Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Belize Bird Conservancy is having their 2022 Raptor Watch Certification Program, and it's free.  The first week is here in Cayo, and the next 3 are in the wild down in PG.  Let them know if you're interested.  

"Belizeans, take advantage of this FREE five-week program (5 days of theory in San Ignacio + 20 days of practical in Cattle Landing, Punta Gorda). Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of achievement in Raptor theory and identification.

Apply before August 15th by emailing to:
Ryan Phillips at belizebirdconservancy@gmail.com
or
Roni Martinez at roni.a.martinez@gmail.com"

'It might be easier than you think,' the NatGeo travel writer says, and she's right.  The video explains four things travel writer Marie McGrory learned from a week-long plastic-free travel experiment in Belize.  Belize is getting famous for vowing to eliminate single use plastics.

"I took on this challenge in Belize, a country that is no stranger to ecotourism. Its government recently announced a ban on major single-use plastics like bags and straws to go into effect by Earth Day 2019. And UNESCO has removed the Belize Barrier Reef from its list of World Heritage in Danger, after years of efforts to restore the reef’s long-term health.

The green mindset reaches local scales, too: I loved visiting smaller cities like Punta Gorda, where a glass soda bottle is cheaper than a plastic one, because the glass bottles can be sanitized and reused."

Happy Garifuna Settlement Day!  NICH has put together many cultural videos, and the one about the Garifuna was their first.  Enjoy!

"The Belize Cultural Celebrations Series comprises of educational posters and short videos produced by the National Institute of Culture and History through the Institute for Social and Cultural Research. Yurumein is the first in the series, featuring images, video footage and interviews that were collected by a team of cultural activists. The materials were gathered from the communities of Libertad, Belize City, Hopkins, Dangriga and Punta Gorda on November 19th, 2013. "

Feelgood story of the day.  Water Missions International Belize, who have built a few water treatment stations around Cayo, is working with volunteers from Texas A & M down in PG. Thank you, WMI Belize!

"Team Texas A & M is doing a great job in Punta Gorda! Since Monday, they have completed yard maintenance on 1/2 of a very large campus (check out the machettes in action), taught 1000 students Health and Hygiene lessons, facilitated the first day of Leadership Camp, painted the housing building for the safe water system, AND begun water distribution to all classrooms! So excited for what today will bring! Having a great time getting to know this group!"

From Belize with Love will be broadcast today.  The documentary and concert was shot all over Belize, and will have many performances, including some from the Super Furia Band and the Youth Connection Band.  It starts at 2pm.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNnG3slNW2/

"From Belize With Love is an immersion into multi-cultural Belize, as we navigate through the challenges of The Pandemic - Covid-19. Retreat into our Tropical Paradise and experience the diversity of the People, Places, Food, Practices, and Music of our Country. Our Virtual Journey will take you from Corozal to Punta Gorda as we share our part of the world with you via our Live Concerts and Documentary Series."

Drumming...and dancing.  Another great short ad from the Belize Tourism Board.

"Brukdown, Garifuna, Marimba, Punta: you haven’t heard music until you’ve heard Belizean music, my friend. Check out these Punta Gorda drummers bringing the ������"