PRESS RELEASE
April 15, 2013
Oceana is saddened by the news of the passing of one of Belize’s first Marine Conservationist, Lionel “Chocolate” Heredia, who was a true Belizean patriot contributing immensely to the protection of marine resources, especially the manatees.
In 2012, Oceana presented “Chocolate” its Ocean Hero Award for his outstanding work spanning over five decades as a conservationist when that term had not even become popular or even considered a career field.
“We must celebrate the life of our brother Chocolate and always remember him as a role model because even though he has parted this earthly life his works and contribution to this nation remain with us. And it is his work all of us in the conservation community must continue as we stand on the shoulder of this conservation giant,” said Oceana V.P.
Audrey Matura-Shepherd.
A brief History:
Lionel “Chocolate” Heredia spent much of his adult life in and around the sea as a fisherman and later as a tour guide. He built up a healthy respect for the environment, knowing how important conservation was without even knowing what the word meant. Chocolate had known about the manatees near Swallow Caye for over 50 years. In the 80s he started to bring tourists there to show them the beautiful manatees of Belize.
In the early to mid-90s more and more tour guides were found visiting the area. Everyonewas getting in the water with the animals and Chocolate came to realize how important it was to set up a protected area around Swallow Caye. In 1996 he and other concerned individuals from all over Belize formed a community-based conservation association called Friends of Swallow Caye. It was set up to promote the designation of this area as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
Success came in July 2002, when the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources signed the Statutory Instrument declaring the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected area is now co-managed by Friends of Swallow Caye and the Belize Forest Department.
Rest in Peace our friend!
