For at least three decades he has been a familiar face on the waters off Belize City, Caye Caulker and all points in between. On Sunday the Belize Audubon Society finally took the opportunity to honour Lionel "Chocolate" Heredia for his life long dedication to Belize's environment. Heredia received the society's James A. Waight Conservation Award, specifically for his educational activities and advocacy for the official protection of Swallow Caye and its numerous manatees. That area was put under government protection in 2002. The James A. Waight award, named after Audubon's first president, was first presented in 1987 and since that time has been given annually.

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WAY 2 GO CHOCOLATE! Congratulations!

Cool Guy, Well Deserved !

Chocolate is great a guy, and has opened up many eyes and minds of thousands of tourists. I met him many years ago, he was very impressive. If I remember he was born in Southern Mexico, and was brought to Belize as a young man. He problably never had the money nor the opputunities to get in a university, but his enviornment is greatest class. He is very intelligent, and very impassioned about the Sea. One thing about him, I have seen him with the most beautiful girls in my life ! Best-wishes, mel s.....fish on dudes !

Congrats Chocolate, thank you for your passion and hard work!

awesome ! Nice going Audubon, ya picked a winner!

Now, how do I get MY eyebrows to look like that? If I could, then the mustache mught come back too

That's great! Congrats to you who deserve! Bout time too!
Sincerely,
Hope