ENVIRONMENT |
ENVIRONMENT |
Welcome to the Honduras This Week Online Environment section, a permanent collection of articles related to the Environment in Honduras. Click here to return to the weekly version of Honduras This Week Online Garifuna NGO Recognized for Protecting the Environment
USAID, Zamorano begin a
program to confront the emerging water crisis in the Choluteca and Negro river
basins
|
Coral reef needs regeneration
Protecting the Whale Sharks of Utila (07/19/2004) Deep Blue in Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras runs a dive school in town and an exclusive all inclusive dive resort outside of town. The owners Steve Fox and Jasmine Dale moved there from England 3 years ago and fell in love with the Island of Utila and the diving. They are very keen to preserve the wildlife on the island and the coral reefs and marine life. Because of this, they decided to start the largest research project ever done on Whale Sharks in the Caribbean. Full Article Press
Conference: (07/19/2004)The Programa de Pequeñas Donaciones (Small Donations Program) of the Environmental Fund of the World is a project implemented by the environmental union and the United Nations which, places the financial support directly into the Local Communitarian Based Organizations it aims to help. By LAURA GRIFFITHS The Fellowship of the Ringed Tail (Part I) Part I: The Kinkajou
(11/17/2003) The people at the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) are tabulating nests, eggs and return visits as another turtle season comes to a close in Utila. By JENNIFER OLADIPO 1/3 of the harvests in Honduras use natural methods to control plagues (11/17/2003) A microbiological agent is
a microorganism capable of causing illness and mortality in the population.
The microorganism could be fungus bacteria and virus. The liberation of
biological agents like Trichlozam that results most effective combating
plagues than recognized chemicals in the market has generated in the last
year new economic alternatives for the growers interested in new economic
alternatives for their vegetable crops that, besides lowering the price by at
least US$ 150 per hectare and an increase of at least 25% of production,
promote sustainable agriculture as was indicated by Ricardo Lardizabal,
production manager for FINTRAC.
WWF applauds the potential of a new shark regulation World Wildlife Fund Centroamerica (11/17/2003) San José, Costa Rica. A new regulation that prohibits shark finning has been hailed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as “a global Conservation success for controlling overfishing of these vulnerable species.” The Costa Rican government, biologists, entrepreneurs and conservationists have obtained the approval of an unprecedented regulation to control a type of fishing that, unmanaged, would soon collapse due to the devastating consequences for sharks. It went into effect November 3. By Cinthya Flores USAID, Zamorano begin a
program to confront the emerging water crisis in the Choluteca and Negro river
basins To defend the Moskitia is to defend our country
(7/28/2003) TEGUCIGALPA — Indigenous people are probably the most marginalized in Honduran society. Many communities live under constant fear of losing the land they live on, despite obligations under national and international law, the government has failed to provide them with deeds to protect their right to live on and use the land. Disputes with landowners, multinational logging companies and tourist enterprises over the recognition of land rights have led to abuses against indigenous leaders, including violence, intimidation, death threats and assassinations. The authorities have consistently failed to properly investigate such abuses or to offer adequate protection against them. By OLIVIA McGILL Government yields to environmentalists
Hydro Electric plant will affect water sports on river Cangrejal
Honduras designates fifth Ramsar site, Laguna Bacalar
Can we save Honduras' forests?
TEGUCIGALPA -- Illegal Environmental awareness for sustainable life
4/14/2003
TELA — The area surrounding Tela Bay hides an abundance of natural beauty.
The diversity of flora and fauna has lead to the creation of different parks
in the last few years: the Jeanette Kawas National Park, the Punta Izopo
Wildlife Reserve and the Texiguat Wildlife Reserve. These, along with the
renowned Lancetilla Botanical Garden that was established in 1925, are
managed by PROLANSATE, the Foundation for the Protection of Lancetilla,
Punta Sal and Texiguat, in conjunction with the National Forestry Service’s
Department of Protected Areas (PROBAP).
Hungry for change
4/14/2003
TEGUCIGALPA — The beauty and tranquility of the Gulf of
Fonseca may well disappear forever if increasing expansion of shrimp farming
doesn’t cease immediately. The Gulf is located on the Pacific Ocean of
Central America. The 5000-squared kilometers of coastline, which touches
Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras is an ecological haven. The coast is
brimming with a plethora of flora and fauna, surrounded by expansive
mangroves, natural lagoons and exquisite estuaries.
