The time has come once again to celebrate one of Belize’s greatest national treasures. Reef Week 2023 kicked off this weekend with a beach and river cleanup, the “run for the reef” marathon, and a Placencia plastic art competition. There are plenty of other activities set to take place in the days ahead including trivia contests, webinars, cleanups and more.
Celebrating the Belize Barrier Reef
Photo by Duarte Dellarole
For the twelfth year ever, local NGOs, tourism partners, businesses and the Belizean populace are observing Reef Week. Held this year under the theme “For health, wealth and pleasure, our reef is a treasure”, the event serves to celebrate the many ways in which the reef contributes to Belize and the Belizean identity.
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- Half Moon Caye and a glimpse of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Image by Belize Audubon Society
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- Reef diving in Belize. Image via PADI
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- Photo by Duarte Dellarole for Sunbreeze Hotel
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- Colorful coral gardens of Southern Belize’s barrier reef. Image by Bill Carmella while diving with Splash Dive Center.
This year’s series of events runs from March 4th to March 11th. On Sunday, the Run for the Reef marathon saw upwards of 80 participants run from Memorial Park to the Philip Goldson Highway and back (a total of 8 miles). Meanwhile, cyclists from all over the country rode from the capital city, Belmopan, to the coast in the return of “Ride to the Reef”.
Belize’s Barrier Reef System is a lifeline for thousands of Belizeans, providing the goods and services that support our national economy, individual wellbeing and quality of life.
Throughout this week, in addition to a host of fun, educational events, there will be a series of discussions and virtual panels broadcasted on KREM Television and the KREM Facebook page.
Reef Week 2023 will culminate with an educational fair in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. To keep up to date with this week’s events and activities, visit the Reef Week Facebook Page.
Featured Photo by PADI
