Programme for Belize’s Ecotourism Operations and Activities is recognized locally and internationally and has:

Received the British Airways “Tourism for Tomorrow’ Award in 1997 for our innovative approach to Ecotourism.

Received the ‘Ecotourism Showcase 2000’ Award at the 2000 Non-Profits in Travel Conference for our demonstration of how ecotourism could be used as a sustainability development tool

Received Honorable mention in the ‘World Legacy Awards 2002 Destination Stewardship Category’ for our  protection of the overall natural and cultural heritage of the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area.

Programme for Belize received the ‘Educational Institution of the Year Award’ in conjunction with the 8th National Tourism Awards Ceremony held on January 25th, 2008 at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board.  The award is given to a person or organization that provides insight on the significance of tourism on Belize's economy, vital information and training for persons in the tourism industry to improve efficiency of services and quality products.  The person or organization is nominated by peers from the industry.

PfB’s La Milpa Field Station became a member of the Eco-Index of Sustainable Tourism in May 2008. Visitors can view our La Milpa information at:

http://www.eco-indextourism.org/en/la_milpa_bz_en

http://www.eco-indextourism.org/en/la_milpa_bz_en (English)

http://www.eco-indextourism.org/es/la_milpa_bz_es (Spanish)

As stated on the Eco-index of Sustainable Tourism website www.eco-indextourism.org - ‘With almost 900 million people traveling each year, it's not surprising that more and more tourism businesses are being launched to satisfy this growing market. Forward-thinking business owners are seriously considering the impacts their enterprises may have on the environment and local cultures, and they are making efforts to ensure that their enterprises are sustainable, benefiting the surrounding communities, and limiting pressure on natural resources. Luckily, there is a growing trend among travelers to visit these sustainable businesses, so that their vacations are not only fun and memorable, but at the same time support local people and help conserve ecosystems.’

‘The Eco-Index of Sustainable Tourism was launched to respond to these savvy travelers, the tour agencies and operators that help them, and the business owners who want to promote the fact that they are helping people and the environment. The Eco-Index of Sustainable Tourism is a new service of the Rainforest Alliance as part of our mission to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Read more about our sustainable tourism program.’

Programme for Belize was a founding member of The Mesoamerican Ecotourism Alliance (MEA) is an alliance of local organizations committed to the development and promotion of sustainable tourism as a means for supporting conservation efforts in Mesoamerica. MEA operates in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, and Chiapas and Yucatán, Mexico.

ALL INCOME GENERATED FROM OUR TOURISM ACTIVITIES IS REDIRECTED INTO THE CONSERVATION OF THE RIO BRAVO CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT AREA AND YOUR VISIT TO RIO BRAVO CAN HELP DIRECTLY IN THE CONSERVATION OF A BIOLOGICALLY DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM OTHERWISE DESTINED FOR DESTRUCTION.