Why Responsible Tourism Matters? Interview with a young tour guide from Belize
Collared Aracari © Christian Darrell Ramirez
Responsible tourism has an essential role in the conscious safeguarding of culture and nature. Guides and other individuals working in tourism are the frontline hosts to heritage spaces and nature reserves – with unparalleled knowledge of local histories and practices.
Christian Darrell Ramirez is a tour guide at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Originally from the hidden village of Indian Church in the Orange Walk district, Ramirez is surrounded by an enchanting habitat of natural wildlife and Maya archaeology. Indian Church Village is located a mile south of Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, one of the most visited and largest archaeological sites open to the public in Belize. The village has less than 300 residents and used to be located within the premises of the reserve. Through the years, Indian Church has developed a strong connection with Lamanai and the surrounding rainforest, and in the past twenty years residents relied heavily on tourism.
“When I was growing up, I would see tourists pass by with their tour guides, and it made me consider what I would love to do in the future. My dad also worked at the Maya site of Lamanai ever since I can remember. I believe that these two reasons impacted my decision to become a tour guide.”
From a young age onwards, Christian has been influenced by the many wonders surrounding his home. He has witnessed countless excursions and guided tours which presented an opportunity to appreciate and share his culture as it relates to his family history and the natural resources around him.
Christian guiding in Indian Church Village, Belize © Christian Darrell Ramirez
Tourism to safeguard culture
“I have been guiding international and national visitors to the site for four years, starting in 2015, when I first got my site guide license. The idea is always to ensure that the Maya cultures and traditions are respected. I hold myself and the groups to standards while we pass through the historical site. I ensure that nothing is taken, removed, or tampered with. I ensure that the area is trash free at all times. It feels great as a guide to pass the archaeological history to the visitors. This ensures that the knowledge can live and be passed on to the generations to come.”
Tour guides are often seen as a necessary, yet non-influential part of the mechanic tourism chain. What many fail to notice is the vital role they have in the safeguarding of culture and nature. The interest, local knowledge, research and dedication poured into the job has a direct influence on how we will view different cultures and what experiences we will have. It is also thanks to tour guides like Christian Ramirez that Belize's history is readily available and shared on a national and international level.
Safeguarding Nature – Birding & Nature Photography
“Living in a world filled with so much green, and fresh air is a must for all the village residents. Listening to Howler Monkeys howling early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as they settle in for the day; accompanied by the many birds singing. Nature is a necessity for Indian Church Village.”
American Pygmy Kingfisher © Christian Darrell Ramirez
Lineated Woodpecker © Christian Darrell Ramirez
Thanks to the beautiful array of life, blooming in his backyard, Christian has also taken up birding and nature photography.
“I would always see birds in their habitat. Unfortunately, when I was asked what their names were, I wouldn’t know what to say. This made me want to change that. I decided to learn as much as I could about my ‘backyard’. A very close friend of mine and my brother introduced me to exploring the birds of Belize. It eventually got me into this unique hobby.”
Today, Christian is a part of the E-Bird watchers, one of the largest communities in the world. He assists by counting, tracking and preserving migrating, endemic and resident birds species for citizen science.
Christian Darrell Ramirez birding, Indian Church Village - Lamanai, Belize © Christian Darrell Ramirez
Hope for Responsible Tourism
“I hope that as time passes, I will still be around to keep providing care for the Maya site. Preserving it for generations to come so that they can also enjoy this rich heritage. I would also hope that more Belizeans take up a role in the Tourism Industry. This way we can have more helping hands in birding for conservation and have more birds reach a ‘fly free’ space at Lamanai and the Belizean skies.”
There is much work to be done alongside raising awareness of the responsible tourism industry potential. Visitors and hosts should take part in protecting our culture and wildlife. Christian and many other tour guides pave the way for us as a nation to protect our home, our Belize.
Christian Guiding a bird watching tour © Christian Darrell Ramirez
Contact
Contact Christian for a private guided tour of Lamanai through Facebook @Christian Darrell Ramirez or via email at chrisbelize@gmail.com
Written by Romani Sanchez and Ella Békési