Protected Areas in Honduras

Nestled along the Caribbean coast of Honduras, the Cayos Cochinos Marine Park stands as a testament to the commitment to preserve and protect the rich biodiversity of this pristine region. This protected biological reserve is a haven for marine life and various ecosystems. Comprising two main islands, Cayo Menor and Cayo Grande, along with 13 smaller cays, the Cayos Cochinos archipelago has become a beacon of conservation in the Caribbean Sea.

In the western part of Honduras lies a region of extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, epitomized by Celaque National Park and the Cacique Lempira—Señor de las Montañas Biosphere Reserve. Established to protect some of Central America's most biodiverse and ecologically significant landscapes, these areas are crucial for conservation and sustaining local communities' livelihoods and cultural practices.

The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, located in northeastern Honduras along the Mosquito Coast, is the largest protected area in the country. The reserve protects the entire watershed of the Río Plátano, from its mountainous headwaters to its mouth on the Caribbean Sea. It forms part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, an essential ecological region that connects Central American ecosystems. In addition to its natural beauty, the reserve holds significant archaeological and cultural importance, with both pre-Columbian heritage sites and thriving indigenous communities.

Montecristo Trifinio National Park, located in the northwest corner of Honduras, is vital to the country's natural heritage. This park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, pristine cloud forests, and significant ecological importance. Covering an area of over 7,500 hectares, Montecristo Trifinio National Park is a crucial component of the Trifinio Fraternidad Biosphere Reserve, a tri-national conservation initiative shared with El Salvador and Guatemala.

Nestled in the Honduran department of Choluteca, the San Marcos de Colón Biosphere Reserve emerges as a captivating expanse that seamlessly blends ecological diversity with cultural richness. The unique climatic conditions, influenced by a history of agricultural deforestation and higher altitudes, create a temperate environment, fostering a mosaic of ecosystems.

The Trifinio Fraternidad Biosphere Reserve is a remarkable transboundary conservation area that spans the borders of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. This biosphere reserve represents a significant collaborative effort to preserve the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Central American region where these countries converge. The reserve, encompassing a diverse range of ecosystems, is crucial for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and fostering regional cooperation.