Protecting the Bay
Islands of Honduras
for over 36 years
The Bay Islands of Honduras are a group of three main islands: Utila, Roatan, and Guanaja located in the Caribbean Sea off the northern coast of mainland Honduras.
These islands are world‑renowned for their vibrant coral reefs, which are part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second largest barrier reef system.
The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) unites communities across these islands to safeguard the Mesoamerican Reef and the ecosystems that sustain life and livelihoods. Through science, restoration, education, and community partnerships, we are protecting one of the world’s most extraordinary marine and coastal ecosystems.
Who we are
Founded in 1990, BICA is a conservation nonprofit in Honduras’ Bay Islands. For more than three decades, we have worked alongside local communities, governments, and international partners to protect the fragile ecosystems of Utila, Roatan, and Guanaja. From co-managing marine and terrestrial protected areas to educating the next generation of ocean stewards, BICA has built a legacy of grassroots action and global impact. Today, our work is unified under four program pillars: research and monitoring, community development, environmental education and awareness, and protection and restoration.
what we do?
Our work is rooted in the belief that healthy ecosystems and healthy communities are inseparable. We organize our efforts through four interconnected pillars, each supported by our island chapters.
We conduct long-term studies of coral reefs, sea turtles, mangroves, seagrass beds, and water quality. This science provides the foundation for conservation action and policy advocacy across the Bay Islands.
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From classrooms to community events, we inspire a culture of conservation by engaging students, teachers, and families. Each year, BICA reaches thousands of young people and adults through experiential learning and awareness campaigns.
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We restore mangrove forests, maintain coral nurseries, and patrol marine protected areas in collaboration with local authorities. These efforts safeguard biodiversity and strengthen resilience against climate change.
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We partner with local communities to strengthen water governance, improve sanitation and waste management, and support sustainable livelihoods. Our programs empower residents to become stewards of the natural resources their lives depend on.
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Take Action:
Here's What We Need Most
NESTING
HOPE
Let's protect Utila's Sea Turtles
Sea turtles have called Utila’s beaches home for generations. But today, their survival is threatened by pollution, habitat destruction, and poaching. We're launching a vital fundraising campaign throughout the nesting season to support ongoing protection efforts and ensure a safe future for these ancient mariners.
