LLU-ESSE21
Mesoamerica Projects

Sustainability, Human Health, Hazards, and Biodiversity Conservation
in Mesoamerica
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Image Credit: NASA SERVIR Portal: Smoke in Central America from SeaWiFS. Visible Earth

 

OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND (see more under Research Plans and Objectives):

See workshop resources below focusing on the
application of SDI (Spatial Data Infrastructure)
on NRM (Natural Resource Management):

 

 

On July 12 -14, 2006 a workshop was held at CURLA (Centro Universitario Regional del Litoral Atlántico) on the topic of: Use of GPS and ArcView for Protected-Area Management. This was part of the Geobrain grant activities LLU is carrying out jointly with the Redlands Institute.

 

Spanish Title: “INTRODUCCIÓN A LOS SISTEMAS DE POSICIONAMIENTO GLOBAL (GPS) Y SU INTEGRACIÓN A PROGRAMAS DE MANEJO DE DATOS GEOGRAFICOS (ARCGIS)”

Participants (see partners) came from several entities around La Ceiba, Honduras and from LLU/SST:

  • Pico Bonito National Park
  • Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
  • MAMUCA
  • REHDES
  • USAID- MIRA Project
  • UNAH
  • CURLA

Instructors included:

Some of the key resources included:

  • GPS Basics (English)--Powerpoint - by Paul Burgess, Redlands Institute.
  • Basics of GPS (Spanish)--Powerpoint - translated by Rafael Corrales, UNAH

See also:

  • Garmin GPS60, DNR Garmin tools as well as
  • ESRI, ArcGIS 9.1 (thanks to donations from Ingenieria Gerencial - ESRI Distributor in Honduras and others)

    SEE - Converting GPS waypoints, tracklogs, and routes to ArcGIS/ArcView shapefiles. GO TO DNR Garmin Extension for ArcView. link for for DNR Garmin 5.1.1.

= ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NCGC/products/gps/software/dnr-garmin5-arcmap.pdf

download DNR Garmin 5.1.1 from =

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mis/gis/tools/arcview/extensions/DNRGarmin/DNRGarmin.html

From April 3-6, 2006 a workshop was jointly hosted at the GIS/RS program based at the Central American Astronomical Observatory of Suyapa at (UNAH)--National Autonomous University of Honduras--Observatorio Astronomico Centroamericano de Suyapa, and by Zamorano-IRBIO (Instituto Regional de Biodiversidad) to be located at Escuela Agricola Panamericana--Zamorano. See also the Zamorano - Cornell - Purdue Partnership.

The primary focus was on exposing the participants to a variety of remote sensing tools, data, and other resources that can be used for NRM (Natural Resource Management) and SDI (Spatial Data Infrastructure) . See some of the presentations and agenda below:

More resources shared at the workshop will also be linked to the new LLU-ESSE21-LULC Module which focuses on Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) change in Honduras. Soon there will also be a BLOG for data sharing, and collaboration among the partners involved so they can continue work after the workshop. Please feel free to contribute ideas and resources that can be shared.

Contact: Robert E. Ford, Professor, Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, Loma Linda University, School of Science and Technology. (rford@llu.edu). Tel. 909-558-7507

PRESENTATIONS AND DOCUMENTS:

DAY OF WORKSHOP PRESENTERS
DOCUMENT LINKS
No. 1 > April 3, 2006 - UNAH-OACS Tim Foresman, University of Maryland and ISRSE
  Frank Davenport, Geospatial Science Expert, SERVIR
  Jorge-Ivan Restrepo, Zamorano, Dir. IRBIO
  David Araque and Oscar Mencia, IHT and Proyecto Turismo Costero Sostenible
  Robert E. Ford, LLU-ESSE2, Mesoamerica Project PI
Evening April 3 - to OACS Students Sally J. Westmoreland, University of Redlands
No. 2 > April 4, 2006 - UNAH-OACS Tim Foresman, University of Maryland and ISRSE
  Joseline Carias, Ordenamiento Territorial, IHT
  Robert E. Ford, LLU-ESSE2, Mesoamerica Project PI
  Rafael Corrales and Lorena Ochoa, UNAH-OACS
No. 3-4 > April 5-6, 2006 - Zamorano Robert E. Ford, LLU-ESSE2, Mesoamerica Project PI
  Sally J. Westmoreland, University of Redlands

