In 2009, Belize’s Barrier Reef System was listed as endangered by UNESCO. 9 years later, oil drilling limits and protected fishing zones helped reverse its decline

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean region and represents the second largest reef system in the world. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1996, recognising its unique range of reef types and the biodiversity found across its seven protected areas.

But in 2009, the site was placed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger. Concerns included the destruction of mangroves and marine ecosystems, offshore oil extraction and unsustainable development.

Nine years later, UNESCO removed the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System from the danger list after Belize introduced a series of conservation measures. Among the measures UNESCO highlighted were a moratorium on oil exploration across the country’s entire maritime zone and stronger forestry regulations to improve mangrove protection.

A reef system with remarkable diversity

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System consists of seven protected areas: Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.

Together, the seven protected areas represent about 12% of the entire reef complex. The wider system includes approximately 450 sand and mangrove cayes as well as offshore atolls, coastal lagoons, estuaries and different types of reefs.

UNESCO describes the reef system as one of the most pristine reef ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere. Its range of reef formations includes patch, fringing, faros, pinnacle and barrier reefs, as well as offshore atolls.

A habitat for threatened species

The reef system provides important habitat for several species of conservation concern.

These include the West Indian manatee, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and American crocodile. The cayes and coastal areas also support important bird colonies, including red-footed boobies on Half-Moon Caye, brown boobies on Man O’War Caye and common noddies on Glover’s Reef.

The marine biodiversity is extensive. UNESCO records more than 500 fish species, 65 scleractinian coral species, 45 hydroid species and about 350 mollusc species in the area.

Why UNESCO placed the reef on the danger list

The decision to place the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2009 followed concerns about development and damage to the ecosystems that support the property's Outstanding Universal Value.

UNESCO cited the destruction of mangroves and marine ecosystems, offshore oil extraction and unsustainable building projects. Its 2018 account also highlighted concerns over the sale of lands for private development within the property.

The reef also faces wider management challenges, including overharvesting of marine resources, coastal development, tourism and industrial development. Climate change adds further risks, including coral bleaching, stronger storms and sea-level rise.

Belize strengthened its conservation measures

Belize began taking additional steps to address the concerns identified by UNESCO.

In 2016, the government adopted an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. UNESCO also noted stronger regulations for mangrove protection, tighter permit regulations intended to prevent unsustainable development and measures to safeguard remaining nationally held lands within the property.

A major step came with the introduction of a permanent moratorium on oil exploration across Belize's entire maritime zone. In December 2017, the Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone Moratorium) Act formally established the moratorium on oil exploration and other petroleum operations throughout the country's maritime zone.

Belize also revised its mangrove protection regulations, introducing stricter controls for priority mangrove areas and stronger requirements concerning potential impacts on the World Heritage property.

UNESCO removed the reef from the danger list in 2018

On June 26, 2018, the World Heritage Committee decided to remove the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

UNESCO said the safeguarding measures that warranted the removal included the moratorium on oil exploration across Belize's entire maritime zone and strengthened forestry regulations that provided better protection for mangroves.

The World Heritage Committee also welcomed the legal enactment of the oil moratorium and noted progress toward achieving the conservation targets required for removal from the danger list.

Protecting the reef remains an ongoing challenge

Removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger did not mean that the threats facing the Belize Barrier Reef had disappeared.

UNESCO continues to identify pressures including overharvesting, coastal development, tourism, industrial development and climate change. The reef's protection therefore depends on continued management, monitoring, enforcement and conservation measures.