Utila for sale: where will the Iguanas go?
Conservationists in Utila iguana drama
|
|
Welcome to the Honduras This Week Online Environment section, a permanent collection of articles related to the Environment in Honduras. Click here to return to the weekly version of Honduras This Week Online
Lessons learned from soon-to-be liberated Harpy Eagles Caribbean biological corridor in Honduras being promoted as pilot program
AES environmental impact study found inconclusive and vague
|
The not-so-mellow lethal yellow
(11/25/2002) Every second a tree is lost
Community members at the helm of rain forest
protection
(11/4/2002)
LA CEIBA - Pico Bonito National Park, located in the north coast in the city
limits of La Ceiba, is a protected area consisting of over 100,000 hectares
of rain forest and cloud forest. Seven different eco-systems exist within
its borders and the park is home to over 275 species of birds, a variety of
mammals such as jaguars, tapirs, deer, puma, white-faced monkeys and spider
monkeys. The parks’ hydrological system feeds 17 main watersheds in the
departments of Atlantida and Yoro. Full article by IXCHEL GRANADA Local NGO Works To
Preserve Honduran Jewel
(9/2/2002) Honduras needs La Tigra National Park. The government needs it
to boost low tourism numbers. Tegucigalpa relies on it for clean drinking
water. Tired citizens need it as a reachable escape from daily life. And
several native villages call it home. By LYNN CHOTOWETZ Biologist
Sets Out To Clear Up Honduran ‘Big Cat’ Rumors
Untamed Honduras: Knowledge will promote conservation
(7/22/02) TEGUCIGALPA -- The movie, Untamed Honduras has been conceived as a broad project with complex logistics that pretends to reach specific, scientific goals never before obtained inasmuch as exploration and diffusion of the natural, ethnic and cultural richness of Honduras is concerned. To reach this goal a group of approximately 20 persons was brought together in the field to realize the project. Arturo Sosa, the creator, is a multifaceted professional: photographer, writer, university professor, and television producer, amongst others. Full article by ROSIBEL PACHECHO DE GUTIERREZ
Much needed reforestation projects uprooted
Honduran Conservation Corps: Conservation in Action
TEGUCIGALPA (5/7/2002) - The deterioration of ecological systems such as watersheds, forest biomes and hydrological pathways is at a precipitous crossroads, the consequences of which can be seen in hazardous environmental disasters which often put hundreds of thousands of human lives at risk. Complex human interactions and man-made decisions are most often responsible for the damages caused by flooding, drought, rampant disease and loss of arable lands. Full article by IXCHEL GRANADA
Sustainable Harvest International
Bat Bulletin: conservation vital
|
|
Dams
accused of role in flooding 07/16/01 -- GLAND, Switzerland - New research commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the conservation organization, has warned that dams built with the promise of reducing flooding can often exacerbate the problem with catastrophic consequences, as some recent floods have shown. Full article 'Honduras
is worth more than gold'
Anti-mining campaign to begin this month More
than 30% of nation's territory has been licensed to foreign mining companies
in just four years! 03/05/2001 --Undoubtedly,
you own at least a small piece of Honduras, or some other gold-producing
country. Many people do, though
frequently they don't know it. About 84 percent of all gold extracted from the earth this
year will go toward producing rings, necklaces and earrings for consumers in
North America, Europe, India and the Arab countries. U.S. firms plans to harvest US$800 million in Honduran timber By
MARIA FIALLOS February
26, 2001 -- In a press release issued Wednesday
(Feb. 21), J.A.B. International, Inc. announced that it had come to an
agreement with Universal Resources Group to harvest the standing timber on
J.A.B.'s properties in Honduras and Central Africa, businesswire.com
reported. Work will begin on the company's
property in Honduras first and the estimated gross value of the operation is
approximately US$800 million. Timber
estimates given by URG are 560,000,000 board feet of pine, 100,000,000 board
feet of evergreen and 80,000,000 board feet of roble (teak alternative). The URG homepage <http://www.urg.cc>
states that the company is at this moment gathering a team of professionals
to travel to Honduras and accurately survey the properties.
