BETA, The Belize Eco-tourism Association, was created on Earth Day in 1993. A small group of Belize's citizens that were involved in the Belize Tourism Industry Association was concerned that there needed to be more voices regarding conservation issues on the Associations National Board.

The vision of these citizens, soon to be the vision of BETA itself, was to have an organization in which anyone concerned about protecting Belize from the dangers on un-harnessed development could join together to combat this issue. BETA would like to see itself work with the government of Belize to ensure that the country is and will continue to be an ecotourism destination, as well as an example to the world on how to protect, conserve, and sustainably use the natural environment.

BETA's purpose is to promote environmentally responsible tourism, to be sensitive to the impact of tourism, to promote pollution prevention and environmental concerns, to continually observe the effects of the above, and educate the villages and peoples of Belize. BETA realizes that the people are the most important resource to use in this quest. Many cultures are represented in Belize, and the small villages can learn and benefit from tourism without affecting their lifestyle.

BETA focuses on various problems in Belize. The first problem in that the government of Belize has an obligation to maximize economic activity in the country, which a huge portion comes from non-ecotourism activities. This includes things such as resorts, tours, and even increased transportation, such as tour buses, flights, and cruise ships. Another problem occurs when foreign investors introduce non-indigenous species for commercial and farming exports. A third problem deals with housing developments springing up that are not suitable for the future, and the materials being used in these developments are being logged from the rainforests.

As a non-profit, non-governmental organization, BETA devotes its energies and assistance to research and documentation of the possible hazards, which these developments have on the environment. The organization also seeks to work with the government to create a sound development policy and land management plan. Finally, BETA keeps the government aware when it is favoring higher foreign exchange potential over ecotourism.
Goals and objectives for BETA are as follows:

• To implement and maintain an anti-litter campaign through the "Adopt a Roadway" project
• To introduce a "green listing" recognized by the Worldwide Ecotourism community for its members and potential new members
• To educate the Belizean public, and tourists on the hazards of improper waste disposal and its containment's
• To introduce to Belize alternative biodegradable and recyclable products friendly to the environment
• To assist the Government of Belize in developing a policy regarding a visitor management programme for our rainforest, archaeological and marine destinations
• To research and initiate a recycling programme in Belize
• To provide technical advice in development of eco-type lodges

BETA has implemented a Code of Ethics for members to follow:

• To support economic and social sustainability by encouraging small scale tourist developments, providing employment of local people, purchasing products made locally from sustainable resources and providing guidance to all guests to be environmentally and culturally responsible;
• To provide education in Belizean geography, customs and culture, creating opportunities for cultural, historical, environmental, and archaeological learning for visitors to Belize;
• To maintain and conserve the flora and fauna habits in Belize by providing appropriate information to visitors, teaching them to avoid disturbing wildlife and flora, discouraging the sale of products or species on the endangered species list, helping to implement carrying capacities, and preventing the introduction of non-indigenous species;
• To promote the sustainability of all resources, both renewable and nonrenewable; conserving water and energy, and increasing awareness of the need for energy and water conservation;
• To reduce the amount of solid waste and climatic containments which pose a threat to the ecosystem; using durable biodegradable, and renewable products instead of aluminum and Styrofoam; disposing of all waste in a manner that is environmentally and aesthetically acceptable; and maintaining vehicles for maximum efficiency to decrease emissions and reduce fuel consumption.

Accomplishments by BETA so far include the 1995 Adopt a Roadway project, "Beta no Litta." This project, which was understaffed and under-funded has been highly successful in increasing the awareness of litter and garbage disposal, and has sparked several other anti-litter campaigns throughout Belize. Another accomplishment is that BETA now receives nationwide coverage through radio talk shows and television public service announcements. A third accomplishment is the community outreach program promoting a 'clean and green' Belize. This program held massive roadway and environmental cleanups.

Information provided in this section can be attributed to the following:
BETA Website

Marguerite Bevis, Mountain Equestrian Trails

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