07-01-2018, 04:13 AM
Belize has worked to protect its 190 mile reef system from dangers like oil exploration, Mangrove loss and land development. The area was listed as a world heritage site in 1996 and they have taken the designation seriously.
This is a success story. Coral reefs can be protected.
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/beli...56051d3541
Belize has not lost out because of this. Half their population is dependent on the reefs and they are a great source of tourist dollars.
Money from tourism is a renewable resource. People come year after year to see the reefs. By choosing to go with conservation Belize has saved a heritage site for all of us and they have created a long term economic resource. Oil exploration does its damage and leaves. Conservation and respecting the planet do actually bring their own rewards. Exploitation does not.
Well done Belize.
This is a success story. Coral reefs can be protected.
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/beli...56051d3541
Belize has not lost out because of this. Half their population is dependent on the reefs and they are a great source of tourist dollars.
Money from tourism is a renewable resource. People come year after year to see the reefs. By choosing to go with conservation Belize has saved a heritage site for all of us and they have created a long term economic resource. Oil exploration does its damage and leaves. Conservation and respecting the planet do actually bring their own rewards. Exploitation does not.
Well done Belize.
![[Image: IMG_9091.JPG]](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rtQnRVnpHuw/Upv4HXYM20I/AAAAAAAAAqo/K5MmSTvkZdA/w296-h229-p-no/IMG_9091.JPG)
Catherine
