“Deterioration or disappearance of any item of the cultural or natural heritage constitutes a harmful impoverishment of the heritage of all the nations of the world. It is incumbent on the international community as a whole to participate in the protection of the cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal”. – quoted from UNESCO’S World Heritage Convention.
In keeping with the above words, the Belize Barrier-Reef Reserve System was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1966. It was thus accorded the same status as Machu Picchu in Peru, the Grand Canyon in the United States and other such wonders around the world. So what makes this site of “Universal Value”?
******************************* A Heritage Worth Preserving *******************************
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest mass of living
coral in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and it is the longest in the Western Hemisphere. It extends for 300 kilometres along the Yucat`an Peninsula, including most of the coast of the Central American country of Belize. In addition to the reef itself –actually a series of reefs – the reserve includes some 450 cays or islets and three coral atolls, ring shaped reefs enclosing picturesque lagoons. Seven aquatic areas in this reserve, totalling 960 square kilometres are specifically protected under the World Heritage Convention. The importance of preserving coral reefs is evident in that they are home to one quarter of the earths marine plants and animals. Indeed, coral reef ecosystems are second only to tropical rain forests in biodiversity. Yet, scientists warn that 70 percent of all corals on the planet will be destroyed within the next 20 to 40 years unless humans stop the many forms of pollution of the seas, uncontrolled tourism, and destructive practices, such as cyanide fishing.
Seventy species of hard corals, 36 species of soft corals and 500 species of fish have been indentified in the Belize Barrier-Reef Reserve System. It is a habitant for endangered or threatened marine animals, such as loggerhead, the green and the hawksbill sea turtles, as well as the manatee and the American crocodile. Commenting on the amazing diversity of marine life at this site, coral reef researcher says: “The Belize Reef System offers many unique opportunities for researchers and visitors alike. It is one of the few places left where you can observe nature at the best, but it is nonetheless under threat”. Perhaps the biggest threat to the Belize reef system is coral bleaching, in which the multicoloured corals turn a translucent white.
**************************** An Underwater Paradise ****************************
The pristine waters of the Belize reef system, averaging 26 degrees Celsius are a delight to divers and snorkelers. Ninety percent of the reef has yet to be explored. It lies just a few hundred meters fro San Pedro on Ambergris Cay and is easily accessible there. Six kilometres southeast of San Pedro is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, eight square kilometres of shallow underwater park feature a cut, or channel through the reef.
One of the most astounding places on earth for diving is the Blue Hole, a protected World Heritage area in the reserve system, located some 100 kilometres from mainland Belize on Lighthouse Reef. It was made famous by French oceanographer Jacques. Yves Cousteau during his 1970 expedition on the research ship Calypso. Set in a turquoise sea, the Blue Hole is an indigo-blue limestone cenote or sinkhole, rimmed by living coral. It measures some 300 meters in diameter and plunges to a depth of over 120 meters. Before the sea level rose, this geologic phenomenon was a dry subterranean cavern, the roof of which later collapsed. The walls are sheer to a depth of about 35 meters, at which point mammoth stalactite formations begin to project downward from ledges. The underwater panorama is awe-inspiring, with visibility up to 60 meters. Little marine life is found in the hole other than sharks. Scuba divers should take note that this decompression dive not to be attempted by the inexperienced. However, there is excellent snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the coral perimeter.
Nearby is another of the seven World Heritage areas, the Half Moon Cay, an idyllic island sanctuary for the rare red-footed booby. Some 98 other species of birds have been recorded here as well. The dive off the Half Moon Cay Wall, which is covered with beautiful soft corals and drops to 1000, meters, is spectacular.
As seen from this brief visit to the Belize Barriers Reef, there is good reason to preserve this treasure for the wonderment of future generations. Its loss would truly constitute a harmful impoverishment of the heritage of all nations.
I had the pleasure of diving the great blue hole and surrounding dive sites whilst on my honeymoon to Belize in 2006. The sea life really was incredible. The sharks in the blue hole were really beautiful to watch. I agree with its award of WHS. Belize is a fantastic country.
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