- “Belize has made significant progress in protecting its natural heritage, yet growing environmental and economic pressures demand stronger, long-term conservation strategies,” a new op-ed says.
- The country’s National Protected Areas System draft plan lays important groundwork, but additional policy measures, sustainable funding and community-driven governance will be necessary to secure its forests, wildlife and marine ecosystems for future generations, the writer argues.
- This article is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily Mongabay.
Belize is widely regarded as a global leader in conservation, home to vast rainforests, diverse wildlife and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The country has implemented protected areas, community-led conservation initiatives and sustainable tourism models, yet its national parks remain under increasing pressure from deforestation, expanding agriculture and unregulated development.
The draft National Protected Areas System (2024) offers a framework for better management, but conservation experts argue that a more cohesive, long-term national park strategy is needed to protect Belize’s biodiversity and sustain its environmental and economic future.
Escalating threats
Despite ongoing conservation efforts, Belize’s protected areas face increasing environmental and economic pressures. Conservation groups, researchers and local communities have raised concerns over three key threats:
- Expanding agriculture: Large-scale agribusiness operations, particularly for sugarcane, citrus and cattle ranching are contributing to deforestation at an alarming rate. Forest clearance leads to habitat fragmentation, soil erosion and water pollution, impacting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
- Corporate tourism: The rapid growth of luxury resorts and tourism infrastructure, particularly near coastal and rainforest areas, is fueling land clearing, wastewater runoff and reef degradation. Conservationists warn that without stronger regulations, tourism could outpace sustainability efforts.
- Deforestation and habitat loss: Illegal logging and land clearing continue to shrink primary forests, reducing habitat availability for species such as jaguars, tapirs and macaws, while contributing to climate change through increased carbon emissions.
According to the Belize Forest Department, the country lost approximately 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forest between 2017 and 2021, with a significant portion linked to agriculture and infrastructure expansion. Without stronger conservation policies, these losses are expected to accelerate.
Strengthening and expansion
Belize’s protected area system currently covers about 37% of the country’s landmass and includes national parks, nature reserves and marine conservation zones. However, many of these areas lack connectivity, enforcement and sustainable funding models. To improve conservation outcomes, researchers and environmental organizations suggest:
- Expanding wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats and allow for species migration.
- Developing a long-term funding strategy to secure protected areas beyond political cycles.
- Strengthening national park management through co-governance with Indigenous and local communities.
Illegal activities and enforcement
While Belize has strong environmental laws, conservationists say enforcement remains inconsistent due to limited resources and personnel. The illegal wildlife trade, logging and poaching continue to threaten biodiversity in areas such as Chiquibul National Park, which spans 168,000 hectares (414,000 acres) and is home to species like the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) and the endangered Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii).
Experts I’ve spoken with suggest key reforms, including:
- Increasing ranger presence and training to combat poaching and illegal land clearing.
- Investing in modern surveillance technologies, such as drones and remote camera traps, to monitor remote regions.
- Implementing stronger legal penalties for violations of conservation laws.
Sustainable tourism
Tourism is a major economic driver in Belize, contributing nearly 40% of GDP in some years. However, unregulated tourism development poses risks to fragile marine and forest ecosystems. Conservationists advocate for a sustainable tourism model that prioritizes low-impact travel while generating revenue for national park maintenance.
Proposed measures include:
- Eco-friendly infrastructure in protected areas to reduce environmental footprints.
- Stronger conservation fee models, ensuring tourism revenue directly funds park management and restoration efforts.
- Community-led ecotourism initiatives, giving local residents an economic stake in conservation efforts.
According to the Belize Audubon Society, community-driven conservation efforts, such as co-managed reserves, have already proved successful in Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Half Moon Caye National Monument. Expanding these models across Belize’s protected areas could enhance both conservation and local economic benefits.
Indigenous and local community involvement
Belize’s Indigenous Maya and Garifuna communities have long been stewards of natural landscapes, yet experts say their role in national park governance remains limited. The 2024 protected areas draft acknowledges Indigenous rights, but conservationists stress that stronger co-management agreements are needed to ensure local communities:
- Benefit from sustainable land use and ecotourism revenues.
- Are included in decision-making processes for protected area policies.
- Receive training and resources to engage in conservation careers.
A report by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge in reforestation and marine protection, suggesting Belize could integrate these traditional methods into its national park strategy.
Climate resilience and rewilding
As climate change accelerates, conservationists are calling for stronger rewilding and climate adaptation efforts to protect Belize’s landscapes. Rising sea levels and coral bleaching already threaten mangrove forests and the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Environmental managers recommend:
- Mangrove restoration projects to protect coastal areas from storm surges and erosion.
- Marine protections and fishing restrictions to safeguard coral reefs and fisheries.
- Rewilding initiatives to restore degraded forests and increase carbon sequestration.
A 2023 study from the University of Florida found that reforestation efforts in the Maya Mountains could significantly enhance carbon storage and biodiversity recovery over the next two decades.
The future of conservation
For Belize’s national parks to remain viable, sustainable financing models are critical. Conservation experts suggest public-private partnerships, carbon markets, and conservation bonds as potential funding mechanisms.
In some areas, third-party NGOs and conservation groups already manage large protected zones, helping to offset the strain on government resources. Expanding this model could strengthen park infrastructure, research initiatives and enforcement capabilities.
Belize has made significant progress in protecting its natural heritage, yet growing environmental and economic pressures demand stronger, long-term conservation strategies. The National Protected Areas System draft lays the groundwork, but additional policy measures, sustainable funding and community-driven governance will be necessary to secure its forests, wildlife and marine ecosystems for future generations.
As conservation groups and government agencies debate the next steps, Belize has a unique opportunity to set a global standard for protected area management. The question now is whether policymakers will take decisive action before irreversible damage occurs.
Chadwick Hagan is an investor, philanthropist, author and filmmaker. He chairs HFF Nature, has been a supporter of rewilding and environmental policy worldwide, and produced the documentary series Unknown Belize.
Banner image: Sunset over Belize. Image courtesy of Chadwick Hagan.
Related audio from Mongabay’s podcast: A discussion of a new framework for considering the needs of the “more-than-human world” when designing human-made systems, listen here:
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Citations:
Young, C. A. (2008). Belize’s Ecosystems: Threats and challenges to conservation in Belize. Tropical Conservation Science, 1(1), 18–33. doi:10.1177/194008290800100102
Chow, J. T. (2019). Tourism in Belize: Ensuring sustained growth. IMF Working Papers, 2019(267). doi:10.5089/9781513521268.001.A001