Learning from Belize: RMP’s Exchange with TIDE

In late May, a team from Roatan Marine Park traveled to southern Belize for a learning exchange with the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) a pioneer in sustainable tourism and community-based conservation. Over the course of the visit, we explored how TIDE runs its programs, from STEM-based ecotours and alternative livelihoods projects, to education and environmental stewardship and fisher engagement. We also met with their subsidiary, TIDE Tours, which operates as a social enterprise supporting both conservation and local economies.

TIDE’s model offers several lessons for Roatan. Their ability to scale tourism without competing with local operators, build partnerships with community members and train locals to lead scientific and cultural tours is a great example of how conservation and income generation can go hand in hand. Their support for women-led cooperatives and youth environmental education programs echoes many of our own efforts, but with new strategies and fresh approaches we’re excited to adapt and apply. One of the biggest takeaways was their intentional coordination among team members and partner institutions to avoid stakeholder fatigue and ensure lasting impact.

Join us in bringing these ideas to life in Roatan! Whether you're a teacher, tour guide, business owner, or community leader, there’s a place for you in these efforts. We're developing initiatives in eco-tourism, education and sustainable livelihoods and we’d love to collaborate. To learn more or get involved, email us at info@roatanmarinepark.org. Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for Roatan. Learning from Belize: RMP’s Exchange with TIDE