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community
development
At BICA Guanaja, we support communities in developing their capacities to strengthen the economies of local target groups and generate greater environmental awareness. We work closely with fishermen and their families to improve their quality of life by offering opportunities for sustainable alternative livelihoods.
projects
Waste, People and Reef Health
The overall objective of the "Waste, People and Reef Health" project in Guanaja is to adopt an environmental culture to improve the health of reefs and people in communities near Bay Island National Park. Various activities were carried out, including surveys on waste separation in 66 households
Brand Audits
We are conducting trademark audits on Guanaja Island, within the Bay Islands National Marine Park, as part of the Bay Islands Conservation Association's (BICA) efforts to address plastic pollution.
During these audits, we collect detailed data on plastic waste found on beaches and coastal areas. This includes identifying specific brands of products and the amount of plastic waste found.
Drift cards
Through the monitoring of ocean currents and the dispersal of garbage, we can determine whether waste is generated locally or if it is brought from other areas by ocean currents. This knowledge is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies and protecting our marine ecosystems.
OCEAN PROTECTORS
We carried out this project due to the decrease in fishing resources in Guanaja, which has led fishermen to look for other sources of livelihood, endangering their lives and the marine environment. We recognize the economic and environmental importance of Guanaja's marine ecosystems, both for local communities and for regional biodiversity.
SAVINGS CLUBS
We set up savings clubs in artisanal fishing communities on the island of Guanaja. These clubs bring local people together to collectively save and provide small loans using those savings. Activities are conducted in nine-month or one-year cycles, after which accumulated savings and loan proceeds are distributed among members.
Ways to Give
Join us in protecting the stunning marine and coastal biodiversity of the Bay Islands in Honduras by supporting our conservation efforts and safeguarding the future of our oceans for generations to come.
Founded in 1990 by concerned citizens, the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) is a grassroots organization dedicated to safeguarding the future well-being of the Bay Islands, Honduras. It is a private, non-profit entity coordinating and initiating efforts to protect the islands' delicate natural resources. To effectively carry out its operations, BICA has established three strategically located chapters on each island—Utila, Roatan, and Guanaja. Additionally, it has recently expanded to Tampa, FL, where it has obtained official 501c3 status to facilitate donations from interested individuals and groups.
With over 30 years of experience, BICA has successfully implemented various programs and projects in the Bay Islands, focusing on environmental education, community development, protection, and research & monitoring. Since 1994, BICA has entered into a co-management agreement with the Institute of Forestry Conservation and Wildlife (ICF) to jointly manage the marine and terrestrial protected areas in the Bay Islands of Honduras.