Other steps to be taken include acquisition of government contracts
and the development of an environmental impact study. Scientists strive to save American jags ECO-EXCHANGE, 12/25/2000 -- Scientists in North and Latin America are working together in an attempt to save the jaguar, the largest wild cat in the Americas. The jaguar originally roamed from the southwestern United States to southern Argentina. While the wild cat's population today is unknown, biologists collaborating in the Wildlife Conservation Society's Jaguar Conservation Program estimate they have disappeared from at least 50 percent of their range since 1900. Most of the loss is in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Full article Conservation groups take on new roles after the storm ECO-EXCHANGE, 12-18-2000 -- Two years after Hurricane Mitch pummeled Central America, leaving more than 9,000 dead and tens of thousands more homeless, the region is still struggling to recuperate. Nearly a billion dollars of international aid has helped repair destroyed infrastructure and bolster teetering economies. Meanwhile, work continues in the hardest-hit communities, often led by conservation groups whose pre-hurricane role was focused on biodiversity protection, not on hammers, nails, and cement. Full article Legal
contracts to protect private wildlands September 25, 2000 -- ECO-EXCHANGE -- Well aware that millions of biodiversity-rich, forested acres lie in private hands, conservation groups in Latin America are developing creative ways to encourage landowners to safeguard the forests they own. The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a U.S. organization active throughout Latin America, is working with local groups to promote "conservation easements," self-designed legal contracts that stipulate how landowners can use their property. While conservation easements are still new in the region, they are growing in popularity. Full article
Honduran environmentalist condemns conviction of Mexican counterparts Decision
undermines grassroots efforts to protect Mexico's environment TEGUCIGALPA --
In a stunning decision, Mexican environmentalists Rodolfo Montiel Flores and
Teodoro Cabrera Garcia, who have spent the past 16 months in prison on
trumped up charges of illegal possession of weapons and drug trafficking,
were convicted today of those charges.
The ruling by a Mexican court is likely to send a chilling effect
throughout the Mexican environmental community and will likely upset efforts
to protect the environment in Mexico.
|
Park Planning for Life: Jon Kohl imparts training seminar to employees of Pico Bonito National Park. 12/03/2001 - Pico Bonito National Park proved no exception. Under a pile of reports in its library hid the proof. In 1989 university students and professors had written the parks general management plan. And now it lies there, never approved, never implemented. Several layers above, a newer plan, the administrations strategic plan, has been laid to rest as well. Written by another consultant, it too suffered a fate worse than misuse. First of two parts by JON KOHL Rare encounter with stygian owl
9/10/2001--It has been a relatively "easy" task to record more than 20 new butterflies for Honduras that pertain to the sulfur, swallowtail and brush-footed families due to the fact that so little collecting has been done here. Some of the rarest species for all of Central and South America turn up throughout various forested regions in the country. Full article by ROBERT GALLARDO Development endangering unique Utila species
7/9/01
-- Utila,
one of the three Bay Islands (area some 40 km2), houses a considerable
number of animal and plant species of which several exist only on this
island, including the impressive Utila iguana (Ctenosaura
bakeri) and two norops lizards (Norops
bicaorum and N. utilensis). These species are very much endangered. When
business and conservation join forces
Eco-alliance formed to develop, manage Pico Bonito Park
If
you have ever immersed yourself in the scriptures of natural park
conservation, you may have come across the Legend of the Perfectly Managed
Park. In this faraway land,
there was a park where all the subjects and royalty (called
"stakeholders" in the old texts) periodically convened at a round
table. They debated battle strategies and logistical campaigns in
the name of park protection and development.
Then each threw down his share of gold and pledged his sword to the
Perfectly Managed Park. Full articvle by Jon
Kohl
Honduras 2.0: A conversation with Chris Humphrey Int'l
recognition key to protecting Mosquitia
Cattle ranchers burn wetlands for use as pasture, endangering wildlife and fragile ecosystems and threatening the very existence of the Mosquitia. (Photo by Edgardo Benitez.) 11/20/2000
-- In recent
times, the Mosquitia, which boasts one of the richest wetland systems in the
Mesoamerican region, has suffered greatly from the inadequate use of its
resources. Lack of planning and
overuse are quickly depleting nature's bounty. NGO
proposes conserving all Mosquitia's wetlands
The
Mosquitia, an area covering 22,000
square kilometers, is inhabited by 60,000 people living in 190 communities
and villages. The people of the
Mosquitia are comprised of five different ethnic groups, Miskitos, Garifunas,
Pech, Ladinos and Tawahkas. Since 1996, the Environmental Youth Leadership Camps Program has provided healthy activities for young people through its camps at nine sites around the country, at the same time producing individuals with greater self-esteem, teamwork capabilities and a greater appreciation for the importance of individual responsibility in protecting the environment.
