Some souvenirs you'll see in Belize are the result of reef and wildlife destruction, so think twice before you buy - they include black coral, often made into jewellery, turtle shells, which look far better on their rightful owners, and indeed marine curios of any kind. Many of the animal and plant souvenirs you may be offered are illegal in Belize and may also be listed in Appendix 1 to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; www.cites.org ), so you won't be allowed to bring them into the US, Canada or Europe, and will face a fine - or worse - for even trying. Even more illegal are archeological artefacts or remains; all such items belong to Belize and theft or trade in them is strictly prohibited; anyone attempting to smuggle such items out of the country could end up in jail in Belize or at home.