Belize has a wonderfully unique, yet fragile ecosystem that natives are anxious to preserve. With the recent boost in tourism to this country, Belize has established BETA, or the Belize Eco Tourism Association, with a code of conduct designed to reduce the impact of visitors on the environment.
This code of conduct commits its members to keep tourism establishments to a small and manageable size, promote the use of renewable resources, minimize aluminum and styrofoam waste, and to conserve the flora and fauna of Belize.
The member list includes many recognizable resorts and tour agencies, such as Belize Eco Tourism and The Lodge at Big Falls.
Current projects include creation of the Chalillo Dam for increased hydroelectric power and fighting the dereservation of park lands.
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I applaud these eco-efforts! Developing countries have a rich resource: their undeveloped land! Smart leadership does everything they can to preserve the quality of this land for their people, for themselves. The U.S. has already lost this quality & is not a model of sustainability.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize adheres to the principles of ecotourism. This year we achieved the prestigious green globe benchmarked silver status which recognizes us as operating to the world’s highest environmental standard!