 

Between May 11-12, 2006, the USAID- MIRA Project, Honduras , with several local, regional, and global partners (including LLU-SST) participated in a workshop focusing on hydrological resource issues and problems in Honduras. See some of the presentations, resources, tools, and documents HERE:

 

 

Symposium Title - Titulo:

HERRAMIENTAS PARA EL MANEJO DE LOS RECURSOS HIDRICOS DE HONDURAS

Coordinator Contact - Coordinador:

Guillermo Mendoza, USAID/MIRA: gmendoza@mirahonduras.org

See also: GOOGLE DISCUSSION GROUP = Visite este grupo en la web desde esta URL:

http://groups.google.com/group/investigacion_hidrica_hn

 

UNAH - LLU Health Geoinformatics & Environmental GIS/RS Workshop - Tegucigalpa Honduras (September 5-8, 2005).

 

 

 

This was a joint workshop with the GIS/RS program based at the National Astronomical Observatory at (UNAH)--National University of Honduras--Observatorio Astronomico Centroamericano de Suyapa and the Neurology Training Program, Postgraduate Direction, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Honduras. Contact Dr. Marco Medina: macrotmedina@yahoo.com.

Select Powerpoint Presentations:

See articles by Dr. Marco Medina: macrotmedina@yahoo.com:

 

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PI/Co-PI and Student Project Reports 2004 - 2007:

Robert E. Ford, PI Earth System Science and Social Policy (faculty) - overall coordination and planning.

June 24-27, 2007 -

Presentation: SCGIS Conference (Asilomar, Monterey, CA ) - Using GIS/GPS for Protected-area Management in Honduras and Belize: LLU's ESSE21 and Geobrain Projects.

SPRING / SUMMER 2007:

  • Development of a GOOGLE map interface for the two parks above so people can explore the needs of the region and see what our partners are doing.

  • More collaboration and research on the water resources issues/problems (with University of Redlands, USGS, WRI, UNAH, CURLA, etc) =

    This will include NEW work being done by Jessica Cadriel (SPH - School of Public Health) who is starting work with WWF and FUCSA/USAID-MIRA studying “sustainable livelihood and health policy” issues among fishing peoples in the area.

  • Tim Wolff–also from the SPH who is now based at Valle de Angeles in Honduras--will also collaborate on environmental health-related issues on the north coast though he will also do work with ADRA/Honduras and the new GIS/OACS program at UNAH/Tegucigalpa.

  • The USGS / WRI collaboration will build on recent work entitled: Watershed Analysis for the Mesoamerican Reef. This effort will help build capacity of the new Disaster Mitigation Master’s degree at UNAH-Tegucigalpa – to improve datasets, do more specific planning for disaster issues, carry-out training, etc. This work will also collaborate with the UNAH-CURLA campus in La Ceiba which has a focus on the Atlantic coast watersheds.

  • In the near future, Tom Rossi will begin work focused on “common-property water resource management” issues in select watersheds in the region, i.e. the Rio Cangrejal and nearby basins--to look at conflict, competing economic and social policy issues, energy-issues, etc.

  • This summer we will also be cooperating with the University of California Irvine and Duke University who will have professors and students using some of our data for field research on monkeys, DNA-bar coding for biodiversity assessments, and coastal zone policy analysis, wetlands research, etc.

  • Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske and Marie-Lys Bacchus are are continuing their Manatee Research in Belize and Honduras. Both are defending their master’s theses this month.They have both done great work!

    Daniel will be entering a PhD program at Duke University in biology this summer and will continue building on his efforts in Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and other areas. Daniel recently went to Panama to lead in a workshop training local scientists on how to use the SONAR device he has pioneered for studying manatees in dark/tropical estuarine environments. Daniel is developing a strong reputation as an innovator in the use of this remote sensing tool for biological research.

