We knew that coming to Turneffe Atoll in Belize would teach us a thing or two about ocean conservation. What we did not know was how moved we would be by the time we left. And upon our departure, we felt even more compelled to double down on our unique approach to conservation – something that we had not witnessed much in the field while on our expedition to explore the world consciously. But here in Belize it seemed we had found something of an exception. We typically meet individuals who are, first and foremost, science or conservation-focused. But it’s rare to meet those who are both business-minded while ALSO sitting on the frontlines of conservation.

A common misconception I’ve witnessed since my arrival in the spaces of conservation and ocean advocacy is that the work is exclusively for experts in environmental science and adjacent fields. And with that, there’s no room or need for anyone like myself with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree.  But here we were, sitting across from an individual who had spent HIS entire career finding ways to link business and conservation. And someone who has proven that this blended approach does actually work. We were hooked, hanging on every word. Our two worlds couldn’t have been farther apart, yet we embraced the ocean crisis as if all of us were cut from the same cloth.

But before I go any further, you must know a bit more about Turneffe Atoll, and why we found ourselves here in this remote corner of the world in the first place. Located approximately 33 miles east of Belize City, this is the largest atoll in the western hemisphere and the largest marine reserve in Belize for that matter. It was established as a marine reserve in 2012, making it the last area in Belize to receive such protection. Even though it was a bit late, it was a crucial addition to the country’s conservation efforts.

Covered in mangroves, seagrass beds, lagoons, and coral reefs, Turneffe supports a rich array of marine life such as manatees, dolphins, nesting turtles, various fish species, and sharks. Over the past decade, The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) has been at the forefront of protecting this unique ecosystem, and has achieved significant milestones, such as the introduction of innovative conservation technology, the employment of 32 Belizean conservationists, the inception of advanced science programmes, and the effective engagement of relevant stakeholders. And their work has not gone unnoticed, earning them the ‘Site of the Year’ award from the Belize Tourism Board.

Upon our arrival, we settled into the Calabash Caye Field Station, Belize’s first nationally owned and managed marine research facility, which we would call our home for the next week. Established on September 27, 1995 on a five-acre plot, the station has been managed by the University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (ERI) since 2009. While ERI aims to be a centre of excellence for marine science research, monitoring, and education, closely collaborating with TASA, the mission of the Field Station is to conduct research to further the sustainable use and management of Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. Being on site at Calabash made us feel like we were at the heart of it all, with their team of rangers acting as the main eyes and ears for Turneffe and its devoted protectors.

Settling into station life, we found ourselves continuously running into an outgoing, fun-natured ranger named Hubert who was the face of TASA onsite. Often, we felt like we were intruding, as our team would sit on the ranger station steps, gazing out to sea, waiting for the nightly crocodile spotting as the sun set. We also took a liking to the ranger’s side of the station and spent hours working on their deck when not diving. Hubert would frequently have to step over us to access his workspace but never seemed unwilling to tolerate our child-like antics, judging by the jokes he’d crack in our direction. He made our simple living at the station an adventure, even if only through conversation.

Hubert walked us through every TASA program and initiative. As the official co-manager of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, he and his team work towards creating a self-sustaining and resilient world-class marine reserve by implementing as much innovation and adaptive management as possible. TASA conservation officers, as an extension of the government, have the unique authority to charge individuals and seize vessels violating marine reserve rules. Enforcement is a key focus, with personnel stationed at the northern, central, and southern points of the atoll. Fisheries compliance is another crucial aspect of their work, preventing the harvest of undersized conchs and lobsters, which at times can be a hostile aspect of their role. But, this helps maintain marine populations and educates fishers on sustainable practices, ensuring they can continue to provide for their families in the long term.

Zoning and boundary enforcement are also central to Turneffe’s management strategy that Hubert’s team oversees. The atoll is divided into four zones: Preservation zones, where no motorised boats or commercial activities are allowed; Conservation zones, permitting only catch-and-release activities; Special management zones, protecting nursery areas for species like conch and lobster with limited fisheries; and General use zones, where commercial fishing is allowed. These zones are designed to develop ecosystem and economic resilience, ensuring long-term sustainability, and act as the boundaries the rangers enforce day in, and day out.

Before Turneffe became a marine reserve in 2012 and these zones were established, there was extensive consultation with stakeholders, including resorts, fishers, universities, and the Belize Tourism Board. This engagement ensured that the management zones reflected the needs and input of all parties. Now, any changes to these zones go through a rigorous process, including surveys and marine spatial planning, to gather input from these stakeholders and make the best decisions. Hubert emphasised that fisherfolk infractions are taken seriously, with fines reaching up to $11,000 Belize dollars. This strict enforcement is part of a network of protected areas where managers collaborate, share information, and improve their practices.

