The Conflict of Tourism and Conservation

From log cabin and spa-type accommodations settled in lush green rainforests to fun-in-the-sun alongside sparkling waters, Belize is a popular tourist destination.  As such, Belize thrives on the tourism industry, one that the COVID-19 pandemic has recently decimated.  In non-pandemic times, Belize’s tourist industry is one of its top income earners. Additionally, Belize is also known for its commitment to protecting natural resources. Over 30% of its ecosystems are under various forms of protected status, as they are one of the many reasons tourists visit Belize. However, the exponential growth of the tourist industry has led to significant development and conservation conflicts – this is where the story of Caye Caulker begins.

Caye Caulker is off the north-eastern coast of Belize.  The island is divided into two by a relatively narrow inlet, known as the “Split.”  South Caye Caulker is where most of its permanent population resides and attracts foreign investors eager to exploit tourism in Belize.  However, the diverse littoral and mangrove forests in the north appear as another world in contrast to the more developed south.  The low-lying forests on North Caye Caulker provide an ideal habitat for reptiles and serve as a seasonal home to many migrating birds.  The Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve, which encompass the northern tip and a portion of the Belize Barrier Reef System, were established in 1998 with the assistance of environmentally motivated Caye Caulker residents.  It was essential to protect the biodiversity that provides critical ecosystem services and livelihoods, including the barrier reef, associated inland lagoon, littoral forests, and mangrove vegetation.