Assessment of environmental degradation and vulnerability to climate change in the micro-watershed of Río Helado, Santa Bárbara

Abstract

Introduction. The degradation of resources may reach critical proportions in the biological corridors in Honduras. The quality and quantity of water may be seriously affected due to the use of agrochemicals, deforestation, and agriculture without conservation action. The study aim was to measure the degradation and vulnerability levels of the Yojoa Lake basin and protected areas that are part of the biological corridor in Honduras. Methods. The percentage of degradation was determined through the collection of biophysical, social, and economic data from a representative sample of a beneficiary population. A weighting scale was applied that measured degradation and vulnerability levels. Results. A degradation index of 44.5% was obtained, which corresponded to a medium percentage and a vulnerability index of 58.5% which corresponded to a high percentage. The social component had the greatest degradation in the micro-basin, placing itself in the high degradation category. The economic component had the least degradation and situated itself in the low degradation category. Meanwhile, the biophysical component obtained a medium degradation index. Conclusion. Sustainable agriculture has not been a commitment which residents and institutions have assumed in the area. However, it is necessary to provide sustainable alternatives and innovations that may support farmers to produce better crops in the biological corridor in Honduras.