Unesco Bio/100
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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BIO/100
April 1, 2012
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Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
In efforts to bring awareness to the continued preservation of this area, it is imperative to advocate for the threatened species of this region by bringing continued awareness to preserving this natural ecosystem. The magnificent Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is the world’s largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere on the coastal regions of Belize. It is comprised of coastal lagoons, mangrove forests, hundreds of sand cays, offshore atolls and estuaries ("UNESCO World Heritage Centre ", 2012). The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System exemplifies the evolutionary antiquity of reef development and plays a significant role in the establishment of habitats of threatened species. Together individuals can continue to bring awareness to the environmental concerns of this region and unite in efforts to bring funding to aid in the preservation for the future generations of plant and animal species. Since 1996 the UNESCO World Heritage has adopted the Belize’s Barrier Reef Reserve System for its high biodiversity. Over 100 species of coral and 500 species of fish have been discovered; it is projected only 10% of the species residing in the reef have been discovered ("UNESCO World Heritage Centre ", 2012). With the ecological uniqueness, species of plants, and distinct areas encompassing this vast region, measures need to be taken to protect the preservation needed in this area. Doing so will help species living in areas such as the Mangrove and Littoral forests. These forests are home to several bird species such as the largest seabird of the booby family, Red-footed Booby, the smallest of eight species of pelican, the Brown Pelican and Laughing Gull, whose cheeps sound like individuals laughing. Such species find their shelter in the unique vegetation offered in the Mangrove and Littoral forests. From the unique trees
XXXXX
BIO/100
April 1, 2012
XXXXXXX
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
In efforts to bring awareness to the continued preservation of this area, it is imperative to advocate for the threatened species of this region by bringing continued awareness to preserving this natural ecosystem. The magnificent Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is the world’s largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere on the coastal regions of Belize. It is comprised of coastal lagoons, mangrove forests, hundreds of sand cays, offshore atolls and estuaries ("UNESCO World Heritage Centre ", 2012). The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System exemplifies the evolutionary antiquity of reef development and plays a significant role in the establishment of habitats of threatened species. Together individuals can continue to bring awareness to the environmental concerns of this region and unite in efforts to bring funding to aid in the preservation for the future generations of plant and animal species. Since 1996 the UNESCO World Heritage has adopted the Belize’s Barrier Reef Reserve System for its high biodiversity. Over 100 species of coral and 500 species of fish have been discovered; it is projected only 10% of the species residing in the reef have been discovered ("UNESCO World Heritage Centre ", 2012). With the ecological uniqueness, species of plants, and distinct areas encompassing this vast region, measures need to be taken to protect the preservation needed in this area. Doing so will help species living in areas such as the Mangrove and Littoral forests. These forests are home to several bird species such as the largest seabird of the booby family, Red-footed Booby, the smallest of eight species of pelican, the Brown Pelican and Laughing Gull, whose cheeps sound like individuals laughing. Such species find their shelter in the unique vegetation offered in the Mangrove and Littoral forests. From the unique trees
References: International Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.icwrp.org/files/nh_sites_large-scale.pdf UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (2012). Retrieved from http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/764 Save the Manatee. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.savethemanatee.org/manfcts.htm Belize Barrier Reef . (2011). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize_Barrier_Reef