October
23, 2000 -- When Hondurans
are asked, "What do young people do in this country when they are not
in school?" The answer
invariably is, "Nada" (Nothing).
During school vacations, students spend more of their time
"hanging out" on busy streets corners, malls, or simply in front
of the TV. Because labor
continues to be cheap, most youngsters do not bother to look for work and,
besides, the traditional Latin family prefers to keep their children close
to home, even if this means that kids are not participating in healthy
activities. North Coast parks threatened by fires, logging
In central Honduras, the burning season is in April, as farmers
prepare their land for the May rains. On
the North Coast, the heavy rains come in October and my neighbors are
getting ready. A cloud of smoke
hangs over the forest. There is
a column of orange as corozo or
cohune palms with fast burning leaves and oil bearing nuts go up in flames.
Many
Honduran palms have a wide range of uses
While traveling
through the North Coast, you may notice that palms frequently decorate both
sides of the road. Coconuts
have the most uses, such as in handicrafts, traditional medicines and food. However, several other palms are also important in Honduras. |
|
New Indian-run NGO appears in the Mosquitia In the Department of Gracias a Dios, also known as the Mosquitia, 91 percent of the inhabitants speak a native language such as Miskito, Tawahka, Pech or Garifuna. Edgardo Benitez, the Tawahka Executive Director of CIDCA, believes it is time that indigenous peoples are co-executors of development projects in their area. Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN
Honduran biologist provides publicity for nature. By MARIA FIALLOS January 17, 2000 -- Ecosistemas, an environmental education project created by biologist Roger Cruz, recently moved to Santa Lucia, adding a touch of nature to this tourist town. The shop offers a variety of t-shirts, posters, caps, handbags and backpacks, all boasting artwork representative of the wildlife of Honduras. An in-house designer and painter produce the images of iguanas, dolphins, jaguars and other Honduran species that adorn the products. Cruz says that his main objective is to promote knowledge of the resources Honduran ecosystems produce. Since 1996, this independent project has been slowly turning out new designs with the support of the people who buy the t-shirts. The company also produces posters that are distributed in schools, universities and public offices with the hope that every Honduran sees them and starts to develop an environmental conscience. The project supports environmental organizations with designs and prints that promote national parks and protected areas, in this way providing publicity for nature. Says Cruz, "We must know about nature in order to love it."
Ecotourism a tool
for conservation and community development Tribunal weights water contamination cases March 13, 2000 -- The Central American Water Tribunal believes that all citizens have the legal right to clean drinking water and wants to prove it in "court." Based in Costa Rica, the tribunal is an autonomous body whose independent jury will review 12 controversial cases involving water contamination in Central America and deliver a verdict. Full article
Region
grapples with global warning
March 27, 2000 -- ECO-EXCHANGE -- Last year was the fifth hottest on
record, which has done more to convince scientists that global warming is a
reality than the fact that 1998 was the hottest year ever. That is because
1998 was a year of El Nino, a regularly occurring weather pattern that
usually increases temperatures. But 1999 was La Nina year, when a different
weather phenomenon is supposed to cool temperatures. Instead, the National
Center for Atmospheric Research in the United States reported that land
temperatures were slightly warmer than normal. Full article "Geniuses"
at work for conservation
March 20, 2000, ECO-EXCHANGE -- Ten exceptional experts are currently
working on 10 ingenious biodiversity conservation research projects in
the seven countries of Central America. They are supported by grants of
nearly $10,000 each from the Regional Environmental Project for
Central/Central American Protected Areas System (PROARCA/CAPAS). The
talented 10 won "genius grants" from the project, which is
supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Full article |
Nature
group fights to protect Honduran biodiversity
TEGUCIGALPA, August, 21, 2000 -- For nearly 50 years, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a private international conservation group headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has helped to protect more than 10 million acres of ecologically significant habitat in the United States and more than 55 million acres in the rest of the American continent, Asia and the Pacific. Full article by Suyapa Carias Scientist's
study spurs 'water for life' campaign Mesoamerican
Biological Corridor is formally established
Theresa
Zuniga
(Photo by Suyapa Carias. July
7, 2000 -- Authorities of
the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (SERNA), the State
Forestry Agency (AFE/COHDEFOR), the German Cooperation (GTZ), the U.N.
Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Wildlife Fund last week presented
the new Mesoamerican Biological Corridor Project (CBM) in Tegucigalpa.
U.N. presents report on the environment
TEGUCIGALPA,
June 19, 2000 -- Natural Resources Minister Xiomara Gomez de Caballero this
week presented the first Report on Environmental Perspectives in Latin
America and the Caribbean, prepared by the United Nations Development
Program for the Environment and launched simultaneously throughout the
region. ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE
Honduras
must do its hurricane homework on time
June 12, 2000 -- Honduras didn't do its homework on hurricane preparedness and received a
walloping demerit. The
teacher's scolding was predictable: those who don't study history tend to
repeat it. Planeta.com is now sponsoring a new mailing list about environmental news and travel in Honduras. The "Planeta Honduras" mailing list distributes short announcements, recommended resources and new website URLs for those interested in Honduran environmental news, responsible eco travel and ecotourism. Members can also post queries about destinations, guides and environmental contacts. Full article Bilingual nature guide training program continues to link conservation with tourism
Participants in the bilingual nature guide program look at a large beetle. May 15, 2000LANCETILLA, Tela -- Former Vice Minister of Tourism Jacqueline Foglia was practical and to the point as she addressed the audience of the second graduation of bilingual nature guides in Honduras April 1. She urged the participating organizations to put their newly graduated nature guides in English classes as soon as possible to increase their fresh English skills. She also told them the ministry will carry out field trips to see how all the graduates are doing. Full article by JON KOHL Agencies struggle to fund
Guanaja environmental protection April 3, 2000 --The key to high quality tourist development on the Bay Island of Guanaja is protection of the natural environment that people come to see. The principal areas of concern, according to Guanaja's Mayor Sherral Haylock, are garbage, sewage and fishing. Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN Sustainable development plan
needed to save Bay Islands ecosystem
February 21, 2000 -- As North Coast fishing declines due to overfishing,
more and more people turn to Bay Islands tourism as a way of living. The
Honduran government also hopes the development of Bay Islands tourism will
provide substantial income that can be used on the mainland. Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN Many agencies working to protect Bay Islands reefs
February 14, 2000 -- The Bay Islands reef has the second highest diversity of corals in the Western Hemisphere after Jamaica, with 60 different species including wall, platform and soft corals, according to a study done prior to Hurricane Mitch. Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN INFOP, Greenwood team up to
save
By replacing slow growing
primary forest hardwoods with faster growing woods from the secondary
forest, pressure can be reduced on Honduras' fine woods like laurel and
mahogany. (Photo by Wendy Griffin.) January 24, 2000, TEGUCIGALPA -- The National Professional Training
Institute (INFOP) is the not the favorite topic of businessmen. Companies
with over five employees have to pay a percentage of their payroll to
support classes given by this state-run training program. Full
article by WENDY GRIFFIN |
|
Three C.A. nations working to save their
manatees
December 27, 1999 -- Conservation groups and the governments of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize are joining forces to save the West Indies manatee (Trichechus manatus), an endangered marine mammal that lives in the lagoons of the Gulf of Honduras, which is shared by the three nations. Full article Greenhouse gas inventory,
endangered species list for Honduras now available Days of Honduran mahogany
and broadleaf forests numbered October 11, 1999 -- Imagine hoisting your backpack in Guatemala and heading south on a trail that leads you through protected rain forests in all seven Central American countries. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), working with conservation groups and government agencies in Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, has embarked on a major initiative to make such a trek possible. Full article |
Environmental NGOs
