Honduras and Nicaragua share a long border across the Central American isthmus (or land bridge - a new word to us too), reaching from the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other.  Both countries have fairly low population densities and wildly diverse ecosystems, ranging from forests of Pine and Oak, to Cloud forests and mangroves in Honduras, while Nicaragua is known as ‘the land of lakes and volcanoes’ and is home to the two largest rainforests outside of Brazil. 

Both countries have been subjected to intense deforestation from expanding agriculture and grazing lands, illegal logging, poaching and mining. Chemicals used for mining, and pesticide intense cotton and banana crops have damaged the soil and made the fresh water undrinkable. Honduras and Nicaragua are both prone to extreme weather systems, as this is written (Nov 2020) both countries are reeling from an unprecedented two Category 5 hurricanes in two weeks. Deforestation weakens the land’s natural defences against extreme weather, increasing the intensity of soil degradation, floods and landslides. 

 

Eden Reforestation Projects launched the Central America Reforestation Project with Honduras and Nicaragua as the project nations in 2020. In Honduras Eden Reforestation Projects is working with impoverished communities in the La Tigra National Park to gather bare roots and reforest native species. Over 60 communities have been identified for future planting and protection projects in this diverse ecosystem, home to hundreds of critically endangered species.

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In Nicaragua, Eden Reforestation Projects is working with community leaders and local farmers for the agroforestry program as well as implementing projects that provide both reforestation and livelihood opportunities for impoverished households.