Ocean and Its Local Communities Get a Big Boost in Protection

A partially community-managed marine protected area has been established on Honduras’ Caribbean coast – the fourth of its kind in the country.

“This declaration is a commitment to the well-being of our people. By protecting the resources that sustain us – fishing and agriculture – we’re securing a future of dignity, resilience, and opportunity for our communities,” says Mayor Heber Flores of Santa Rosa de Aguán, Honduras.

The 309 km² area – designated as a “Site of Importance for Wildlife” – will now give small-scale fishers exclusive fishing rights. The move is expected to safeguard coastal communities that depend on the area for food, livelihoods, and financial security. The formal agreement includes the surveillance and patrolling of the area against intrusions. It will also implement sustainable fishing gear for marine life protection. Though various foundations will support the protection of the area, the job will primarily be entrusted to the local community. “When communities lead, conservation becomes real, sustainable, and rooted in pride. This is how we build lasting change,” adds Riky Ellis, a program implementation manager with Rare’s Fish Forever program in Central America.