As mentioned previously, trees are incredibly important at maintaining a stable environment. Forest help to control carbon dioxide levels, maintain temperate climates, and provide habitat for various organisms. When forest are over logged, it can lead to dangerous consequences. Deforestation is an issue that is not uncommon to the entire world. It is a problem faced by most countries, including Honduras. (Deforestation in Honduras)
According to NASA’s Land Cover and Land-Use Change program, between 1990 and 2005 the Honduran territory experienced a 37 percent decline in its tree cover. This rate of decline means that Honduras loses an average of 3.1 percent of forest every year. Compared to other countries in Central America, Honduras has the highest rate of deforestation. To make matters worse, Honduras has over two thousand species of endangered plants. Many of these plants rely directly on the environment that the trees provide. At the current logging rate, many of these species may become extinct. (Deforestation in Honduras)
Despite these staggering statistics, it is difficult to understand who is at fault. It is easy to blame the Honduran Government, but they may not be entirely at fault. The government has put logging laws in to place, but they do not have enough funds to enforce their existing laws. Due to this, there is a lot of illegal logging occurring. Illegal logging results in the Honduran economy losing an estimated 18 million dollars in revenue. When coupled with an already weak economy, illegal logging worsens the issue. (Deforestation in Honduras)
Unfortunately, the cause of deforestation in Honduras may be caused by the citizens themselves. Many of the native people survive on very low income, and they rely on agriculture and forest resources as their sole source of income (Honduras). After utilizing land for some time, the land loses its fertility. In the spring, local farmers clear the forest with fire to provide additional farm land. Although they cause lasting damage on the forest, farmers do not have much choice in a struggling economy. (Deforestation in Honduras). Without clearing the land, the may not be able to survive.
Without a sustainable method to control deforestation, the future of Central American rain forest is dim. If left untreated, resources will be exhausted, and it may be difficult for the region to recover. Without forest or fertile soil, the land will remain barren and empty. If there are no trees left their will be little resources for income. However, if a solution can be found, the preservation of the rain forest can help the environment and ultimately the economy (Honduras). Unfortunately, without substantial funding, Honduras is having a difficult time doing so (Deforestation in Honduras).
Work Cited:
“Deforestation in Honduras.” LCLUC. Ed. Garik Gutman. NASA, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.
Evaluation: This source is credible because it is hosted by the University of Maryland. Additionally, it contains information published by a NASA Program. NASA is a well renowned scientific organization. They are known for cutting edge objective research. All information was properly cited and referenced. This source contained virtually no opinion from the author.
“Honduras.” (n.d.): 1-2. Nestle. Conservation International. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.
Evaluation: Although this source is hosted on a nestle domain, the data was executed by Conservation International. Conservation International is a well established non-profit environmental organization. They are well-respected and have plenty of experience in this region. All demographical information was cross referenced with the CIA World Factbook. This source does not include personal opinion. All claims are backed effectively with statistical data.
Environmental Concerns in Honduras 