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Honduras’ coastal and marine ecosystems play a vital role in the country’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Conserving Coastal Ecosystems (CCE) Activity is a five-year project (2022–2027) that will improve coastal resource management to protect biodiversity, improve climate change adaptation and mitigation, and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, generating resilience in local communities in Honduras. The CCE Activity is led by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in collaboration with the Foundation for Rural Business Development.

 

The Challenge

Coastal ecosystems create job opportunities for Hondurans in commercial fishing, contribute to food security in and around coastal areas, and provide tourism opportunities—the country’s fourth largest revenue source. However, climate change; mangrove habitat loss; unsustainable coastal development; land-based pollution (e.g., plastics, agrochemicals, soil erosion, nutrients, sewage, etc.); overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices; unsustainable agriculture, ranching, logging, and aquaculture; and invasive species are contributing to the degradation and loss of Honduras’ coastal wetlands. This leads to biodiversity loss, which increases communities’ vulnerability to climate change and threatens livelihoods.
A fisherman practices artisanal fishing in Honduras’ Chismuyo Bay. Credit: ICF/Honduras
Credit: ICF/Honduras
 
White Heron cropped
Credit: ICF/Honduras

Approach

Through the CCE Activity, USAID will strengthen capacity for coastal wetlands management both within and outside of protected areas by enhancing policy, economic, and financial incentives for improved management. Simultaneously, the project will improve and expand sustainable commodity production within coastal wetlands and upland areas by enhancing economic inclusion, market function, and strategic alliances with the private sector.

 
 
 

Featured Resource

Conserving Coastal Ecosystems Activity Fact Sheet

The USAID/Honduras Conserving Coastal Ecosystems Activity will improve coastal resource management to protect biodiversity, promote climate change adaptation and mitigation, and generate economic opportunity and resilience for local communities.

 
 

VideoWorld Oceans Day Celebration (Spanish)

The USAID Conserving Coastal Ecosystems Activity organized cleaning and reforestation activities in the Zambuco Lagoon, a Ramsar site (an internationally important wetland) in Honduras.

 

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