The Norwegian Trust Fund for Private Sector and Infrastructure (NTFPSI)

Grant TF093075 - P114019: Central America.

Public Disclosure Authorized

Public Disclosure Authorized

Public Disclosure Authorized Infrastructure and Small Scale Private Sector Development for Coastal Cities of Honduras and Nicaragua – Supporting Responsible Tourism Strategies for Poverty Reduction

FIRST PHASE

Public Disclosure Authorized

Final Report

Consulting Team:

Walter Bodden

Liesbeth Castro-Sierra

Mary Elizabeth Flores

Armando Frías

Italo Mazzei

Alvaro Rivera

Irma Urquía

Lucy Valenti

César Zaldívar

The George Washington University:

Carla Campos

Christian Hailer

Jessie McComb

Elizabeth Weber

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Infrastructure and Small Scale Private Sector Development for Coastal Cities of Honduras and Nicaragua – Supporting Responsible Tourism Strategies for Poverty Reduction First Phase

Table of Contents 1 BACKGROUND ...... 8 2 OBJECTIVE ...... 9 3 INTRODUCTION ...... 10 4 HONDURAN COASTAL CITIES OVERVIEW ...... 13 4.1 LA CEIBA ...... 13 4.1.1 Chamber of Commerce ...... 14 4.1.2 Governmental Plans ...... 14 4.1.3 Infrastructure Needs ...... 15 4.2 TRUJILLO ...... 16 4.2.1 Chamber of Commerce ...... 17 4.2.2 Governmental Plans ...... 17 4.2.3 Infrastructure Needs ...... 18 4.3 PUERTO LEMPIRA ...... 18 4.3.1 Chamber of Commerce ...... 19 4.3.2 Governmental Plans ...... 19 4.3.3 Infrastructure Needs ...... 20 4.4 LA MOSKITIA ...... 21 4.5 TELA ...... 21 5 HONDURAN TOURISM INDUSTRY ...... 23 5.1 LA CEIBA ...... 23 5.1.1 Present Tourism Situation ...... 23 5.1.2 Tourism Inventory Assets ...... 26 5.1.2.1 Natural Attractions ...... 26 5.1.2.2 Cultural and Heritage Attractions ...... 27 5.1.2.3 Special Events ...... 27 5.1.2.4 Recreational Attractions ...... 27 5.1.2.5 Accomodation ...... 28

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5.1.2.6 Food Service ...... 30 5.1.2.7 Tour Operators ...... 31 5.1.3 Garifuna Communities and Potential Products ...... 32 5.1.3.1 Monte Pobre ...... 32 5.1.3.2 Sambo Creek ...... 32 5.1.3.3 Corozal ...... 33 5.1.3.4 Chachahuate...... 33 5.1.3.5 Eastend ...... 33 5.1.3.6 Nueva Armenia ...... 33 5.1.3.7 Río Esteban ...... 33 5.1.3.8 Miramar ...... 34 5.1.3.9 Bonitillo ...... 34 5.1.3.10 Esparta communities ...... 34 5.1.3.11 Río Tinto ...... 34 5.1.4 Garifuna Museum ...... 34 5.2 TRUJILLO ...... 35 5.2.1 Present Tourism Situation ...... 35 5.2.2 Tourism Inventory Assets ...... 36 5.2.2.1 Natural Attractions ...... 36 5.2.2.2 Cultural and Heritage Attractions ...... 37 5.2.2.3 Recreational Attractions ...... 37 5.2.2.4 Accomodation ...... 37 5.2.2.5 Food Service ...... 38 5.2.3 Garifuna Communities and Potential Products ...... 38 5.2.3.1 Cristales and Río Negro ...... 38 5.2.3.2 Limón ...... 39 5.2.3.3 Sangrelaya ...... 39 5.2.3.4 Santa Fe ...... 39 5.2.3.5 San Antonio ...... 39 5.2.3.6 Guadalupe ...... 39 5.3 PUERTO LEMPIRA ...... 39 5.3.1 Present Tourism Situation ...... 39 5.3.2 Tourism Inventory Assets ...... 40 5.3.2.1 Natural Attractions ...... 40 5.3.2.2 Cultural and Heritage Attractions ...... 40

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5.3.2.3 Accomodation ...... 40 5.4 ROATÁN ...... 41 5.4.1 Present Tourism Situation ...... 41 5.4.2 Tourism Inventory Assets ...... 42 6 NICARAGUAN CARIBBEAN COAST OVERVIEW ...... 43 6.1 RAAN ...... 44 6.2 RAAS ...... 44 6.3 SAN JUAN DEL NORTE ...... 45 7 NICARAGUA TOURISM INDUSTRY ...... 46 7.1 LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...... 46 7.2 BILWI ...... 46 7.2.1 Present Tourism Situation ...... 46 7.2.2 Tourism Facilities ...... 47 7.2.2.1 Accommodation ...... 47 7.2.2.2 Food and Beverages Services...... 47 7.3 ATTRACTIONS NEAR BILWI ...... 48 7.3.1 Karatá ...... 48 7.3.2 Wawa ...... 48 7.3.3 Haulover ...... 48 7.3.4 Pahara ...... 49 7.3.5 Krukira ...... 49 7.3.6 The Miskitu Cays ...... 49 7.3.7 Río Coco Riverside ...... 49 7.4 RAAS COMMUNITIES ...... 49 7.4.1 Laguna de Perlas...... 49 7.4.1.1 Accommodation ...... 50 7.4.1.2 Food Services ...... 50 7.4.2 Cayos Perlas ...... 50 7.4.3 Wawashang Reserve ...... 50 7.4.4 Bluefields ...... 50 7.4.5 Corn Island ...... 50 7.4.5.1 Accommodation ...... 51 7.4.5.2 Food and Beverages Services...... 51 7.4.6 Little Corn Island ...... 52 7.4.6.1 Accommodation ...... 52

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7.4.6.2 Food and Beverages Services...... 52 7.5 SAN JUAN DEL NORTE ...... 53 7.6 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN ...... 53 7.6.1 Types of Tourism ...... 53 7.6.2 Circuits ...... 53 7.6.3 Events ...... 53 8 PORT FACILITIES ...... 54 8.1 LA CEIBA ...... 54 8.2 TRUJILLO ...... 56 8.2.1 Terms of Reference for the Modernization of the Cabotage Dock ...... 58 8.2.1.1 Collection and Analysis of Information ...... 58 8.2.1.2 Project Craft and Type of Cargo Handling ...... 58 8.2.1.3 Topohydrographic Survey ...... 58 8.2.1.4 Dock Preliminary Arrangement ...... 59 8.2.1.5 Soil Mechanics ...... 59 8.2.1.6 Executive Projects ...... 60 8.2.1.7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule ...... 60 8.2.1.8 Results Delivery ...... 61 8.2.1.9 Implementation Time ...... 61 8.2.1.10 Technical and Economical Proposals ...... 61 8.2.1.11 Concept Catalogs ...... 61 8.3 PUERTO LEMPIRA ...... 62 8.3.1 Terms of Reference for the New Cabotage Dock ...... 63 8.3.1.1 Collection and Analysis of Information ...... 64 8.3.1.2 Project Craft and Type of Cargo Handling ...... 64 8.3.1.3 Topohydrographic Survey ...... 64 8.3.1.4 Dock Preliminary Arrangement ...... 65 8.3.1.5 Soil Mechanics and Seismic Refraction ...... 65 8.3.1.6 Executive Projects ...... 66 8.3.1.7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule ...... 66 8.3.1.8 Results Delivery ...... 67 8.3.1.9 Implementation Time ...... 67 8.3.1.10 Technical and Economical Proposals ...... 67 8.3.1.11 Concept Catalog ...... 67 8.4 TELA ...... 69

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8.5 BLUEFIELDS ...... 70 8.5.1 Terms of Reference for the Expansion of the Municipal Dock ...... 71 8.5.1.1 Collection and Analysis of Information ...... 72 8.5.1.2 Project Crafts and Type of Cargo Handling ...... 72 8.5.1.3 Topohydrographic Survey ...... 72 8.5.1.4 Facilities Preliminary Arrangement ...... 73 8.5.1.5 Soil Mechanics ...... 73 8.5.1.6 Executive Projects ...... 73 8.5.1.7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule ...... 74 8.5.1.8 Results Delivery ...... 75 8.5.1.9 Implementation Time ...... 75 8.5.1.10 Technical and Economical Proposals ...... 75 8.5.1.11 Concept Catalog ...... 75 8.6 CORN ISLAND ...... 76 8.6.1 Little Corn Island ...... 76 8.6.2 Terms of Reference for Complementary Facilities ...... 77 8.6.2.1 Collection and Analysis of Information ...... 77 8.6.2.2 Topohydrographic Survey ...... 77 8.6.2.3 Executive Projects ...... 78 8.6.2.4 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule ...... 78 8.6.2.5 Results Delivery ...... 78 8.6.2.6 Implementation Time ...... 79 8.6.2.7 Technical and Economical Proposals ...... 79 8.6.2.8 Concept Catalog ...... 79 8.6.3 Terms of Reference for Coastal Promenade in Corn Island ...... 79 8.6.3.1 Collection and Analysis of Information ...... 80 8.6.3.2 Topohydrographic Survey ...... 80 8.6.3.3 Geotechnics ...... 80 8.6.3.4 Promenade Project ...... 80 8.6.3.5 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule ...... 81 8.6.3.6 Results Delivery ...... 81 8.6.3.7 Implementation Time ...... 81 8.6.3.8 Technical and Economical Proposals ...... 81 8.6.3.9 Concept Catalog ...... 82 9 ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN LA MOSKITIA ...... 83

