Belize Barrier Reef. Environment protection
This impressive coral reef is located on the Caribbean coast of the Atlantic Ocean, about 300 meters from the coast in the north of the country and about 40 km from the coast in the south.stretches for 260 kilometers and is part of the Mesoamerican reef, which stretches for the entire 900 km.Due to its amazing beauty and diverse ecosystem, the Belize Reef is considered by CEDAM to be one of the underwater wonders of the world.
The Belize Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world, after Australia. It consists of beautiful coral formations, many fish and invertebrates. Most species of reef-building corals live in the clear waters of the Belize Sea. The Barrier Reef consists of many amazing lagoons and atolls, striking in their diversity.
Can be divided into three main parts, each with its own unique features: the northern part is 46 kilometers long, the central part is 92 kilometers long and the southern part is 10 kilometers long.
Blue hole
This amazing underwater paradise is home to turtles, manatees, sharks, butterfly fish and many other marine life. It is also home to some endangered species, such as the American crocodile. The reef ecosystem is very sensitive and vulnerable, and its diversity is simply amazing - more than 70 species of hard corals, 36 species of soft corals, 500 species of fish and 350 shellfish, as well as a wide variety of crustaceans, sponges and marine worms. However, most scientists believe that only 10% of the species that live in this ecosystem have been discovered. In addition to the underwater life that supports this ecosystem.The Belize Reef is also home to a large colony of seabirds. So for nature lovers, and especially for divers, this is a real paradise.
Great Blue Hole
According to available information, the reef began to be used by the Mayans for fishing 2500 years ago, between 300 and 900 BC. From about this time it begins to play a major role in the economy of the region until the present day. In addition, the Bacalar Chico area was a Mayan ceremonial center. At the beginning of Spanish colonial times, the area was abandoned by the Mayans and used by the Spanish to repair ships and resupply food and water. In the 17th century, the region was used as a refuge for pirates. Charles Darwin, the famous originator of the theory of evolution, was one of the first scientists to study the Belize Reef. In 1842, he referred to this wonderful ecosystem in his work on the origin and evolution of coral reefs. It has since become the most famous coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. The 19th century saw waves of human immigration into the Barrier Reef area, mainly from Mexico, which continues to this day because the beauty and richness of the reef provides great economic opportunity.
Great Blue Hole
During the year, about 150,000 tourists visit the area and bring about 80 million dollars into the country's economy.The reef is the country's main attraction and one of its greatest sources of income. A fairly extensive tourist infrastructure has been created here and is located along the reef.The site has also been the subject of scientific research, mainly since the 1960s. The Smithsonian Institution of New York has established several research centers here. The pearl of the Belize Barrier Reef is undoubtedly Great Blue Hole“Blue Hole” located near the Yucatan Peninsula. This main attraction of Belize (and the most famous in the world), is a cylindrical well 305 meters in diameter and 122 meters deep filled with crystal clear water. It is surrounded by one of the longest atolls - Lighthouse Reef (Lighthouse Reef).
Great Blue Hole
Unfortunately, today the reef, like many others, is under serious threat to its existence as a result of human activity. Therefore, a reserve system was created, which consists of 7 marine reserves, 450 reefs and 3 atolls, which in total cover an area of 960 square kilometers (370 sq mi) and in 1996 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Diving in Belize
However, despite conservation efforts, nearly 40% of the reserve has been damaged since 1998, due to ocean pollution, overtourism, agrochemical runoff, uncontrolled fishing and global warming. The first priority is to stop the destruction of this wonderful natural treasure and preserve it for future generations.
Diving in Belize
Underwater world of Belize
The Belize Barrier Reef has been on the World Heritage List since 1996. It has the same important status as Machu Piccha, the Grand Canyon and other famous natural monuments. What are the reasons to consider the reef a unique attraction on the planet?
The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world in terms of the number of corals. It is a group of reefs consisting of hundreds of shallows and islets. The group also includes 3 coral atolls. These are ring-shaped reefs with beautiful lagoons. The reef stretches along the sea coast of Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Its length is 300 kilometers. The area of the seven protected water areas is 960 square meters. km.
The coral reef ecosystem is very diverse and at the same time extremely fragile. This corner of the ocean is home to a quarter of all existing marine animals and plants. There are hundreds of species of soft and hard corals and fish. Belize reef shelters rare animals on the verge of extinction. Among them: green and loggerhead sea turtles, razorback crocodile, hawksbill turtle and manatee.
Biological diversity:
- 70 types of hard corals
- 36 types of soft corals
- 500 species of fish
- hundreds of invertebrate species
However, according to scientists, only 10% of the reef’s species diversity has been discovered.
The most serious threat to reef life systems comes from marine pollution, uncontrolled tourism and cyanide fishing. Scientists warn that if the situation is not changed, 70% of the planet's corals will disappear in just 20-40 years. For this reason, the reef is taken under the protection of UNESCO.
Underwater panorama near the Barrier Reef
As experts note, today the Belize Barrier Reef is recognized as one of the few places on the planet that has preserved almost pristine nature.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, the warm waters of the Belize Reef are the best place.
Another attraction of this corner of nature is the Blue Hole. It is located on Lighthouse Reef and is protected by the World Heritage Organization. The discoverer of this beautiful underwater corner is the French underwater explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The Blue Hole is a sinkhole of dark blue water surrounded by living coral.
The diameter of the crater reaches 300 m. Its depth is more than 100 m.
