Blog Makeover

A lot has changed since my adventures in Madagascar ended and now I would like to introduce you to the new style of my blog.

The new title still seems a bit odd and I haven't got used to it yet. Tata Duhendeh is a mythical short man who lives in the bush, his feet are backwards and he has no thumbs. In folklore, the Belizeans say he is a forest guardian and trickster. He will punish people for over-hunting, taking Mayan artifacts, or causing mischief in the bush. However, Tata Duhendeh is not portrayed as an evil character, he will rescue people in the forest or teach you to play guitar as a reward.

For frequent visitors or anyone interested about updates on this page, I have added a tracking feature called Blogarithm. By clicking on the Blogarithm button, located in the right column you will be directed to a new page. Enter your email address and click. After a simple, two-step process to confirm your email address and select a password, the subscription is complete. You will receive an email when a new post is published. Much easier than bookmarks and you won't have to waste time checking the page to find nothing new.

Finally, I have added web-links to great sites with information related to Belize. Enjoy the new site and feel free to leave comments or suggestions.

One Small Step for Man...

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. This year The Convention on Biodiversity is promoting the protection of biodiversity in drylands.

In addition to an official celebration of International Biodiversity Day in Belize, organizations within Belize are putting on the 2nd Annual Natural Resources and Environment Week, May 21st to 27th. This year's theme is "Environmental Education- A Step Towards Friendly Development".

And that's where I come in, serving as an Environmental Educator. I will be helping Belizeans to manage natural resources and protect biodiversity in sustainable ways that accrue benefits to community members and improve their quality of life. It sound like a lot of responsibility, but I will take small steps and at the same time learn about the environment from Belizeans. Together we will make the world a better place.

Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

Some facts and information about Belize...

Capital: Belmopan
Population: 273,700
Land Area: 8,876 sq mi

National Bird: Keel-billed Toucan
National Animal: Baird's Tapir
National Flower: Black Orchid
National Tree: Mahogeny

Belize is located in Central America; bound by Mexico in the north, Guatemala on the west and south, and 174 miles of Carribean coastline on the east. The land area of the mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles; roughly the size of Massachusetts. The population is estimated to be 273,700; comparable to the population of St. Paul, Minnesota. Massachusetts has about 6.5 million people. The ethnic groups include Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian. Belize was a British colony, formerly known as British Honduras. English is the official language; Creole and Spanish are also commonly spoken. Agriculture (sugar, citrus, and bananas), tourism, fisheries, and forestry play a major role in the economy of Belize.



With 40% of it's territory designated as protected areas, Belize has the highest percentage in the world. Belize has a wealth of natural resources, icluding pristine forests, coral reefs, natural monuments, archaeological reserves, private and public land and a diversity of fauna and flora. The are 51 parks and forest reserves, 8 recognized private protected areas and 9 archaeological reserves, 11 marine reserves, and 12 marine spawning agregations.

"From the soft adventure novice to the hard adventure enthusiast, Belize is a paradise on earth. Hike through exotic jungle trails... tube along an underground river... explore the brilliant depths of a magnificent barrier reef... Belize can satisfy the adventurer in all of us. Adventure into a land rich in natural beauty and steeped in the magic of its Maya past. Renowned for pristine waters, exotic marine and wildlife, lush, unspoiled landscapes, and superb diving, Belize is Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret. Natural and unspoiled, Belize is a haven for some of the planet's most exotic and endangered species. It has become a recognized leader in preservation and conservation, where nature reserves abound, and a fascinating population of birds, beasts, and marine life reside."
-BELIZE TOURIST BOARD (www.travelbelize.org)

Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret!

Here's a brief description of the new assignment I received from Peace Corps.

Country: Belize
Program: Community Conservation
Job Title: Environmental Educator
Dates of Service: Aug. 4, 2006- Aug. 3, 2008

The goal of this project is to promote initiatives of Belizean community members and organizations for the conservation of land and natural resources. The project works with community members to find opportunities where conservation can be partnered with income-generating activities. The project also provides support in increasing environmental awareness through the development and implementation of environmental education, both formal and non-formal.

The Peace Corps was founded in 1961 by John F. Kennedy and is guided by three goals:

*To help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained men and women.

*To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.

*To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.