02 July 2009
Belize barrier reef in Danger
The reef was added as a world heritage site in 1996 as the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, with offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries.
The main problem with Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System concerns mangrove cutting and excessive development. The reef is also the country’s top tourist destination.
While requesting stricter control of development on the site, the World Heritage Committee also requested that the moratorium on mangrove cutting on the site which expired in 2008 be reinstated.
Further Reading:
List of World Heritage in Danger
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Labels: Belize, coral reef, SCUBA diving, SCUBA News, SCUBA Travel
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