An avid conservationist, nationally recognized for his work with manatees and establishing the Swallow Caye Manatee Reserve, Lionel "Chocolate" Heredia's passion is one that just won't quit as he continues protecting the environment in our Belize Community.

    Born on the tiny island of San Pedro, Chocolate grew up enjoying his life by the Caribbean Sea. His nickname was earned when he displayed his negotiation skills by trading his mother’s sweet bread, which he was assigned to sell, with chocolate candies. Although Chocolate did not receive a formal education, his adventures and life experiences have earned him whatever he’s missed during school lectures. From a young age, he has loved nature and the environment; this love spurred his first actions as a conservationist. His first “save the environment” actions were when he kept a vigilant eye over the turtle hatchlings, keeping predatory birds away by hurling small coconuts at them.

    As a teenager, Chocolate began his career in commercial fisheries. This direct interaction with the sea fostered respect for this environment. These years were the most formative in his development as a local environmental enthusiast, as he came to the realization of how deeply his livelihood was entwined with the continued health of the sea.

    Chocolate took to boating early, becoming a fisherman by his 18th birthday. Struggling to make a living, he moved to Belize City, called then the old British Honduras (Belize gained independence in 1981), he tried his hand at numerous jobs in and around dusty Belize City, but it wasn’t until the mid-1960s that career inspiration struck.

    Chocolate was asked to ferry an American out to the warm waters off-shore to take a look at the herd of Antillean manatees - lovably large, stodgy sea mammals related to the dugong, that were often wishfully mistaken for mermaids by ancient sailors. An idea bubbled to the surface and Chocolate’s new career change was just a tour boat away.

    Since setting up business in 1968, Chocolate has been plying the waters on regular trips to see the manatees. These strange, lumbering creatures have become his passion as well as a source of income and Chocolate has become the country’s most vocal advocate for increased funding and patrols to protect the manatee’s habitat and food supply.

    Trading the bustling city life, Chocolate moved to Caye Caulker. There he kept offering his tours and also transported people to and from the island and the city. This gave way to the formation of the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association. In 1982 he opened his gift shop, offering knick knacks to visitors of the island and seeing the need for accommodations, Chocolate went on to open a guest house in 1992.

    Chocolate has immersed himself into various conservation efforts, which range from attempting to stop hunters from shooting egrets at Bird Caye to trying to convince his fellow tour operators to shut off their motors at various manatee sites. The efforts of this remarkable man have not gone unnoticed as Mr. James A. Waight himself appointed Chocolate, Honorary Warden at Bird Caye, Northern Lagoon.

    Chocolate has worked extensively to protect the manatees and his natural habitat. His fight received much praise and recognition when Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary was signed into legislation on Wednesday, July 10th, 2002. The Swallow Caye Sanctuary lobbying efforts began in 1998 and with tears in his eyes, Chocolate accepted his personal copy of the statutory instrument at a special ceremony.

    On February 16th, 2003, Chocolate was once again honored when he received The James Waight Conservation Award. This award has evolved to become the most prestigious Belizean award for conservation and it certainly was a testimony to the greatness of this man whose entire life has been dedicated to the service of his country and his people. “Mr. Heredia exemplifies what it means to be a conservationist. He has proven that it is not formal education that makes you an effective conservationist, but one’s love for his environment and his dedication to its protection,” commented Valdemar Andrade, Executive Director, during the official ceremonies.

    The Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Minister of Tourism and the Belize Tourism Board was handed to Chocolate on December 5th, 2003. He was described as a man who has displayed much resilience and determination in executing many initiatives that have positively impacted our tourism industry. Chocolate’s signature hospitality has made many tourists return to Belize, just for a chance to interact with him and hear his stories. Chocolate, “rightfully deserved this award for being a humble and passionate man, and is a true stalwart of the tourism industry.”

    Founding member of the Caye Caulker Branch of the Belize Tourism Industry Association and of the Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association, as well as founding member and past president of the National Association of Specialist and Interpretive Guides, Chocolate also founded Friends of Swallow Caye. This organization won the “Community Based Organization of the Year” for 2006-2007.

    During his free time, Chocolate enjoys spending time with his wife, Annie in the quiet village of Caye Caulker which he calls home. He loves sharing his stories and disseminating his knowledge of Belize’s environment with all. A proud father of Sandra, Cynthia, Leila, Deborah, Maria Lus and Noah, Chocolate is a “legend” on Caye Caulker. An avid conservationist, nationally recognized for his work with manatees and establishing the Swallow Caye Manatee Reserve, Lionel “Chocolate” Heredia’s passion is one that just won’t quit as he continues protecting the environment in “Our Belize Community.”