Oceana’s 11th Annual Ride To Reef Helps To Kick Off Reef Week 2024
Enthusiastic cyclists participated in the 50-mile journey from Belmopan to Belize City
Press Release Date: March 12, 2024
Location: City of Belmopan, Belize
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Oceana proudly hosted its 11th Annual Ride to Reef event on March 9th, 2024, as part of Reef Week 2024. This year’s activities are being celebrated under the theme: “Unite in the Coral Reef Fight: Learn, Teach, and Do What’s Right!“. Over 50 cyclists from across the country braved thick fog, high humidity and scorching heat in the 50-mile journey from the steps of the National Assembly to Memorial Park in Belize City in symbolic tribute to Belizeans’ ongoing commitment to meaningfully participate in marine conservation advocacy and awareness. By contributing sweat equity, participants demonstrated their individual resolve to act to make collective impact on the health of Belize’s reefs.
“The Ride to Reef is more than a cycling event. The bicycle, the peloton, the support crew—they are all powerful symbols of solidarity, commitment and responsibility. When we work together wonderful things happen. And today, more than ever, our marine environment needs all of us to show up.” said Janelle Chanona, Vice President of Oceana Belize. “The tradition of this ride highlights the perseverance necessary to protecting our coral reefs so that Belizeans today and future generations can always depend on our marine ecosystems.”
Belize’s coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests are among the most diverse and vibrant ecosystems on the planet. The intricate interconnections between these ecosystems support multitude of marine species and most importantly, provide invaluable shoreline protection and stable livelihoods for tens of thousands of Belizeans. As stewards of these invaluable natural resources, it is our collective duty to ensure their preservation for generations to come.
Oceana thanks all the cyclists who joined the ride and takes this opportunity to thank the Belize Police Department for ensuring the safety of the peloton on the George Price Highway. We also acknowledge the support of Belize Emergency Services for being on standby throughout the event.
Please visit the Reef Week Belize Facebook page for the full calendar of events that are taking place this week in your area.
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Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.
