Bay Island Conservation Association (BICA), Utila Chapter, Bay Islands, Honduras

Actions taken to promote environmental or social sustainability

Management of Protected Areas: Conservation, protection and restoration of terrestrial and marine protected areas, through stakeholder involvement, community patrols and monitoring efforts.

Community Outreach and Development: Empowering community stakeholders in natural resource management by developing alternative livelihoods, promoting sustainable practices and encouraging responsible business practices.

Environmental Education: Increasing awareness through interactive education, media and interaction with school students and the general public.

Sea Turtle Conservation: Monitoring of nesting sites, species distribution and habitat protection to have successful hatch rates and population demographics.

Specialities and Highlights

The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1991 by the people living in the Bay Islands in order to initiate and coordinate efforts in protecting the Island's fragile natural resources. BICA's operation and projects are funded through the support of local individuals, businesses and national and international agencies and visitors. BICA has three chapters; Roatan, Utila and Guanaja.

The Bay Island Conservation Association works to support the conservation of Utila through the following goals and activities:

• Protect and encourage the rational use of fragile ecosystems in Utila.
• Promote sustainable development through the rational use and management of Utila's natural resources.
• Stimulate awareness of the importance and richness of Utila's Ecosystems through involvement of the community and education of students.
• Establishment and continuous protection of Protected Areas.
• Increase public awareness of the endangered sea turtle species that visit Utila.
• Protect Utila's turtles nesting sites, as well as its marine ecosystems.
• Expand the scientific knowledge of sea turtles through local research on nesting, populations and migrations.

From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Seasons Open

Year-round except for national holidays.

None required, but visitors can make donations by buying the association's souvenirs to support BICA's programs.