Nicaragua Biodiversity Conservation and the Sustainable Coastal Communities and

1.2 Nicaragua

A biodiversity threats assessment identified environmental, social and economic issues affecting biodiversity at the Aserradores, Padre Ramos and Puerto Morazán sites—ecological reserves or areas of recognized biological importance. Padre Ramos and Puerto Morazán have extensive mangrove systems designated protected areas with great environmental and economic value, while Los Aserradores has extensive mangroves, but lacks the reserve designation. SUCCESS promotes adoption of best management practices, alternative livelihoods and implementation of management systems to encourage local communities to change behavior and improve quality of life while effecting positive environmental changes and conserving biodiversity conservation. SUCCESS is demonstrating co-management methods for molluscan fisheries with a focus on the two species of black cockle Anadara sp. These fisheries are a food and income mainstay for poor coastal communities. They also have national and regional importance as they are transported within the country and exported illegally to other Central American countries. Developing feasible co-management methods for the black cockle species can provide a model for other Latin American countries where cockles are a threatened andor important fisheries. SUCCESS is also working on water quality monitoring and improvement and on shellfish sanitation as bivalves are among the most likely seafood for serious or fatal diseases. SUCCESS is working to improve the environmental, economic and social aspects of an important national export commodity—shrimp. Approximately 80 of the nation’s shrimp is produced in ponds located in protected areas, many operated by poor farmers organized in cooperatives with few technical or financial resources. SUCCESS is assisting these farmers to improve their practices and production and at the same time reduce environmental impact. SUCCESS is also supporting national efforts to codify best mariculture management practices into formally adopted guidelines and regulations. SUCCESS is helping groups in protected areas start livelihoods that provide alternatives to illegal resource use practices or reduce pressure on overexploited fisheries e.g., bread making for female post-larval fishers, and eco-tourism for men and women.

1.3 Ecuador