with Belize!

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Dream Vacation by contacting Patricia Ramirez at patricia@splashbelize.com

Getting To Belize: 1 – 2 -3 Heavenly Belize from the US or Canada

Belize is amazing!  Rapidly changing topography allows travellers to experience estuaries, rivers, jungle, mountains, coral reefs, expansive underground caves, glorious waterfalls and an incredible collection of flora and fauna.  Some come in the high season (November to May) to escape winter.  Some choose the quiet days of summer for their Belizean adventure. Both times of the year have their own unique attractions or things to do and the choice of when to visit is totally up to you, your budget and the adventure you seek.

Belize Map

Embrace the Kind of the Jungle in the World’s first designated Jaguar Preserve

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, named after its cockscomb appearance within the Maya Mountain in Southern Belize, was the world’s first jaguar reserve and is a protected subtropical rainforest.  More than two decades after its creation, the sanctuary remains a model for wildlife conservation and a point of pride for Belizeans. This jaguar reserve, where a viable population still strives today, is a most critical part of a larger jaguar corridor system where the wild and magnificent jaguar roams throughout two continents from Northern Mexico to Northern Argentina.

Of the five native species big felines prowling the Belizean jungle, it is the elusive and magnificent jaguar that everyone visiting Belize wants to see. It is only a lucky few who have actually seen any of these beautiful apex predators – the real king of the Belizean jungle and the undisputed super power of the new world continents.

Belize’s grasslands, wetlands and lush rainforests, nestled in the Maya Mountains, provide the perfect backdrop for these magnificent big cats which are the most powerful predators in Central America.  Inside Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors may not see the nocturnal king of the rainforest during the day but will get a taste of the area’s bio-diversity, impressive scenic views, serious birding opportunities, jungle flora and fauna and may have the opportunity to swim in a pool below a glorious cascading waterfall.

Not only are jaguars among the most beautiful animals but among the most powerful stealth predators that use stealth and surprise as key techniques to catch its prey.  The elusive jaguar seems to prefer peccaries, but would also take monkeys, agoutis, deer, armadillos, birds and other animals. Before the kill, the mysterious Central American carnivore stocks the herd, and creeps ever closer to its prey. With a single powerful bite at the prey’s jugulars, the rainforest master finally conquers its prey.

Below where you see the jaguar is where you can find the Reserve. 

Jaguars have been in the Americas before the native Maya of Belize.  The locals still speak of the big cat with reverence.  For thousands of years the people of the Americas have revered him.  To the indigenous Maya the jaguar is simply called baalum, meaning “king”.  The Mayas considered the jaguar a deity – a symbol of leadership and a creature that walks between worlds. Today, the powerful jaguar remains as the apex predator of the new world jungle kingdom.

Belize leads jaguar preservation efforts in the world.  Although hunters and deforestation have reduced the jaguar population, these animals continue to thrive in the jaguar preserves and reserves and interconnecting corridors of Belize. As humans continue to encroach on the once sovereign kingdoms of the big cat in Belize, NGO’s such as Audubon Society and Wildlife Conservation Society continue to engage the local communities, including the park rangers, ranchers, and Mayan leaders in dialogue and mutually beneficial efforts towards jaguar preservation sustainable community development. Indeed, “When people are informed and engaged, healthy societies and renewable natural resources thrive”.  

If you would like to visit "The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary" whilst in Belize, Splash Dive Center offers daily tours to the nature reserve and is a perfect family tour. Contact Patricia Ramirez at patricia@splashbelize.com to make your reservation. Visit www.splashbelize.com for other tours.  


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