From the cacao tree to a local chocolate factory, a bar of Maya chocolate carries stories of tradition and innovation. What should we know about the chocolate and the people who make it? We talked with Julio Saqui, founder and owner of Che’il Mayan Chocolate Factory, to see how chocolate becomes a medium to safeguard Maya culture and empower the local community.
Read MoreThe ways in which people around the globe choose to travel has changed immensely in recent years. Travelers are seeking out are more ‘green’ than ever before. A common term being used in the industry is ‘sustainable tourism,’ yet, there seems to be some confusion surrounding what it means. In the case of Belize, sustainable tourism is certainly a priority for several businesses. We sat down with Hamanasi and Ka’ana Resorts to gain a more nuanced perspective as to how this is playing out on the ground.
Read MoreSustainopreneurship—a relatively new concept that might soon have a huge role to play in society. First introduced in 2007, the term is short for sustainability entrepreneurship and is also known as “entrepreneurship with a cause”. In this case, that cause is securing a sustainable future for all of us.
Read MoreYan o’oh K’abej’tIL ka ti yan’kun uj chu’x bejbal ti kux’tal ka til yeej tijo ti waj sutil. Walak oh ka’all tee ho ti sutiloj uh mu’k oh kux’tal, tuba kuxlaho eletel ta’kin ti walak oh bel ti sut etel uh k’ato ah hu’npiel ba’al tee ka uj wailto ti tan uh betic a ki tee ah yokolcab.
Read MoreMayaBags®️ handmade bags carry a profound story about Belizean Maya culture, its inherent creativity and the female Maya artisans who make the textiles that frame the bags. MayaBags is a successful social enterprise that works with Maya women from the Toledo District. This is their story!
Read MoreThere is a growing need for authentic and cultural tourism experiences. If you are a business and lost on where to start, here are some green tips for improving ethical experiences compiled by Ecomadic.
Read MoreSmall and local businesses play an important role in destinations all over the world. Community development and well-being, increased local character and prosperity, environmental sustainability, and healthy competition/product diversity are just some of the benefits that a concentration of local businesses can bring to local places.
Read MoreYou can hear "Shop small and support local!" a lot this holiday season, but what does it really mean for sustainability? How can you actually shop small or support local? Here is a guide to doing just that.
Read MoreWith today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we are often disconnected from the stories behind the products we buy. Read about a Belizean fashion brand that is inspired by cultural fusion and traditional techniques. In a discussion with Emilio Perera, you can read about inspiration and techniques that come from Belizean culture.
Read MoreCandy’s Maya Giftshop & Culture Experience is located in Aguacate Village, Toledo District, Belize. It is run by Candelaria Kukul, a Ketchi Maya woman who speaks the language and proudly shares what it means to be Maya with other people through her business.
Read MoreHow a Small Museum in Belize Paves the Way Towards Inclusive Cultural Preservation. A family museum in San Lazaro Village in Northern Belize has grown into a fantastic hub for tourism and cultural research in the past few years. The museum is located in the Orange Walk District, famous for its sugar production.
Read MoreWhile many people talk about their cultural heritage, it's rare to hear someone mention their natural heritage. But, we here at Heritage Education Network Belize want to change that! Not only are the two important for a sustainable future, they are intertwined in so many ways.
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