Honduras

Improving Watershed Management

In the Dry Corridor of Honduras, an area particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, Global Communities implemented the Watershed Management and Conservation component of the Dry Corridor Alliance Program in the departments of La Paz, Intibucá and Lempira. From June 2017-June 2021, with funding from USAID and the Government of Honduras, Global Communities worked with national government agencies, local and regional governments, communities and water organizations to reduce land degradation rates and reforest watersheds, providing sustainable access to water for consumption and irrigation that is vital to survival. Stakeholders learned how to build a shared vision and action plan between all water users and local governments, leading to buy-in and long-term commitment from all parties to carry out watershed management and restoration actions. As a result of this collaborative work, 106,000 hectares of land are now under improved management practices with local support, 310 local water management organizations have been strengthened, 40,000 families are benefiting from better water infrastructure and 75 local forest protection groups have been trained and equipped for long-term forest conservation. In addition, 10 water quality laboratories and 45 hydroclimatic stations support evidence-based decision-making on water system administration, watershed management and governance.