Partners
Fundación Islas de la Bahía
The Fundación Islas de la Bahía (Bay Islands Foundation) is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and research of the Utila Spiny-tailed Iguana, Ctenosaura bakeri, an endangered and endemic species found exclusively on the island of Utila in Honduras. With a legacy spanning almost three decades, the Bay Islands Foundation has established itself as a leading force in environmental conservation in Honduras, cultivating partnerships with national and international organizations and government institutions. At the heart of their mission lies a profound belief: the conservation of nature hinges upon fostering a resilient, empowered, and well-informed community. As such, they collaborate closely with local youth, women, and governments to provide vital support and cultivate an environmental consciousness that transcends mere academic knowledge.
National Organizations
Bay Islands Conservation Association
The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) is a non-profit based in Honduras which was founded by citizens who were concerned about the future environmental health of the Bay Islands. BICA has a chapter in each of the three islands: Utila, Roatan, and Guanaja, all dedicated to protecting the coastal marine resources and ecosystem services of the Bay Islands. The organization currently has many programs that they are hoping to expand which focus on environmental education, community development, and research. Working with local governments and community members, BICA hopes to educate the public on various environmental issues, including the detriments of single plastic use and the harm certain sunscreens can have on coral reefs.
***Communities, Conservation, Marine Health, Education
COPINH
COPINH, the Civic Council of Indigenous Organizations of Honduras, was founded by environmental and indigenous rights activist Berta Caceres. COPINH is committed to the defense of the natural environment and the rights of indigenous peoples, especially the Lenca people of Honduras. COPINH’s work extends throughout 4 different departments of the country, defending communities from logging megaprojects, dam construction, and deforestation.
Green Island Challenge
Green Island Challenge (GIC) is a community organization committed to conserving Guanaja’s natural resources and ecosystems. GIC uses research and fieldwork to help endangered species populations rebuild their populations, and ensure that poachers are prevented from further harming these species. Their projects to conserve the yellow naped parrot population and the Hawksbill turtles have shown promising results, as populations have increased since project initiation. GIC also aims to create environmental consciousness in the community through its personalized volunteer programs, various educational programs, and fun school activities. Furthermore, GIC hopes to create long term sustainable jobs for islanders to promote a greener lifestyle.
***Communities, Conservation, Education
Kanahau Wildlife Conservation
Kanahau Wildlife Conservation is based in Utila, one of the Bay Islands in Honduras. The organization targets wildlife conservation through research and study. Research is conducted on threatened species of reptiles, amphibians, bats and more to determine necessary conservation actions. Kanahau was founded due to habitat destruction caused by increased tourism and urban development that threatened the ecosystems and biodiversity in the area. With a better understanding of keystone species in the area, Kanahau is able to better manage their natural resources and develop long term environmental management plans. Aside from conservation work, Kanahau also works on community engagement and education through school activities and wildlife tours.
***Communities, Conservation, Education
MOPAWI
Mosquitia Pawisa Agency for the Development of the Honduras Mosquitia (MOPAWI) is a Hondurian NGO that has worked since 1985 to empower Indigenous communities to protect the biodiverse environments of Mosquita Pawisa. Key to MOPAWI’s mission is to better the livelihoods of Indigenous people through legal recognition and sustainable development. MOPAWI combines grassroots and political approaches in their work, as they have continually collaborated with local communities to promote sustainable and conservationist practices. On the political side, they have done great work to push for legal recognition of Indigenous lands. From 2012 to 2016, 1.4 million acres of Indigenous land was legally titled as a result of decades of advocacy from MOPAWI. On the grassroots level, MOPAWI works to give Indigenous communities the tools they need to improve their livelihoods while managing their environments sustainably. MOPAWI has been recognized internationally as key to the positive changes seen in this region over the past four decades, and an example of the great impact NGOs can have.
Sustainable Villages
Sustainable Villages Honduras is a non-governmental organization focused on agro-ecology and equitable community development and engagement. Sustainable Villages works primarily in the Departamento de Santa Barbara, one of the poorest and most underserved areas of Honduras. Over 80% of the population in this region depends on agriculture but years of unsustainable agricultural methods such as monoculture and slash and burn cropping have led to serious hunger crises in the region. Sustainable Villages works with local community leaders and organizations to promote sustainable agriculture and information-sharing between rural communities to fight against climate change and to achieve food sovereignty.
Vecinos
Vecinos Honduras is a nongovernmental organization founded in 2009 to incentivize sustainable development in rural areas of Honduras. Enshrined in Vecinos’ values is the fight against climate change, respect for nature, and the conservation of the natural environment. Vecinos Honduras works to achieve 100% food sovereignty in rural Honduras through the conscientious participation of rural families and communities to exercise their rights to health, water, food, and natural resources.
National Organizations
