In 2008 I visited Belize and was deeply moved by the people I talked to and the amount of diversity in the plant, sea, and animal life I encountered.
I also saw and heard from the people I met what effects the tourism industry was imposing on the ecosystems-such as mangrove clearing for resorts, golf courses, and casinos, killing of manatees by boat propellers, and pollution caused by cruiseships.
HeartBelize is a project I am starting as a way to promote sustainable tourism and development through stories told by those who share a common interest in preserving biodiversity in Belize. The simple assignments below are meant to evoke your own personal stories and experiences which made Belize a special place to you. They may be submitted in the form of a photo, story, recipe, illustration, etc.
I will be compiling the entries into a visual compilation that I hope will start a conversation about protecting Belize for future generations. There will be a map component, so for each submission, please identify the rough location it took place. (San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, etc.) I'm hoping to gather some entries for a draft I'm putting together this weekend, so if you were able to get something to me I would be greatly appriciative. Submissions will be accepted through email at:
[email protected]you can also check out the
HeartBelize facebook page where I will be posting entries.
Assignments:
1. Send a photograph of a place you stayed that you would consider 'eco-friendly'.
2. Draw something unique to Belize you saw everyday.
3. Create a diagram that teaches something you learned how to do while in Belize.
4. Write down a paragraph from a book you were reading while in Belize.Include a photo or draw a picture of a place you read during your stay.
5. Draw a map of an adventure you took in Belize.
6. Draw a picture of an animal you saw.
7. Describe your favorite Belizian meal.
8. Write a recipe for a cocktail that reminds you of Belize. Be sure to name it.
9. Re-tell a story you heard from a local Belizean.
10. Take a picture of an outfit you wore during one of your most memorable experiences in Belize. Describe the experience.
11. Draw a picture of a local person you met in Belize.
12. Draw a picture of a Belizean insect you encountered.
13. Send a photo you took of the sea.
14. Draw or send a photo of something you bought from a person native to Belize.
15. Draw or paint a colored picture of a coral reef you snorkeled or dived at.
16. Copy and paste the lyrics of a song you heard in Belize.