Honduras: Local Ownership of Natural Resources

The island of Utila, off the north coast of Honduras, has long been renowned for its excellent scuba diving opportunities. Thousands come to the island every year to explore the pristine coral that forms part of the second largest reef system in the world.

However, the reef is not as resilient or as prolific as it used to be. In recent years, tourist numbers have decreased, and Utila’s diving and tourism industry is taking notice.

“Over the years there’s been a big coral die-out, especially in the Acropora, and it’s important to have this back,” explains Steven Fox, a local business owner. “The better the reef is the more fish we have, the better the diving industry will be.”

Coral is more than just an animal in itself - it serves as a nursery for young fish.  Along Utila’s coral reef, more than 400 marine species are born and protected from predators until they are strong enough to move out into the wider ocean. When this invaluable habitat is damaged, so are the various species it protects.

With guidance from Counterpart International and the University of Miami, local conservationists have taken ownership of the situation and manage a coral gardens project. Endangered or already damaged coral is harvested and allowed to recover in a controlled environment before being relocated back out onto the reef, where it can continue to grow and support marine life.

At the heart of this project is the local community. The municipality of Utila, fishermen and residents, regional NGOs, the private sector and even children from the local schools participate in conservation efforts on the island.

“Coral is the answer, our reef and how we conserve and take care of it is on the youth,” says Rose Gabourel of Rose’s Coral gardens. “My hope for Honduras…is to know the reef, and know what it is to have this resource that is right here, that is theirs. “