The eastern coast of Belize was once a fisherman's paradise, but overfishing caused a sharp decline in the fishing industry's viability in this Central American country. The government of Belize is now demonstrating that leaders' foresight can turn a problem into an opportunity. Belize is capitalizing on a unique attraction that captivates tourists: whale sharks.
These large, gentle creatures, which pose no threat to humans, regularly visit Belize’s coast to feed on the eggs of smaller fish. The predictable gatherings of these sharks attract large numbers of scuba divers and snorkelers, making the sharks’ fascinating beauty an economic treasure for the region. Tourists are eager to spend money for an up-close view of whale sharks, making this natural phenomenon Belize’s renewable and reliable resource.
Overall, the shift from fishing to ecotourism not only helps protect the local marine ecosystem but also revitalizes the economy of Belize.