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9.1 TELECOMUNICATIONS ...... 83 9.2 ELECTRIC ENERGY ...... 83 9.2.1 Available energetic renewable resources ...... 84 9.2.2 Wind Energy ...... 85 9.2.2.1 Economical Issues ...... 87 9.2.3 Solar Generation ...... 87 9.2.3.1 Economical Issues ...... 88 9.3 PILOT PLAN ...... 92 9.4 ELECTRIC ENERGY AND INTERNET SERVICES MARKET STUDY ...... 93 9.4.1 Terms of Reference ...... 93 10 LOCAL CITIZEN SECURITY SYSTEM ...... 95 10.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAME ...... 95 10.2 LOCAL CITIZEN SECURITY SYSTEM IN PUERTO CORTÉS ...... 95 10.3 LOCAL CITIZEN SECURITY SYSTEM IN LA CEIBA ...... 96 10.4 LA CEIBA DIAGNOSTICS ...... 97 10.5 LA CEIBA PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ...... 97 11 HONDURAS RELATED LEGISLATION ...... 101 11.1 DRAFTS OF LEGAL REFORMS ...... 101 11.1.1 Employment Generation ...... 101 11.1.2 Port Management ...... 101 11.2 RENEWABLE ENERGY REGULATIONS ...... 101 11.2.1 Key Legislation ...... 101 11.2.2 Key Institutions ...... 102 11.2.3 Licenses and Permits ...... 102 11.2.3.1 Feasibility Study Permit ...... 102 11.2.3.2 Environmental License ...... 103 11.2.3.3 Operation Agreement ...... 103 11.2.3.4 Water Contract ...... 104 11.2.3.5 Power Purchase Agreement ...... 104 11.2.3.6 Building Permit ...... 104 12 LESSONS LEARNT ...... 106 13 RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS ...... 107 14 CONCLUSIONS ...... 110 15 ANNEXES ...... 111

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1 BACKGROUND Under the sponsorship of the Norwegian Trust Fund for Private Sector and Infrastructure (NTFPSI), a grant for Central America was established: “Infrastructure and Small Scale Private Sector Development for Coastal Cities of Honduras and Nicaragua – Supporting Responsible Tourism Strategies for Poverty Reduction”, which will contribute to poverty reduction and open greater economic opportunities for lower income groups in coastal municipalities of Honduras and Nicaragua, regions of great poverty and increasing vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes as a result of climate change. It would directly address the NTFPSI priority theme of adaptation to climate change, focusing on identification of mitigating infrastructure and developing private sector awareness through responsible ecotourism. By supporting a series of strategic development plans, vulnerability mapping and assessments of the business environment for small and micro enterprises, the Grant funds will identify:

i. Key infrastructure needs to protect coastal buildings and environmental attractions as part of an overall risk mapping; and, ii. Mechanisms to enhance the business environment by leveraging increased investments in and improved performance of small scale, locally owned tourist products, thus assuring broad based growth in two of the region’s poorest countries.

Finally, the activity also represents a cross sector approach to private sector development, impacting rural as well as urban areas, positively impacting the environment which will serve as key inputs to secure World Bank and IFC financing for the Honduran and Nicaraguan government’s programs for tourism development on the Caribbean Coast for economic growth and poverty reduction.

Activities are foreseen in four consecutive phases:

i. First, a scoping exercise will identify existing destination products and rate them in terms of economic sustainability, market-readiness, and environmental and cultural responsibility, as well as pinpoint where infrastructure and trainings are needed to improve services. ii. With the data gathered from the first phase, the next step will be to create an internet-based marketing and monitoring facility which shares information with consumers on destination products and their responsibility ratings. The rating system will be an incentive for products to receive a rating of responsible, it will alert officials to problem areas, as well as indicate where infrastructure investments are needed. iii. Under the third phase, municipalities and communities will receive technical assistance and training and, using the information gathered and evaluated in phases 1 and 2, will develop Local Destination Management Plans (LDMPs) emphasizing strategies to support the growth of rated, responsible tourism enterprises by working with all stakeholders, indigenous groups, local and regional officials, and private destination service providers. At the same time, training for suppliers of small scale destination products will lead to an increased number of destination products and services certifies as responsible and sustainable, and to increased incomes as the market is developed and promoted. iv. The final phase of the project will support local governments through training and technical assistance to prepare investment plans for priority infrastructure, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation activities as part of the LDMPs. The resulting enhanced physical and social environment will better meet the needs of visitors and lead to greater economic and social benefits for the native populations.

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2 OBJECTIVE The development objective of the proposed activity is to assure the continued broad-based economic growth of the coastal areas of Honduras and Nicaragua by supporting both the physical safety and enabling environment for investments ―in particular those focused on natural attractions, public planning for destination management and private small and micro tourism products. Additionally, the proposed activity will inform micro credit programs which support SMEs in responsible tourism by identifying specific training and technical assistance needs and helping to establish programs which could be linked to further projects.

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3 INTRODUCTION Between February 17th and 20th visits were carried out to local authorities and stakeholders in La Ceiba, Trujillo and Puerto Lempira to present them this project. At the same time, inquiries were made to know what priority areas, according to their opinion, should be first addressed within the program scope in terms of infrastructure needs and requirements as well as to impulse private investment in sustainable tourism projects. These visits were repeated between April 28th and May 20th and between January 11th and 15th including Tela this time, to address their needs relating to port facilities, telecommunication and energy infrastructure and tourism support.

Between April 29th and May 20th, visits were carried out in La Ceiba, Trujillo and Roatán to determine the future of tourism industry in these locations, from the business perspective as well as to address any concerns such as lack of infrastructure or environmental awareness and socio-cultural concerns.

On May 15th, the Puerto Cortés community based neighborhood security system was visited to determine if it can be replicated in other coastal cities in Honduras.

Between May 31st and June 5th visits to local stakeholders were carried out in Nicaragua; specifically in Managua, Bluefields, Corn Island and Little Corn Island to address the port facilities requirements in the Atlantic Coast.

In La Ceiba, meetings were held with the Mayor, Dr. Milton Simon; the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Roberto Mejia; the Head of the Municipal Tourism Unit, Blanca Cruz; the Head of the Municipal Technical Unit, Ligia Cerrato; the Municipality General Manager, Reynaldo Escobar; the Head of the Municipal Land Registry, Carlos Alvarado; the Chamber of Tourism President, Anaites Seibt; the Chamber of Tourism Vice-President, Carolina Bennett; the Chamber of Tourism General Coordinator, Marely Ponce; the Honduras Tips Manager, John Dupuis; the USAID/MIRA Northern Coast Director, José Herrero and the Cabanas del Bosque Hotel Manager, Alexis Rosales. There were also meeting with Jimmy Andino. Francisco Cabañas and Gustavo Ustáriz from GUARUMA, La Ruta Moskitia and NEPENTES; with the Presidente of FUCSA, Justo Caracom; with Anthony Ives and Adonis Cubas from GAD/WWF; and, with Jeffry Cacho and Céleo Álvarez from ODECO.

In Trujillo, there were meetings with the following people: the Mayor, Luis Alonso López; the Municipality manager, Freddy Matute, the Communitarian Development Department Chief, Leysla López; the Chamber of Commerce President, Jorge García; the Chamber of Commerce Secretary, Marvin Bobadilla; the Colón Department Governor, Florinda Galo; several Chamber of Commerce members; Juan Alberto Castillo from CEINCOT and Héctor Ávila from FUCAGUA..

In Puerto Lempira, there were held meetings with the Mayor, José Edgardo Saición, the Gracias a Dios Department Governor; the Deputy Major, Edna Carrillo; the municipal technician, Norvin Goff; the municipal water and energy company manager, Johnny Varela; the Bilingual Intercultural Strategy Coordinator, Clet Gutiérrez; representatives of Mancomunidad de Municipios Miskitos de Honduras (Honduran Miskito Municipalities Association) and staff of several NGO’s that currently work in the Moskitia zone.

In Roatán, meetings were held with the following people: Jenny Myton, Honduran Field Representative of the Coral Reef Alliance in Roatan; Romeo Silvestri, the Bay Islands Chamber of Tourism President; Jairo Molina, Roatan Port CEO; Mark Havey, owner and broker of Roatan Life – Real Estate Association and Hernán Batres, Royal Caribbeean Manager in Roatan.

In Tela a meeting was held with the Municipal Project Management Department Chief, Emma Suazo and the Chamber of Tourism President, Sherwood Bonilla.

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In Puerto Cortés, a meeting was held with the Mayor, Alan Ramos; the Public Safety System project coordinator, César Saldívar; the Head of Barrio-Ciudad Project, Lesly Cerrato and two representatives of Banco Atlántida.

Other meetings that took place in La Moskitia were: Ahuas’ Education Director, Kepler Smith (April 30th); Brus Laguna Mayor, Frank Goff (May 1st); Juan Francisco Bulnes’ Deputy Mayor, Jose Luis Centeno (May 1st) and the Headmaster of “Alfonso Molina” Basic Center of Nueva Jerusalen, Enrique Moncada.

In Managua, a meeting took place with the Tourism Director for the Caribbean Coast and San Juan River of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR), Hennigton Hodgson; the INTUR Office of External Cooperation member, Dominique Borge; the General Director of Water and Transport of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MTI), Manuel Salvador Mora Ortiz; the MTI Director of Maritime and Port Development, Miguel Malaespina and the MTI Head of Port Regulation Department, Luis García Olivares.

In Bluefields, an interview was held with the Mayor, Harold Bacon and the local INTUR representative, Mayra Down and in Corn Island a meeting took place with the Mayor, Cleveland Webster; the Head of the Municipality Projects Office, Kirlon Campbell and the Paraíso Beach Hotel owner, Michael Brower.

In Laguna de Perlas, there was a meeting with the local Chamber of Tourism coordinator, Nuria Nixon and in San Juan del Norte, the mayor, Misael Morales was interviewd.

It must be mentioned that in all the communities mentioned in this document, meetings were held with local representatives.

