More from the BBC’s Wild Caribbean series: a clip about the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second largest reef system in the world (surpassed only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef).
In 1996 the Belize Barrier Reef was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2009 it was added to the List of World Heritage in danger, as per the recommendations in this report [PDF file; reference to the Belize Barrier Reef found on pages 42-46]:
The World Heritage Centre and IUCN note with concern the lack of protection of the property. The ongoing damaging activities, particularly in the terrestrial areas of the property, and the absence of overall policy and regulatory framework for the management of the property has facilitated the erosion of its integrity. Furthermore, the threats from illegal fishing, sale and development of land, and invasive species threaten the ecosystem and biodiversity values of the property. This ascertained danger observed during the mission, and identified by concerned stakeholders, provides sufficient evidence for to the inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The government of Belize has been urged to take measures to protect the “Outstanding Universal Value” of the Barrier Reef.
