At its latest meeting in Bahrain on June 26, 2018, The United Nations Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) formally declared that the Belize Barrier Reef has been removed from the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The reef was declared a World Heritage Site in Danger in 2009 due to decades of overfishing, pollution, and destructive practices by petroleum extraction companies.
The Belize Barrier Reef measures more than 200 miles long and is one of the top attractions for visitors interested in a Belize vacation. With more than 400 islands and a thriving marine environment, the reef is one of the most popular destinations on the planet for activities such as birdwatching, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
NGOs, in conjunction with the government, have worked for decades to improve and protect the condition of the reef. Strong Belize conservation moves such as the government's ban on both oil exploration and single-use plastic items are expected to further help protect the beauty and vitality of the reef.
"We warmly welcome the news that the Belize Barrier Reef is on the mend," said a spokesperson for Cahal Pech Village Resort. "The reef plays such an important role in the Belizean economy, and it's also one of the top attractions for visitors wanting to enjoy a Belize Barrier Reef vacation."
Cahal Pech is a Belize resort located just outside of San Ignacio Town in the Cayo District of western Belize and offers a combination of Belize vacation packages that include lodgings and tours to all of the top attractions on both the mainland and offshore reef.