  • Rob Lovich is continuing expansion of herpetofauna research on the Pacific Coast of Honduras with UNAH, Zamorano and others (Herp project). See PDF field report on recent herpetofauna research in the YORO region and other "cloud forest" areas in the Central Highlands.

March 12 - 25, 2007: Collecting field GPS data with CURLA students for beginning of an Interactive map to support ecoturism planning and marketing, collect geographical and imagery data to support our other SDI work (spatial data infrastructure).

See sample DRAFT maps HERE:

 

November 20-28, 2006 - Planning for development of:

  1. An Internet Mapping Service application in support of NRM and Ecotourism activities by various local partners in Honduras (FUPNAPIB - Pico Bonito National Park; FUCSA-Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge; REHDES; CURLA (local branch campus of UNAH; , UNAH's new GIS program in Tegucigalps; and the USAID-MIRA Project).
  2. Future expansion of herpetofauna research on the Pacific Coast of Honduras with UNAH, Zamorano and others (see Herp project) - see PDF field report on research in the YORO region.

English Report: Herpetofauna in the Honduran Pacific Dry Forest Region (July 2006) (PDF) - for the USAID- MIRA Project, Honduras.

Citation guide: Lovich, R.E., T.S. Akre, M. J. Ryan, N.J. Scott, and R.E. Ford. 2006. Herpetofaunal survey of Cerro Guanacaure, Montaña La Botija and Isla Del Tigre protected areas in southern Honduras. Report prepared for the United States Agency for International Development. 33pp.

Spanish Report: CENSO DE HERPETOFAUNA DE LAS AREAS PROTEGIDAS DE CERRO GUANACAURE, MONTAÑA LA BOTIJA E ISLA DEL TIGRE EN EL SUR DE HONDURAS (September 2006 - PDF - for the USAID- MIRA Project, Honduras.

Guia para anotacion: Lovich, R.E., T.S. Akre, M. J. Ryan, N.J. Scott, and R.E. Ford. 2006. Censo de Herpetofauna de las areas protegidas de Cerro Guanacaure, Montana La Botija, e isla del Tigre en el sur de Honduras. Informe preparado para United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 40pp.

Final Report - Manatee Aerial Surveys, North Coast of Honduras - March/April - for the USAID- MIRA Project, Honduras.

SCGIS (Society Conservation GIS) Presentation - June 25, 2006, San Jose, CA - in association with the SCB (Society for Conservation Biology): PDF Report (10MB) - Powerpoint (64MB) = Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for National Development and Biodiversity Conservation,

Presented by: Dr. Robert Ford, Loma Linda University; Paul Burgess, The Redlands Institute; Serene Ong, University of Redlands, MS GIS Program

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TIMETABLE:

Our first research trip in the field since an earlier reconaisance trip in 2004 occurred between March 12-31, 2005. The goals of these trips were to:

  • Test equipment, GPS, telemetry, etc.
  • Collect documentary, spatial, statistical, and field observational evidence.
  • Better describe the ecological, social, and geographical circumstances within and around the protected areas on the North Coast (from Tela to Trujillo and maybe into the Mosquitia.
  • Refine research hypotheses in partnership with the local NGOs as well as university partners (e.g. CURLA, UNAH, etc.).
  • Submit more refined research plans and proposals for subsequent direct studies tracking and monitoring the status and distribution of manatees (after a careful evaluation of the logistical issues involved, costs, etc.).
  • Start defining the other sustainable development or natural science issues that are related such as poverty issues, livelihoods, land management, ecotourism plans, etc.
  • Begin working with our local partners to plan for implementing a more extensive monitoring and assessment system that can improve decision-making, enforcement, protection of biodiversity as well as improving quality of life for the most vulnerable people living in and around protected areas.
  • Define what are the key unanswered questions that remains which need focusing on for subsequent field trips.

