In Central America, the hawksbill turtle is now a species in grave danger of extinction due to the plastic tide. The proliferation of plastic waste, which floods the oceans with its presence and toxicity, has severely affected many marine species, including the fragile hawksbill turtles, whose populations have been decimated. Thanks to invaluable donations, the NGO Ya’axché Conservation Trust is working to preserve hawksbill turtles and build a different future for natural environments through environmental awareness.
Dr. Christina García is a young professional living in Belize, the Central American country whose greatest treasure lies in its breathtaking natural beauty. There, beneath the sea’s surface, coral gardens bloom in pink hues, while the dense jungle surrounds the coastlines, making every species feel connected and familiar. Dr. García works as a marine biologist and describes herself as “a guardian of biodiversity,” dedicating her professional life to rescuing hawksbill turtles—a species with which she has shared a deep bond since childhood.
“I remember my first encounter vividly—it was a moment of pure joy for me, an immediate and natural connection with the species, something unusual for a five-year-old girl,” recalls Dr. García, an acclaimed expert and leader of conservation programs at the Ya’axché Conservation Trust.
Her commitment to marine biodiversity—and particularly to the well-being of hawksbill turtle populations—was clear to her from that magical moment in childhood, shaping her professional vocation. “That’s why, as a scientist, taking the right steps—with the proper financial support—toward developing new strategies and preservation programs means everything today,” says the marine biologist.
Looking Toward the Future
Today, Dr. Christina García plays a key role in maintaining the balance and protection of Belize’s rich marine fauna and that of all Central America. As a leading figure in environmental conservation—and especially in safeguarding the fragile hawksbill turtles—her work with her team has been invaluable.
The Ya’axché Conservation Trust now serves as a stronghold against the gradual degradation of Belize’s biodiversity. It stands as a model to be replicated, not only for the protection of hawksbill turtles but also for many other vital marine species of Central America—particularly those inhabiting the Golden Stream Corridor. This zone is considered a biodiversity “hot spot” in the Caribbean and has recently been declared a protected area. All of this progress is the result of the tireless efforts of the Ya’axché Foundation, which, together with local communities, joined forces to safeguard this coastal strip and prevent it from being acquired by major real estate groups aiming to build luxury resorts.
Commitment and Concrete Action with the Community
Dr. García and her outstanding team of professionals and collaborators at the Ya’axché Foundation have also developed an environmental education program that teaches local residents how to manage their natural resources sustainably. The Foundation’s achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support of funds provided through the Small Grants Programme of the Global Environment Facility. This economic cooperation initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been instrumental in shaping and carrying out a comprehensive educational framework throughout the region—not only in Belize—with concrete projects and actions aimed at fostering environmental awareness.
This framework has laid the groundwork for the sustainable use of Central America’s abundant natural resources, particularly in Belize, becoming a cornerstone of subsistence and a driver for improving the quality of life for local inhabitants. This coastal region—remote, wild, and largely covered by jungle—is home to communities with deep indigenous roots. Dr. García takes pride in this comprehensive work, which she describes as being akin to “guarding a piece of Belize’s natural heritage and the well-being of all its people.”