Meanwhile, in Tegucigalpa, the following interviews were carried out with:

• The former Minister of Finances, Rebeca Santos (February 18th); • Congressman Gonzalo Rivera (February 18th); • Planning and Development Manager, Secretary of Tourism, Eva Nelly Rosales (February 18th and May) who provided information related to the Tourism National Estrategy, which is the basis of all governmental support for tourism projects; • the National Chamber of Tourism of Honduras Execute Director, Lourdes Baddos (February 24th, May and August 21st); • The Minister of Agriculture, Héctor Hernández (February 24th); • Public Investment Director in Finances Office, David Carias (February 26th) • The then Minister of Government, Victor Meza (March 9th), who described his intended reforms to the Municipalities and Territorial Ordering Law. • UPEG Coordinator, Secretary of Tourism, Marlin Andino (March 31st). • The former DIGICEL Operation and Support Manager, Miguel Rodas (April 21st) • TIGO Projects Chief, Geovany Pineda (April 21st) • CIPRES (Centro de Investigación y Propuestas Económicas y Sociales – Center for Economic and Social Research, Analysis and Proposals) Executive Director, Norman García (April 21st) • Secretary of Tourism Staff (April 22nd) • The Head of HONDUTEL Corporative Services Department, Mario Reyes (April 26th) • Atlántida Bank Vice Presidents, Guillermo Bueso, Mario Agüero and Ildoira de Bonilla (April 26th) • FIDE (Fundación para la Inversión y Desarrollo de Exportaciones – Foundation for Investment and Export Development) Executive President and Vice President, Vilma Sierra and Antonio Young (April 26th) • AID Staff (April 26th) • National Chamber of Tourism President, Epaminondas Marinakys (May)

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• National Chamber of Tourism CETS Project Director, Farina Iscoa (May) • General Consul of the Embassy of Belize in Honduras, Richard Vinelli (May) • FHIS (Fondo Hondureño de Inversion Social – Honduran Fund for Social Investment) Head of Rural Infrastructure and Energy Department, Diana Solis (May 7th) • INTUR Group Finance Manager, José Córdova (June 18th) • NAVEGA General Manager, Iván Pastor (June 18th) • Fomento e Inversiones (Promotion and Investment) General Manager, Robert Vinelli (June 19th) • TIGO President, Antonio Tavel (June 19th) • Former Ministry of Tourism staff: Miriam Leiva and Tatiana Pérez (June 22nd and 24th) • Head of TERRA Group Renewable Energy Division, Walter Sandoval (June 23rd) • Claro Regulatory Affairs and Interconnection Manager, Norma Flores (June 23rd) • Los Micos Beach & Golf Resort CEO, Fernando Ceballos (July 14th) • ITU Representative, Roberto Bastidas (July 14th). • USAID Project Engineer MDDI, Mauricio Cruz (July 15th) • Vice President of Environmental and Social Affairs of DINANT Corporation, Olvin Andino and Assistant Nancy Duarte (July 20th and 23rd) • PIR (Proyecto de Infraestructura Rural – Rural Infrastructure Project) Rural Electrification Specialist, Christiam Aguilar (July 23rd). • CONATEL President, Miguel Rodas (July 23rd). • PRONSALATE Foundation member, Eduardo Zavala (July 30th). • ACEYCO owner, Salomón López and Sales Manager, Reina Mejía (August 10th). • Honduran Association of Renewable Energy Small Producers (AHPPER) President, Elsia Paz and Member of the Board, Boris Arévalo (August 11th). Another meeting took place on August 19th with Ms. Paz and their legal attorney, Mario Chinchilla. • Head JICA Climate Change Program, Chiho Naito, staff member, Sandra Rivera and PROSOL Coordinator, Diana Solís (August 14th). • SOLUZ Representative, Darelia García (August 18th). • RDS National Coordinator, Raquel Isaula and Head of Media Department, Manuel Villa (August 18th). • Credomatic Business and Loyalty Supervisor, Alejandra Rodríguez (August 25th). • DIGICEL Plan & Optimization Manager, Roldan Caseres (August 26th). • USACE Maj. Andrew Baker (August 31st). • Renewable Energy Project Manager, Nelson Rubinstein (September 2nd). • USACE Project Manager, Rubén Rosales (October 15th and 29th). • Norvin Goff, Dakni Takaslika Association Coordinator (December 3rd).

On November 2nd and 4th, two workshops were held in La Ceiba and Puerto Lempira to discuss with the local authorities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders the findings and proposed activities within reach of this grant. Also, the communities were consulted to identify priority infrastructure and investment needs.

On January 12th, 2010 a workshop was held in La Ceiba to make known to the public the plan for the Local Citizen Securty System.

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4 HONDURAN COASTAL CITIES OVERVIEW

4.1 LA CEIBA La Ceiba port is the third largest city in Honduras and it is located in the Caribbean Coast (86° 50’ W, 15° 46’ N). It is the capital of the department of Atlántida, one of the eighteen departments of Honduras. Its population for 2009, according to the National Statistics Institute, is estimated in more than 180,000 inhabitants, growing at a rate of 4% per year. La Ceiba has the highest literacy rate in Honduras and a large part of its population in bilingual.

The national water system (Servicio Nacional de Alcantarillado y Agua Potable – SANAA) supplies 50% of the urban population and the rest is provided through small private systems. 86% of the population has access to potable water. The sewage system covers only 28% of population. The water service is not continuous, averaging 16.5 hours per day. There are three waste water treatment facilities, but only one performs quality control tests. Their products are spilled into the sea and into Rio Cangrejal1.

The garbage collection is a municipal responsibility and it is carried out by means of a private company called WPP Continental Honduras that disposes the waste in the municipal landfill: however, a new landfill is necessary because the existing one is too old.

The electric energy is supplied via the national interconnected system through a high voltage transmission line that comes from Tela. 78.5% of the population has electric energy service.

In addition to fixed telephony, four companies provide mobile services and four provide internet services. There are forty radio stations, three TV companies as well as five cable TV companies in addition to other Honduran telecom operators that provide services in La Ceiba too2.

The cabotage dock, located to the east of the city, has a daily ferry service between La Ceiba and the Bay Islands of Utila and Roatan. There is also regular boat service to the Moskitia region, mostly cargo vessels and to Miami and Cayman Islands. The small pier located in Palma Real Hotel provides service to 10-15 person sea crafts and it is mainly used for transportation to and from Cayos Cochinos.

The Goloson International Airport, five kilometers to the west of La Ceiba, offers flights Grand Cayman Island, to the other major cities of the country as well as several towns the Moskitia Region. The weekly frequency of flights departing from La Ceiba to other cities in the country is as follows:

La Ceiba – Roatán 82 La Ceiba – San Pedro Sula 40 La Ceiba – Utila 33 La Ceiba – Tegucigalpa 27 La Ceiba – Guanaja 27 La Ceiba – Palacios 20

During 2007, 10,620 foreign tourists entered Honduras via the Goloson International Airport.

1 Diagnostico La Ceiba. Ente Regulador de los Servicios de Agua Potable y Saneamiento. www.ersaps.gob.hn 2 www.conatel.gob.hn

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There is a central bus terminal from where most of the buses arrive and leave from. The only exceptions are two special services to San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. Within the city, the public transport has 1,288 taxis and 103 buses.

The CA-13 highway connects La Ceiba to Trujillo (175 Km) to the east and with Tela (103 Km) and San Pedro Sula (202 Km) to the west.

4.1.1 Chamber of Commerce The Chamber of Commerce of Atlántida is located in La Ceiba. Its current President is Abraham Dip.

Among the projects that are being carried out, the Chamber of Commerce has one directed to small artisans to whom they provide training in product development, marketing and institutional addressing. They also are trying to create the “sole counter” in the Chamber headquarters so that all government administrative procedures can be made in one place.

To affiliate to the Chamber is required:

1. Original title and a photocopy of it. 2. Instituto de la Propiedad registration 3. Owners’ ID photocopies. 4. Application filled. 5. Municipality permit. 6. Registration and monthly fees payments, according to the following table:

Equity from to Registration Monthly Fee L. 1.00 L. 5,000.00 L. 700.00 L. 300.00 L. 5,000.01 L. 50,000.00 L. 1,500.00 L. 500.00 L. 50,001.00 L. 100,000.00 L. 2,500.00 L. 700.00 L. 100,001.00 L. 300,000.00 L. 3,500.00 L. 1,000.00 L. 300,001.00 L. 500,000.00 L. 4,500.00 L. 1,500.00 L. 500,001.00 L. 1,000.000.00 L. 5,500.00 L. 2,000.00 L. 1,000,001.00 L. 3,000.000.00 L. 6,500.00 L. 3,000.00 L. 3,000,001.00 Or higher L. 7,500.00 L. 4,000.00

4.1.2 Governmental Plans The government has planned to carry out the following projects in La Ceiba during 2009, expending to the amount of L346.8 millions:

Communications and Energy 221.6 Roads 13.5 Fondo Vial (Road Fund) 0.3 Dirt Road preservation 0.3 SOPTRAVI 13.2 Flood Protection in Cangrejal River 3.0 Additions and improvements to parks 3.5 Road paving 6.7 Energy 45.0

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ENEE 45.0 Improvement to the Atlantic coast distribution system 14.7 Improvement and protection to the Atlantic coast 30.3 transmission system Communications 163.1 HONDUTEL 163.1 Civil works 2.8 Expansion plans 160.3 Human Promotion and Protection 125.2 Health 81.6 Health Secretary 81.6 Hospital Atlantida building and equipment 81.6 Water and Sanitation 3.0 SANAA 3.0 SANAA – CARE community 3.0 Culture and Education 37.2 Education Secretary 1.9 Technical schools equipment supply 1.9 UPNFM 10.0 UPNFM Regional Center building and equipment 10.0 COHCIT 24.0 @prende Project 24.0 FHIS 1.3 Schools repairs 1.3 Social Protection 3.4 PRAF 1.3 Solidarity bonus for mother-child health and education 0.4 Old people bonus 0.4 Woman integral development 0.3 Solidarity self managed dining rooms 0.2 FHIS 2.1 Atenea School multi purposes room roof repairment 0.03 10 de Septiembre School addition 0.03 SAT Training Center repair 0.03 HIV-AIDS in Garifuna people Prevention Program (46 1.50 communities) Fishing and seafood trade 0.01 Our Footprint in Life Program 0.50

The government also has planned to repair and finalize the railways for the touristic train in Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge. This work will be carried out through the Sustainable Development National Program.

The Minister of Agriculture, Héctor Hernández declared that for 2009 it is already planned the distribution of an agricultural bonus and 20,000 yellow coconut plants.

4.1.3 Infrastructure Needs According to the Municipality the high priority infrastructure projects are:

• Expansion of the access highway to La Ceiba to a four-lane highway or building of an alternate entering way called “Calle Ocho”, that provides access to the heart of town along the 8th Street. • West side potable water and sanitation project.