An underwater walk deep into the funnel is only for professional scuba divers. Beginners to diving can have an unforgettable experience swimming in the clear waters off the edge of the Blue Hole.
Just six kilometers from the reef, to the southeast, is the Hol Chen Underwater Park. The area of the reserve is 8 square meters. kilometers.
Another attraction of those places is an island called Half Moon Key. The island ridge is covered with delightful soft corals.
The island itself has become home to hundreds of species of birds. Half Moon Key is also protected by the World Heritage Convention.
Photos
In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Now this reef has the same status as Machu Picchu in Peru, the Grand Canyon in the United States and other outstanding natural and cultural monuments. Why is this reef classified as an “Outstanding World Heritage Site”?
Preservation of valuable heritage
The Belize Barrier Reef has the second largest number of corals in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and is considered the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It stretches 300 kilometers along the Yucatan Peninsula, including most of the coast of the Central American country of Belize. The reef (actually a series of reefs) consists of approximately 450 shoals, or islets, and three coral atolls - ring-shaped reefs with picturesque lagoons. The seven water areas of this reserve, covering an area of 960 square kilometers, are under the special care of the World Heritage Convention.
Coral reefs need to be protected because they are home to a quarter of all marine plants and animals. In terms of biological diversity, the coral reef ecosystem is second only to tropical rainforests. However, scientists warn that if we continue to pollute the seas, use cyanide for fishing and do not control tourism, 70 percent of all corals on the planet will die within 20-40 years.
The Belize Barrier Reef Conservation Area is home to 70 species of hard and 36 species of soft corals and 500 species of fish. The reef waters are home to rare and endangered species of animals, such as loggerhead and green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, as well as manatees and sharp-snouted crocodile. Explaining the amazing diversity of marine life in this corner of the ocean, coral reef researcher Julianne Robinson said: “The Belize Barrier Reef provides many unique opportunities for both researchers and tourists. […] This is one of the few places where you can still observe pristine nature in all its beauty, but even here it is in danger.”
One of the most beautiful places for underwater excursions is the Blue Hole, located on Lighthouse Reef, about 100 kilometers off the coast of Belize. This section of the reserve is also under World Heritage protection. The French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau told the world about it during his expedition on the Calypso in 1970. Situated in the middle of a turquoise sea, the Blue Hole is a limestone sinkhole with deep blue water, fringed by living coral. It reaches approximately 300 meters in diameter and more than 120 meters in depth. Previously, before the sea level rose, there was a dry cave where the Hole used to be. Over time, the ceiling of the cave collapsed. The walls of the funnel go vertically down about 35 meters. At this depth, you can see ledges on the walls from which huge stalactites hang. From here a stunning panorama opens up - in this place visibility is 60 meters. Apart from sharks, there are almost no living creatures in the Blue Hole. Scuba divers should be aware that this dive may cause decompression - it is not for beginners. But the crystal clear waters at the edge of the Blue Hole are ideal for snorkeling.
Nearby is another World Heritage Site, the tranquil islet of Half Moon Key, a haven for the rare red-footed booby. It is also home to about 98 other bird species. The Half Moon Key ridge, which goes 1,000 meters deep, is covered with magnificent soft corals. These underwater landscapes leave no one indifferent. As we have seen in this article, the Belize Barrier Reef is a valuable heritage that must be preserved for future generations. Destruction of the reef could lead to “a dangerous impoverishment of the heritage of all peoples.”
- Address: Belize City, Belize;
- Length: 280 km;
- Attractions: Glovers Reef, Great Blue Hole, Sapodilla Caye, Half Moon Cay, Hol Chan.
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Why is it worth visiting?
More than 140 thousand tourists come to Belize every year. Some are for an intense exotic holiday, and there are those who want to become famous by making a real scientific discovery. Indeed, of the total natural wealth of the Belize Barrier Reef, only 10% has been studied today.
The reef ecosystem is incredibly rich and diverse. Here you can see:
- more than 100 species of corals (70 hard and 36 soft);
- manatees;
- turtles (including endangered species: hawksbill, loggerhead and green sea turtles);
- sharp-winged crocodiles;
- about 500 species of fish;
- sharks (nurse sharks, Caribbean).
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If you are planning to visit the Belize Barrier Reef, you will be warmly welcomed. There are hotels and diving centers on the shore and islands. The hotels cannot be classified as “Luxury”, all of them can be compared with three-star European hotels, but believe me, you will not have time to spend time in the room.
When is the best time to come?
Any time of year is suitable for traveling to the Belize Barrier Reef. In winter, the water temperature does not drop below +23°C, and in summer it reaches +28°C.
Interesting Facts
- – a rather unsafe place for swimming (during high tide it turns into a funnel with a whirlpool, and when the tide begins to gush out, throwing everything out);
- the first person to explore the Great Blue Hole was Jacques-Yves Cousteau;
- At the resorts of the Belize Reef, an unusual gambling entertainment is popular - “chicken lotto” (chickens are released onto a fenced field lined with even squares, and players place bets - they choose the square on which the chickens will leave the most of their waste products; before receiving the prize, the winner must remove something that brought him luck).
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How to get there?
If your main purpose for visiting Belize is the reef, then when choosing a flight, it is better to choose Philip S. W. Goldson Airport as your destination. It is located 15 km from the port city, from where it is most convenient to get to the islands by sea. There you can book a one-way sea transfer if you intend to stay in island hotels, or take advantage of one-day tours (you will be taken to any resort on the reef and brought to the mainland in the evening).