Beyond enforcement, TASA focuses on adaptive management and leveraging tourism for financial security. In adaptive management, TASA records extensive data to inform sustainable fisheries management, habitat and ecosystem health monitoring, and complementary livelihood projects like mariculture. Promoting seaweed farming, for instance, helps diversify income sources, reducing pressure on traditional fisheries like conch and lobster, allowing these stocks to rebound. In terms of tourism, TASA collaborates with operators to create premium experiences that attract high-value, low-impact tourists to the atoll. Partnering with the Belize Tourism Board has successfully attracted tourists interested in offsetting their environmental impact, ensuring that tourism supports, rather than harms the ecosystem.

Hubert’s passion for TASA was infectious, and he was eager to pass the baton to the man who has been leading TASA for the past eight years: Valdemar Andrade. We can confidently say that after twelve months of exploration around the world, we have yet to interview anyone on the same level as Valdemar. Sitting across from this person, we could actually feel his love for his home country, his passion for conservation, and his business acumen all blending into one.

Immediately, Valdemar launched into his explanation of how to create both ecosystem and economic resilience – or how to strike the ‘balance’. For Belize, balancing conservation efforts with socioeconomic needs is crucial, especially given the significant role of lobster and conch exports in the country’s economy. According to Valdemar, approximately 25-35% of Belize’s lobster catch comes from Turneffe, highlighting the delicate balance between stakeholders and conservation enforcement. That’s why the team has spent countless hours ensuring that their efforts enable Belizeans to benefit from this resource, setting up the country for success amidst the climate crisis and our ever-changing world.

During COVID-19, the Belize government granted 500 additional fishing licenses to support food security, recognising the fishing industry’s importance to the local economy, which brings $30-40 million USD to the country annually. Meanwhile, tourism, Belize’s largest industry and the one Valdemar is most familiar with, is heavily centred around scuba diving and catch-and-release. In fact, Turneffe ranks among the world’s top ten locations for fly fishing in the World.

The primary objective at Turneffe Atoll is to manage fishing sustainably, balancing cultural, economic, and environmental values in a three-way split. Valdemar was explicit in saying that engaging the community in this mission has been one of the most challenging, yet essential efforts of his career. “Belize’s diverse cultures share a common coastal heritage, highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems. TASA’s decisions aim to reflect the interests of all cultural groups, ensuring policies provide the greatest good for the majority.” Under his watch, fostering community engagement so that education, rather than enforcement, drives sustainable practices, has been at the core of it all.

When we asked him how these programs are pacing today, Valdemar’s response was frank: “Turneffe is getting better. There’s more live coral cover, less macroalgae, and fish biomass is increasing. But we are nowhere near optimal levels. We are moving in the right direction, but our work is far from finished yet.” This honesty was also coupled with a more general view on the climate crisis, where he stated, “I try not to think about climate change on a mass scale, as it looms as the biggest challenge we face on earth. I prefer to break it down into smaller steps, and map out how we aim to tackle each with a broader underlying objective and action plan.”

To do this, Valdemar and his teams allocate resources to the right conservation areas that net the greatest results. And he determines these conservation areas through trial and error and data analysis to inform decision making. These initiatives are always framed as robust business cases with thoughtful predictions as to their return on investment, supported by solid, science-backed insights. This has allowed TASA quick action and investment, relying on donors rather than waiting for long-term grant funding – which can be slow and miss crucial, real-time opportunities. But despite the importance of funding for TASA, they still will refuse it for projects they deem nonviable.

The most impactful takeaway from our conversation with Valdemar was his belief that “if you can prove your impact, you will get the support you need.” This principle drives everything Valdemar and his team do. They approach conservation as a series of business models, and this method has proven successful. It all resonated deeply with us as we have always believed that science, conservation, and business must go hand-in-hand – a synergy rarely seen in our global travels. This is why meeting Valdemar was simply so refreshing. Our one-hour discussion stretched into two, and felt like it could have gone on all day if someone hadn’t stopped us. It was filled with insights on TASA’s efforts to protect Belize’s barrier reef system, or as Valdemar called it, “Belize’s insurance for the future.”

When we first ventured into the ocean ‘science-meets-conservation’ scene six years ago, finding individuals who viewed it through a business lens was rare. Yet here we were, encountering someone who integrated this approach daily. Blending conservation and business is not only possible but essential. It’s a powerful reminder that bridging gaps between sectors and individuals is crucial for creating a sustainable future.