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• If it were in municipal hands, the old fiscal dock would be rebuilt as a touristic attraction. At present, the dock and a nearby building are an Empresa Nacional Portuaria3 (ENP)’s property. • Old fiscal dock adjacent zones rehabilitation that includes the treatment of sewage water originating in the city northeast side. It is important to note that this area is urbanistically and environmentally severely deteriorated; there are derelict edifices and it is considered dangerous. This rehabilitation would be highly productive for the city itself. Picture 1 Old Fiscal Dock According to the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Roberto Mejia, the priorities in infrastructure are:

• To widen the existing highway or to open the 8th Street to alleviate the traffic going into the city. • The old fiscal dock adjacent zones rehabilitation. • Pavement and maintenance of roads leading to tourist attractions • To complete several water projects in different city areas. • To close the electric power transmission line ring in order to create redundancy in the power supply service.

Congressman Gonzalo Rivera, spoke of three pending important projects that date back to the time when he was La Ceiba Mayor:

• The old fiscal dock adjacent zones rehabilitation. • The 8th Street Project. Picture 2 Adjacent zone to the old dock • The municipal landfill.

4.2 TRUJILLO Trujillo is located in the Caribbean Coast (85° 57’ W, 15° 48’ N) on the Trujillo Bay. It is the capital of the department of Colón, one of the eighteen departments of Honduras. The city spreads over the beach to the mountain range where Capiro y Calentura peaks stand.

Trujillo population for 2009, according to the National Statistics Institute, is estimated in 52,500 inhabitants Different ethnic communities coexist in Trujillo, besides the “ladinos”. The Garifuna people constitute 20% of the population. There is also a Pech community and Miskito people who live in urban areas.

Trujillo is connected to Tocoa and La Ceiba via the CA-27 highway, which splits from CA-13 highway. There is little maintenance work done to this highway. The CA-27 is 25.42 Km long. Trujillo is also connected to the central part of the country by a dirt road that goes through the department of Olancho.

The Puerto Castilla port facilities are the third largest in the country and are managed by the Empresa Nacional Portuaria (ENP), the National Port Agency.

There is a landing strip in the outskirts of the city, but it is not fenced in nor has an air control facility. The runway is 1050 m long and 36 m wide and it is in regular conditions. It is used for private or charter planes. This runway is also used as a road to access the Christopher Columbus Hotel and other buildings surrounding the landing strip.

3 National Port Agency

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The public services coverage is one of the lowest in the country: water, 16.8% of the houses; sanitation, 24.6%; and electricity, 57.4%. Within the historical center of the town, 90% receives water, which is not treated, save for the applied chlorine to cleanse the pipes. However, a new water treatment plant will be built in the short term.

The sewage system is 2200m long and only serves 2.8% of population. The remainder people utilize latrines o deposit its wastes directly on the ground or in little streams. This system is deteriorated and has several spills along its route. All raw sewage flow untreated directly into streams and the sea. Nonetheless, there is a sewage infrastructure improvement plan that includes treatment facilities.

The garbage collection only serves 50% of population and the remainder disposes of it by burning it, burying it or discarding it anywhere.4 There is an open field in the outskirts of town where the waste is disposed, but it is not treated in any way and the disposals are made with no order.

The electric energy is supplied via the national interconnected system through a sole high voltage transmission line originating in Bonito Oriental Substation. Its coverage is 88% of urban population. Because of the supply line extreme length, there are quality and continuity problems.

In addition to fixed telephony, three companies provide mobile services and one provides internet services. There are seven radio stations as well as five cable TV companies5.

The municipal cabotage dock offers a ferry service to the island of Guanaja which departs twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays.

There is a regular interurban bus service, provided by two companies, that runs all day starting at 06h00 and stopping after the 18h00 departures.

West of Trujillo, on the road to Santa Fe, several developments are being built, Playa del Marquez (20 acres), Tres Conchas (20 acres) and Campa Vista (130 acres). The last one has its own web site: www.looeytremblay.com

4.2.1 Chamber of Commerce The Trujillo’s Chamber of Commerce is presided by Jorge Garcia.

To affiliate in the Chamber is required:

1. Original title and a photocopy of it. 2. Instituto de la Propiedad registration 3. Owners’ ID photocopies. 4. Municipality permit. 5. Registration and monthly fees payments.

4.2.2 Governmental Plans The government has planned to carry out the following projects in Trujillo during 2009, expending to the amount of L36.7 millions:

4 Study and Master Plan Development for Cruise Ship Dock in Trujillo Bay 5 www.conatel.hn

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Communications and Energy 18.9 Roads 0.6 SOPTRAVI 0.6 Sediments Protection Works 0.6 Public works and transport 18.3 ENP 18.3 Building improvement and repair 18.3 Human Promotion and Protection 17.8 Health 3.0 Health Secretary 3.0 Salvador Paredes Hospital roof replacement 3.0 Water and Sanitation 0.01 SANAA 0.01 Water and sanitation project in Bajo Aguan zone 0.01 Culture and Education 13.5 COHCIT 13.5 @prende Project 13.5 Social Protection 1.3 PRAF 0.7 School material for children 0.1 Old people bonus 0.2 Woman integral development 0.3 Solidarity self managed dining rooms 0.1 FHIS 0.6 Reynelda Hernandez Lanza Kinder replacement 0.3 Aida Herrera Kinder replacement 0.1 Integral Farm 0.1 Egg producing hen raising 0.005 Fishing and seafood trade 0.1

4.2.3 Infrastructure Needs According to interviews carried out, the high priority infrastructure requirement is the water and sanitation system. Other infrastructure projects mentioned are:

• San Antonio-Balfate alternate highway building. The Municipality has its study. • To widen to a four-lane road the existing city access. • Bus terminal building. • Penitentiary relocation. • To carry out the historical center restoration.

During the workshop, the need of municipal piers, particularly in those towns that can be only reached by sea, was mentioned.

4.3 PUERTO LEMPIRA Puerto Lempira (Ahuya Yari in Miskito) is the only city in the Honduran Moskitia region and it is located on the Karataska Lagoon shore by the Caribbean coast (83° 46’ W, 15° 16’ N). It is the capital of the department of Gracias a Dios, one of the eighteen departments of Honduras. Its population is estimated in 24,000 inhabitants, 90% of which is Miskito people.

The water, sanitation and garbage collection services are managed by the Municipality through Empresa de Servicios Municipales de Agua Potable de Puerto Lempira (Puerto Lempira Water Municipal Services Company).

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This company has hired MIMAT (Miskitu Indiang Mairin Asla Takanka), the Moskitia indigenous women association to manage the waste collection and disposal in the municipal landfill, which is 15 Km from the town. Besides, MIMAT keeps educational campaigns to teach how to dispose properly of the garbage. In addition, to cleanse and keep clean public places such as streets, parks and shores, MIMAT gets the cooperation of army members, health employees, students and housewives.

The water coverage is 54% and the sanitation coverage is 27%.

The electric energy is supplied by two companies, one municipal and one privately owned.

In addition to fixed telephony, three companies provide mobile services and one provides internet services. There are nine radio stations, two cable TV companies in addition to other Honduran telecom operators that provide services in Puerto Lempira too6.

Most transportation is by boat. There are two types of service: expreso is like a private taxi and can be fairly expensive depending on the route; and colectivo, which is like a bus following a set route picking up passengers as it goes.

The dock is used by cargo vessels and boats to and from La Ceiba and Bay Islands as well as other Moskitian towns. This dock is in urgent need of repair and proper maintenance must be done to prevent the climate as well as human damages. The dock’s fees are shown in the following table:

CATEGORY FEE (Lempiras) Motorboats berthing (every time) 700.00 Fee per hour for 5-10 ton motorboats 20.00 Fee per hour for 10-25 ton motorboats 20.00 Fee per hour for 25 ton or more motorboats 60.00 For every barrel of fuel 5.00 For every unloaded bundle 7.00 Tuc-tuc fee 10.00

The airport, located in town, offers flights to La Ceiba and Tegucigalpa as well as several towns the Moskitia Region.

There is one road that goes from Puerto Lempira to Leimus. It is a dirt road. From Leimus, one can reach Puerto Cabezas via Waspan, on the Nicaraguan side.

4.3.1 Chamber of Commerce In 2008 the Chamber of Commerce of Gracias a Dios was organized. Its President is Wilfredo Martinez Fuentes. At present it is not active.

4.3.2 Governmental Plans The government has planned to carry out the following projects in Puerto Lempira during 2009, expending to the amount of L18.4 millions:

6 www.conatel.hn

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Human Promotion and Protection 18.4 Health 5.9 Health Secretary 5.9 VIH patients shelter building 5.9 Culture and Education 5.5 Education Secretary 0.1 Multilingual Intercultural Education Program for 0.1 Central America COHCIT 4.0 @prende Project 4.0 FHIS 1.4 Schools repairs 1.4 Social Protection 7.0 PRAF 4.7 Solidarity bonus for mother-child health and education 4.5 Old people bonus 0.2 FHIS 2.3 Latrines building 1.0 Installation of domestic systems for rain water 0.6 exploitation To strengthen the agricultural productive capacity 0.6 Republica de Brasil School repair 0.1

4.3.3 Infrastructure Needs According to the Municipality the high priority infrastructure projects are:

• The municipal dock repair. • The streets reconstruction. • Improvement of the water and sanitation system. • Road repair to keep communicated the different villages belonging too Puerto Lempira. • To repair the road that goes to the border zone (Leimus).

In the meeting held with Moskitian authorities, including the Governor and agencies representatives, several comments came out, that are important Picture 3 Municipal Dock to hold into account when a development strategy is being defined:

1. To get updated socioeconomic and demographic data to focalize efforts. 2. Studies must provide concrete recommendations for tourism plans. 3. Action plans must impulse local development and they must be aimed to attract local and regional investment. 4. All development must be sustainable and environmental friendly. 5. It is important to let people know the critical situation of Moskitian coastal communities. 6. More local empowerment must be nurtured in coastal communities.

During the workshop, the need for small piers in each community and to have the waterways dredged all year long was also mentioned, since the water transportation is for the most part of the communities of the region, the only way to move people and goods.

