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Environment
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Environment
and development |
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A platform for
action for the sustainable management of mangroves in the Gulf of
Fonseca
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The
mangrove ecosystem in the Gulf of Fonseca is under threat. Viable solutions
need to be found to decrease pressure on the ecosystem, reduce pollution, and
foster sustainable use. Coastal communities, national and local governments,
and environmental groups have voiced their concerns about the health of the
ecosystem. The challenge is to bring these stakeholders together to discuss
how sustainable management may be put into practice, to build institutions that
are effective and inclusive, and to allow those whose livelihoods depend on
the mangroves to have voice in the management of these resources.
| " It is of tremendous importance that
the mangroves be conserved and in order to do this we must face the reality
that they are currently being used unsustainably by many different groups.
What is needed is to establish the rules of the game, founded on a goal
of sustainable development. We need criteria that are scientific and data
that are reliable."
—Alberto Zelaya, Honduran Association of Aquaculturists, Final Colloquia, San Salvador, March 2000 |
"We need to develop an integrated coastal
zone management plan. This plan needs to provide a regulatory framework
that is both technically sound and decentralized. This plan must also include
the objective of sustainable local development that takes account of the
economic needs of the coastal population."
—Cesar Abrego, Marine Biologist, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Final Colloquia, San Salvador |
"However strong is the poverty that
confronts us, it does not overwhelm us. A community does not need money
to be active, it needs force. We are ready to put our words into action.
We wish to care for our environment and manage our own resources."
—Candida Rosa Calix, Community Leader, Honduras, Final Colloquia, San Salvador, March 2000 |
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