HondurasEcosystem restoration · Drought
In the face of drought, the Wéndeti project, of the youth organization Cipotes Honduras, promotes reforestation and environmental education in El Merendón, San Pedro Sula, a key area for water in the region. In alliance with Aguas de San Pedro, the young people planted 380 trees with the MIAF model (Milpa Interplanted with Fruit Trees), which combines forest restoration and agricultural production to protect the soil and water sources.
In the face of drought, the Wéndeti project, of the youth organization Cipotes Honduras, promotes reforestation and environmental education in El Merendón, San Pedro Sula, a key area for water in the region. In alliance with Aguas de San Pedro, the young people planted 380 trees with the MIAF model (Milpa Interplanted with Fruit Trees), which combines forest restoration and agricultural production to protect the soil and water sources.
Honduras is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the region: high exposure to extreme events and adaptive capacity limited by poverty, inequality and institutional weakness. In water, this translates into droughts and forest loss that reduce its availability and quality, especially for communities that depend on natural sources. In El Merendón, the forest produces water and other ecosystem services: conserving it reduces that vulnerability.
Contribute to the recovery of plant cover and protection of water sources in El Merendón through reforestation, agroforestry practices and environmental education. The initiative seeks to involve young people and communities in the conservation of the ecosystem and promote productive practices compatible with the protection of natural resources.
The initiative implements the MIAF model (Milpa Interspersed with Fruit Trees), an agroforestry system that integrates fruit trees and crops to diversify agricultural production, conserve vegetation cover and protect the soil. This practice contributes to adaptation to drought and erosion, favoring the conservation of water sources and food security.
The populations of San Pedro Sula and the northern region of Honduras that depend on the water produced in El Merendón, and the surrounding communities, which benefit from the protection of the forest and water sources. Also the young volunteers who participate in the sessions.
Cipotes Honduras is a youth organization founded in 2021 by a group of friends, which today brings together more than 1,000 young university students and professionals. In Wéndeti, it raises awareness and mobilizes young volunteers who participate in reforestation and environmental education sessions.
A planting day was held in which 380 trees were planted under the MIAF model, which integrates forest restoration and agricultural production. The day also promoted youth participation and environmental education on the protection of forests and water sources.
Ricardo Salgado (cooperacion@cipotes.org), Cipotes Honduras. Web: https://times.cipotes.org/
Mixed
The Merendón is a strategic ecosystem for water production in San Pedro Sula and nearby communities, but it faces pressures associated with land use change and environmental degradation. Loss of forest cover can affect water regulation and increase vulnerability during dry periods.
In recent years, Honduras has strengthened institutional actions to protect areas of environmental importance and water sources. In El Merendón, the Forest Conservation Institute (ICF) began a process to recover and reinforce the ecological integrity of the area, while municipalities and other actors develop restoration and protection actions
The initiative is developed through an alliance between Cipotes Honduras and Aguas de San Pedro. Cipotes provides the mobilization, awareness and participation of young volunteers, while Aguas de San Pedro provides technical experience related to environmental management and protection of water sources.
The existence of an alliance between a youth organization and an actor with experience in environmental management facilitated the implementation of the restoration days. The strategic importance of El Merendón as a water producing area and the institutional interest in recovering its ecological integrity also favor the project. Environmental degradation and change in land use persist as conditioning factors, requiring sustained protection and restoration actions.
The MIAF model integrates fruit trees with crops, an agroforestry strategy that seeks to transform the traditional production model. In addition, the initiative strengthens environmental education and youth participation in the protection of forests and water in the region.
The measure has the potential for replication in other areas of Honduras where the loss of forest cover affects water sources and rural communities. Its replication requires identifying priority areas, establishing local alliances and having technical support to select appropriate species and practices.
The use of agroforestry systems can favor the permanence of vegetation cover by integrating conservation and production. However, the project requires post-planting monitoring to ensure the survival and development of the trees.
Wéndeti Project: hope for green and blue! (Cipotes Times): https://times.cipotes.org/2026/07/proyecto-wendeti-esperanza-de-verde-y-azul/