Our series of Academic Blog continues with this piece written by Luke Savov. As part of the Office of Global Initiatives’ 2025 International Leadership Exchange Global Scholars Program, Luke conducted extensive research into how business and environmental sustainability can work together in Belize
Why Turneffe Atoll Matters for the Future of Sustainable Business by Luke Savov
I recently explored an article about the largest coral atoll in the Western Hemisphere: the Turneffe Atoll in Belize. What makes this place remarkable is not only its vibrant reefs and wildlife but also the people who work tirelessly to keep it thriving. As I learned about the work of the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), I saw how their efforts combine conservation with economic development. They connect fisheries, tourism, and local livelihoods in a way that makes Turneffe a model for sustainability. The teams working there protect resources while ensuring that the atoll continues to support the national economy for long-term growth. As a business student, I found it inspiring that blending business strategies with science, although not often done, can directly advance environmental stewardship. This approach shows that economic growth and conservation can work together, rather than stand in opposition (Cross, 2025).
Reading Insurance for the Future gave me a clearer picture of how ambitious and multifaceted conservation work can be. As Andi Cross (2025) writes, “The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA) has been at the forefront of protecting this unique ecosystem, and has achieved significant milestones.” These milestones include innovative conservation technology, the employment of thirty‑two Belizean conservationists, the launch of advanced science programs, and active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Taken together, these initiatives have positioned TASA as a leader in marine sustainability. Their accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as they have been recognized nationally with awards such as the Site of the Year from the Belize Tourism Board (Cross, 2025).
At the heart of these efforts is Calabash Caye Field Station, managed by the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute, which collaborates closely with TASA to conduct research that guides the sustainable use of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (Cross, 2025). One of the most fascinating aspects of this work is the zoning system, which organizes the atoll into areas with specific rules that balance protection and use. Preservation zones prohibit motorized boats and commercial activity, while conservation zones allow only catch‑and‑release activities. Special management zones safeguard nursery areas for species such as conch and lobster by limiting fishing, and general use zones are set aside for regulated commercial fishing (Cross, 2025). Learning about these zoning strategies made me appreciate how thoughtful planning can create a balance between protecting ecosystems and sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.
Building on these foundations, TASA has moved beyond individual conservation milestones to develop long‑term strategies that keep the atoll thriving for future generations. As Cross (2025) explains, “TASA focuses on adaptive management and leveraging tourism for financial security.” In addition to managing tourism, TASA conducts research to guide decisions about fisheries, monitor habitat health, and expand complementary livelihood projects such as mariculture and seaweed farming. Valdemar Andrade, a leader in TASA, emphasized how critical this work is by explaining that approximately 25 to 35 percent of Belize’s lobster catch comes from Turneffe. This statistic highlights the delicate balance between the needs of stakeholders and the demands of conservation enforcement (Cross, 2025).
I found this particularly compelling because it shows how a combination of data and planning can translate into real‑world action and create a business‑minded approach to conservation. Their partnership with the Belize Tourism Board has brought in tourists who actively seek to offset their environmental impact, creating premium low‑impact tourism experiences (Cross, 2025). As described on the Turneffe Atoll Trust website, “High value, low impact sustainable tourism has been the hallmark of Turneffe Atoll’s tourism industry for decades. Activity-based tourism focuses on nature-based activities such as scuba diving, flats fishing, and marine ecotourism, all of which depend directly upon the environmental health of Turneffe’s reefs, mangroves, backreef flats, and seagrass beds” (Turneffe Atoll Trust, n.d.). Seeing how adaptive management, sustainable fishing, and tourism work hand in hand shows that innovation in conservation can benefit both ecosystems and local economies. Reading about these efforts has shown me how thoughtful planning and collaboration can create a sustainable path that benefits both local communities and the environment.
TASA’s work aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations, n.d.). For instance, SDG 14 focuses on conserving and sustainably using marine resources, which can be seen in TASA’s enforcement of fishing regulations to protect species such as lobster and conch. SDG 8 calls for promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth along with full and productive employment. TASA’s hiring and training of thirty‑two Belizean conservationists demonstrates a strong commitment to creating decent work opportunities (Cross, 2025). SDG 12 emphasizes responsible consumption and production, which is reflected in TASA’s sustainable fishing practices and careful zoning strategies. SDG 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change, a principle that TASA embodies through adaptive management and data‑driven conservation decisions. As I considered these connections, I was struck by how these global goals come alive in a local setting, showing the power of linking international frameworks with on‑the‑ground conservation work.
The Integrative Well‑being Model offers a valuable way to understand why TASA’s work is so effective. It shows that environmental health, such as protecting reefs, is not an isolated goal. Instead, it is closely connected to economic livelihoods through activities like fisheries and tourism. These economic activities, in turn, support community well‑being by providing both food security and stable income (Cross, 2025). Recognizing this connection helped me see that conservation is not only about safeguarding nature. It is also about building systems that allow people and ecosystems to thrive together.
Looking deeper, Ecological Systems Theory provides another lens for understanding how these efforts fit together. At the micro level, I picture individual fishers, rangers, and their families depending on the atoll for their livelihoods. These fishers adjust their daily practices in response to TASA’s regulations and guidance, while rangers monitor activities and share sustainable methods. At the mezzo level, organizations like TASA, local tourism operators, and the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute collaborate, sharing data, holding meetings, and developing joint projects that strengthen conservation. At the macro level, national policies, international funding partners such as the Belize Tourism Board, and global challenges like rising sea temperatures all shape the larger context in which this work happens. Thinking through these layers has made me appreciate how complex it is to manage natural resources in a way that supports both the environment and the economy.
Ultimately, Turneffe Atoll stands as a model of business‑minded conservation, showing that economic livelihoods and environmental sustainability can grow together. The ongoing work of TASA and its partners demonstrates how strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and data‑driven management can bring lasting positive change. Yet it is also clear that the work is not finished. Continued support from local communities, along with collaboration from international conservation groups and business partners, will be essential to maintain this balance and ensure that Turneffe remains Belize’s insurance for the future. Reflecting on Turneffe’s progress has shown me how thoughtful, collaborative approaches can build a future where both people and ecosystems thrive.
Cross, A. (May 13, 2025). Belize: Insurance for the future. Oceanographic Magazine.
Turneffe Atoll Trust. (n.d.). Turneffe’s ecological assets: Detailed economic rationale for protecting Turneffe’s environmental assets.
