Conservation issues Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

1 conservation issues

1.1 logging
1.2 development
1.3 refugees

conservation issues

despite removal world heritage in danger designation, reserve still faces few conservation threats. logging , development continue problems, , situation exacerbated increasing population poorer parts of honduras or refugees nicaragua.

logging

the government regulates logging industry in honduras through honduran cooperation forestry development. despite oversight of these , other organizations , moratorium on logging inside reserve, mahogany continues cut , removed. honduran government has failed pass laws strict enough have substantial impact on preventing deforestation. entire reserve disappear, through unregulated deforestation.

local populations admit large amount mahogany leaving reserve, many poorer sections of economy see high price of mahogany enough incentive clear away valuable ecosystems provide irreplaceable services water , soil. loggers behind of reserve’s deforestation still unknown.

development

development within , around reserve poses problem conservation plans. construction of patuca ii hydroelectric plant in patuca river highlights elements of debate. hydroelectric plant more affect waterway built. requires infrastructure disturbs environment around it. lot of reserve not have developed roadways or power. hydroelectric facility require development throughout reserve.

agriculture throughout reserve poses more direct threat. populations expand within reserve, agricultural operations. of wetland area unsuitable agriculture, needing levees , continued development productive. of non-legal de facto ownership has spurred conflict, violent, among different cultural groups on rights agriculturally productive areas.

poorer farmers resort destructive techniques, slash-and-burn, particularly damaging savannah , prairie land. although current management plan aims educate farmers these destructive practices, continue. future management goals aim promote sustainable technique among larger number of traditional farmers.

refugees

poverty in honduras , neighboring nicaragua, , increasing number of hurricanes have driven many refugees reserve, making conservation efforts increasingly complicated. these refugees enter through south of reserve, , create more conflict integrating indigenous populations. while traditional farming practices can destructive, stress created larger populations more damaging reserve.

currently, honduran corporation forestry development of honduran public safety force polices reserve, hoping decrease number of people invade. regardless of efforts, refugees continue enter. reservation considered plan relocate refugees outside reserve, creating both increased buffer , reducing stress within reserve. plan met political opposition.