TODAY Show comes to Belize !
While Ann and Al shrug into their warmest coats next week, Matt will
travel to Belize to explore its natural wildlife and natural wonders,
including the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Home
to only 311,500 people, Belize is best known not only for what is on
its land but also for what is under its water. Home to the famous Blue
Hole, Belize boasts the Western Hemisphere's longest barrier reef,
containing 600 species of fish, and more than 70 types of coral. But,
with a changing climate, warming waters, pollution and urban
development, this fragile reef system is under threat. Lauer will
examine firsthand how climate change is affecting Belize's magnificent
landscape and marine life.
National parks and nature preserves
make up 42 percent of Belize. Lauer will broadcast from the Blue Hole,
where he will also scuba dive along its reef and swim with some of the
world's largest midnight parrot fish as well as stingrays, angelfish
and barracudas. He will also broadcast from the Half Moon Caye, a
crescent shaped island off Belize's coast, which is home to the
endangered red-footed booby birds and 97 additional species of birds.
The iguana, the Wish Willy, and the lizard are also permanent residents
on the magnificent island. 5