The project aims to integrate the management of the Motagua River Basin, reduce land-based sources of pollution, and mitigate emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) produced unintentionally. This effort seeks to lessen the impacts on coastal marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of local populations. Additionally, the project strengthens the efforts of both Guatemala and Honduras to manage the Motagua River Basin (17,991 square kilometers). It also supports improving the quality of life for inhabitants of the basin, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and indigenous peoples.

Key Impacts and Community Benefits 

As part of the key advances made by the project to date, it can be highlighted that the Watershed Diagnostic Analysis (WDA) shared by Guatemala and Honduras has been completed. This analysis has provided crucial information, enabling the establishment of a baseline, characterization, and diagnosis of the basin. With this analysis, the process for implementing the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for the management of the basin will be concluded in 2025, involving all relevant stakeholders.

The project has helped improve the quality of life for local communities. In Guatemala, more than 59,536 people (29,771 men; 29,765 women) and in Honduras, 21,566 people (10,734 men; 10,832 women) have benefited from a higher quality of life, thanks to the implementation of natural resource management solutions and pollution reduction efforts.

Regarding the reduction of unintentional plastic waste and POPs resulting from the open-air burning of solid waste in informal landfills and other waste burning activities, plastic waste reduction has been achieved by 25,626.66 MT/year, with notable progress in Río Hondo, Zacapa, Guatemala (28.66 MT/year). In terms of unintentional POPs emissions, a total reduction of 45.46% has been achieved, with significant progress also seen in Río Hondo, Zacapa, Guatemala (4.35 gEQT/year).

Additionally, the project has met its goal of conducting two hydrological and hydrogeological studies on the surface waters and aquifers of the Motagua River Basin in both Guatemala and Honduras.

Binational Coordination and Regulatory Framework 

In October 2024, the Meeting of the High-Level Bilateral Roundtable, responsible for monitoring the Integrated Environmental Management of the Motagua River Basin, was held. The event was attended by the Vice Minister of Water from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), Jaime Luis Carrera Campos, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Antonio Escobedo Sanabria, and a delegation from Honduras led by the Secretary of the Interior, Justice, and Decentralization, Tomás Vaquero. The delegation also included the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gerardo Torres Zelaya, and Jorge Emilio Salaverri, Undersecretary of Natural Resources and Environment.

During the meeting, the Operating Regulations of the High-Level Bilateral Roundtable and the Bilateral Technical Committee, Honduras-Guatemala, were signed. This regulation is a key structure for coordination and joint efforts in the protection of the Motagua River Basin. It establishes a clear framework for cooperation between both countries in managing natural resources, with the goal of ensuring sustainable development and the well-being of the communities along the basin.

Commitment to Waste Management 

In November, in Guatemala City, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), through the project, held an event to deliver documents to municipalities in the Motagua River Basin. These documents included studies on the Characterization of Waste and Solid Waste, Municipal Plans for the Integrated Management of Waste and Solid Waste (PIRDES), and Technical Studies of Wastewater (ETARS). Mayors and technical staff from more than 40 municipalities participated in the event, where the documents were formally delivered. Representatives from MARN and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) also participated in the event. 

As part of the actions under the environmental good practices program to raise awareness among the population about the classification of waste and solid waste, the preparation, installation, and distribution of illustrative materials on waste and solid waste management were carried out for 16 municipalities in the Motagua River Basin. These municipalities in Guatemala include Estanzuela, Río Hondo, Teculután, Zacapa, Morazán, Sanarate, Jalapa, Los Amates, Morales, Puerto Barrios, Pachalúm, Santa Cruz del Quiché, Chichicastenango, Comalapa, Chimaltenango, and Chinautla.

Next steps 

Also in November, in the municipality of Omoa, in the department of Cortés, Honduras, a field visit to the pilot projects and the Board meeting of the Integrated Environmental Management of the Motagua River Basin Project were held. The Board meeting was chaired by Malcolm Stufkens, Undersecretary of Environment at SERNA Honduras, and Jaime Luis Carrera, Vice Minister of Water at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), Guatemala. There was also representation from members of the Project Board of SEGEPLAN, MINEX, SEDESPA, and UNDP from both Guatemala and Honduras. At the meeting, the main advances were presented, the results of the Project as of October 2024 were analyzed, and the key actions for the conclusion of the Project were discussed.

About the project

Words by Juan Luis Sacayón. Photo cover: Middle part of the Motagua River basin, Estanzuela, Zacapa, Guatemala / Credit: Juan Luis Sacayón