A year ago, The Belize Collection embarked on a remarkable storytelling journey. Coffee with Conservationists is a series that focuses on the people and organizations that have undertaken heroic work to protect and preserve the environment throughout Belize. An often-thankless job, these conversationists head groups of people, including volunteers, to bring forth positive changes across the country. If you have ever wondered how reserves work, and stay pristine, or how organizations operate and how you could help, The Belize Collection gathered some of the foremost conservationists to discuss their relevant organization, answering questions and detailing their work.
Each episode explores a unique entity, and the detailed questions and answers provide amazing responses. The last thing I would like to do is give you all the spoilers, but episode 4 details an incredible account of Ben the Jaguar. In this episode, we learn how much humans affect our incredible wildlife, with the example of a long-studied jaguar within the Cockscomb Basin. Grab your coffee, iced or hot, and sit down to tune into some of the most incredible conversations with amazing Belizeans doing phenomenal work. Inspired by Earth Day, this series evolved to show that while there is a date celebrated globally, the best way to honour our Earth is to do the work, every day.
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center (Eps 1 & 4)
Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, Conservation Program Manager
Known as the best little zoo in the world, The Belize Zoo truly lives up to its moniker. Forty years ago, TBZTEC was set up to protect native wildlife, and it has not strayed from this goal. Did you know that every single animal at the zoo is either a rescue, confiscated from wildlife trade, arrived injured or was abandoned? Many are non-releasable, but those that can be, are. Every time you meander down the pathways and meet the creatures throughout the zoo, you’ll realize how much effort has gone to saving them.
Known as the best little zoo in the world, The Belize Zoo truly lives up to its moniker. Forty years ago, TBZTEC was set up to protect native wildlife, and it has not strayed from this goal. Did you know that every single animal at the zoo is either a rescue, confiscated from wildlife trade, arrived injured or was abandoned? Many are non-releasable, but those that can be, are. Every time you meander down the pathways and meet the creatures throughout the zoo, you’ll realize how much effort has gone to saving them.
As a bonus, Jamal details ways you can volunteer and intern at this amazing space. Imagine staying at the zoo (noooo – not cuddling a monkey or two). You can make a difference by volunteering your time and efforts!
Oceana (Eps 2) - Janelle Chanona, Vice President of Oceana in Belize
A science- and legal-based entity, Oceana has focused on involving people at every turn. How do we make sure we get people to care about things they don’t know about yet? By coming together and sharing experiences, the love for more than self, expands. So many children grow up not having set foot on the beach, and so getting them to care about the health of the ocean can be seen as a challenge, but as Oceana continues to advocate and educate, the love for all things Belize knows no limits.
A science- and legal-based entity, Oceana has focused on involving people at every turn. How do we make sure we get people to care about things they don’t know about yet? By coming together and sharing experiences, the love for more than self, expands. So many children grow up not having set foot on the beach, and so getting them to care about the health of the ocean can be seen as a challenge, but as Oceana continues to advocate and educate, the love for all things Belize knows no limits.
Belize Bird Rescue (Eps 3) - Nikki Buxton, Executive Director and Rehab Manager
Did you know that the Yellow-headed parrot is endemic to Belize? Thirty years ago, their numbers ranged around the 70,000-90,000 mark. Now there are only 1200 in the wild. These birds are highly sought after in the pet trade due to their ability to ‘talk’ or mimic human language. However, as Nikki details, it’s captivity that leads these poor creatures to speak.
During rehabilitation, it is very important to not associate humans as friends or a source of food. After all, these birds need to be re-integrated to the wild, and when released, they can easily seek out their kind and survive the wild if they are not attached to humans during treatment.
Did you know that the Yellow-headed parrot is endemic to Belize? Thirty years ago, their numbers ranged around the 70,000-90,000 mark. Now there are only 1200 in the wild. These birds are highly sought after in the pet trade due to their ability to ‘talk’ or mimic human language. However, as Nikki details, it’s captivity that leads these poor creatures to speak.
