A new Management Plan for the Bay Islands National Marine Park

At the end of 2024, after three years of discussions and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders, a new management plan for the Bay Islands National Marine Park (BINMP) was approved and officially published in La Gaceta, the official newspaper of the Honduran government. This plan aimed to guide conservation efforts and regulate activities within this unique and fragile ecosystem, the largest marine protected area in Honduras.

However, it soon faced opposition from local authorities and some community groups, who argued that certain measures restricted development opportunities and traditional livelihoods. The Honduran Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns, suspended the plan, and initiated a thorough review process to develop a revised document.

Photo Credits: Roatan's Municipality

Following this, a diverse group of co-managers, including the Institute of Forest Conservation (ICF), The Ministry of Environment (SERNA) , The Merchant Marine Directorate (DGMM), The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DIGEPESCA), Roatan Marine Park (RMP), Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA), the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT), ZOLITUR,  Roatan Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Island Tourism Bureau and the mayors from the 4  municipalities, came together to reassess the former plan and prepare a new one with the inputs and feedback from them. 

One of the lessons from this process is clear: at times, the value and fragility of these ecosystems are not fully understood by everyone and decisions can become focused on immediate benefits rather than long-term sustainability. Some of the revised measures ended up being less restrictive than we had hoped, raising concerns about the potential impact on the National Marine Park’s biodiversity and resilience.

At the RMP we believe that the path forward lies not in confrontation but in connection. We plan to double down on our efforts in community and stakeholder outreach, creating more awareness than ever before. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, residents, businesses and decision-makers alike, understands the real present and long-term value of these ecosystems and the role they play in supporting tourism, coastal protection, adaptation and resilience against a changing climate. 

The Management Plan is more than just a set of rules, it is a shared responsibility. By strengthening awareness and fostering collaboration, we can protect what makes the Bay Islands extraordinary, while ensuring that its people continue to thrive alongside its natural heritage.

If you would like to support us in making our voice louder and increasing our impact, please contact us at info@roatanmarinepark.org.