Community Outreach
Preserving Belize's Marine Environment
Our Partnership with Fragments of Hope
At Ray Caye, we believe protecting Belize’s marine ecosystem isn’t just a responsibility—it’s essential to the experience we offer our guests. That’s why we’re proud partners of Fragments of Hope (FoH), a Belize-based non-profit working to restore coral reefs and empower coastal communities through education and training.
Why It Matters
Coral reefs around the world are in decline, and Belize is no exception. Pollution, overfishing, and rising sea temperatures have caused severe coral bleaching and disease. In fact, two of the Caribbean’s most iconic coral species—Elkhorn and Staghorn coral—are now listed as critically endangered, with populations dropping by over 98% in the past three decades.
How We’re Helping
Fragments of Hope focuses on reef restoration by replanting resilient coral fragments onto damaged reef structures. Since 2009, they’ve established 23 coral nurseries across Belize, using innovative methods like ropes, metal frames, and cement discs to foster fast-growing, climate-resilient coral varieties. These restored reefs help rebuild habitat, protect shorelines, and support local fisheries.
Belize leads the region in using science-based coral restoration to adapt to climate change. Through genetic research, FoH is identifying coral types most resistant to bleaching and disease, ensuring that reef restoration not only repairs damage but also helps reefs thrive long-term.
Ray Caye’s ongoing support—alongside organizations like the World Bank, WWF, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, and the Smithsonian Institute—helps sustain this critical work.
Recognized Impact
In 2017, Fragments of Hope received the UN Climate Change Momentum for Change Award in the category Women for Results, recognizing their leadership in sustainable, community-driven restoration.
How Ray Caye’s Contribution has helped
So what has Fragments of Hope done with the funds that Ray Caye donated? Check out the list below:
- Creation/doubling of educational material (500 posters, 2000 coloring books, and 180 puzzles)
- A total of 3 lionfish round ups: (June 2018 [BZ$4116.20], September 2018 [$3571.64], and October 2018 [2159.43]) A grand total of 673 lionfish eradicated from our vulnerable reef + PTGA/Ray Caye/FoH booths
- One-week SandWatch Summer Camp Program in Placencia and Seine Bight in July 2018 with over 30 participants; ages 8+ with special focus on mangrove ecology
- A Successful 2018 September Reef Theme Parade led by Fragments of Hope, in partnership with Oceana and the Placencia Village Council resulted in many creative reef costumes, floats and an evident decrease in number of plastic items used during the event. Fragments of Hope also employed a locally made turtle sculpture by Anton Leslie that has been donated to the Placencia Village Council and now sits at the point of Placencia Village.
- Three community consultations are successfully completed. Women’s group in Seine Bight are now getting sewing classes via MCCAP funding and began addressing the solid waste pollution within their community. Folks in Monkey River were able to address their coastline erosion with mapping information done by the Citizen Science GIS and attendees/tour guides in Placencia requested a billboard installation at LBC and Moho Caye that is now completed.
- Promotional materials (water bottles, and signs/billboard for Moho Caye) are already installed at Moho Caye and Laughing Bird Caye National Park and water bottles awaits distribution.
- At least 25% of the funds was dedicated to implement priority activity(s) resulting from public consults (e.g seaweed farming, crab farming, more coral work, potential new ideas)
- Events/outreach coordinator dedicated to organization and dissemination of all events/activities inclusive of guarantee articles in the Placencia Breeze before and/or after specific events, highlighting the generous donation.