Programa Regional de USAID para el Manejo de Recursos Acuáticos y Alternativas Económicas

The program is implemented through a subcontract with WWF, an organization with renowned experience in the region for conducting research and determining best practices for the management of aquatic resources such as the Caribbean spiny lobster. Four professional events were organized to further local capacity building, focusing on the development of tools and capacity-building programs to increase the capabilities of the government of Honduras and the private sector in improving the management of fishing resources and their respective ecosystems. The events were attended by 146 individuals representing 15 public and private entities from the Caribbean region of Honduras. The capacity-building agendas for these events reflected national and international agreements and norms, such as the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing (FAO) and regional agreements and regulations established by governments through OSPESCA. The trainings promoted the strengthening of institutions and transparency among national organizations relating to the fishing sector, particularly in the area of spiny lobster fishing. The program is designed to address four fundamental areas for improved management of spiny lobster fishing: national and regional politics, fishing laws and regulations, proper management of spiny lobster fisheries focusing on ecosystems, and protection of critical habitats for spiny lobster fishing. The development of these capacities is managed by the USAID Regional Program through its subcontract with WWF. The training program is directed at the society civil, NGOs, and the private sector of Honduras and Nicaragua relevant to spiny lobster fishing. The program aims to promote the rational use of marine resources, the promotion of good fishing practices, knowledge of national and regional laws and regulations, and basic concepts of the biology of the spiny lobster and the marine ecosystem. The program is framed within the KRAs 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, and 2.2 of the MAREA objectives, which promote transparency and accountability and support the training of state and private sector institutions. The program was designed in the framework of national and international agreements and norms, such as the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing (FAO) and regional agreements and regulations established by governments through OSPESCA. The training program includes the promotion of good fishing practices, knowledge of national and regional laws and regulations, and basic concepts of the biology of the spiny lobster and the marine ecosystem. The program aims to promote the rational use of marine resources and the protection of critical habitats for spiny lobster fishing. The events were well received by participants, who recognized the importance of the sustainable management of spiny lobster fishing and the need to protect critical habitats for the species. The program has contributed to the strengthening of institutions and transparency among national organizations relating to the fishing sector, particularly in the area of spiny lobster fishing. The program has also contributed to the development of tools and capacity-building programs to increase the capabilities of the government of Honduras and the private sector in improving the management of fishing resources and their respective ecosystems. The program is a key component of the MAREA initiative, which aims to promote the sustainable management of aquatic resources and economic alternatives in the region.