Widely described as the crown jewel of Belize’s protected areas, Bladen is considered to be one of the most biodiversity-rich, and geographically unique areas within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. At 99,796 acres (40,386 ha) Bladen forms a significant portion of the Key Biodiversity Area of the Maya Mountains Massif which was identified as one of the most important blocks of protected areas within Belize and more broadly, Mesoamerica, itself a region considered a world ‘hotspot for species diversity and considered critical for the preservation of the biodiversity of the Western Hemisphere.

Bladen Nature Reserve is one of three category one preservation zones of Belize. This is one of the oldest block of forests in Belize and encompasses nearly 100,000 acres of non-extractive greenery. The Reserve provides global environmental benefits by providing clean air, functioning as a carbon sink, rainfall generation, and preserving genetic diversity.