rehabilitate La Ceiba's protected areas December 6, 1999 -- Waiting in La Ceiba's airport, the sight that dominates the scene is Honduras' third tallest mountain, Pico Bonito. Unlike the mountains that surround Tegucigalpa, this one is green from base to peak with different species of hardwood trees. The location of Pico Bonito Park, Honduras' largest, may explain why La Ceiba had little flooding or landslide damage after Hurricane Mitch. Full article by Wendy Griffin Tawahka Asangni Reserve finally approved
TEGUCIGALPA November 1, 1999 -- Nearly eight years after first being submitted to Congress, it would appear that the decree declaring the Tawahka Asangni Biosphere Reserve a protected area has finally been approved. Although still not officially published in the Gazette (the official government newspaper), several sources have confirmed that the decree was voted on and approved by the National Congress on Oct. 20. Full article by MARÍA FIALLOS PROLANSATE rebuilds Tela protected areas after Mitch
October 25, 1999 -- The environmental NGO PROLANSATE is responsible for the protected areas of Lancetilla, Punta Sal, Punta Izopo and Texiguat. All are currently open to tourists. Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN Honduran environmentalist fights to save bird rescue center
Special to Honduras This Week October 18, 1999 -- "El famoso Steiner," grumbles Francisco Lopez, director of the La Ceiba Airport, as Ricardo Fito Steiner enters his office. "Not so famous, actually," he answers in a low voice, eyes scanning the floor. Full article by JON KOHL
|
|
Training of environmental
educational pros pays off
In Nicaragua, residents of
small farming community once ignored, now cheer wetlands |
MISKUT:
state-backed cartel destroying Biosphere
A chainsaw is used to cut down a hardwood tree in a protected area near the Wampu River.
TEGUCIGALPA -- The Assembly of Indigenous, Black and Ladino natives of La Mosquitia region this week issued an official declaration criticizing AFE-COHDEFOR, the government institution in charge of protecting and managing the forests, AFE-COHDEFOR. Full article by MARIA FIALLOS and JORGE FLORES Experts
say certified forestry is big business Sun coffee a threat to migrating and local wildlife August 9, 1999 -- What most Americans know about good coffee, they learned from Juan Valdez. In the Folger's coffee commercial, Juan Valdez was supposedly a coffee-growing peasant in the mountains of Colombia who explained, as he walked down through shaded hillsides with his donkey, that the best coffee is "mountain grown." Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN |
|
Honduras offers turtle nesting beaches to tourists March 13, 1999-- In August I met a Japanese couple in Trujillo on their honeymoon. They could only stay a few days, the couple said, because they were going to Costa Rica to observe sea turtles. Many tourists go to Costa Rica to see turtles, but it is not necessary. Honduras currently has at least three place with sea turtles projects. Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN Rio Patuca: Ecotourism a tool
for conservation and community development Plants with the same name can be different 5/25/99 --In the United States, one of the most popular medicinal plants is valerian. It is used to help people sleep at night and to control anxiety during the day. For those who become addicted to prescription drugs like Valium and Xanax, valerian root is being offered as a healthful alternative. Full article by WENDY GRIFFIN |
Global Environmental Fund finances biodiversity conservation
By MARIA FIALLOS TEGUCIGALPA, August, 1, 1999-- Under the auspices of the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) and channeled through the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the national forestry agency (AFE-CODHEFOR) has created a special office for managing the Biodiversity Project of Priority Areas (PROBAP). Full Article
Wood for sale? Total destruction of native broadleaf species predicted
As the largest protected area in Honduras, the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, consisting of 850,00 square hectares, brings to mind visions of biological diversity: pine forest savannas, dense tropical habitats, meandering, free-flowing rivers, and exotic wildlife. Just the name suggests abundance. The area is indeed rich in resources and the possibilities for sustainable development are diverse -- ecotourism, managed agroforestry, scientific research. In 1980 UNESCO declared the park a protected area and it was recognized as a World Heritage Site. Still the threats are many, logging activities, cattle ranchers, and slash- and burn farmers continue to destroy pristine woodlands at an accelerated rate despite conservation efforts made by international and native environmental activitists. Full article by Maria Fiallos El Chile: ancient forest, bio reserve in danger