Subsequent field research trips were carried out from May 22 - June 20, 2005 and focused on more precise field measurements, observations, planning for more direct tracking, monitoring and observation of manatees (and other species or biodiversity issues e.g. marine invertebrates) to answer more precise questions about population size, movements, threats, relationship to other species, etc.

From September 4-9, 2005 we carried out training and teaching in collaboration with the UNAH National Astronomical Observatory (Observatorio Astronomico Centroamericano de Suyapa) and Hospital Escuela (see UNAH - LLU Health Geoinformatics & Environmental GIS/RS Workshop under Project Reports).

From November 20-27, 2005 several students and faculty involved in Honduras presented and attended the SMBC (Society for Mesoamerican Biology and Conservation) at its meetings in La Ceiba Honduras. During the same period Marie-Lys Bacchus continued her field work in Belize on manatee tracking and monitoring begun the previous summer.

In March-April 2006 further manatee studies were continued on the North Coast of Honduras by Daniel gonzalez--see earlier diascussion of the Wildlife Trust, UNAH/Honduras, and LightHawk International aerial survey research.

In March-April 2006 a study by the University of Redlands/Redlands Institute under Serene Ong who is a graduate student in the MS-GIS Program was also launched. The focus of this research will be on water quality and ecosystem services in the five watersheds in the central municipalities (known as MAMUCA--see PDF) that stretch from near La Ceiba to the Rio San Juan on the North Coast in the department (state) of Atlantida. This project will also have participation by: USAID- MIRA Project, Honduras (Manejo Integrado de Recursos Ambientales) and CURLA, the regional campus of UNAH in La Ceiba (Centro Universitario Regional del Litoral Atlántico) as well as CARE/Honduras and FUCSA (Fundacion Cuero y Salado) an NGO near La Ceiba, Honduras that manages a major protected area for manatee and other wetland species and landscapes (a global RAMSAR site) - see Cuero y Salado -see also satellite image).

From June 5 -19, 2006 the second phase of the Herpetofauna Research Project on the Pacific Coast was carried out--see project page HERE.

And, from July 4 -August 4, 2006 further research on manatees, herpetofauna, water resources and related work were carried out by Robert Ford, Marie-Lys Bachus, Daniel Gonzalez as well as Lisa Hainey, a SURP (Summer Research Program) student from Walla Walla College. Results of that research will appear soon.

November 20-28, 2006 - Planning for development of:

  1. An Internet Mapping Service application in support of NRM and Ecotourism activities by various local partners in Honduras (FUPNAPIB - Pico Bonito National Park; FUCSA-Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge; REHDES; CURLA (local branch campus of UNAH; , UNAH's new GIS program in Tegucigalpa; and the USAID-MIRA Project).

  2. Future expansion of herpetofauna research on the Pacific Coast of Honduras with UNAH and others (see Herp project).

 

SPRING / SUMMER 2007:

  • Development of a GOOGLE map interface for the two parks above so people can explore the needs of the region and see what our partners are doing.

  • More collaboration and research on the water resources issues/problems (with University of Redlands, USGS, WRI, UNAH, CURLA, etc) =

    This will include NEW work being done by Jessica Cadriel (SPH - School of Public Health) who is starting work with WWF and FUCSA/USAID-MIRA studying “sustainable livelihood and health policy” issues among fishing peoples in the area.

  • Tim Wolff–also from the SPH who is now based at Valle de Angeles in Honduras--will also collaborate on environmental health-related issues on the north coast though he will also do work with ADRA/Honduras and the new GIS/OACS program at UNAH/Tegucigalpa.

  • The USGS / WRI collaboration will build on recent work entitled: Watershed Analysis for the Mesoamerican Reef. This effort will help build capacity of the new Disaster Mitigation Master’s degree at UNAH-Tegucigalpa – to improve datasets, do more specific planning for disaster issues, carry-out training, etc. This work will also collaborate with the UNAH-CURLA campus in La Ceiba which has a focus on the Atlantic coast watersheds.

