Today, we congratulate the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) for successfully completing its pilot project “Developing the Next Generation of Marine Conservationists” across eight communities in southern Stann Creek (Independence, Red Bank, San Juan, George Town, Maya Mopan, Santa Cruz, Seine Bight, and Placencia).
Supported by BZ$80,029 from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future, this project aimed to inspire students, empower tour guides, and strengthen community stewardship through awareness, skills, and pride in protecting Belize’s marine environment.
Key achievements:
- A full marine conservation educational package/curriculum was created for Standard 5.
- 341 students received classroom instruction.
- 391 students participated in field trips to offshore cayes and protected areas.
- 18 trainers (16 teachers, 2 guides) were trained so the lessons can continue locally.
- Two tailored training packages were developed for inland and marine tour guides; participating guides showed a 20% increase in knowledge after training.
- In partnership with the Placencia Tour Guide Association and local schools, this initiative is empowering young Belizeans and tourism professionals to become champions for ocean conservation and sustainable tourism.
If you’d like to learn how this curriculum can be adapted in other communities or schools, send us a message. Let’s help more young people connect to our ocean.
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