When it comes to some of Belize’s most marvelous attractions, many locals, despite calling Belize home, do not have the privilege of witnessing those attractions for themselves. This week, however, the Belize Tourism Board is making strides toward changing that—and in one of the most unique ways. The just-launched “No Barriers Reef” project aims to bring the Belize Barrier Reef to those unable to visit the natural wonder. Using cutting-edge virtual reality technology, the project will allow Belizeans a first-hand look at the marvels that lie just beneath the surface of their country’s waters.
The BTB Moves to Eliminate Barriers to Belize’s Most Beloved Destinations
Reef diving in Belize. Image via PADI
As far as accessible destinations in Belize go, the Belize Zoo is often regarded as one of the only wheelchair-friendly sites. For many Belizeans with disabilities, getting around can prove challenging. That is doubly true when it comes to exploring local attractions. And, that is exactly the case for Sharon Samuels, left wheelchair-bound with a C7 spinal cord injury after an accident. Samuels was one of the first to test out the BTB’s new virtual reality experience. In the launch video for the No Barriers Reef project, she and three others strap on their VR headsets and experience the Belize Barrier Reef through a 360-degree first-person point of view.
The project went live on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in honor of World Oceans Day. Through the headset, the four Belizeans were able to get up close and personal with marine life. That included nurse sharks swimming by, schools of fish, and plenty of vibrant corals.
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“As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef attracts millions of travelers from all over the world each year,” said the Board. “Knowing, though, that there are locals who have never had the chance to lay eyes on one of the world’s greatest wonders, despite it being in their own backyard, was something BTB felt needed to change.”
For one of the participants, the VR experience evoked memories of his days of underwater adventure.
“Once I see water, I see freedom,” he said. “I’m not confined to a wheelchair and I can feel free and I can just move around.”
Through the power of virtual reality, the BTB says it hopes to make Belize’s natural wonders accessible to all. No Barriers Reef is a collaborative initiative between the BTB, OCEANA, MARAlliance, the Belize Alliance for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA), and the National Council for Families and Children. The making of the 360-degree video itself took a team of experts from across the world. Watch the entire launch video below.
Featured Photo via the Belize Tourism Board
