Climatelinks Photo Gallery

USAID’s collaboration with national and local tourism institutions in Honduras is bolstering the capabilities of local tourism stakeholders, empowering Indigenous Peoples to foster innovative and progressive tourism offerings within the country's natural landscapes, preserves, and heritage sites. Creating sustainable, economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and local communities furthers USAID’s Climate Strategy just transition goals.

Lake Yojoa is located in central-western Honduras between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. The region contains four groups of diverse ecosystems: lake, wetlands, and swamp forests; broadleaf forests; mountain forests; and dry forests, which are the most damaged by climate change. 

The Copán Mayan Site Audio Guide is a smartphone app developed by the Copán Guides Association. Championed as one of the 15 winning projects in the "Tourism Experiences of Tomorrow" competition, an initiative of the National Tourism Chamber of Honduras (CANATURH) and empowered by funding from USAID/Honduras through the Transforming Market Systems Activity, the app's immersive experience helps users dive into the Mayan civilization's legacy while raising awareness about the changing climate. The app introduces a sustainable revenue model through downloads and tablet rentals, connecting cultural preservation with environmental stewardship. Approximately $7,250 was generated in the first six months.

USAID's Transforming Market System Activity has worked closely with PYFLOR, a family-owned enterprise, to promote and implement sustainable agricultural practices that increase farm resilience and reduce economic losses for producers during extreme climatic events, pest outbreaks, and diseases. Employing revolutionary irrigation methods like hydraulic rams and solar pumps, along with hydroponics and aeroponics, they've propelled sustainable growth, generated jobs, and boosted farmer incomes by $916,000, even amidst pandemic challenges. 

The 'Paseo de Girasoles' (Sunflower Path) has reinvigorated local tourism in Copán Ruinas, Honduras, drawing 6,700 monthly visitors. The project is an example of sustainable tourism. The latest addition, a café and restaurant in partnership with a local coffee producer and roaster, has made a commitment to local ingredients and products and is drawing visitors to both 'Paseo de Girasoles' and the region of Copán Ruinas.