Learn a bit more about Utila’s natural history or get involved in the conservation, education, or scientific studies relating to the marine and terrestrial life of Utila! Here are some groups to get you started:
~Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA)
~Iguana Research and Breeding Station
~Utila Center For Marine Ecology (UCME)
~Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Centre (WSORC)
~Additional Groups
Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA)
Contacts:
Honduras Telephones: (504) 425 3260 or (504) 3341 3417
Email: bicautila@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.bicautila.org
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 Islands’ fragile natural resources. Since its formation, BICA Utila has been instrumental in initiating many
conservation projects: management of the Turtle Harbour Wildlife Refuge and Marine Reserve; protection of sea turtles; protection of coral reefs through installation of buoys; first garbage collection on the island; beach cleaning; environmental education in local schools; developing codes of conduct for divers; monitoring whale sharks, etc.
In its long and eventful history, BICA Utila has worked with many local and international organizations on the protection of the island’s resources, particularly the reefs, and helped many visiting students and researchers with their work. But, BICA’s main job is, and has always been, to work with the local community to protect their small piece of paradise so that future generations will be able to enjoy it and make a living from its resources.
BICA Volunteer and Intern Opportunities Available! (Research Assistants and Environmental Education)
Iguana Research and Breeding Station
Contacts:
Jimena Castillo, Director
Honduras Telephone: (504) 425 3946
Email: station@utila-iguana.de
Web: http://www.utila-iguana.de/ or http://www.utila-iguana.de/en_frame_volo.html
The Iguana Research and Breeding Station (IRBS), a short walk away from Utila Town’s main road, plays a crucial role in the conservation of the endemic island’s iguana species Ctenosaura bakeri, called ‘Swamper’ or Wishiwilli’.
The IRBS efforts are focused upon understanding the natural history of the Swamper with different scientific research. A breeding program supports the population in the mangroves; more than 2,000 hatchlings were already breaded and released. The IRBS also have an environmental education program in the schools of Utila and support a sustainable development and tourism.
Much of the work in Utila is undertaken by volunteers from all over the world who have joined the Volunteers Program. Visitors to the station are given a full tour explaining the habits of this endangered species, as well as getting an overview of general Utilian wildlife. You will have opportunity to see the Swamper in different ages as well as the Highlander Iguana and the Green Iguana.
In 2007, the IRBS started a systemic and planed change seeking for autonomy, many strategies were adopted in this
evolutionary phase, and the results now allows the IRBS to become a project of a Non Governmental Organization legally recognized by the Honduran Government as the Fundación Islas de la Bahía (FIB), a private non-profit organization, with no political ties and which is regulated by Honduran law. The most important function of the FIB is to contribute with the national efforts of Honduras in order to achieve the human sustainable development.
Utila Center For Marine Ecology (UCME)
Contacts:
Andrzej Narojanski, Utila Projects Manager
Honduras Telephone: (504) 3216-2559
Email: Andrzej@utilaecology.org or info@utilaecology.org
Web: http://www.utilaecology.org/
UCME is a Honduran registered non-governmental organization that conducts progressive research on marine, coastal and island ecosystems. Initially founded on the island of Utila, the centre now has projects across Central America spanning the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Combining both applied ecological research and socioeconomic studies, our holistic research interests focus on providing the science with which to develop proactive management strategies for the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.
The centre’s scientists conduct original research to create cutting edge resource management tools, often collaborating with leading international scientists and institutions implementing projects across the region. By bridging the gap between applied research and local knowledge the centre can highlight conservation priorities, identify management requirements and target stakeholder lead initiatives. In so doing, academic science can be understood and used by the very people who rely on the integrity of the coastal environment in which they live.
Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Centre (WSORC)
Contacts:
Honduras Telephone: (504) 425 3760
Emails: info@wsorc.com
Web: http://www.wsorc.com
The Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center (WSORC) operates one of the few, year-round whale shark monitoring and research centers in the world.
Our devoted staff of scientists and volunteers works tirelessly at maintaining and restoring the aquatic environment of Honduras, while continuing the standards of ethical research which have made WSORC the authority on Utila’s whale shark population and coral reef ecosystem for the past 10 years.
At the same time, WSORC is sworn to preserve Utila’s aquatic natural resources through education by increasing the public’s awareness of a marine ecosystem that is one of Central America’s natural wonders. Our mission is to facilitate the scientific community’s research within Honduran waters while educating the eco-tourist and locals alike.
Additional Groups
EcoOceans / Utila Whale Shark Reseach Project
Environmental Management of the Bay Islands Project (PMAIB)
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