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The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has announced the launch of the Accessible Reef project, a groundbreaking initiative to make Belize’s stunning natural wonders accessible to every Belizean. The BTB said the innovative project, which launched on Saturday, June 8, in honor of World Oceans Day, is a testament to Belize’s commitment to appreciating and protecting its marine and natural heritage.
In March, Belize Barrier Reef launched an innovative virtual reality (VR) experience that immerses viewers in the stunning beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest living coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. The main goal of this initiative is to provide Belizeans who may not have the ability or opportunity to explore this natural wonder in person with a unique opportunity to experience its magnificence virtually. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belize Barrier Reef attracts millions of visitors from all over the world each year. However, Belize Barrier Reef knew that some locals had never had the opportunity to see this wonder of the world in person, despite it being so close to home, so Belize Barrier Reef felt that something needed to change.
The awe and joy that Belizeans felt when they saw the reef for the first time through VR, as captured on camera, is unparalleled. Many expressed a deep sense of pride and wonder, underscoring the emotional and cultural significance of our natural heritage. This project vividly demonstrates that by overcoming barriers to experiencing coral reefs, we open up endless possibilities for making other natural wonders accessible to all. It also showcases the advancements in technology that have been made to bridge this gap. Without these advances in virtual reality, projects like this would not be possible.
Celebrating the Great Barrier Reef on World Oceans Day
“Our natural heritage is an integral part of who we are as Belizeans,” said Anthony Mahler, Belize’s Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. “The ‘Accessible Reef’ project not only celebrates the beauty of Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, it also allows every Belizean to connect with our amazing landscape and history. We’ve seen firsthand the emotional and cultural impact it has had on the locals who have participated in the project, and we’re excited to finally share it with other fellow Belizeans. This initiative marks an important step in making our natural wonders accessible to everyone.”
To view the No Barrier Reef event, visit travelbelize.org/no-barriers-reef
The 360° Belize Barrier Reef video is a big step, but it’s just the beginning. Belize Barrier Reef says it has exciting plans to create even more immersive VR experiences, including virtual adventures exploring the ancient wonders of ATM Cave, flying over the majestic Great Blue Hole, and visiting stunning Mayan temple ruins. Everyone, including Belizeans and outsiders, is invited to tune in to these upcoming VR films. These experiences will bring the wonders of Belize to life, allowing people to explore and enjoy them from anywhere in the world.
With the launch of No Barrier Reef and the announcement of plans to produce more VR videos in the future, the Belize Tourism Board said it is reaffirming its commitment to making Belize’s natural heritage accessible to all, ensuring every Belizean can be proud of and connected to such a remarkable environment.
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