Leonardo DiCaprio Instagram – @icfhonduras and @gobiernohonduras unveiled an ambitious initiative at #COP28 to rescue and conserve the Moskitia, Honduras’ largest forest. Under the leadership of President @xiomaracastroz, the initiative will be fundamental to protecting this vital natural resource and the ecological balance of the region, and will contribute to the wellbeing of current and future generations. The initiative is an inspiration for the region and the future of the Five Great Forests of Mesoamerica.
According to research by @thewcs, over the past 20 years, the Moskitia has faced a number of threats that have resulted in the destruction of 25% of the region’s forests. The primary threats are illegal land-grabs for cattle ranching and organized crime. Ninety percent of the deforestation that has taken place in the rainforest is the result of illegal cattle ranching. Honduras’ new initiative aims to end deforestation and eliminate illegal cattle ranching across 2.5 million acres of the Moskitia, and to recover and restore 250,000 acres of land currently occupied by illegal cattle ranches. Land formerly occupied by illegal cattle ranches will be restored into forests and agroforestry systems that will benefit Indigenous communities. Furthermore, the government is spearheading innovative financial mechanisms to ensure the longevity of this initiative that will generate $7-10 million annually.
The Moskitia rainforest includes a number of Indigenous territories: those of the Miskitos, Pech, Tawahkas and Afro-Honduran Garífunas. In addition to its biodiversity, as an intact, primary forest, the Moskitia has a large carbon-storing capacity and plays an important role in the mitigation of climate change. It is also one of the Five Great Forests of Mesoamerica and it is critical to addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. @Rewild is a member of the Five Great Forests Alliance, which includes partners like @alianzabosques to protect and restore the Moskitia, Selva-Maya, Indio-Maíz, La Amistad and Darien forests in Central America.
Photo: @wcs_mesoamerica | Posted on 18/Dec/2023 07:42:35