The designations employed and the presentation of material on this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any state, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
Meso Reef
Proportion of the area of the contribution comprising Key Biodiversity Areas: 32.7%
The Mesoamerican Reef is the largest barrier reef system in the Atlantic Ocean and second largest in the world. Extending over 1,126 km from Mexico to Honduras and containing various protected areas and parks, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is considered critically endangered according to the criteria of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. The central portion of the Mesoamerican Reef was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Throughout the BBRRS, WCS has fostered greater legal protections for species and marine reserves while strengthening rights-based fisheries protections. In addition to protection designated upon the BBRRS, Belize has also established a network of MPAs designed to protect important natural resources and key ecosystems. Initiatives such as the National Replenishment Zones Expansion Project have identified critical areas in Belize’s seascape, which require strict protection in order for Belize’s network of MPAs to function effectively.
Potential conservation benefits in saving biodiversity
Potential reduction of species extinction risk resulting from threat abatement actions
Absolute value (STAR)
0% of the total biodiversity conservation potential of Belize is covered by this project.
0.1% of The Americas's biodiversity conservation potential is from Belize.
45.4% of global biodiversity conservation potential is from The Americas.