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4.4 LA MOSKITIA7 The region east of Trujillo, and towards the Nicaraguan border is generally referred to as La Moskitia, or the Mosquito Coast. It is very sparsely populated, inaccessible by land and home to the largest tract of virgin tropical rain forest in the North American hemisphere. A good part of this area is protected by law under one of five distinct zones: The Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, the Tawahka Anthropological Reserve, the Patuca National Park, the Cruta Karataska Wildlife Refuge and the Rus Rus Biological Reserve. The area is populated by several indigenous groups, of which the Pech, Tawahka, Garifuna, Miskitos and native mestizos are the most predominant.

There is regular boat service departing from La Ceiba and Trujillo, although they are cargo vessels and do not have any facilities for passengers, who usually have to sleep on the deck in the open air.

Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna have regular scheduled flight service departing from La Ceiba or Tegucigalpa. Within La Moskitia, it is possible to fly from one town to the other by chartering flights. Along the coast, it is relatively easy to get a boat to take between towns and communities.

It is also possible to get trucks from Tocoa to Batalla, a Garifuna town near Palacios separated by Bacalar Lagoon. The trip takes approximately five hours and in the rainy season the trucks cross the sand bars using rafts built of barrels. From Batalla you can hire motorized canoes that will take you to Palacios, and beyond. Palacios is connected by lagoons, rivers and manmade canals to Las Marias, Rio Platano and Brus Laguna. The water bus (colectivo) connects Palacios with the entire north coast along the Moskitia, such as the Garifuna town of Plaplaya, Ibans, Cocobila, Raista and Belen.

La Moskitia offers some of the best areas in the world for tarpon and snook fishing, and there are now several different fishing lodges operating in the area.

Brus Laguna has public telephone service in several locations throughout town for approximately L 4.00 per minute, and there is electric power in about half of the town from 5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. regularly. Boat trips from Brus Laguna to Jerusalem, Belen, Cocobila, Palacios and Plaplaya operate several days a week, and there is always an option for custom trips for five or more persons at request. Access to Las Marias, in the Rio Plátano Biosphere reserve is possible from Brus Laguna. Brus Laguna is the most visited tourist destination in the region.

4.5 TELA Tela is a city on the northern Caribbean coast of the department of Atlántida (87° 27’ W, 15° 47’ N), one of the eighteen departments of Honduras. Its population is estimated in 82,400 inhabitants. Tela has an area of 1,163 Km2. To the west of town lie many commercial African palm plantations.

Tela has paved roads throughout its downtown. Many of the outlying barrios have paved main thoroughfares; smaller side streets are generally dirt roads.

Virtually all buildings in and around Tela have running water, flush toilets and electricity. Many farther villages have no running water or electricity; some are made up entirely of bamboo or thatch huts.

Downtown Tela's main street is a busy business district. There is a well stocked grocery store, several small department stores, a number of hardware stores, many restaurants, internet cafes, bars, banks, pool halls and hotels, a laundry, a bakery, and a coffin maker's workshop. The town is well served by doctors, dentists, lawyers and veterinarians. The town also has its own small lumberyard. Two blocks off the town park, there is a block-

7 Honduras Tips, www.hondurastips.honduras.com

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Final Report square market--half open and half enclosed--selling fresh vegetables, fruit and meat, brought in daily from farms in the surrounding countryside; fisherman bring in fresh fish daily to the market as well to many restaurants.

There is a public school in Tela, and at least six smaller private schools, three of which are bilingual, teaching English along with Spanish.

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5 HONDURAN TOURISM INDUSTRY

5.1 LA CEIBA

5.1.1 Present Tourism Situation La Ceiba is part of the Caribe Esmeralda Project that comprises the Caribbean coastal cities from Omoa to Trujillo. Several municipalities that are organized in associations such as MAMUCA (Mancomunidad de Municipios del Centro de Atlántida – Central Atlántida Municipalities Association), MACAHO (Mancomunidad del Caribe Hondureño – Honduran Caribbean Association) and MAMUGAH (Mancomunidad de Municipios Garifunas de Honduras – Honduran Garifuna Municipalities Association). The Tela-Trujilo area has high ecologic Figure 1 Caribe Esmeralda Zone Map and landscape value, suitable for sun and beach tourism, ecotourism and nautical sports activities.

La Ceiba has an excellent variety and quality of natural and cultural resources such as Pico Bonito National Park8, Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Cayos Cochinos Marine National Park and Corozal and Sambo Creek garifuna villages.

The Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is presently managed by the Fundacion Cuero y Salado (FUCSA), a nongovernmental organization, which provides access to tourists. The Pico Bonito National Park is managed by the Fundacion Parque Nacional Pico Bonito (FUPNAPIB). Both entities were created by legislative acts.

There is a Chamber of Tourism in La Ceiba which is responsible to handle tourism related programs in a local level with cooperation of governmental agencies and international entities. Currently, the Chamber is executing training programs; promotional activities such as participation in national and international expos, maps and brochures editing and printing, Touristic Information Centers support, web site development (www.la-ceiba.info); touristic product Picture 4 Waterfall in Pico Bonito National development (historical centre) and event organization. In February Park 2009, the following institutions were members of the Chamber of Tourism and all of them contribute to finance its operation:

• Glenda’s Paradise • Pico Bonito Institute • Ecotropic Touristic Real Estate • Butterfly Museum

8 www.picobonito.org

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• Ocean View Hotel • Las Guacamayas Hostel • Miramar Tours • Pico Bonito Villas • Ecoceiba Camping • Terra Sol Gardening • Euro Honduras Consulting • Gran Hotel Paris • La Quinta Hotel • Quinta Real Hotel • Honduras Tips • Hedman Alas • La Casona Disco & Bar • The Lodge at Pico Bonito • La Aurora Hotel • Aventuras del Bosque Cabins • Principe Hotel • Italia Hotel • Eco adventures La Moskitia • Omega Tours • La Fuente Hotel • VIP Siesta Hotel • Costa Dorada Hotel • Cibeles Hotel • Versalles Hotel • Pico Bonito Apart-hotel • Techno Autos • Delphina Bed & Breakfast • Olanchito Hotel

The La Ceiba Municipal Tourism Unit is well organized and in several areas works in partnership with the Chamber of Tourism. Its staff and office space are paid by the municipality, but its activities are funded with the monies raised by the Unit itself. It has its own web site: www.conozcalaceiba.com and www.meetlaceiba.com (English version) and its responsibilities include managing the Municipal Tourism Information Center, keeping updated a database of tourism information and organization and coordination of all special events that take place in the city such as the Isidra Fair.

The Municipal Tourism Information Center is located near the Central Park. It is open Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 16h00 and Saturdays till 12h00. Its staff is very helpful and friendly.

On line, besides the already mentioned, several web sites dedicated to La Ceiba can be found: www.laceiba.com, www.laceiba.honduras.com and www.holaceibita.com

According to the Honduras Institute of Tourism, in 2008 there were approximately 98,200 foreign tourists in La Ceiba. This represents 10.9% of all foreign tourists visiting Honduras throughout the year. While local tourism is good, foreign dollars being injected into the economy by way of tourists is exponentially more productive for the economy and the sustainability of the industry.

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Considering the city´s geographical position between many of the country´s tourist hotspots, La Ceiba can be considered to be a launching pad to other locations. About 45% of all tourists in La Ceiba are visiting the city as their final destination.

Tourists in La Ceiba can experience most of what the city and its surroundings have to offer within a few days. 25% of tourists in la Ceiba are there only for one night, some of these are likely staying overnight before heading off to other nearby locations. The numbers demonstrate that anything from two days to a week is typical for tourists and that only 13% stay longer than one week.

Figure 2 La Ceiba Tourist's Country of Origin Foreign tourists consider La Ceiba to be a very affordable location to get some sun, go to the beach and enjoy nature. However 19% spend US$1,000 or more during their trip. Tourists spending less than US$200, more likely to be backpackers or local tourists, make up almost half of the total (49%). Meanwhile, 14% spend between US$200 and US$500 during their trip. 19% spent between US$500 and US$1000 during their trip. Hotels range from the very affordable to expensive.

The perception of the city differs between local Figure 3 Final Destination During Trip to La Ceiba tourists and international tourists. Local tourists view La Ceiba as a good location to visit during Easter and other holidays. Locals particularly know it for its reputation as a party city in Honduras. International tourists on the other hand are more likely to be aware of the whitewater natural attractions and are more likely to be targeted by tour operators for these activities. This most likely is exacerbated by the cultural differences between developed countries and developing countries since Europeans and North Americans are interested in the uniqueness of tropical rainforests and national parks. The Carnival of La Ceiba is a major event that attracts locals and international tourists alike, this event serves to support the city´s reputation as a nightlife destination.

Cascada en el Parque Nacional de Pico Bonito Figure 4 Tourists' Expenditure during Stay

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5.1.2 Tourism Inventory Assets9

5.1.2.1 Natural Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Pico Bonito National Park 13 km west of La Ceiba on It is the second largest Walks, nature sightings CA-13 highway National Park in Honduras (1,073 km2). The Pico Bonito mountain is more than 2,400 m high. There are several types of forests in this area (cloud forest, tropical rain and dry forest) so there is a great variety of flora and fauna. Cuero y Salado Wildlife 33 km of La Ceiba on the This national park covers an Guided boat, canoe and Refuge Caribbean Coast area of 132.24 km2 with kayak excursions; wildlife both dry and fluvial sightseeing channels. It is located in the confluence of rivers Cuero and Salado. Its main ecosystems, mangrove and tropical rain forest, is the home of more than 35 exotic animals species and 197 bird species. Cangrejal River On the east side of the city, It is only 28 km long but Rafting, canoeing, past Saopin Bridge, the dirt contains class II, III and IV horseback riding, tracking, road must be taken to go rapids. It offers a very scenic canopy, community tourism, upriver trip and along its banks swimming, speleology, there are communities that canopy offer community tourism. Cacao Lagoon 24 km east of La Ceiba on This lagoon is located next Wildlife sightseeing, hiking, CA-13 highway in Cacao to the Caribbean Sea and is canoeing community totally surrounded by swamps. There is a great variety of birds as well as lots of howling “white face” monkeys. Zacate River Pico Bonito National Park, Beautiful waterfalls and Bathing, nature sightseeing 20 km southwest La Ceiba refreshing natural pools, working farms, a butterfly house and a serpentarium. Cayos Cochinos Marine Small islands located to the This National Park Diving, nature tours, National Park east north-east of La Ceiba comprises two islands as Garifuna culture well as a series of smaller keys. Only the larger one island is inhabitated. The smaller one contains a scientific station and park rangers. Peru Beach 10 km east of La Ceiba It offers a nice wide beach Beach, walking, aquatic strip. sports Los Chorros CA-13 highway to Trujillo, It is one of the most popular Bathing, excursions past the KM209 sign local resorts. It is shaped by a series of natural pools and many small falls. A variety of birds can be seen.

