The country of Belize is small and unique with many contrasting features. At 8,867 square miles, Belize is roughly the size of Massachusetts. The population of approximately 210,000, is comprised of a healthy mix of races and cultures. Included are descendants of the original inhabitants, the Maya, and Africans, whose ancestors were either brought here to cut timber deep in the forests or who escaped from slavery to the safety of Belize's coastline. Europeans, East Indians, Arabs, Chinese, and every conceivable mixture in between can be found within the borders of this tiny but impossibly beautiful nation.

The marine life off the coast of Belize is one of the richest in the world. Belize boasts the hemisphere's largest barrier reef and three of the Caribbean's five natural atolls. Our waters attract expert divers as it is considered to be one of the world's finest diving destinations. Due a low population and high regard for conservation, these precious reefs remain in near pristine condition. Belize is also becoming a haven for fly-fishermen who practise "catch and release" fishing techniques.

Archaeological research suggests that Belize was a central precinct of Mayan civilization. There are a dozen major excavated sites, and hundreds of minor sites are scattered up and down the country and cayes. Advances in Mayan archaeology have stimulated interest and enthusiasm which results in more and more tourists visiting these sites.

The forests, savannahs and wetlands of Belize attract bird watchers, naturalists, and adventure travelers from all over the world. The Belize Zoo show-cases an exotic collection of the nation's wildlife in a unique natural setting. Jaguars and other wild cats, tapirs, monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, parrots, toucans, and dozens of other species can be seen in habitats similar to those they are accustomed to. Unlike many other zoos, the Belize Zoo delivers a strong conservation message, utilizing the animals and their habitat as an effective educational tool.

Many resorts in Belize -- from basic campgrounds to luxurious cabanas -- are designed to provide the adventure traveler an opportunity to experience life in the rain forests and on the sea: to can the pristine rivers, to visit the Maya ruins and hike along the jungle trails, to swim with dolphins and snorkel the crystal clear waters of the barrier reef. But these experiences can be threatened b their own success. With the increasing popularity of Belize as a tourist destination, there is a danger that the country will abandon the very values that established its popularity in the first place.

The Government of Belize has recognized the importance of its natural resources as evidenced by a strong system of reserves and national parks. These include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the Chiquibul National Park and others. In addition, private sector, via non-governmental organizations (NGO's) have founded private reserves such as the Community Baboon Sanctuary, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and Slate Creek Preserve. The Belize Audubon Society manages other protected areas such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Blue Hole, Guanacaste National Park, Shipstern Nature Reserve and others.

However, as all governments must, the Belizean government has an obligation to maximize the economic benefits of tourism and other industries, to develop the local economy and increase its foreign exchange reserves in an increasingly competitive world. New marketing policies have been introduced which include the welcoming of small cruise ships, chartered inbound flights from North America, and yachting on an international scale.

Foreign investors have been allowed to introduce non-indigenous species for commercial farming and exports, large hotels are being considered near presently pristine areas, while various housing schemes are sprouting throughout the nation with little regard for the future. Large Asian companies have contracted to log pristine rainforest in Southern Belize ignoring the rights of the indigenous Maya. Other proposals are under consideration by the various government departments. All these developments may boost our hard currency reserves, but at what cost? These are the issues that should be of vital concern to the nation and are the primary focus of BETA. All of these concerns have to be researched, evaluated, discussed, documented, and addressed.

BETA is committed as a nonprofit, non-governmental organization to devote its energies and lend its assistance to research and documentation of the possible hazards which these new developments may have on the environment. BETA also seeks to work cohesively with government and other agencies to ensure a sound development policy and National land-use management plan. BETA recognizes that governments change and some governments are inclined to sweep aside the principles of ecotourism for the higher foreign exchange potential of mass tourism.

- that Mayan ruins in the Yucatan area are crumbling under the feet of too many tourists.

- that King Tut's tomb has been closed since 1992 because the bas relief was being eroded by human exhalations and perspiration.

- that the fragile coral reef around St. Johns is endangered by hordes of divers.

- that the base camp at Mount Everest is beginning to look like a slum.

- that garbage is strewn along the Inca Trail.

-The list is endless.

Belize, and BETA cannot afford to allow these kinds of things to happen!