WASTE, PEOPLE AND REEF HEALTH- CIRC ECON. HONDURAS
#208 - RESIDUOS, PERSONAS Y LA SALUD DE LOS ARRECIFES - ECONOMÍA CIRCULAR EN ROATÁN, HONDURAS
ABOUT
Through this project, the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) will promote circular economy on the island of Roatan by strengthening the Roatan Waste Pickers Association (ARR) through equipment and training; creating a route for recyclables by promoting separation at home and collection by ARR in the communities and providing a collection center where recyclables can be dropped off. In turn, this will decrease the plastic that ends up on the reef and beaches through collection and recycling. Data on solid waste through citizen science will provide a baseline of our waste problems; drift card studies (where is our waste coming from and where is it going?), brand audits (who is producing our waste?), and microplastic surveys (what type of plastics are being found on our beaches?). Furthermore, data will be collected on what plastic is being recycled by the ARR. The project will increase the income of waste pickers on the island of Roatan too.
The project also seeks to empower the communities through an education campaign on decreasing the use of single use plastics and waste separation pilot initiatives in communities surrounding the MPA. Collected data will contribute to its effective management by demonstrating the need for investment in sanitation in the communities which surround the MPA. BICA will build awareness within these communities through education on the effects of solid waste on coral reefs and human health.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Proceeds will be used for capacity building and equipment for the waste pickers association (ARR). As well as operation expenses to collect and remove recyclables off the island.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) was established in 1991, an Honduran non-profit, with chapters in each of the Bay Islands: Utila, Roatan and Guanaja. BICA has 29 years of experience implementing projects and programs in the Bay Islands, specifically in environmental education & outreach, and more recently on community development and research & monitoring. We have been working in protected area management since 1994 as a co-manager. Over the last seven years, BICA has promoted small educational campaigns on solid waste, its impacts on ecosystems, and human health on the island of Roatan. As part of these campaigns the ordinances on banning plastic bags, plastic straws, plastic bottles (PET) and foam in the municipality of Roatán were presented and approved. BICA began its citizen science program in 2018, consisting of a drift card study and brand audits in community beaches around the island of Roatan to collect data on waste. This data was very valuable for the local municipality in 2019 when the bans came into effect. It demonstrated the majority of waste collected during the brand audits was plastic, 36% collected being PET bottles and 16% collected the tops of bottles. Furthermore, since 2018 we have been working with waste pickers, providing them with the necessary tools to develop their competencies and soft skills (leadership, teamwork, formation and coordination of an organization, management of alliances, public speaking, negotiation and conflict management) necessary for the management of an association and small business. We have been the link between local authorities, communities, hotels and waste pickers promoting separation of waste.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Website:
Facebook:
@bica.hn
Instagram:
@bica.hn
Bay Islands / Honduras
Collection / Sorting
Plastics / Metals / E-Waste
Tons Per Year: 331
USD 350/t
PARTNERS
