Applying Rights-Based Conservation to Protect the Honduran Cays: A Path Forward for the Miskito and Garifuna Peoples

The Honduran Cays, an archipelago off La Moskitia on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, represent a critical ecological and cultural treasure. These islands are not only rich in biodiversity but are also deeply intertwined with the heritage and livelihoods of the Indigenous Miskito and Garifuna peoples. As global recognition of Indigenous rights and environmental conservation grows, a rights-based conservation approach is an important framework to protect these vital areas, respecting the rights and needs of local communities while fostering sustainable practices.

Oikos, Mopawi, and Ilili, with the support of Blue Action Fund, are developing a marine conservation project in the coastal region of La Moskitia and the Cays. By aligning with the sustainable marine resource management vision of the Miskitu and Garifuna peoples, the project aims to conserve biodiversity, improve livelihoods, and promote Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples’ rights.

The project will support the titling process of 17 Cays to secure Indigenous rights, facilitate participatory marine resource management planning, strengthen Indigenous governance capacity and establish a governance system that respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples to manage their resources.

TLLG supported the project partners to centre Indigenous peoples' sustainable use vision when developing the project proposal. This included using methods such as a problem-solution tree to create consensus around the conservation issues in the area, and conducting a field-based environmental and social assessment to integrate safeguarding into the project design. The process resulted in an evolution of the project concept from a Marine Protected Area to an Indigenous-led OECM. TLLG also provided support to the project to develop the Environmental and Social Management Plan and associated safeguard plans. The plans included a preliminary Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) protocol which builds on Indigenous practices as outlined in their Biocultural Protocol and, as requested, provides further clarity on the practical steps to take. TLLG also provided support in developing the Preliminary Process Framework, Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Grievance Mechanism.

Photo: Project team discussions during the E&S assessment.

Client: OIKOS

Location: Honduras

Period: April – September 2024