Take a traditional cooking class, learn the local language, or tip the musicians who are playing and celebrating their culture.  This will ensure that the unique cultures of Izabal are alive and present for years to come. 

Avoid traveling in large groups, especially when visiting protected areas.  

Many people in Izabal sell food and other goods in the streets just as their ancestors have done for years, and buying things from them is a great way to support the local economy.  In Livingston, for example, you will find all kinds of great stuff in the street- traditional Garifuna coconut candy, pan de coco, and homemade coconut oil and Guifiti. 

Financial assistance is often the most effective way to help give back to the areas that you visit, and a small donation can go a long way to help poor communities and grass-roots projects.  The Izabal Conservation Fund is a great way to help ensure that Izabal’s natural resources and cultural heritage are protected for many years to come.  You can donate by adding a small charge to your hotel bill, purchasing a gift card, leaving money in a collection box, or online via Paypal. 

A number of community organizations in Izabal are always looking for volunteers, and your skills and knowledge could greatly help these local organizations.  Giving your time will also allow to have a more profound experience and a deeper knowledge of local culture.  See volunteer opportunities for more specific information. 

Izabal is home to dozens of indigenous communities, and visiting one is a unique and enriching way to experience local culture and contribute directly to well-being of these communities.  Many communities have facilities to receive visitors, and some even offer overnight lodging and tours.  Before visiting any community, however, it is important to contact the community leaders and organizers and make sure that they are able and prepared to receive you.  They may need several days notice in order to purchase food and other supplies.   

Overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices are destroying local economies and permanently damaging the ecosystems of Izabal.  Don’t eat certain fish during “veda,” their mating season.  During this time it is illegal to catch certain fish, and you can help enforce this law by demanding that restaurants do not serve this fish during their reproductive season.  If your order lobster, be sure to check that it is the correct size, since smaller lobsters should not be killed and allowed to grow longer and reproduce. 

Tourists should be aware that many products made from endangered species and animals will be available for sale, and should try to avoid purchasing any of these handicrafts.  Common items for sale include giant dried Starfish, turtle shells, and large conch shells.  Not buying these types of products encourages local artisans to create products using recycled materials and also helps protect these species for future generations.

In order to minimize your environmental impact while visiting Izabal, be sure to request a “refill" rather than purchasing several plastic bottles throughout the day.  Most local businesses and restaurants are working hard to reduce the trash they produce and will be happy to comply with your request.  They may charge you a small fee for the refill, but it'll still be less than buying a whole new bottle!