In a welcome move celebrated across the country, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially de-listed the Belize Barrier Reef from the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger.
The Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world outside of Australia, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, but was placed on the World Heritage Sites in Danger list due to years of pollution and damage caused by oil drilling and exploitative fishing practices. UNESCO, at its latest meeting in Bahrain, declared that strong conservation efforts by NGOs and the government of Belize have helped restore the reef to a more sustainable condition.
The reef plays an important role in Belize’s tourism industry as well as a responsibly managed fishing industry. The reef is a top destination for tourists coming to the country to enjoy Belize vacations as its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life are ideal for marine activities like fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
“We loudly and enthusiastically celebrate the news that the Belize Barrier Reef is on the mend,” said Larry France, marketing manager of Chabil Mar Resort. “As a resort located just a few miles offshore from this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we urge all of our guests to partake in one of our Belize Barrier Reef tours to experience magnificent natural landmark for themselves.”
Chabil Mar is a luxury Belize resort offering Belize vacation packages to all of the top destinations in the country, including snorkeling and scuba diving on the reef.
