Honduras presidential election could determine fate of central america’s vanishing rainforests

As Honduras prepares for its November 30 presidential and congressional elections, the outcome could prove pivotal for one of Central America’s most biodiverse regions. The winning candidates will inherit stewardship of a country where over half the territory is covered by rainforest, including the ecologically vital La Mosquitia forest—a critical wildlife corridor connecting protected areas throughout the region.

However, Honduras faces an environmental crisis that demands urgent action. The country loses approximately 23,000 hectares (56,800 acres) of forest annually due to fires, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, illegal logging, and criminal activities in remote border areas. This deforestation threatens not only local ecosystems but also Honduras’ ambitious climate commitments: reducing carbon emissions by 16% and restoring 1.3 million hectares of forest by 2030.

The timing makes this election particularly crucial. Since the winners will serve until 2029, they’ll have just one year remaining to meet these environmental targets when they leave office. Despite the high environmental stakes, voters appear more focused on immediate concerns like rising crime rates and government corruption, with many questioning whether the election itself will be conducted fairly.

This disconnect between urgent environmental needs and voter priorities highlights a common challenge in developing nations, where immediate security and economic concerns often overshadow longer-term environmental threats. The next administration will need to balance these competing priorities while racing against the clock to preserve Honduras’ irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.