A Month of Education, Advocacy, & Conservation
The 10th Annual Hicatee Awareness Month may have come to a close, but protecting turtles is a year-round commitment.
In Belize, we support our long-time conservation partner, the Belize Foundation for Research and Education (BFREE), in their conservation initiatives, including habitat protection, field surveys, riverside community outreach, and captive releases. Their efforts support Belize’s local turtle species, including the critically endangered Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii), known locally as the Hicatee.
This month, through educational activities, outreach events, and hands-on volunteer opportunities, BFREE reached far into the community to share knowledge on the Hicatee and how everyone can play a role in its conservation.
Here are a few highlights from this year’s Hicatee Awareness Month:
BFREE Staff, Samih Young, Jayc Cantun, Jada Daly, Kimberly Cadiz, and Heston Castillo implemented outreach to more than 25 schools reaching 1,000+ students from preschool to university level in districts all over Belize. Pictured here – Hicatee Ambassadors Jada Daly and Kimberly Cadiz visited Queen Street Baptist School for interactive lessons on Belize’s freshwater turtles, ending with a #SaveTheHicatee rally encouraging students to become Hicatee Heroes and advocates for wildlife conservation.
In Belize City and Belmopan, two LED billboard signs broadcasted Hicatee Awareness Month messaging, sharing facts about the Hicatee, threats, and Belize’s laws relating to Hicatee and conservation actions that can be taken by individuals and communities.
BFREE staff member Rocento Pau led a community watershed protection initiative to clean up Sundaywood Creek in southern Belize, working with high school students to remove litter along the bank and install signs promoting watershed protection.
At the Belize Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo, BFREE hosted interactive activities about local freshwater wildlife. More than 1,200 people attended, helping visitors learn more about Belize’s biodiversity and conservation.
These efforts help build awareness, encourage community involvement, and inspire more people to take part in protecting Belize’s turtles—not just during October, but throughout the year. Thank you BFREE, Hicatee Ambassadors, students, volunteers, and community members who helped make this year’s Hicatee Awareness Month a success.
Want to learn more about Belize’s local turtle species?
Download and print your own copy of BFREE’s Hicatee & Friends Coloring Book, created to introduce more people to the turtles that call Belize home:
Or learn about Belize’s turtles through our Belize Turtle Spotlight Booklet, featuring fun facts and ways that BFREE is protecting each species:
All photos courtesy of BFREE