By Naomi Baily & Declan Finn Ecotourism in Belize By Naomi Baily & Declan Finn

Belize

Tourism in Belize A promotional campaign has been launched aimed at the nature loving tourist Belize is blessed with the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. Threes of the four atolls in the Caribbean, a large network of caves on land and in the sea, a wide variety of animals – including jaguar , 500 species of birds colorful flora and fauna. Belize has improved their roads, their transportation by air and sea and their telecommunications

Attractions in Belize One of the richest habitats for flora and Fauna. Marine life National park Its own natural attractions

Problems of eco - tourism Damage to the natural environment because of intrusion – some tourists and guide are destructive Some eco – tourism organization does not give enough benefit to the local population – this leads to the locals lack of support.

Benefits of eco - tourism The country sets guidelines which are useful for the country as its leads to people conserving electricity and water to protection of local ecosystems of interest Coral reefs, marine ecosystem, land species and native artifacts Tourists may contribute money Poverty reduction impact/

Management strategies

Toledo ecotourism association TEA Toledo ecotourism association Set up in 1989 The TEA office in the district capital punta gorda attempts to distribute tourists equally to all villages TEA executive chairman, local TEA chairman in each of the 9 villages, local TEA guides local TEA food providers other services provided by local TEA members e.g. craft sellers, dancers, storytellers

TIDE TIDE was founded in 1997 “TIDE tours”, a non profit subsidiary Twenty different local guides are utilized by TIDE

conclusion

Criterion The TEA TIDE NO YES Are negative environmental impacts minimized? NO YES Does ecotourism provide economic benefits for the host community? Are negative socio – cultural impacts on the community minimized Does ecotourism involve education against both local community and tourists Doe ecotourism maximize the early and long term participation of local people