9 www.la-ceiba.info; Diagnostico del Desarrollo Turístico de La Ceiba y Alrededores. Delmy Roxana Bados, Raul Armando Lainez.2000 Honduras Tips

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NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Rio Maria 12 Km east of La Ceiba on It offers natural pools with Picnic, bathing, hiking, the CA-13 highway crystal, clear and fresh nature excursions water. This is a hike of about 45 minutes into de vegetation of the foothills along the river. Excellent views of the ocean and Cayos Cochinos are offered along the way.

5.1.2.2 Cultural and Heritage Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Sambo Creek, Corozal and 20 Km east of La Ceiba on In these Garifuna villages, it Cultural and educational other Garifuna communities the CA-13 highway is possible to experiment a visits living culture. The attraction is the authentic life in small farms and crafts, as well as meeting local people, eat their food and stay overnight at local lodgings.

5.1.2.3 Special Events NAME DATE DESCRIPTION LOCATION The Isidra Fair and the Last week of May The main avenues turn into Zona Viva Great Carnival of La Ceiba gigantic dance floors to the sound of live Caribbean music. There are parades, games, musical performances as well as religious activities. Love and Friendship Festival Midst of February Live music, contests under Zona Viva the theme of love and friendship Semana Santa (Easter March or April A variety of activities take Zona Viva beach area Week) place during this week such as beach sports competitions, musical performances. La Ceiba Anniversary Last week of August Zona Viva Carnival

5.1.2.4 Recreational Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Glenda’s Paradise Hot Past the main detour to It is a very pleasant setting Bathing, picnic Springs Sambo Creek on the CA-13 with natural hot water to Trujillo springs (40°C). There is also a cold water pool. Butterfly and Insect Col. El Sauce, 2 Etapa, Casa Private collection of tropical Educational and Museum G-12 butterflies and other recreational visits insects. It exhibits more than 14,000 specimens Tropical Butterfly Farm and The Lodge at Pico Bonito Breeding facilities that show Educational and Gardens a butterfly life cycle recreational visits Banco de Germoplasma CURLA This garden is both of Scientific agro-tourism, touristic and scientific educational visits

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NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES interest. There is a huge variety of fruit-bearing plants, spices and tropical wood trees. Entomologic Museum CURLA More than 50,000 Educational and specimens recreational visits Railroad Museum Swinford Park It displays Standard Fruit Recreational visits Company railroad locomotives and wagons that go back to 1915 The Banana Train From La Union community It offers the transportation Sightseeing into the Cuero y Salado Park into the park. It is a 9 km ride. Highline Zipline Canopy Tour Jungle River Lodge The tour starts at the Jungle Canopy River Lodge and go across the river into the forest of the Pico Bonito National Park Sambo Creek Canopy Tour Sambo Creek It offers horseback riding Canopy access and the tour allows sights of both the Caribbean Sea and the mountain thick tropical rainforest vegetation. Sambo Creek Hot Springs Sambo Creek Hot and warm water pools, Bathing. Hiking, horseback three waterfalls, steam riding, mud spa treatments springs. Water Jungle Aqua Park Adjacent to the Barcelo It is an extensive park with Water games Palma Real Resort pool games small children, huge waterslides, a wave pool that is decorated as a jungle.

5.1.2.5 Accomodation10 HOTEL # ROOMS COST (USD) Las Cascadas Lodge 4 330 The Lodge at Pico Bonito 22 195 Casa Verde Yoga Retreat 2 142 Palma Real 160 133 Quinta Real 81 121 Plantation Beach Resort at Cayos Cochinos 12 100 Cangrejal River Lodge 4 94 Villas Pico Bonito 8 75 La Quinta 113 74 Ocean View Apart-Hotel 4 65 Villas del Mar 8 64 La Villa de Soledad B&B 5 61 Old Bucaneer Tennis and & Village Club 5 60 Diving Pelican Inn 3 60 Cibeles 32 59 Canadien 40 55 Cocopando Resort 7 55 Paradise Found 2 55 La Aurora 45 52 Gran Hotel Paris 63 52 Omega Tours Jungle Lodge 9 50

10 www.hondurastips.honduras.com

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HOTEL # ROOMS COST (USD) Hotel Art Deco 50 50 Hotel Monserrat 41 46 Hotel Rainbow Village 10 42 Versailles 24 42 Gran Hotel Ceiba 40 39 Hotel La Fuente 24 37 Villa Delphina 6 37 Hotel Olas del Mar 19 36 Roca Miel 41 36 Bahia 1 68 34 Helen’s 15 32 Paraíso 61 32 Iberia 44 31 Partenon Beach 110 28 Sebastian 8 29 Italia 68 28 Jungle River Lodge 6 27 Orquídeas Resort 15 27 Principe 49 27 Emperador 55 27 Catracho 52 26 Posada Catracha 10 24 Molina 70 22 Alvarez 28 21 Casa Roselyn 3 20 Maya 34 19 Costa Dorada 20 19 Rina’s B&B 7 19 Paseo Delfín 55 19 Majestic 55 21 Dans Hotel 11 19 Lastenia 48 19 Granada 58 19 Caribe 36 19 San Fernando 14 17 Posada El Buen Pastor 4 16 Tropical 29 16 Gran Hotel Líbano 30 16 Cabañas del Caribe Dantillo 6 16 Hermanos Avila 16 16 Conquistador 23 15 Cabañas Aventuras del Bosque 6 15 California 15 13 Rotterdam 8 13 Apart-Hotel El Centro 18 11 Natural View 3 11 2001 Amsterdam 5 11 Hostal Las Guacamayas 4 9 Brisas del Mar 11 8 Banana Republic Guesthouse 6 7 Camping Cabañas 2 2 Casa Paradiso at Cayos Cochinos11 n/a n/a Pico Bonito Apart-hotel n/a n/a Nuestro Hogar Lodging n/a n/a Acuario n/a n/a Atlántico n/a n/a Brisas del Caribe n/a n/a David n/a n/a

11 From here on the data in this table was provided by the National Chamber of Tourism

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HOTEL # ROOMS COST (USD) Del Mar n/a n/a Don Patty M n/a n/a El Maya n/a n/a El Paraíso n/a n/a Florencia n/a n/a Johnny n/a n/a Jungle River n/a n/a Las Cinco Rosas n/a n/a Las Brisas n/a n/a Los Cocos n/a n/a Malecón n/a n/a Mar Azul n/a n/a Mirador n/a n/a Nashlei n/a n/a Real n/a n/a San Carlos n/a n/a Vista al Mar Suites n/a n/a La Jarra n/a n/a Las Cascadas Lodge n/a n/a Sambo Creek Turicenter n/a n/a

5.1.2.6 Food Service12 NAME PHONE ADDRESS Itzamna 440-0389 Lodge at Pico Bonito Maxims 443-2055 La Quinta Hotel La Iguana Bar and Grill Cocopando Resort La Ponderosa 14 de Julio Avenue El Chaparral 443-2304/440-3337 San Isidro Avenue, in front of BAC BAMER bank Kabasa 440-4140 Bo. La Isla 5ta St 9 Av Royale 440-1414/1415/1410 Bo. El Centro, in front of Central Park, Hotel Paris building El Portal 443-1953 Hotel Colonial La Palapa 443-1733 In front of estuary, 4th Street corner, across the street from La Quinta Real Hotel El Barracon Right on the estuary, 4th Street Dominos Plaza Premier Quiznos Plaza Premier Cafeteria Hotel Ceiba 443-2737/47/443-0876 San Isidro Av, Hotel Ceiba El Principe Bo. El Centro, El Principe Hotel Parrilladas Bar and Grill 9869-4171 Zona Viva Restaurante Sambo Creek 405-2006/3365-4262 Sambo Creek on the beach La Plancha Restaurant 443-2304 Behind El Estadio gas station El Partenon 443-1238 Zona Viva main street Chabelita 440-0027 Zona Viva main street end Cafeteria Cobel 440-2280 Bo. El centro 7 St, Atlantida and 14 de julio Av Paseo Universitario Corner of 1 St and 14 de Julio Av Comidas Rapidas Masapan 443-3458/443-0627 Bo. El Centro opposite corner to Paiz supermarket Mixers Comida Buffet 443-4166 Plaza Panayotti El Palace 443-0685 Behind San Isidro Church Burger King 443-2717 San Isidro Av. End Popeyes 443-3085 San Isidro Av. End Wendys 440-1919/441-3165 San Isidro in front of La Curacao Mango Tango 440-2091 Zona Viva main street La Champa Kabasa 440-4140/440-4141 Bº La Isla 5ta St 9 Av Applebees 441-3150 Mega Plaza Mall Kentucky Fried Chicken Mega Plaza Mall Expatriates Bar and Grill 440-1131 Col. El Naranjal, 12 Street

