Welcome to the Honduras This Week Online environment section, a permanent collection of articles related to the Environment in Honduras. Click here to return to the weekly version of Honduras This Week Online.

Much needed reforestation projects uprooted

Deforestation is rampant in Honduras. Bare mountainsides such as these can be found nationwide.

By IXCHEL GRANADA

SAN PEDRO SULA - January through May and June marks the dry season throughout the Honduran countryside. Forest fires, slash and burn agriculture, intense dependence on chemical inputs for agricultural production and a daily necessity for firewood are converting subtropical forests to barren landscapes.

EduEco, based in San Pedro Sula had partnered with Trees for The Future ( TFTF), a non-profit whose central offices are located in New York City. The tragic events of September 11th in New York City left the non- profit debilitated and unable to continue its partnership in Honduras.

The program created between EduEco and TFTF focused on the dire need for reforestation. TFTF was the primary funding source while, ESNACIFOR provided the technical expertise and EduEco coordinated the project. Small bags of Leucaena leucocepahla or Guaje were donated to the effort. These bags were then distributed to campesinos or farmworkers throughout the country. Leucaena leucocepahla is a legume native to lowland tropical America, its seeds have a hard coat that must be scarified to permit water absorption by nicking the seed coat or soaking three minutes in boiling water. Leucaena is known commonly in Honduras as guaje or yaje. Its uses range from firewood, forage, shade and mulch. 

Leucaena is a fast-growing species utilized in reforestation projects for its vast root system and thus its excellent soil and water retention capabilities. It is used as a shade plant in coffee, rubber, cacao, windbreaks and firebreaks. The tree forms dense thickets and acts as erosion control , green manure ( fix nitrogen into the soil), shade, firewood, its leaves are high in protein and vitamin A but can be toxic in large quantities. 

Jaime Bustillo of EduEco is an Environmental Engineer and National Representative for the project : " Our forests and watersheds are in a critical state. The state of our ecosystems is a direct reflection of the state of our local communities. TFTF was the primary funding source for a principle reforestation project. We must continue in these efforts. EduEco is looking for another non-profit able to take on the role of TFTF" 

One of the most common uses of forestland is cutting trees for wood to meet basic needs such as cooking. Ninety percent of the population of Honduras uses wood on a daily basis. The idea behind the project is to cultivate tree species particularly for their use as firewood to meet daily needs.