BETA was formed on Earth Day, 1993, by a small group of members of the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) who felt that eco-tourism needed a strong representation within BTIA, independent of regional or tourism-sector interests.  Since that time BETA has served as the eco-tourism "watch dog" and advisor to BTIA and has provided input on major policy stances BTIA has taken vis a vis the government.

BETA's most concrete achievement was the Adopt  a Roadway "Beta No Litta" campaign, begun in the summer of 1995 and culminating on Earth Day 1996. With the help of a $65,000Bz grant from NARMAP (Natural Resource Management Project) and over $70,000Bz in-kind contributions from BETA supporters, BETA was able to widely publicize and promote its anti-litter campaign throughout Belize.  

One result was that roadway "adopters" from Corozal, in the north, to Benque Viejo, in the west, to Placencia,in the south, agreed to take responsibility for keeping their sections of the Belizean roadways litter free throughout the year.  This highly successful and well-publicized campaign helped build an ongoing interest in litter prevention and waste handling seen throughout Belize today.

BETA has not undertaken any major projects since Adopt a Roadway, but it has consistently been an active advocate of sustainable tourism within Belize.

The new millenium marks a period of renewed interest in BETA and a desire to help protect Belize's natural treasures for the enjoyment of Belizeans and visitors alike, both now and for the future.