During rehabilitation, it is very important to not associate humans as friends or a source of food. After all, these birds need to be re-integrated to the wild, and when released, they can easily seek out their kind and survive the wild if they are not attached to humans during treatment.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (Eps 5) - Jamal Galves, The Manatee Man
Jamal is the face and representative every Belizean thinks of when they think of those gentle creatures known as Antillean Manatees. Belize has the last stronghold on the population, and thus, their protection is not just for the country, but global. When faced with such a daunting task, most would buckle. Yet Jamal continues to advocate and fight for their survival, via education and inspiration. The ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of conservationists for more people to enjoy the coastal communities and waterways for years to come.
Jamal is the face and representative every Belizean thinks of when they think of those gentle creatures known as Antillean Manatees. Belize has the last stronghold on the population, and thus, their protection is not just for the country, but global. When faced with such a daunting task, most would buckle. Yet Jamal continues to advocate and fight for their survival, via education and inspiration. The ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of conservationists for more people to enjoy the coastal communities and waterways for years to come.
Blue Ventures (Eps 6) - Sharon Young, Country Director
A global organization, Blue Ventures supports marine conservation around the world. In Belize, their work is focused on supporting fishing communities and their associations to advocate for their own rights. Empowerment is key, and Blue Ventures focuses on equipping communities with tools to find solutions to the issues they face.
A global organization, Blue Ventures supports marine conservation around the world. In Belize, their work is focused on supporting fishing communities and their associations to advocate for their own rights. Empowerment is key, and Blue Ventures focuses on equipping communities with tools to find solutions to the issues they face.
Panthera (Eps 7) – Emma Sanchez, Country Coordinator
Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar preserve. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in the Stann Creek district of Belize which was established by the Panthera conservation group. This episode shared some incredible facts on the jaguar.
Did you know that the big kitties have unique coat markings – similar to human fingerprints. No print is the same. Panthera uses camera traps to gather data without disturbing the wildlife. Those camera traps are placed strategically, two across from each other to ensure that both sides of the jaguar are captured on film. This ensures that the same cat isn’t counted twice. It is extremely important to ensure that the data is accurate, as the organization uses it for population estimation and even allows them to establish protected areas for the animals.
Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar preserve. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in the Stann Creek district of Belize which was established by the Panthera conservation group. This episode shared some incredible facts on the jaguar.
Did you know that the big kitties have unique coat markings – similar to human fingerprints. No print is the same. Panthera uses camera traps to gather data without disturbing the wildlife. Those camera traps are placed strategically, two across from each other to ensure that both sides of the jaguar are captured on film. This ensures that the same cat isn’t counted twice. It is extremely important to ensure that the data is accurate, as the organization uses it for population estimation and even allows them to establish protected areas for the animals.
Crocodile Research Coalition (Eps 8) – Dr. Marisa Tellez, Founder
From crocodile conservation to data analysis and habitat studies, the CRC is heavily scientific in its approach to conservation of the crocodiles in the country. Did you know there’s crocodiles along the coast and deep inland?! Yes, they are the American and Morelet crocodiles. And did you know that they’re co-mingling…and…no, I won’t spoil anymore. Tune in to Episode 8 with Dr. Marisa and find out more of their incredible discoveries through scientific research of these modern-day dinosaurs.
From crocodile conservation to data analysis and habitat studies, the CRC is heavily scientific in its approach to conservation of the crocodiles in the country. Did you know there’s crocodiles along the coast and deep inland?! Yes, they are the American and Morelet crocodiles. And did you know that they’re co-mingling…and…no, I won’t spoil anymore. Tune in to Episode 8 with Dr. Marisa and find out more of their incredible discoveries through scientific research of these modern-day dinosaurs.
Final Episode Coming Soon…
The Belize Collection will finalize this incredible series with one final episode, featuring Kirah Forman-Castillo of MarAlliance Belize.
If you don’t find yourself inspired to get off your chair instantly and head out to save the manatees, a jaguar or two, feed some yellow-headed parrots or join Marisa on a crocodile retrieval mission, maybe have another pot of coffee and get going! Alternately, please check all the websites and contact information provided to find a way you can make an impact. As Jamal Galves said, “You would be surprised how much difference an hour of your time could make.” Oceana’s Janelle Chanona joins the chorus in encouraging volunteerism, by looking around at what is happening in your neighbourhood or getting in touch with people who have shown initiative. If you don’t find something, maybe this is your opportunity to encourage others to join you in the efforts to save your slice of Belize. We hope that this Earth Day, our efforts to shine the spotlight on these entities provide you with inspiration. Happy Earth Day 2024.
