The coastal land is where humans, thousands of creatures, clear waters and time converge to create a unique multifaceted region and a rich country. Belize is a country that possesses natural wealth through a variety of coastal ecosystems ranging from coral reefs to seagrass beds, from extensive mangrove and littoral forests to coastal lagoons and estuaries. It is these habitats which serve as essential breeding, rearing and feeding grounds for a vast array of living things. Seagrass beds, mangrove and littoral forests are vital for flood and erosion control.
Coral reefs act as a protective barrier.
Likewise, all the other coastal ecosystems serve to protect coastal areas from storm damage and provide a livelihood for many Belizeans through industries such as fisheries and tourism. The many functions and roles of the coastal habitats and inhabitants are evident in the bustle of activities and uses of the region from north to south and from east to west. It is with great concern that we note the increasing pressure to develop economically and to provide for recreational facilities within the coastal zone. A more efficient harvesting of marine products has further intensified the need for reliable information on the status and sustainability of these resources. The functions of these ecosystems are all too vital and precious for us to ignore.