LAGUNA DE LOS MICOS, Honduras — Tension swirls around the Laguna de los Micos in northern Honduras, is a critical marine ecosystem surrounded by mangroves and serving as a home and nursery for many species of coral reef fish. The communities living around the lagoon have voluntarily agreed to suspend fishing for two months of the year, giving the lagoon’s fish populations a chance to recover. Rangers from local conservation NGO, PROLANSATE Foundation, are tasked with enforcing the agreement—patrolling the waters, removing hidden nets, and confronting fishermen hiding in the mangroves with the help of the military. This initiative is a rare example of successful community-based conservation. Yet despite broad local support, rangers still face threats and intimidation from fishermen, highlighting the deep-rooted risks tied to conservation work in Honduras, one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America for environmental defenders. Caught between environmental duty and social tension, the rangers learn to deal with hostility as they try to protect the lagoon. Mongabay’s Video Team wants to cover questions and topics that matter to you. Are there any inspiring people, urgent issues, or local stories that you’d like us to cover? We want to hear from you. Be a part of our reporting process—get in touch with us here! Banner image: Soldiers from the PROLANSATE Foundation on patrol. ©Camilo Freedman. When the sea takes over: Voices from a climate-displaced community in MexicoThis article was originally published on Mongabay
Why is protecting this Honduran lagoon so dangerous?
