Today Belize is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Barrier Reef System being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To commemorate the momentous occasion, a World Heritage Site Forum will be held at the Bliss Institute of Performing Arts in Belize City from 7:00-9:00 p.m tonight.
The Belize Barrier Reef System was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1996. The Belize Barrier Reef System is the largest barrier reef complex in the Northern and Western Hemisphere and is also the second largest barrier reef system in the world. It provides habitat to a plethora of migratory birds and threatened marine species such as the West Indian manatee, the American crocodile and marine turtles.
Belizeans in the Tourism and Fisheries Sector have relied greatly on the reef for their livelihood. Comprised of seven marine protected areas which make up 12 percent of the entire reef complex of Belize, the seven sites include: Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, the world famous Blue Hole Natural Monument, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park and the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.
Larry France, Marketing Manager of Chabil Mar Resort on the scenic Placencia peninsula said the 20th anniversary of Belize’s Barrier Reef being designated a World Heritage Site is a cause for celebration.
“Chabil Mar takes great pride in promoting sustainable eco-tourism practices and contributing to the welfare of the Belize’s Barrier Reef, he added.
Chabil Mar offers a variety of tours and packages that includes snorkeling and scuba diving the pristine barrier reef and has partnered with the award winning dive centers of Placencia village to provide a bountiful combination of luxury accommodations, resort amenities and dive services.
Travelers who wish to enjoy the beauties and wonders of Belize will definitely enjoy a stay at Chabil Mar.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize barrier reef vacation.
