The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and the Placencia Tourist Guides Association (PTGA) recently completed marine conservation training for tour guides south of Stann Creek. The training, part of BTIA’s pilot project, Developing the Next Generation of Marine Conservationists, was co-funded by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future.
The two-day training consisted of workshops aimed at improving understanding and attitudes towards marine conservation. Guides who participated in the training were also provided with information to help them improve their tour packages, as well as best practices for interacting with the marine ecosystem.
First day marine conservation training
The first day of training, held on December 11, 2024, was for 14 marine-focused tour guides. Local historian and veteran tour guide/dive master Carlton Young gave a presentation on marine biodiversity. He particularly focused on fish breeding and feeding. It details Placencia’s ecological and archaeological history and development within the town.
Second day marine conservation training
The second day of training on December 12, 2024 targeted 13 land-based tour guides. The presentation was given by Christian Bech, a veteran birdwatcher and tour guide, and Mariko Wallen, a coral expert and experienced tour guide. Bech covered marine biodiversity, with a particular focus on seabirds, turtles, and rays. Wallen highlighted the impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems, emphasizing the connectivity between land and ocean.
Both workshops also shared information about Blue Bond and Blue Economy and building skills to conduct research online. Godwill Torres, tour guide training consultant, was the facilitator for the module.
About the BTIA Marine Conservation Project
that BTIA’s project We are training the next generation of ocean conservationists. We aim to implement a comprehensive package of classroom training and on-site visits for over 400 senior students. We will also provide training workshops for tour guides in eight communities in southern Belize.
source: BTIA holds marine conservation training for Placencia tour guides (Belize Tourism Industry Association)
video: Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA)