  • In the near future, Tom Rossi will begin work focused on “common-property water resource management” issues in select watersheds in the region, i.e. the Rio Cangrejal and nearby basins--to look at conflict, competing economic and social policy issues, energy-issues, etc.

  • This summer we will also be cooperating with the University of California Irvine and Duke University who will have professors and students using some of our data for field research on monkeys, DNA-bar coding for biodiversity assessments, and coastal zone policy analysis, wetlands research, etc.

  • Daniel Gonzalez and Marie-Lys Bacchus are are continuing their Manatee Research in Belize and Honduras. Both are defending their master’s theses this month.They have both done great work!

    Daniel will be entering a PhD program at Duke University in biology this summer and will continue building on his efforts in Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and other areas. Daniel recently went to Panama to lead in a workshop training local scientists on how to use the SONAR device he has pioneered for studying manatees in dark/tropical estuarine environments. Daniel is developing a strong reputation as an innovator in the use of this remote sensing tool for biological research.

  • Rob Lovich is continuing expansion of herpetofauna research on the Pacific Coast of Honduras with UNAH, Zamorano and others (Herp project). See PDF field report on recent herpetofauna research in the YORO region and other "cloud forest" areas in the Central Highlands.

March 12 - 25, 2007: Collecting field GPS data with CURLA students for beginning of an Interactive map to support ecoturism planning and marketing, collect geographical and imagery data to support our other SDI work (spatial data infrastructure). See sample DRAFT maps below:

See also this PDFmap (jpg) (png) of Major Terrestrial and Aquatic Nature Trails and Access Roads within Pico Bonito National Park and Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge (DRAFT version - April 2007). In the near future much of this spatial information will be available via an online Interactive Map (in production). MAPA en Español (PDF) (jpg) (png).

 

 

 

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KEY NGO and GOVERNMENT PARTNERS:

Groups with which we have direct working collaborative relations for cooperative research, training, and field application in Honduras include:

Valle de Angeles, SDA Hospital (their community outreach education center) along with links to La Tigra National Park (AMITIGRA - contact) and their field lodge near San Juancito, Morazan. See also Fundacion San Juancito.

 

See Powerpoint: LLU-SST Mesoamerican Field Studies Center, Current Status and Plans (April 4, 2006).

 

 

  • Honduran Tourism Institute (IHT) - This is the official site of the Instituto Hondureño de Turismo, with travel information for the entire country.

  • AFE-COHDEFOR - Administration Forestal del Estado Corporation Hondureña de Desarrollo Forestal via the division in charge of wildlife resources and research as well as their GIS/RS Support Unit in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

  • SERNA - Secretaria de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente - Mapas en linea (Mapoteca Ambiental de Honduras).

  • UCP - Unidad Coordinadora de Proyectos - La Unidad Coordinadora de Proyectos como agente de coordinación de proyectos que fomentan el Desarrollo Sostenible de Honduras bajo el marco de un enfoque territorial integrado.

  • Zamorano - Escuela Agricola Panamericana. See also the Zamorano - Cornell - Purdue Partnership.

 

Other environmental NGOs and partners in Honduras (indirect collaboration) include:

FUCAGUA - another NGO working on environmental issues around Trujillo, Honduras

Central America Ecology and Environment - Garrobo.org

PROLANSATE - NGO working near Tela, Honduras (Fundación para Punta Sal, Lancetilla y Texiguat)

ESCUELA AGROPECUARIA John F. Kennedy - Escuela Nacional Experimental Agropecuaria de la Region Tropical Húmeda (see Article from FAO: Female agricultural extension agents in El Salvador and Honduras: do they have an impact?

Conservation Project Utila Iguana

Fundacion Hondurena para la Investigacion Agricola (FHIA)

Fundacion VIDA - Honduran Foundation on Environment and Development - The Honduran National Environmental Fund

Fundacion San Juancito.

