PROCAMBIO II - Sustainable management of biosphere reserves in Honduras

Context

The impacts of climate change can increasingly be seen and felt. They are already having an effect on biodiversity, livelihoods and ecosystem services and are thus jeopardising human well-being. According to the Global Climate Risk Index (CRI), Honduras is one of the countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Climate-induced risks such as hurricanes, flooding, droughts and landslides are occurring with greater frequency and severity, leading to crop failure, damage to infrastructure and a decline in the quality of life.

In light of these challenges, the local population needs support in order to adapt livelihoods to the impacts of current and future climate conditions. In addition to adapting agricultural production, this applies in particular to the protection of natural resources and ecosystems.

In 2015, Honduras committed itself to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Two years later, the national planning instruments were amended accordingly in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the climate and the environment. The country has four UNESCO biosphere reserves with vast forested areas. Not only are these important to the water supply, they also harbour and protect a rich diversity of fauna and flora. These areas are an important and successful model for regional development and fulfilment of the SDGs.

Increased cooperation is intended to promote implementation of national mechanisms and instruments for sustainable development. In addition, solutions tailored to the needs of the population are required in order to support the sustainable use of resources and to protect the rural population from the effects of climate change.

Objective

Coordinated management of the biosphere reserves is based on principles of climate change adaptation and sustainable use of resources.

Approach

The project activities are conducted primarily in the Cacique Lempira Señor de las Montañas biosphere reserve in the west of the country. The main focus is on the provision of technical support for state, local and community actors through targeted capacity development. The success of local measures will subsequently be incorporated into the national planning instruments for biosphere reserve management.

The project targets three levels, in order to ensure that the management of biosphere reserves is sustainable and adapted to climate change. Firstly, it supports the national MAB Committee (Man and Biosphere) and supports the actors responsible for biosphere reserve management. Secondly, the project supports state institutions in developing a shared vision and a national concept for management of the biosphere reserves.

Furthermore, the project helps local actors such as indigenous territorial councils, drinking water associations and producer organisations to appropriately formulate their concerns and demand that these be addressed. Their members also acquire additional competencies for the sustainable use of resources. The project also supports mediation processes in order to find context-sensitive solutions through friendly dialogue.

Last updated: February 2021