Belize is one of the smallest Central American states but is nonetheless remarkably diverse geologically, topographically and in climate. This is reflected in its vegetation types, with extensive forests, wetlands, savannas and coastal systems. The exceptional nature of the natural environment of Belize is even more pronounced offshore, where the barrier reef and its associated complex of marine ecosystems is the second largest in the world and the largest in the western hemisphere.

Historical circumstance and low population pressure has resulted in the retention of the greater part of the country of tracts of natural vegetation, that although modified to varying degrees, is of high concentration value. Many species under pressure elsewhere in the Central American range occur here in healthy populations and as part of complete fully-functioning natural communities characteristic of the region.

Nonetheless, some populations threatened species are at risk even in Belize. There is a distinct endemic component within the biota and the country is also important as an overwintering and passage area for migrant species. To add to these values, the archaeological heritage, and particularly that of the ancient Maya is extraordinarily rich.

For all of these reasons, Belize is extremely important for conservation on a regional, and even global scale. This characteristic is rendered yet more important by the fact that these values are, by and large, not under immediate threat and in relatively robust condition. There is time, therefore, to develop appropriate actions before crisis conditions are reached.

The forward trends indicate, however, that this situation is about to change. Most the conservation values of Belize can be attributed to low population pressure but the population is growing swiftly, especially in rural areas, and due to exceed 300,000 in the next 20 years. Substantial investment is required both to raise current living standards and to service a growing population. This will require continued intensification of activity promoting economic development.

At the same time, the indications are that the traditional agricultural mainstays of the economy are in a process of retrenchment. Predictable areas of expansion are in the mechanized arable and the small holding agricultural sectors. The land requirement in Toledo District will, for example, triple over the coming two decades. Land is a limiting factor despite low population densities. Only 33% of the country is considered suitable for agriculture and half of that requires careful management. Pressures upon marginal land are expected to intensify and this phenomenon is already apparent where the forward trends in rural population growth are most advanced.

The current situation, is therefore, only superficially reassuring. If conservation action is not designed to take full account of the foreseeable demographic and socio-economic trends of the country, both in practice as well as theory, then any short-term gains will be neutralized in the mid-term and overwhelmed, along with a significant portion of what is already in place, in the long-term. The window of opportunity to conserve the considerable natural and cultural heritage values of Belize is fast closing.