Belize, US Team Up to Protect Ancient Maya Artifacts

Government representatives from the United States and Belize are teaming up to help protect cultural heritage artifacts from Belize.

According to a press release, Acting Charge d’Affaires Deborah Lingwood at the United States Embassy in Belize and Greg Vernon, the Acting President of Belize’s National Institute of Culture and Heritage have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that “solidifies the collaboration between the United States and Belize to combat looting and trafficking of cultural objects in Belize.”

“The goals of this cultural property agreement are to: reduce the incentive to pillage; help Belize protect its cultural heritage; and increase lawful access to cultural objects and awareness of world heritage by encouraging the interchange of materials for scientific, cultural and educational purposes,” said the American Embassy in a press release. “The United States has been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage in Belize and around the world. Our policy is clear: the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage and the trafficking of cultural property are unacceptable.”

After the signing, the U.S. also repatriated several Belizean cultural property items that were found by special agents working with the U.S. National Park Service.

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Trafficking in cultural heritage items is a growing problem throughout Central America.

As looted or found pieces are sold off to international collectors and unscrupulous museums, local peoples are losing access to thousands of years of cultural identity. But the issue also has a darker side. Organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations often use illegally gained cultural property as another source of revenue to finance their activities.

“We are honored to partner with the Institute of Archaeology and NICH in this important endeavor to preserve Belize’s rich cultural heritage,’ noted the Embassy press release. “Our strong partnership is ongoing. Jointly, through Archaeology in the Community program, we have trained students, law enforcement and customs personnel, and tour guides. Through Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation program, we have restored and preserved Santa Rita, Lamanai, and Benque Viejo del Carmen Reserve sites.

At least one local tourism entity is haling the new agreement.

Pointing to an exhibition of rare Maya artifacts currently touring the United States, the owners of the Lodge at Chaa Creek, an award-winning eco-resort located within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize, note that Americans are showing a growing interest in Belize’s cultural tourism, making the MOU particularly relevant.

The “Maya: Hidden World Revealed” exhibit, which opened in Minnesota in 2013, has traveled to Boston, Denver, San Diego and other US cities, and is currently on display at the Milwaukee Public Museum until May 28, 2018. It features more than 300 Maya archaeological artifacts and life-sized replicas, including pieces from Xunantunich, a temple pyramid located near Chaa Creek.

“It’s no exaggeration to say Belize is teeming with Maya artifacts,” said Mick and Lucy Fleming, owners of the Lodge at Chaa Creek, “and modern technology such as LiDAR imaging is leading to new discoveries every year. With more people coming to Belize to explore the country’s many ancient Maya cities, temples, sacred ceremonial caves and other remnants of this enigmatic, highly advanced ancient civilization, measures to protect Belize’s Maya artifacts are needed more than ever.”

Visitors interested in the Maya culture can find some seventy archaeological sites within the 400-acre private nature reserve established by the Flemings.

“It seems like every time we dig a hole for fencing, improve roads and trails, or do any sort of construction, we’re contacting the Ministry of Archaeology to report we’ve found yet another artifact or underground structure.”

While the Flemings always turn their finds over to the authorities, who then grant permission for them to be displayed at Chaa Creek’s on-site Belize Natural History Centre, not everyone is as scrupulous.

“The illegal trade in Maya artifacts is a lucrative worldwide business. . . For poor farmers and others, the temptation to sell Maya artifacts they find can be very tempting.”

“Back in the 1970s and 80s, enforcement was more lax and as a tourist or visitor, you’d be hard-pressed to sit in one of the downtown bars without someone approaching to sell you a jade bead, piece of pottery or other artifacts,” said Ms. Fleming. “Fortunately, through education and enforcement, and with the growth of sustainable cultural tourism, people are more aware of the importance of preserving Belize’s Maya Heritage. Even schoolchildren are taught that artifacts are more valuable where they are, rather than in some overseas collection.”

The new MOU is the latest in a series of steps Belize has taken to protect its natural identity and heritage. Recently, the nation also instated a full-stop on all offshore oil drilling in order to protect its Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage site.