Belize conservation champion mike heusner dies at 86, leaving legacy of marine protection

Mike Heusner, a pioneering figure in Belize’s conservation and sustainable tourism movement, passed away on January 10th at age 86. For decades, Heusner championed the delicate balance between economic development and environmental protection in the Central American nation known for its pristine coral reefs, mangroves, and diverse marine ecosystems.

As a leading businessman in Belize’s tourism and sportfishing industries, Heusner helped transform Belize River Lodge into a world-class angling destination while advocating for responsible environmental stewardship. His approach was grounded in a fundamental understanding that Belize’s natural resources weren’t just scenic backdrops, but essential economic assets requiring careful management. Through countless committee meetings and policy discussions, he argued that the country’s environmental health was inseparable from its economic survival.

Heusner’s influence extended far beyond the tourism sector. He became a key voice in debates about sustainable development, fishing regulations, and marine conservation—discussions that often centered on who gets to define “progress” in a nation where nature serves as both workplace and economic engine. His work highlighted the ongoing tension faced by many eco-tourism destinations: how to generate the revenue needed to fund conservation while avoiding the environmental degradation that tourism can bring.

His death marks the loss of a pragmatic conservationist who understood that effective environmental protection required business acumen, political engagement, and deep respect for the communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy ecosystems. Heusner’s legacy continues in Belize’s ongoing efforts to balance development with preservation.