Socially Responsible Travel

Nearly half of the land area in Belize is protected as nature reserves, national parks, forest reserves, marine reserves or sanctuaries. UNESCO’s declaration of seven World Heritage Sites within the borders of Belize affirms the importance of our natural heritage, not only to Belize but to the world. Every year over one million visitors are drawn to Belize as an eco-tourist destination and we have a delicate balance to maintain between conservation and tourism. Many organizations are diligently working on grass-roots conservation efforts and improving the social responsibility of tourism businesses while giving you, the visitor, the best possible experience. However, we still need your help.

Socially Responsible Travel is a partnership between you and the efforts being made in our country. Your effort, no matter how small, combined with the efforts of other travelers and locals can collectively make a big difference. Thank you in advance for your efforts in conserving and preserving our natural heritage for future generations of Belizean and travelers.

Here are practical things you can do to make a difference.

Hotels

• All hotels participating on the Toucan Trail sign a pledge of Good Business Practice.
  
  
• Reuse your bath towels and have sheets changed only every other day to save thousands of gallons of water.
  
  
• Reduce electricity rates for hotels by turning off lights, fans and air conditioners when not in the room.
  
  
• Affirm hotel managers and owners when you see efforts in conservation being made.
  
  

Packing

• Travel simply and lightly.
  
  
• Buy biodegradable soaps and natural shampoos.
  
  
• Remove items from plastic packages before you arrive. Belize has few landfills and most garbage is burned or buried or ends up being used by someone else.
  
  
• Bring a refillable water bottle. Ask to have your bottle refilled or find a store that offers refills to cut down on the plastic waste.
  
  
• Bring a Tupperware container for take out meals and leftovers to reduce the use of Styrofoam boxes.
  
  
• Bring rechargeable batteries instead of using disposable ones.

**Belize does not have a recycling program and so please “pack out” any used batteries and recyclable plastics so they can be recycled at home.

Food & Meals

• Support local farmers by purchasing fruits and vegetables that are grown locally.
  
  
• Buy food and goods that are produced locally or regionally.
  
  
• Do not eat wild game meat unless the restaurant is licensed to serve it.
  
  
• Share meals. Portions in Belize are often large and can feed two people.
  
  
• Always ask for sodas in glass bottles instead of plastic. Encourage restaurants to offer an alternative to plastic by only purchasing drinks in glass bottles.

Transportation

• Use public transportation when possible and hike, rent a bike or walk when you can. You will go at a slower pace but enjoy more of the local culture along the way.

Encourage Conservation Efforts

• Ask local environmental organizations for recommendations on conservation-minded tour guides.
  
  
• Do not buy products made from endangered species. For black coral, ask to see the person’s permit to sell it.
  
  
• Keep authentic Maya artifacts (pottery shards, beads, etc.) in Belize. It is against the law to take them out of the country.
  
  
• Visit our protected areas which help to provide local jobs and on-going management of the parks.

Be an Informed & Thoughtful Traveler

• Read about Belize before you arrive so that you can engage in dialogue about the country when you are here.
  
  
• Listen to local people and ask questions to learn different perspectives (instead of knowing all of the answers).
  
  
• Experience daily life here by slowing down your pace and soaking in your surroundings.
  
  
• Be sensitive and respect individuals by asking permission to take photographs.
  
  
• Reflect on your experience daily by keeping a journal of thoughts, questions, interactions and experiences.
  
  
• Share something from home-bring a few postcards or pictures of your family to share with new friends.
  Consider packing a few small gifts representing your home community to show your appreciation to people.
  
  
• Follow through on your promises to write or send pictures to people. Once you return home, send a simple postcard thanking people for helping you.
  
  
• Follow the Toucan Trail which seeks to promote socially-responsible, environmentally-sound, sustainable tourism in order to benefit local communities and the visitors who go there.