Water is an essential resource that many of us take for granted. It is especially crucial in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows basic and fundamental actions to prevent the virus spread: constant sanitation and hand-washing practices. Now, two communities in Northern Honduras have access to this key resource. Because of old and poorly-planned infrastructure, the people of the Laguna de Bañaderos and Santa Elena, two communities in the Manchaguala river basin at the Merendon Reserve Zone in Northern Honduras, did not have access to safe drinking water in their homes, despite there being plenty of available water sources in the surrounding environment.
Knowing how vital water access was for these communities, WWF agreed to resume activities under strict bio-security protocols for all project workers. WWF provided sanitizing materials, safety equipment, and training; strict social distancing measures were also provided to community representatives to reduce risks associated with the spread of COVID-19. The completed project provided efficient drinking water systems, built to last in the long term, and will benefit 400 people from more than 100 households between the two communities.
Water access projects like this one have previously been conducted by WWF-Mesoamerica in Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize with the support of TCCF. Through this work we engage communities in watershed conservation and create an understanding of the link between conservation and the positive impact it can have on water quantity and quality in the long term. The communities are now fully involved in conserving the ecosystem upon which they depend. This latest project is further proof that, even in the face of adversity, working together can benefit the health of both people and planet.
Source: WWF
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