Unesco

UNESCO
University of Phoenix
SCI/230/Christine Rogers
Natasha Griffin
February 7, 2012

Charles Darwin once quoted in 1842 recounting the Belize Barrier Reef as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies" (Encyclopedia). This portrayal still holds true today. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which also includes the Belize submarine shelf and its barrier reef is the world's second largest barrier reef system and the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean area (Programme-wo, 2009). What makes this reef such as the Belize Barrier Reef system so unique is that coral reefs are the most diverse and varied of all wetlands and are home to more species than any other marine ecosystem (Wells). The reef system offers more variations of coral formation than any place in the Caribbean (Encyclopedia). For people to appreciate and understand/ having knowledge of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve system, they need to be aware of the many species that view this place as home, the threats and danger against the preservation of the reef, and what is being done to protect and preserve the reef.

The country of Belize hosts one of the most spectacular coastal reefs in the world. Located off the eastern coast of the country in Central America the Belize Barrier Reef hosts a multitude of both flora and fauna, giving it a diversity that is rarely seen. Without help this magnificent reef can be lost and with it the wildlife that gives it such uniqueness.

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is the largest barrier coral reef located in the northern hemisphere. The reef is located on the coastal area of Belize connected to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The Belize Barrier Reef is 300 kilometers long and together with the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef make up the second largest barrier reef in the world, following the Great Barrier Reef located in Australia (Wikipedia, 2010). The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination and this revenue and continued...