Responsible tourism has an essential role in the conscious safeguarding of culture and nature. Guides and other individuals working in tourism are the frontline hosts to heritage spaces and nature reserves – with unparalleled knowledge of local histories and practices.

Christian Darrell Ramirez is a tour guide at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Originally from the hidden village of Indian Church in the Orange Walk district, Ramirez is surrounded by an enchanting habitat of natural wildlife and Maya archaeology. Indian Church Village is located a mile south of Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, one of the most visited and largest archaeological sites open to the public in Belize. The village has less than 300 residents and used to be located within the premises of the reserve. Through the years, Indian Church has developed a strong connection with Lamanai and the surrounding rainforest, and in the past twenty years residents relied heavily on tourism. 

From a young age onwards, Christian has been influenced by the many wonders surrounding his home. He has witnessed countless excursions and guided tours which presented an opportunity to appreciate and share his culture as it relates to his family history and the natural resources around him.

Tourism to safeguard culture

Tour guides are often seen as a necessary, yet non-influential part of the mechanic tourism chain. What many fail to notice is the vital role they have in the safeguarding of culture and nature. The interest, local knowledge, research and dedication poured into the job has a direct influence on how we will view different cultures and what experiences we will have. It is also thanks to tour guides like Christian Ramirez that Belize's history is readily available and shared on a national and international level. 

Safeguarding Nature – Birding & Nature Photography

Thanks to the beautiful array of life, blooming in his backyard, Christian has also taken up birding and nature photography. 

Today, Christian is a part of the E-Bird watchers, one of the largest communities in the world. He assists by counting, tracking and preserving migrating, endemic and resident birds species for citizen science.

Hope for Responsible Tourism

There is much work to be done alongside raising awareness of the responsible tourism industry potential. Visitors and hosts should take part in protecting our culture and wildlife. Christian and many other tour guides pave the way for us as a nation to protect our home, our Belize. 

Contact

Contact Christian for a private guided tour of Lamanai through Facebook @Christian Darrell Ramirez or via email at chrisbelize@gmail.com

Written by Romani Sanchez and Ella Békési