Rio Brave Conservation

Rio Brave Conservation was created in 1988 by a purchase agreement between Gallon Jug Agroindustries and Programme for Belize for 110044 acres of land comprising the northern section of the Gallon Jug property. It has been subsequently enlarged by the donation of 42007 acres by Coca-Cola Foods Inc. in 1990, a further donation by Coca-Cola Foods Inc. of 52015 acres in 1992, purchase from New River Enterprises Ltd. of 14011 in 1994 and the signing of a purchase agreement with New River Enterprises Ltd. for an additional 12798 acres also in 1994.  Property surveys report that the reserve now covers 230875 acres of land. 

Rio Brave Conservation is the largest private reserve in Belize and protects extensive areas of various habitats. Over 390 bird species have been recorded, of which over 25% are migrants. Morelet's Crocodile is common in all the water bodies and the Central American River Turtle is common in the deeper lagoons and rivers. 22 vegetation types are currently recognized in the area.  Some 230 tree species have been recorded to date and the total woody flora is estimated at 250-300 species.

The cultural heritage of the area is extraordinarily rich. Over 60 Mayan sites have so far been located, ranging from major ceremonial centres, and elite dwellings, to field and terrace systems, to industrial sites producing stone tools. La Milpa, on the western part of the site, is considered the third largest ceremonial centre in Belize while Dos Hombres, an elite "palace", approaches La Milpa in extent.