Cayos Cochinos Marine Protected Area - Fundacion Cayos Cochinos (Operation Wallacea)

MOPAWI Mosquitia PAWISA - works to protect the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve (see - "A Walkabout"...) - see also Eco-Index - Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve - UNESCO

Other Key Contacts:

Sierra de Agalta - An Eco-Adventure in Honduras (website) - Biodiveristy, Geology, Culture (Peace Corps Volunteers (Voluntarios del Cuerpo de Paz) Clare and Austin Aslan and Krista and Daniel Capps).

Mark Bonta. 2003. Seven Names for the Bellbird: Conservation Geography in Honduras . Texas A & M University Press. (authors website).

(Book website): Birding Honduras: A Checklist and Guide.  2002.  by Mark Bonta

and David L. Anderson. EcoArte, Tegucigalpa, Honduras). To find out more about Birding Honduras, please contact the authors at birds@birdinghonduras.com or visit the book's website)

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INSTRUCTORS and CONTACT INFORMATION:

For further information please contact:


 Robert E. Ford, M.P.H., PhD
Professor, International Sustainable Development,
Social Policy/Social Ecology

Doctoral Program in Social Policy & Social Research,
Department of Social Work and Social Ecology, and
Department of Earth and Biological Sciences,
School of Science and Technology,
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Email: rford@llu.edu
Home email:  rford at igc.org
Office Phone: (909) 558-7507
Fax: (909) 558-0450


Stephen G. Dubar, Assistant professor of marine biology


Laboratory of marine invertebrate ecophysiology Intertidal ecophysiology, marine invertebrate physiology, marine invertebrate behavior and ecology

Department of Earth and Biological Sciences
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350
Phone: (909) 558-1000, extension 48903
Fax: (909) 558-0259
Email: sdunbar@llu.edu

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Key Central America / Caribbean Web Resources:

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Passports/Critical Documents: Each person needs to have a valid passport.  If you don't have one you can order a passport online but give yourself at least six weeks time .  Or check the yellow pages (under Federal Gov't) or call the County Recorder's office.  It is also adviseable to have a copy of your birth certificate in case you lose the passport or need another ID.  Also bring drivers license, but leave at home most credit cards except one or two back-up ones.  Keep all these documents and money/travelers checks and airplane tickets in a small body-hugging container or purse around your neck, under your clothes, i.e. in a hidden belt pouch.

General Health Precautions and Travel Warnings:  You are encouraged to study the US State Department Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings online (see the Public Announcement on Honduras).  Also contact the local County Health Department and ask for the Travel Medicine and Immunizations office.  They can help you get up-to-date info on required and recommended shots, water purification techniques, hygiene, etc. You may want to read the article: Jungle Camping: Some Tips For Increased Comfort.  Though we won't be camping/tenting outdoors "in the back country"--we will be staying most often in schools, rustic country dorms/inns, modest-priced hotels with multiple people to a room. Nevertheless, some of the issues raised about dealing with heat, bugs, sunburn, traveling light and other issues apply.  In the Bay Islands of Honduras you will be bitten by sandflies. The best way to prevent bites is using SKIN-SO-SOFT by Avon. Sunburn is a real problem - bring a good hat and a strong sunblock.  REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated) can help you get travel information, hygiene products and other useful material including some emergency snacks/travel food. 

Special Health Needs: If you have special health needs or problems, e.g. allergies, please advise the trip organizers in advance and bring along proper prescriptions and medicine.  The university may also require your doctor's signed clearance for travel.  If you are allergic to bee stings, mosquitoes, sandflies please bring an allergic reaction kit and carry it with you! Also bring basic First Aid supplies such as bandaids, disinfectant, aspirin, cold medicine, Pepto-bismol, Imodium-B, etc.  There will be a group first aid kit but it is to be kept for emergencies and is not meant to service general needs.

Travel Book/Information: A good travel guidebook that will provide lot's of this information is: Honduras: Adventures in Nature, by Jim Gollin and Ron Mader (you can order online from link above via Amazon.com).  See also Honduras Vacation Guide - Travel Honduras - also check out the Central America Travel Guide (Lonely Planet) as well as: