Environment

In this collection of essays, distinguished economists, conservationists, lawyers, sociologists, and other scholars – all longtime observers of Belize and its people – take stock. In most cases they present, for the first time ever, essays that focus on Belize, a country that is once deceptively uncomplicated yet surprisingly complex. The essays, which reflect on what brought Belize to this point, are eminently readable but provocative and challenging. The authors analyse and evaluate data, politics, laws, and practices from the economic, environmental, societal, and cultural sectors. The essays are a bid for independence -independent thinking, analysis, and evaluation.

Irene Keesmat’s research and photos of taken during her travels to Belize create a true rainbow of colours. Gardeners and travellers to Belize will find this guide to Belize’s tropical flowers a useful tool in identifying the flora of Belize. Keesmat says, “Behind each flower, there is an interesting story,” and in this book she shares information on the origins of many of the flowers’ names and their uses for healing both body and spirit.

Belize’s unique and well preserved ecosystems maintain a precarious balance with the modern demands of human development. The book offers a detailed survey of Belize’s rich environment and discusses aspects of the national laws that protect it. Previously published in 2003.