When Sir Richard Branson speaks, the world listens. So, when he chose Belize’s Great Blue Hole as the focus of his investigation into climate change patterns, everyone from tourists to scientists took notice of his selection of one of Belize’s top tourist attractions.

The Great Blue Hole is just one of the areas in Belize that the scientific community has chosen to pursue the subject of how climate change is impacting earth. Resorts, attractions and the people of Belize are equally committed to coming together in unprecedented ways to make this nation the epicenter of sustainable tourism.

A goal worthy of pursuing? Let us count the ways Belize is making a difference and setting an eco-tourism example that’s fast becoming a model for the planet.

1. Belize’s UNESCO-protected barrier reef has been removed from the list of threatened World Heritage sites as a direct result of the nation’s conservation measures. Swim and dive the reef, knowing it’s being preserved in perpetuity.

2. The government is in the midst of phasing out single-use materials so when you vacation in Belize, don’t ask for plastic forks or Styrofoam cups when you frequent world-class eateries that draw gourmands from around the world.

3. You may not see all of them, but every expedition into Belize jungles will bring you into proximity with the highest number of protected jaguars on the planet. Because rainforests remain pristine, bird watchers flock to Belize to spot 500+ avian species, many of which only sojourn in Belize.

4. Indigenous peoples are irreplaceable treasures because they offer a wealth of history, culture and diversity and they’ve been following sustainability practices long before outsiders settled in Belize. You’ll interact with Mestizos, Creoles, Maya and Garifuna, all coexisting with people who have made Belize their home over time.

5. Celebrate ancient Mayan architecture. It’s been lovingly preserved despite the passage of time because seeing these magnificent sites drives Belize tourism numbers. It’s a delicate balance; making sure visitors see as much history as they desire while applying due diligence to maintaining these priceless sites.

6. The food in Belize will blow you away—-but what may impress you most is that this nation has established no-take fishing zones. This means marine species recovering from decades of over fishing will be bountiful for generations to come.

7. Don’t look for oil rigs. This topic has been aggressively argued for years, but environmentalists have grown more powerful. Legislation calling for “a moratorium on the exploration for and exploitation of petroleum and other petroleum operations in the maritime zone of Belize” has been proposed.

8. Eco-tourism in Belize means that the nation doesn’t have to engage in destructive practices to drive the country’s economy forward. Visitors understand that each time they re-visit areas being improved and changed with each passing year.

9. Eco-friendly Belize resorts are fast becoming the world’s model for how a tourism industry can capitalize on natural resources while still preserving the environment. Among the nation’s top tour resources is Island Expeditions staffed by folks who treasure the environment.

10. List your dream environmentally-friendly destinations during your Belize adventure. Limestone caves? Wildlife adventures? Diving and kayaking? Say yes to all of these courtesy of Island Expeditions where sustainability is more than just a buzzword.

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