www.belizelodge.com

The Project: Belize Lodge and Excursions Ltd. (BLE) is a unique ecotourism company located in the 12-mile Golden Stream Corridor of southern Belize. BLE currently operates four lodges and provides a variety of adventure activities for tourists.

The Deal: In December 2002, Verde Ventures invested $100,000 in BLE. The company used the five-year loan to complete construction of two ecolodges, reforest 6,800 hectares (17,000 acres) of biologically rich private land, and patrol the area. In addition, in 2007, Verde Ventures invested $250,000 for the construction and equipment of BLE’s “Jungle Camp” and “Indian Creek” lodges.

The Benefit to Conservation: Previously the site of a logging operation and citrus plantation, the area now owned by BLE is home to 500 bird species and five species of wild cats. As the primary employer for the area, BLE provides tourism jobs for 150 local Mayans, many of whom once worked as loggers and sawmill operators. Employment with BLE provides an economic alternative to natural resource extraction. Additionally, BLE contributes a percentage of daily tourism revenue to the protection of this private reserve.

Related links:

Hut-Hop to a Marine Reserve (1.12mb PDF)