Biologist Andino Dedicated to Protecting Marine Resources in Honduras.
Biologist Jimmy Andino and Alejandra Ramírez from the Center for Marine Studies (CEM) have been leading efforts to protect Honduras marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fishing practices in coastal communities, according to a recent interview. The CEM has played a crucial role in managing marine habitats and protecting 500 square kilometers of marine habitat, which not only ensures the biodiversity of the region but also supports the livelihoods of over 4,500 families. By involving the government, local authorities, civil society, and fishers in decision-making, the CEM aims to improve resource management for long-term sustainability. (source=pew.org)
Honduras has historically made efforts to conserve its coastal wetlands, including mangrove forests, which cover approximately 200 square miles across four coastal regions. Mangroves play a vital role in combating climate change by sequestering and storing large amounts of carbon in their sediments and vegetation. According to the National Institute of Forest Conservation and Development of Honduras, mangroves in the country have stored an average of 346.7 tons of carbon per hectare from 2017 to 2022. Honduras has also constructed policies and committed to international goals, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions, to protect coastal wetlands. (source=pew.org)
Mangroves offer numerous benefits beyond carbon sequestration. They protect coastal communities from storms and sea-level rise, regulate water flow by recharging aquifers and filtering water, stabilize shorelines, retain nutrients, sediment, carbon, and pollutants, and provide habitats for diverse marine species. In Honduras, approximately 75% of commercial fishing species rely on mangroves for part of their life cycle or as a food source. Mangroves are also essential for the tourism sector, where visitors are taken on boat tours to explore the mangrove landscapes. (source=pew.org)
Despite the importance of mangroves, there is still a lack of comprehensive research and documentation on their current state in Honduras. The CEM and other organizations are working to generate national-level data on mangrove ecosystems, including their distribution, carbon storage, and forest characteristics. This information is crucial for informed decision-making and developing conservation and sustainability strategies. Challenges in protecting and restoring these ecosystems include degradation, deforestation, land-use changes, and a lack of enforcement of wetland management policies and mangrove protection laws. Effective management requires better planning and coordination in coastal marine areas. (source=pew.org)
Andino and Ramírez share a passion for marine resource conservation and recognize the significance of coastal marine ecosystems, such as mangroves, for both biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. They emphasize the need for continued efforts to protect and restore these valuable ecosystems and highlight the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders to achieve sustainable resource management in Honduras. (source=pew.org)
