Nicaragua is blessed with an abundant forest resource which covers almost 43% of the country (according to Mongabay). But like any resource that has an economic value, it has been harvested over the years to help sustain the country’s economy. While environmental concerns are increasingly urgent, they are often put aside in developing countries where survival is a priority.

Today, the organization Paso Pacifico given “gold” recognition by the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance for their reforestation efforts in Rivas in the south-western region of Nicaragua.

According to this article Paso Pacifico’s initiative is also supporting “forest-based activities including sustainable tourism and the harvesting of non-timber forest products. Paso Pacífico is involving local residents in reforestation efforts, providing employment opportunities and offering training on sustainable agriculture and tourism, among other things.”

This brings to mind Sustainable Harvest International who has been doing similar work in Nicaragua since 1997 - helping farmers create a livelihood while creating ecological stability.

I’ve often wondered where Nicaragua’s environmental responsibilities lie. With such pressing issues as poverty and a hurting economy, it would be easy to brush aside the environment in favour of fixing these other problems. But with news such as this, in addition to the proposed building ban in Managua to protect the watershed, it gives hope that the environmental movement is alive and well in Nicaragua - within and without.

Happy Earth Day!

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