Food and festivals give VIU tourism student a taste of Garifuna culture
The month of June has brought many new exciting experiences that have allowed me to explore the land and culture of Belize more in-depth. I have become settled and more comfortable, and have quickly learned the in-and-outs of both Seine Bight and Placencia, including where all the best local...
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Workshop highlights importance of mangroves in preserving Belizean coastlines
After more than a month of taking in the food, culture and sunshine (and thunderstorms) in Hopkins, I have received ethics approval to conduct my research on Practitioners’ Perceptions on Community Involvement in Belize, and have wasted no time getting my interviews lined up. The first two were...
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Reef Guardians: Education and Outreach on Belize's coastal waters
Although it was a bit late to start, the rainy season is now here with a vengeance! I knew going into this internship that my community (Punta Gorda) was one of the rainiest, but I didn’t realize just how much rain that would entail! It rains POURS every evening, with amazing wind, lightning, and...
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Belize environmental laws show promise – but enforcement a challenge
Beautiful Belize – I could write you a love letter. I have fallen for your lush forests, colourful communities, and contagious smiles. I have only been here a short time, but I feel the same instinctive urge to protect the environment that surrounds me as I do at home on Vancouver Island....
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Capacity Building among the Garifuna in Belize
Beautiful Belize has been a stimulating and action-packed adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, flamboyant birds, friendly folks and flavorful, coconut-infused foods. I am here as a community development and education intern with the National Garifuna Council (NGC), working in the...
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VIU geography student supports sustainability education in Belize
Hello from southern Belize! I was lucky enough to receive a QEII Scholarship through the Building Resilience in Coastal Communities program at VIU this year. With this scholarship, I am spending about six months in the coastal town of Punta Gorda as an intern for an environmental NGO called the...
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Living and working in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District
Since arriving in Hopkins two weeks ago, I have living, working and experiencing life alongside my fellow VIU graduate students outside of the resorts that line the edges of the community. This sandy destination has a lush and vibrant natural element that percolates throughout the town, displaying...
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It's a beautiful day in Belize
“It’s a beautiful day in Belize,” our local guides kept telling us. They weren’t kidding. I grew up on a boat and spent lots of time fishing, so I jumped at the chance to experience the same in Hopkins. Four VIU students (myself, Devan, Taylor and Kala) and three locals piled into our boat and we...
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VIU student tackles tourism development issues in Belize
Arriving in Belize felt so good. I have been in this beautiful country once before, and that familiar smell and feeling immediately made me smile. I was also excited to return with a new perspective. I am no longer the dirty backpacker looking to enjoy nature and culture with no worries, but...
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Coastal erosion and climate change top of mind in Belize
Well it’s officially been a week of paradise in Belize. Our time here has had few drawbacks. From endless beaches, sunshine, wildlife, and friendly faces, establishing ourselves has been a pleasant distraction from the research and work ahead. The ‘Belize 4’, a super group of Master’s of Community...
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