We had travelled for two hours from Tegucigalpa toward El Chile Mountain and were now on a good dirt road running east from Guaimaca. The pine forests seemed immense and the biological reserve we were to visit loomed on the horizon like a sleeping giant. We had crossed crystal clear rivers and brooks and had stopped several times to make video shots for a documentary for the National Institute for Environment and Development (INADES), a private non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of El Chile and other reserves. We had seen few cars and houses and the closer we got, the more optimistic I felt. Suddenly, not one but two huge trucks appeared, carrying beautiful but dead old pine trees. Full article by JORGE FLORES MCCLELLAN |
Foundation helps to improve environment of San Pedro Sula |
NGO working for sustainable development of Mosquitia
Most Mosquitia protected areas still await legal approval The Mosquitia, a rain forest and tropical savanna area located in the department of Gracias a Dios, is shown on maps with six protected areas: the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, the Laguna de Caratasca Wildlife Preserve, the Rio Cruta Wildlife Preserve, the Tawahka-Asagni Biosphere Reserve and the Rio Patuca National Park. Of these, however, only the Rio Platano Reserve has full legal approval, says Oswaldo Mungia, director of the Organization for the Development of the Mosquitia (MOPAWI). Full article by Wendy Griffin |
EcoTravels
website celebrates 5th year Neoliberalism has brought
unhealthy changes to forestry policy |
Forum on Patuca dam project held in Teguz
Less destructive
sites have been identified for dam projects
Solar oven bakeries
possible solution to deforestation |
A volunteer
helps tie down coral into cookies that are contructed out of cement.
This is the first step in the regeneration process. Jules Page
The
whale shark is considered to be Utila’s main vistor
Rapa
Lagoon sunset, La Moskitia 
The
Laguna Bacalar was designated Honduras´ fifth Ramsar site as a Wetland of
International Importance 
Honduran
indigenous community in standing forest area.
The
spiney-tailed Utila Iguana (Chenosaura baken) lives only in the 12km2
Mangrove Forest on the small island Utila on the Caribbean coast of
Honduras, Central America. Conservation work is needed for its survival.
The "Nafaluma" National Coconut Network has replanted over 15% of the
affected area with resistant varieties. Credit: Dr. Maria Mercedes
Roca de Doyle, Pan American College of Agriculture, Zamorano, Honduras
Lake
Yojoa was chosen as a principal site for the reforestation. The lake and
surrounding areas provide a home for more than 400 species of native and
migratory birds.
Volunteers
Annie Johnson and Clare Riley dig holes for tree planting on steep
mountain slope in La Tigra National Park 
Jaguar
skull marked and prepared for observation by the scientists determined to
settle rumors of predatory actions of the big cats. The size and shape of
the fangs are being compared to wounds in killed cattle.
Covered by eternal fog, the park’s highest peak, Andino’s Rock, proudly stands 2,290 meters above sea level. 
Environmental District Attornies flee from death threats
Deforestation is rampant in Honduras. Bare mountainsides such as these can be found nationwide.
Conservation signs form part of the environmental education program.
This is the son of a participating farmer. He is well pleased with the addition of carrots to his family's diet!
Bats are considered keystone species of many ecosystems.
A
two-meter male Utila iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri) basks in the sun during the mating season.
Houses
on stilts built from local material are the norm in the Mosquitia in areas
that are flooded regularly. (Photo by Edgardo Benitez.)
Left
over pieces of a guanacaste tree
cut down to make a canoe in Capiro y Calentura Park. (Photo by Wendy
Griffin.)
Most
palms seen in Honduras are African palms, whose nuts are used to make
manteca, soap, and oil. (Photo by Wendy Griffin.)
Damage
to the reef by tourists include problems of divers actually stepping on it,
taking away pieces, and anchors breaking the coral. Buoys have been placed
to avoid part of the problem. (Photo by Wendy Griffin.)
primary
forests
Don
Isidro, a revered Tawahka elder, stands at the mouth of a cave he
discovered at the Cerro de Winpi in the Tawahka Asangni Biosphere
Reserve. (Photo by Edgardo Benitez.)
Examples
of coral from Punta Sal Park that are dying as a result of Hurricane
Mitch are on display at the offices of PROLANSATE. (Photo by Wendy
Griffin.)
Illegal
trafficking of macaws, parrots and other animals continues virtually
unchecked while governmental authorities stand by and do nothing.
60,000 board feet of nature red mahogany await shipment downriver (Patuca
River)
