23rd February – 2nd March 2024
Experience the impact of a nationwide commitment to environmental stewardship
A journey across Belize’s three outstanding biomes, from the dense jungle of Maya forest to the tropical savanna and deep coral reefs, to discover Belize’s spectacular biodiversity and a national character intent on the preservation of nature
This journey is an immersion into the vast ecological wealth of Belize’s three biomes, where environmental leaders have long been marrying biodiversity protection with social impact, to experience the ambitious conservation projects contributing to Belize’s outstanding biodiversity
What to expect
Alongside Paul Lister, Founder of The European Nature Trust (TENT) and Belize's top nature guide, Roni Martinez, you will journey through the uniquely rich landscape of Belize’s three biomes, exploring the dense tropical jungle of Belize Maya Forest; the steep ravines and flowing waterfalls of 107,000 acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve; and the white shores and azure waters of Turneffe Atoll. Hosted by Belize’s leading wildlife scientists, researchers, and conservationists, you will track endangered scarlet macaws, discover the cacophonous jungle on jaguar treks and night walks, explore Mayan ruins and caves, and experience the outstanding impact created by communities working in harmony with biodiversity protection. You can view the full itinerary here.
Conservation Impact
As a nation of just over 400,000 citizens with 36% of its land and 28% of its water already protected, Belize is a remarkable example of what can be achieved with a united, nationwide intent for environmental stewardship. Renowned for its spectacular biodiversity and with outstanding terrestrial and marine ecosystems to be explored, there are 103 protected areas forming Belize’s national protected areas system (NPAS). Spanning from forest and nature reserves to national parks, marine and private reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and more, Belize’s unmatched ethos to preserve its wild spaces has seen its protected areas landscape continue to expand in harmony with Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Based Organisations and the Government of Belize since it passed the Protected Areas Conservation (PACT) act in 1996. This journey will explore important threads of nature conservation across Belize’s three biomes, showcasing the nation’s holistic intent to protect and restore.
Your Hosts
Paul Lister, founder of The European Nature Trust, along with Belize's top nature guide, Roni Martinez, will be your hosts for this journey. You will have opportunities to meet and learn from eco-entrepreneur and owner of Chan Chich Lodge, Michael Bowen; Elma Kay, Managing Director of Belize Maya Forest Trust; Dr. Marcella Kelly, one of the world's leading jaguar specialists and Associate Professor of Virginia Tech; Rafael Manzanero of Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD); and Valdemar Andrade, Director of Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA).
YOUR HOST
MEET YOUR HOSTS:
PAUL LISTER & RONI MARTINEZ
Paul Lister is the founder of The European Nature Trust, and has established the pioneering rewilding and ecotourism initiative at Alladale Wilderness Reserve.
Roni Martinez is the TENT Country Manager, and an expert Belize bird guide.
PAUL LISTER
After a childhood of adventure, followed by 20 years in the furniture industry; Paul Lister turned his life’s purpose to nature and established The European Nature Trust (TENT) whilst also purchasing Alladale, a 23,000 acre traditional sporting estate in Scotland.
For the last 20+ years TENT has continued to support conservation and wildlife foundations across Scotland, Mediterranean and east European countries, whilst Alladale has been transformed into a pioneering Wilderness Reserve where nature restoration and green tourism are central to its mission.
For the past decade, Paul has spent many winter weeks exploring Belize and discovering its incredible nature and wonderful people. TENT’s remit now spans from the Atlantic to Belize, where the Unknown Belize film series has become the charity’s largest and most recent endeavor in the country.
RONI MARTINEZ
Belizean Roni Martinez is one of Belize’s top nature guides. With a childhood passion for wildlife, he developed his career as a Natural History guide and later a Conservation Officer at Blancaneaux Lodge.
Roni has worked with many researchers and conservation NGOs in Belize who share the same vision for a healthy, wild Belize. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Belize Bird Conservancy, while working on research programmes for Belize Audubon Society.
Through his work with TENT, Roni seeks to strengthen the connection between Belize’s tourism sector and the conservation/wildlife NGO world. His work with other conservation organisations has been crucial in maintaining a proactive effort in conserving biodiversity in Belize.
Discover Unknown Belize
Our flagship journeys offer unprecedented access to today's most exciting and ambitious conservation projects. They provide an opportunity to get into the wild, learn from global leaders, and explore ideas for safeguarding the future of the planet, among fellow curious and likeminded people. Complete the form below and a member of the team will be in touch via email or phone.
To ensure a high quality experience for all our guests, attendance on our journeys is subject to application.
Once we have received your application, a member of our team will reach out for a personal chat.
We respect your privacy, and will not share the data in this form with any third parties.
$12,950 PER PERSON
BASED ON TWO PEOPLE SHARING
INCLUDES 20% TOTAL DONATION TO YOUR HOSTING NGOS
SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE
LIMITED TO 8 GUESTS
to speak with the team contact
+44 7930660806
[email protected]
GAME drives IN GALLON FOREST ESTATE
TOUR OF SAN IGNACIO
SCARLET MACAW BOAT RIDE
CHIQUIBUL FOREST CAVE EXPLORATION
CARACOL MAYAN RUIN DISCOVERY
ACCOMMODATION THROUGHOUT
FULL BOARD THROUGHOUT
AIRPORT/LODGE TRANSFERS & CHARTERED FLIGHTS
DEDICATED HOSTING BY PAUL LISTER & RONI MARTINEZ
23rd FEBRUARY – 2nd MARCH
8 NIGHTS
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
SUBJECT TO APPLICATION (REGISTER ABOVE)