Questions about Conservation

Do you see evidence of deforestation in the rainforest? If so, what efforts are being made to stop it? (2003)

Deforestation is still happening. Some of it is where people plant their milpas (a small field that is cleared from the forest, farmed for a few seasons, and abandoned for a fresh clearing), but it is also occuring because of logging and pine beetle infestation. People are trying to protect important areas and to stop the spread of the pine beetle.

We are studying ecosystems and how humans impact the systems they interact with. Have you seen any examples of stable or unstable systems in which humans have played a part in that balance? —a 4th grader from McDowell County (2004)

Tourism is currently Belize’s largest industry, and it has played a large part in reshaping some Belizean ecosystems. One example is the cayes (pronounced “keys”), small islands off the coast of Belize that are made from coral, sand and mangroves. As tourism becomes a bigger business in Belize, these cayes are becoming developed by individual landowners. To create a buffer zone from the water and to stabilize the land for development, people are pulling coral and rocks from the sea to create sea walls. This disturbance has impacted corals and the other species with which they interact.

Do you see signs of environmental problems? Are the people you meet talking about ways to encourage "green" agriculture and industry? —Chris, an 8th grader from Granville County, NC (2006)

Yes, we have seen environmental problems. We have witnessed erosion, flooding, litter and problems with agricultural waste management. All of the places we have stayed do their part to help the environment. We have used composting toilets and solar energy facilities. Signs have adorned every site we have visited informing us about recycling and proper waste disposal. We have tried to do our part by conserving water and by "taking photographs and leaving footprints."

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