Impact: 40% reduction in forest fires

Project Description: The initiative engages local communities in vital environmental efforts such as forest protection, reforestation, and clean-up campaigns. One of the major environmental challenges faced by Honduras is the annual threat of forest fires, which not only devastate the forests but also contribute to respiratory diseases due to the smoke and disrupt local water sources—exacerbating the scarcity of clean water, a resource crucial for human life.

With this project we have invested in Forest Incentives to foster community engagement in preventing fires in 16 communities across Honduras—8 communities in the municipality of La Libertad and 8 communities in Minas de Oro. By involving communities directly in forest protection activities, we have successfully reduced forest fires in the protected area around the El Cajón Reservoir by 40% compared to 2023. This outcome is a testament to the effectiveness of collective action in safeguarding the environment and the well-being of local populations.

Partners: ENEE Watershed Management Unit, located in the Community of La Bolsita, municipality of Santa Cruz de Yojoa
Budget: ~ $6,000 and 16 volunteer hours
Date: June 2024

Figure 1 Photo credit: Eizia Civil Association