Boca del Rio Viejo Island is a community of approximately 340 people located in the protected area of Los Degaditos in the Gulf of Fonseca. The island’s 37 acres are rich in red, white, and black mangroves. It provides critical habitat for hawksbill and olive ridley turtles, which nest on its beaches. The community depends largely on artisanal fishing, making the health of local ecosystems essential. However, the islanders face significant challenges, such as very poor sanitation infrastructure, destructive high tides, deforestation, and turtle and iguana poaching.

The community has committed to these conservation measures:

• Regular patrols by boat and on foot to monitor and deter mangrove cutting, illegal fishing practices, and pollution. Violations will be reported to fisheries and forestry authorities.
• Reforesting five acres in the protected area with mangroves, other native species, and fruit-bearing trees to enhance food security. The forestry department will provide help.
• Regular cleanup campaigns, and coordination with the local municipality to ensure the proper collection and disposal of solid waste.
• Educational sessions with students and community members on mangrove and olive ridley turtle conservation, waste management, water and sanitation, and the importance of the protected area.
• Control of turtle areas, including closures to protect turtles and eggs during nesting season.

Government fisheries and forestry personnel are assisting with patrols and surveillance, including enforcement of closed seasons to protect turtles during nesting seasons. Seacology previously supported partner NGO Mancommunidad de Municipios del Sur (NASMAR) project on Güipo and Tomason Island.

The community’s school building is in extreme disrepair, and 38 children must share a small kindergarten classroom. Thirty other kids make the risky and costly trip to the mainland to attend school. The lack of proper sanitation facilities at the school poses an ongoing risk to students’ health. Seacology is providing funds toward the construction of a new two-classroom primary school, with bathrooms, to benefit over 60 children.