Happy Birthday: Belize Barrier Reef turns 10,000 years

June 8, 2022
by roshesgodfrey@gmail.com +

Pull out the candles and cakes and get ready to make a wish as we celebrate the Belize Barrier Reef’s 10,000 birthday.

The Belize Barrier Reef, located off the country’s coast and straddling 185 miles of magnificent coastline, making it the second-largest reef system in the world, is turning 10,000 years old this year. The ancient but one-of-a-kind natural wonder of the world, throughout its life, has served in several capacities such as a natural barrier to protect the country’s coastline from storms and erosion, provide jobs for the local and communities, and offer opportunities for recreation as well as a safe place for marine life.

Amanda Acosta, Executive Director of the Belize Audubon Society, says that local statistics have revealed that more than half of Belize’s population is supported through reef-related, tourism, and fisheries activities. According to her the annual economic contribution of reef-related tourism, fisheries, and scientific research was estimated to be between 15% of Belize’s Gross domestic product. When you talk about coastal protection Burgos said that the coral reef and mangroves provide protection for up to 14% of Belize’s population that lives along the coast.

While it is also home to numerous islands, as well as three of the four total atolls in the Caribbean Sea, one of the reef’s most recognizable features is the Great Blue Hole. A major bucket list destination for snorkelers and divers from across the world, who travel to Belize to explore its natural wonders.

The birthday celebrations, though celebrated locally among environmentalists, locals, and government officials have been a big one with activities scheduled for the first part of June. News of the celebration, however, has spread across the world and has even reached Forbes Magazine, which dedicated an entire article to the festivities.

Forbes paid tribute to the successful effort that Belize has implemented over the years to keep its Barrier Reef as healthy as possible and to guard it against destructive practices despite threats from climate change and rampant pollution.

Forbes referred to Belize’s success in being able to ban offshore drilling in the country, designating no-take marine areas, as well as establishing the ‘Fish Right, Eat Right” programs, and the latest effort of phasing out single-use plastics. According to Forbes those combined efforts have resulted in the removal of the Belize Barrier Reef, from the list of United Nations endangered places, for almost a decade and resulted in it being registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

”Animals like sea turtles, manatees, and countless species of fish are now feeling the benefits of a healthier reef, ” noted Forbes.

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They also touched on the topic of Belize’s ongoing marine conservation efforts, spearheaded by in-country organizations such as Oceana Belize, MarAlliance, and others who have all worked together to propel Belize as one of the world leaders in protecting its ocean and precious habitat.

Forbes quoted the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Hon Anthony Mahler as saying “Conservation has always been part of Belize’s DNA. Through intensive efforts spanning decades, nearly half of the entire nation has been protected as either nature preserve/reserve, wildlife sanctuary, or national park.”

And while birthday celebrations have already gotten off to a start, you might want to join in on the festivities because as is part of the Belizean culture, celebrations are usually a big thing. Apart from endless food choices, music, live performance, and loads of fun, we also echo the sentiments of Forbes, who said, ”In a time when so much about the global ecosystem is at risk, this is one anniversary worth celebrating.”