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The Belize Barrier Reef is the
second largest barrier reef in the
world and the finest manifestation
of a coral reef ecosystem in this
Hemisphere for its size, unique
variety of reef types and abundance
of corals thriving in pristine conditions.
Aesthetically and ecologically,
its integrity is virtually unharmed.
Forming a nearly continuous wall
for 150 miles along the continental
shelf edge, the Belize Barrier Reef
provides life and security to the
entire country. Immediately seaward
are three oceanic atolls, which
is unequalled in the Caribbean for
its development, variety of reef
types and biological diversity.
The Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem
has remained pristine because the
small, subsistence-level population
has not stressed it unduly, and
because Belize has existed on the
periphery of global commerce. |