Coastal and marine ecosystems provide vitally
important goods and services to countries in the
Caribbean. This study looks at only three out of
the many culturally and economically valuable services
provided by these ecosystems in Belize. Even within this
narrowed scope, this study finds that the country's coastal
resources are extremely valuable. Belize's coral reefs and
mangrove-lined coasts provide critical protection against
erosion and wave-induced damages from tropical storms;
they have supported artisanal fishing communities for
generations; and they stand at the center of vibrant tourism
industry, drawing snorkelers, divers and sport fishermen
from all over the world.
Despite their importance, these benefits are frequently
overlooked or underappreciated in coastal investment
and policy decisions. Unchecked coastal development,
overfishing, and pressures from tourism threaten the
country's reefs, with the additional threats of warming
seas, fiercer storms, and other climate-related changes
looming on the horizon. Fish populations, including
commercially valuable sport-fishing species and colorful
reef fish, will diminish if they lose the mangrove forests
they rely upon as critical nursery habitats. Coastal properties
will become increasingly vulnerable to storms and
erosion, and reef-related tourism will suffer as reefs and
mangroves decline.
Belize's government, NGOs, and private sector have
begun to recognize the importance of coastal ecosystems
to the economy. Nevertheless, the amount currently
invested in protecting Belize's coral reefs and mangroves
is very small when compared to the contribution of these
resources to the national economy. The World Resources
Institute (WRI), in collaboration with WWF Central
America, assessed the economic contribution of these services
at the national level and within individual Marine
Protected Areas in Belize.
CLICK HERE for more excellent information, a nice informative color PDF.