The largest coral reef in the Americas is under siege.

Off the coast of the Central American nation Belize, it is one of the world’s great treasures. Just below the surface, a magnificent coral reef spans the entire length of the country.

It was declared a World Heritage Site more than twenty years ago. But today, the reef in under attack.

Coastal development, oil exploration and rising water temperatures are taking their toll on this jewel of the Caribbean.

Correspondent John Zarrella went to Belize to see what’s being done to save the reef from ruin.

For more on this story and video go to: https://america.cgtn.com/2018/01/28/protecting-a-caribbean-wonder-from-disappearing-in-belize