The 4 ARRRRR s. Presented by Phil Hahn

Transcription

1 The 4 ARRRRR s B E L I Z E Presented by Phil Hahn

2 The 4R s of Belize Rivers Reefs Ruins Rainforests

3 The 4R s of Belize RIVERS Rare flora and fauna live in healthy populations within the abundant riverine and riparian forests of Belize. REEFS Belize s Barrier Reef, which is the largest in the Western World, was declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site in RUINS In Belize, great cities of the Maya are still being unearthed for the first time. RAINFORESTS Belize s low population density and extensive protected areas have resulted in some of the most intact ecotourism attractions in the Caribbean.

4 Residents of Belize An entire country that feels like a small town. v English Speaking v Population 330, ,000 v Multi-ethnic groups from all walks of life: Maya, Mestizo, European, Creole, Mennonite, Canadian, American

5 written about Belize If the world had any ends Bri2sh Honduras (Belize) would certainly be one of them. It is on the way to nowhere from nowhere, it is largely uninhabited and has no strategic value. Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World (1932) easily reached from the United States by frequent air service Peaceful and non- meddlesome, blissfully unimportant, Belize rarely merits alen2on in any foreign newspaper. Open Road Travel Guides, 2005

6 Recreation in Belize Walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding in forests, villages and the Maya Mountains. Swimming, snorkeling, diving and boa2ng along the reef, rivers, bays and lagoons. Exploring Maya ruins and caves on foot, in a canoe or floa2ng on an inner tube. Bird watching and photography in a variety of environments. Various learning and teaching opportuni2es involving: archaeology, languages, medicinal plants, orchids, protected species, marine life and rainforest preserva2on.

7 Rainfall in Belize v Sub- tropical v Summer highs rarely above 95 degrees v Winter lows rarely below 60 degrees v Median temperature being degrees Annual rainfall ranges from 60 in the north to 180 in the south. Season extends from May through September with a dry period in August.

8 The Regions of Belize v Northern Belize v The Cayes v Western Belize v Southern Belize Mostly Rural v Six Districts v Two Cities: Belize City & Belmopan v 32 people per square mile v Mostly small villages and rural life within a natural environment

9 Regions - Northern Corozal, Orange Walk and Belize v Proximity to Chetumal, Mexico (capital city of 350,000 people). v The Bay of Chetumal is protected and tranquil. v Pleasant subtropical climate with the lowest annual rainfall in the country.

10 Regions The Cayes San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) & The Cayes v Attracts both visitors and prospective expats. v Busy resort island atmosphere with the majority of the country s tourism. v Provides excellent water sport opportunities diving, boating & fishing.

11 Regions Western Cayo and the Maya Mountain Region v Largest district with the fastest growing town (San Ignacio) in Belize v Diverse terrain, rolling hills and sweeping farmland devoted to citrus orchards and cattle farming. v Lush river valleys and majestic mountain ridges covered in sub-tropical rainforest.

12 Regions Southern Stann Creek and Toledo v Placencia, a popular resort area with the best natural beaches in Belize. v Lush mountain rainforests and vast citrus orchards. v Has easy access to nearby cayes with excellent fishing, diving and boating.

13 Remembering History v Battle of St. George s Caye, September 10, 1798 v British logging outpost v Self government in 1950 v Agriculture becomes leading industry as Mennonites arrive in 1958 v Capital moved to Belmopan in 1970 v Independence on September 21, 1981 v Eco-tourism currently becoming the top industry

14 The 4R s of Belize Rivers Reefs Ruins Rainforests

15 The Rivers of Belize 35 major and minor river catchments v North: Rio Hondo, and New River v Central: Belize River (Macal & Mopan), Sibun River, and Manatee v Southeastern: Mullins River, Sittee River, Stann Creek, and Monkey River v Southern: Moho River and Sarstoon River

16 The Reefs of Belize Largest Coral Reef in the West v 190 miles long v 450 cayes v 3 atolls v 370 square miles v 7 marine reserves

17 The Ruins of Belize Mayan Archaeology v Over 600 sites identified v Largest concentration in the Maya World v Flourished from 300BC to 900AD v Significant Mayan Underworld discoveries v Population estimates as high as 1 million

18 The Rainforests of Belize Mother Nature s Best Kept Secret v 1.5 million acres of continuous tropical rainforest v Largest protected tropical rainforest ecosystem in Central America v 500 species of birds v 180 species of reptiles and amphibians v 700 species of butterflies v World s greatest ratio of landmass dedicated to nature reserves, parks and preserves

19 The 4R s of Belize Rivers Reefs Ruins Rainforests

20 The 5 th R of Belize

21 B E L I Z E I T Presented by Phil Hahn