12 La Ceiba Municipal Tourism Unit; Institute of Tourism of Honduras; Honduras Tips

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NAME PHONE ADDRESS Laura’s Bakery 443-1494 1) 13th Street, in front of Medicentro Clinics; 2) Megaplaza Mall Golden Palace 443-0243 Col. El Toronjal Pizza Hut 443-7492/4430758 San Isidro in front of Central Park Golf Club 443-0175 In front of La Quinta Hotel Churchs Chicken 440-2855 San Isidro opposite corner to city hall El Guapo’s Bar and Grill 440-1302 Zona Viva main street Cric Cric Burger Next to Bonilla Park El Corral 440-1382 Behind El Estadio gas station Luna Gaucha Zona Viva main street Gallo Pinto Behind El Estadio gas station El Taquito Mexicano Potreritos, on La Barca Street Sea View 443-2501 Zona Viva main street end La Jarra 442-0322 Zona Viva main street end Arrecifes Sea Food House 443-2501 Near to the Cabotage Dock Hermanitos Charlie 440-3061 Zona Viva main street beginning Chef Guity Zona Viva main street beginning Marco Polo 443-2055 Zona Viva main street Pollos el Patio 441-2105 Opposite corner to ENEE Restaurante Marco Polo 443-2055 Zona Viva in front of Dorado Building Autopollos al Carbón Highway to Tela Brisas del Mar Corozal Centro Turistico Sambo Creek Sambo Creek El Mirador Hotel Canadien, Sambo Creek Helen’s Next to Hotel Canadien, Sambo Creek Hidden Paradise Villas Pico Bonito Complex Playa Taty’s On the beach, opposite to Quinta Real Hotel La Parrilla at Le Pacha Zona Viva, Le Pacha Tourist Center Comidas Royale 443-2391 In front of Central Park Kiboc Café Next to La Plancha Restaurant Casa Pizzati 13th Street, Col. El Toronjal Lulo’s 12th Street, ½ block East fo the Dantoni Hospital Avenue Bella Italia Café At the corner of San Isidro Avenue and 13th Street Office Bar and Grill Zona Viva, across the street from Mango Tango Rainbow Village At the Rainbow Village Hotel Masapan Chicken One block from Central Park El Parrillón Right at the detour to the cabotage dock Eddie’s Grill 440-3337 Across the street from La Plancha El Fogoncito Plaza Premier Mall Expresso Americano At Hotel Paris and Megaplaza Mall Karibu Sports Bar and Grill In front of the estuary, on the corner of 4th Street

5.1.2.7 Tour Operators13 • Honduras Tourist Options (www.hondurastouristoptions.com) • Jungle River (www.jungleriverlodge.com) • Cangrejal River Lodge • Caribbean Travel • Forest & Reef Tours • Garifuna Tours (www.garifunatours.com) • La Moskitia Ecoaventuras (www.lamoskitiaecoaventuras.com) • Turaser ([email protected]) • Omega Tours (www.omegatours.hn) • Cabaña Aventura del Bosque

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• Cayos Cochinos Foundation (www.cayoscochinos.org) • Pico Bonito National Park Foundation (www.picobonito.org) • Cuero y Salado Foundation • Forest and Reef Tours • Guaruma (www.guaruma.org) • La Ruta Moskitia (www.larutamoskitia.com) • Honduras Connection • Gochez Tours Company • Ceiba Tour • La Ceiba Eco Tours • Yankunu Tours • Yurumey Tours ([email protected]) • Day Tours • C. B. Tours ([email protected]) • Ruta Garifuna • REHDES

5.1.3 Garifuna Communities and Potential Products14

5.1.3.1 Monte Pobre It is a small community located on the road between La Unión and Cuero y Salado National Park entrance. It has about 450 inhabitants with 290 being Garifuna. It is a cassabe production center. All tourists that go to Cuero y Salado must pass through Monte Pobre. In 2008, 4000 people visited the park.

The following potential tourism products could be developed: Cultural center with dance hall and artisan shop; wildlife tours guides in Cuero y Salado; artisan development; restaurants and cabins. In order to develop these products, Monte Pobre would need: business mentorships, capacity building, artisan product development (design, quality control, costing and pricing, marketing) and guide training (including training on water safety and better equipment).

5.1.3.2 Sambo Creek It is one of the largest Garifuna communities. It is a jump off for day trips to Cayos Cochinos. At present has four restaurants: two owned by community individuals and two owned by two non community individuals. It has a dance club and a small hotel owned and managed by fourteen women from the community. It produces artisan drums, coconut shell items, jewelry and clothing. As a main transit point to Cayos Cochinos, Sambo Creek has a captive market that represents 30 to 120 daily during the high season. There is also domestic demand for the beach and restaurants.

The following potential tourism products could be developed: another community owned hotel, fishing tours, CD’s and DVD’s of dance and music and improve the cultural center where tourists could purchase artisan goods. However the largest need is for a sales representative able to create market linkages with tourists in La Ceiba and Palma Real resort.

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5.1.3.3 Corozal It is located close to La Ceiba. It is densely populated. At present, there are five hotels and one cabin, all of them owned by community individuals; restaurants, dance hall, a small museum attached to a restaurant, a theater group and during Easter, there are festivals, fairs and bonfires on the beach. Most visitors are domestic and come during Easter week.

Potential tourism products could be: beach (after being cleaned and maintained), boating, community theater (where performances are done in different parts of the village to take advantage of a few traditional structures that remain there), cultural tourism, gastronomy tourism (cooking classes and yucca processing center), volunteer tourism (programs to work with children or to clean up areas), ecotourism, fishing trips, artisans. These products would need to be packaged and marketed after issues such as trash management and infrastructure needs have been addressed.

5.1.3.4 Chachahuate It is a small island located in Cayos Cochinos, about an hour by boat from mainland with no fresh water sources. Eighty-four adults and forty children live here. It has a community owned restaurant (10% of profits go to scholarships), a hotel owned by fishermen’s association (5% of profits go to scholarships); there are cultural products such as artisan goods, dance, music and hair braiding; and natural products such as beach and snorkeling. The island sees about five to seventy tourists a day, being its carrying capacity sixty people in 24 hours.

Potential tourism products that could be developed are: kayaking and fishing tours; wildlife viewing; and volunteer tourism (to teach English and other subjects to children or work in collaboration with the Park authorities). The Information & Artisan Center should be completed and training in its management provided to the community. The Center could incorporate artisan products and tours bookings.

5.1.3.5 Eastend It is a community located on an island in Cayos Cochinos that has agricultural potential and potable water. There are sixty inhabitants. The community has calculated their daily capacity at forty day visitors and eighteen overnight visitors. It has a restaurant owned by seven community women (5% of profits go to scholarships) and a hostel. Visits must be asked specifically to tours operators. The community is in the process of creating marketing material and launching its own website

Potential tourism products could be: kayaking and snorkeling trips, fishing trips, artisan development, scuba diving school, fishermen’s cabins and a motor repair shop. The latter is a crucial link to overall development since there is only one repair shop and it is located in La Ceiba.

5.1.3.6 Nueva Armenia It is located on the mainland about two hours from La Ceiba. It is the closest point to Cayos Cochinos but has less developed channels to reach Cayos than Sambo Creek. There are two hotels owned by community individuals, transportation to Cayos Cochinos is offered and there is also a cultural offer: dance, food, artisans, and festivals. Most tourists are on the way to Cayos Cochinos and usually spend the night since most boats trips are usually in the early morning.

Tourism product development could include wildlife seeing tours in the lagoon and horseback riding tours; however both products require a large investment in training and facilities.

5.1.3.7 Río Esteban It is a community located about five hours from La Ceiba, mainly on dirt roads. It has about 5,000 inhabitants, and it is also a jumping off point for Cayos Cochinos. It has a hostel, a restaurant and it offers home stays as well as

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Final Report cultural exchanges with students and 1-week package tours including horseback riding, fishing, hiking, 4x4 rides, and cultural activities.

Some tourism products could be developed: hotel or cabins, scuba school, dance and theater, cassabe production, artisans (drums, jewelry, figurines from wood, palm weaving), sea kayaking, artisanal fishing and waterfalls and thermal waters. The scuba diving school has the most potential and to launch it, the community needs: startup capital; materials and equipment (although some has already been donated); training for dive masters; training in business skills; and a swimming pool for the beginners training. The communities of Río Esteban, Chachahuate and Eastend have been collaborating in developing this scuba school.

5.1.3.8 Miramar It is a neighborhood within La Ceiba that has a strong fishermen community composed mainly of Ladinos. The community is fractured and lacks a sense of identity.

Potential tourism products are beach, fishing tours, boat rides and snorkeling tours that with appropriate product development, infrastructure improvement and marketing could benefit this community from the tourists that stay in La Ceiba.

5.1.3.9 Bonitillo It is a large community about 30-45 minutes from La Ceiba. It has a beach that could be further developed, bars and restaurants on the beach. Besides the beach, volunteer tourism and fishing tours could be developed here.

5.1.3.10 Esparta communities The three communities, including Cayos de Vanada, La Rosita and Nueva Go are located about 1½ hour from La Ceiba on the road to Tela. The access to these communities is by dirt roads only. Each community has about seventy households. There is a very low level of tourism at present.

Potential tourism products are: mangroves, cassabe production, cultural tourism, beach, wildlife seeing, scientific studies (through SAVE) and traditional fishing tours.

5.1.3.11 Río Tinto It is a small community located about one hour by boat from Tela. Río Tinto has 600 inhabitants, who are very friendly and entrepreneurial. This community could develop into a great destination for those seeking an off the beaten path experience or immersion in the Garifuna culture. Day trips from Tela are a possibility, but the community would like to encourage overnight stays. The village has no road access, electricity or running water, so these issues must be addressed first.

5.1.4 Garifuna Museum15 The development of a cultural center to act as a leverage point to capture and engage tourists would be desirable. The goal is to connect tourists with Garifuna culture while in La Ceiba and encourage them to visit the villages and participate in tourism at the community level, providing these communities with much needed income. In order to be able to do this, the cultural center needs to be managed by an organization with tourism experience and it must be located within the city.

The options to locate the museum are: first, the old customs building, that has potential for capturing the tourist market. This option would require the least funding since a partial infrastructure already exists. Another option could be to identify a property to be purchased, but it would require more funding.

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Although a full management recommendations need to be developed, an idea could be to have the communities as the main shareholders of the museum. In order to thoroughly involve these communities, an initial investment in the museum development process would be required. This investment could come in a number of forms including:

• Donating traditional artisan products to be included in an exhibition. • Donating labor. • Recounting or recording stories to be included in an exhibition. • Performing dances to be recorded for an exhibition and providing explanation of them.

