As one of the leading nonprofit marine conservation organizations of Belize, Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) has been developing and working on a wide variety of marine conservation projects and sharing our passion for marine conservation and diving with volunteers from around the world for over 12 years. ReefCI expeditions/trips are a unique opportunity to learn about the marine environment and to help protect and conserve this precious resource while having a fun holiday.
ReefCI is on the front lines battling to preserve and protect the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is Belize’s top tourist destination, popular for scuba diving, sport fishing, and snorkeling. It is home to a large diversity of plants and animals, and is one of the most diverse ecosystems of the world. Unfortunately, the Belize Barrier Reef is under threat from poor fisheries management, climate change, plastic pollution, and invasive species. ReefCI currently partners with nonprofits, NGO’s and the Belize Department of Fisheries, working under a research license, to combat these issues.
Where We Work
ReefCI is located on a beautiful, idyllic remote private island that is part of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve Park, located in southern Belize. Our island, Tom Owens Caye, is a true ‘castaway’ coral caye island located directly on the Belize Barrier Reef. The island is about 1½ acres and has a large living area, great views and lots of hammock space. All of our volunteers upon arrival tell us that the photos do not do the island justice! It really is a perfect Caribbean paradise.
Our History
Since 2004, ReefCI as one of Belize’s leading marine nonprofits, has sustained itself through a volunteer citizen-scientist program, enabling us to help protect the underwater world we love. ReefCI has relied on dedicated conservationists and environmentally conscience volunteers from around the world who have contributed their time and effort to protect the Belize Barrier Reef.
Our Mission
ReefCI's mission is to protect our oceans through science, action, and advocacy. We accomplish this through our ongoing conservation programs, education, and marine research. Through our volunteer citizen-scientist programs, we have empowered everyday global citizens to take an active role in directly protecting and conserving the marine environment, while raising needed funds to support vital research studies, educational programs, as well as important conservation programs, including our fight to stop the invasive lionfish.
Our Goals
ReefCI's goals are to be the people’s marine environmental organization for hands-on conservation efforts, advocacy, and environmental protection of the ocean and the millions of species that rely on healthy functioning marine ecosystems. We believe that it is essential to involve the public in our mission. We encourage everyone to become a part of our community of people who care about the future of our planet's oceans.
Who Are We Looking For?
The majority of people who volunteer with ReefCI are passionate about marine conservation, environmental issues, species protection, and coral reefs and want to give something back. Everyone contributes regardless of his or her background and experience. Not a diver? No problem, we certify new divers too! You will be exploring a whole new world and helping to protect it as well.
Why Choose Us?
We are the best at what we do! ReefCI is the preeminent and award winning marine environmental organization of Belize for hands-on conservation efforts, advocacy, and environmental protection of the ocean and the millions of species that rely on healthy functioning marine ecosystems. Our ultimate goal is to preserve and manage the Belize Barrier Reef for generations to come by inspiring, educating, and encouraging change via our volunteer citizen-scientists. Our volunteers are the change they wish to see in the world and ReefCI makes that possible.
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