|
The Río
Plátano Biosphere Reserve contains the largest continuous
expanse of natural forest remaining in Honduras, a country
whose deforestation rate is estimated to be 645km/year. The
Reserve was classified as a World Heritage Site in Danger
in 1996 due to the multiple threats which it faces including:
- An advancing agricultural frontier
(primarily cattle production) in the south-west area of
the reserve;
- Extensive logging of lowland hardwoods;
- Uncontrolled commercial hunting
of wild animals;
- Trafficing of wild and exotic animals
for pet trade;
- Introduction of exotic species that
threaten the native ecosystem;
- Lack of adequate staff, infrastructure,
and funding to adequately manage the Reserve;
- Instability of funding for nongovernment
organizations working within the Reserve;
- Government policy and projects run
counter to goals of the Reserve (e.g., plans for a hydroelectric
dam project on the Patuca River, plans to permanently relocate
4000 ehtnic Miskito from Nicaragua, proposed roads within
and/or near the boundary of the Reserve)
ECOS Río Plátano believes
that improving educational opportunities within the Reserve
will better prepare the residents to deal with these multiple
threats to their land and ways of life.
|