This type of investment would gain ownership and commitment from the communities and it would allow them to drive the content of the museum, being the curator involved only in organization, display and interpretation of the information. The content must include both cultural and marketing components.

The board of directors should include representatives from the communities, the private tourism sector, the government and people from the museum and cultural fields.

The museum would have a marketing representative, a visitors welcome center, the ability to sell products on behalf of the communities and it also must be able to information about transportation to the communities as well.

With the development of the museum as a tourism hub, a website could be developed that pulls together all of the communities. This website could be informational as well as sales venue to book tours.

5.2 TRUJILLO

5.2.1 Present Tourism Situation Trujillo is a city that offers historical as well as natural attractions. However, it is little developed and requires large investments in preserve its historical character and to meet its infrastructural needs. It has many notorious buildings and the “historical town center” designation has helped to protect them, but many are much deteriorated or neglected.

There are two National Parks: Capiro y Calentura National Park and Guaymoreto Lagoon Wildlife Refuge that are managed by the Fundacion Calentura Guaymoreto (FUCAGUA). The Capiro Calentura Park is little developed, but has many natural attractions and a superb view of all Trujillo Bay. Product development support and start-up capital would be needed to launch community based ecotourism in these parks.

The Garifuna communities of Santa Fe, Guadalupe and San Antonio are located west of town accessible through a dirt road. Picture 5 Touristic Pier One of the main attractions in Trujillo Bay is the Fortress of Santa Bárbara, next to the central park, which dominates over the bay. The fort has undergone through extensive restoration and will be used for cultural events. Next to the fortress and also in front of the central park, two old buildings that used to be police station and law courts have been restored and now are the tourism office and an exposition and conference hall. There is also a historical cemetery where William Walker, the US adventurer, is buried.

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There are beaches all along the bay, 30 m in average wide, very attractive and with magnificent views. However, most beaches are covered with trash or storm produced debris. The shoreline in front of the city is completely filled with restaurants and bars that pay rent to the municipality. There is also a small touristic pier that serves for touristic boats and for sunbathing.

The Honduras Cape, which forms the northern part of the bay and that protects it from open sea, also has a large open untouched beach to the Caribbean. At its point, Punta Caxinas, is where Christopher Columbus touched mainland for the first time in the Americas.

There is no Regional Chamber of Tourism in Trujillo, but it could be constituted if at least ten tourism organizations are interested.

The Trujillo Municipal Tourism Unit no longer operates due to budget restrictions, but its former staff still works for the Municipality and it could be reorganized since there is interest in reactivate it. While it was operating an inventory of tourism attractions was made; 1000 maps, 15000 postcards and 15000 brochures were printed; a touristic video was recorded; the touristic pier was built; and, a boat service called Lancheros Turisticos Unidos was organized. An Information Center run by the Instituto Hondureño de Antropología e Historia (Honduran Institute of Anthropoly and History) is actually providing some services.

The Municipality has two studies related to tourism development: The Study and Master Plan Development for Cruise Ship Dock in Trujillo Bay and the Master Plan for Trujillo Bay Tourism Development.

The former Governor of Colon, Florinda Galo requested the creation of the Colon Coastal Tourism Departmental Office to develop the area tourism potential.

There is only one website dedicated exclusively to Trujillo: www.trujillohonduras.com

5.2.2 Tourism Inventory Assets16

5.2.2.1 Natural Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Guaymoreto Lagoon Wildlife Northwest of Trujillo It has an extension of 7400 Boat, canoeing, nature and Refuge Ha. half of which is covered wildlife sightings with mangrove. Capiro y Calentura National The mountain just behind Among its most important Sightseeing, hiking, nature Park Trujillo features are the abundance sightseeing of macaws and howling monkeys and some pleasant falls can be visited. Plan Grande and Betulia West of Trujillo Pristine beaches, fresh Bathing water ponds Cayo Blanco Small coral reef Snorkeling, diving Trujillo Beach In front of the city It offers a beach strip with Bathing, walking restaurants nearby Cuyamel Caves On the road to Tocoa In these limestone caves Speleology more than 13 different bat species can be found.

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5.2.2.2 Cultural and Heritage Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Fortress of Santa Barbara In front of central park Built as an effort to defend Sightseeing, recreational the city against pirate and cultural activities attacks, now serves as a exposition center Old Cemetery In the center of town It has the grave of the Recreational visit legendary adventurer William Walker La Puntilla or Punta Caxinas Honduras Cape point It is the place where for the Walking, picnic, bathing first time Christopher Columbus touched mainland. It is also where the first mainland Mass was officiated. Santa Fe, San Antonio y 14 Km west of Trujillo In these Garifuna villages, it Cultural and educational Guadalupe is possible to know the visits, beach Garifuna life, enjoy their typical food, watching them dance or listen to their traditional music

5.2.2.3 Recreational Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Aguas Calientes Resort Silin community, 7 Km of Pools with natural hot water, Bathing, spa, hotel, food Trujillo on the road to Tocoa private jacuzzis, massage parlors and natural steam baths Rufino Galan Museum Center of town Private collection of gadgets Educational and that includes pre-Columbian recreational visits artifacts, colonial pieces as well as memorabilia

5.2.2.4 Accomodation17 HOTEL # ROOMS COST (USD) Christopher Columbus 72 89 Campamento 13 63 Tranquility Bay 5 53 Agua Caliente Resort 9 32 Quinta Bay 25 32 Casa Alemania 8 31 Villas Brinkley 21 30 O’Glynn 25 27 Coco Pando 19 27 Colonial 19 27 Trujillo 32 22 Hotel Plaza 24 21 Hotel y Club Ejecutivos 29 14 Emperador 10 11 The Sunset House 10 11 Casa Kiwi 11 10 Mar de Plata 12 7 Catracho 9 5 Buenos Aires 10 5

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5.2.2.5 Food Service18 NAME PHONE ADDRESS Arena’s Disco & Restaurant 434-2776 Bo. La Playa Bahia Bar & Restaurant 838-6428 Bo. Jerico, in front of the airport Copacabana Bar & Restaurant 434-3134 Bo. El Centro Las 3 D Bar & Restaurant 434-2660 Bo. Los Cristales Lilian Bar & Restaurant 434-4706 Bo. Rio Negro, main street El Kiosco Cafe 434-3007 Bo. El Centro, Colon Park Jenifer Café 737-5671 Bo. El Centro, in front of Salvador Paredes Hospital La Delicia Café 888-4256 Opposite corner to Comercial El Centro Las 3 Estrellas Café 434-3164 Bo. Jerico, next to airstrip Jireh Café & Pastries 434-4137 Bo. El Centro, in front of municipal market Caribbean Fun Restaurant 9987-3380 Acuario Hotel Caseta Mendoza 434-2536 In front of police station Chicken Express 434-2960 Half block north of market El Centro Express Food and 434-4567 Opposite cornet of Cathedral, in front of central park Nevada Ice Cream Rosa Express Food 777-3983 Bo. El Centro, in front of market Mambo Restaurant 434-4013 Behind Cathedral Henry Place 434-4793 Bo. Conventillo La Cazuela 434-2196 Hotel Colonial ground floor Las Puestas del Sol 882-8846 Bo. Cristales, beach main street Bahia Azul Restaurant Beach main street Brenda Restaurant 434-3936 Bo. La Playa Cabana Restaurant 434-3904 Bo. Rio Negro Calamar Restaurant Bo. Rio Negro Casa Kiwi 434-3050 5 km from Trujillo on the road to Puerto Castilla Campamento Restaurant 4 Km from Trujillo on the road to Santa Fe Coco Pando Restaurant 434-4748 Bo. Cristales, in front of the beach Don Bene Restaurant Bo. Cristales Granada Restaurant Downtown Guiriga Santa Fe Lempira Villas Brinkley Hotel Isabella Restaurant Christopher Columbus Hotel El Caballero Santa Fe El Delfin Restaurant 434-4528 Beach main street El Parague Restaurant 434-3881 Bo. La Bolsa, in front of the beach La Bajada Restaurant 9997-0933 Bo. La Playa Pantry Restaurant 1 ½ blocks from the park Perla del Caribe Restaurant 434-4486 Bo. La Playa Playa Dorada Restaurant 434-3933 Beach main street Roca Marina Restaurant 9960-5991 Beach main street Rogue’s Gallery Restaurant 434-4668 Beach main street Los Cocos Bar & Grill Near the airport beach Banana Beach Banana Beach Resort in Santa Fe Tranquility Bay Beach Retreat Tranquility Bay Beach Retreat

5.2.3 Garifuna Communities and Potential Products19

5.2.3.1 Cristales and Río Negro These are Garifuna communities located within the city of Trujillo. Currently they offer beach, restaurants and bars on the beach, artisan shops (the one in Cristales is owned by a Garifuna lady) whose revenues benefit the communities, but beyond that, there are no tourism products to attract the visitors. Potential tourism products could be a linkage between Cristales and Río Negro with the nearby communities of Santa Fe, San Antonio and

18 Institute of Tourism of Honduras; Honduras Tips 19 Assessment of Community Based Tourism Potential on the Northern Coast of Honduras. GWU

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Guadalupe to form a Garifuna tourism trail; a community center; a youth recreation center; gastronomy and cultural tourism.

5.2.3.2 Limón Limón is located approximately two hours away from Trujillo, making it ideal for longer stays. It has a small plaza and a very nice community center, which was built by the Spanish cooperation as a cultural museum, but currently it is not serving this purpose. Limón has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a good leadership with strong concern for the environment and conservation and eagerness to get involved in tourism activities. There are two hotels used mostly by relatives.

Potential tourism products could be: wildlife seeing, boat rides on the river, ecotourism activities (sand dunes), iguana conservation area, agro tourism (cassabe manufacturing), gastronomy, cabins, volunteer tourism, re- launching of the cultural museum.

5.2.3.3 Sangrelaya It is a remote village with difficult access, located about four hours from Trujillo by a poorly maintained dirt road and the last kilometers by boat. It has about 1,100 inhabitants who subsist on agriculture and fishing. There is no water or electricity.

Sangrelaya’s potential tourism products are beach volunteer tourism, agro tourism and canoeing on the river, however, tourism may not be the most effective way to assist this community.

5.2.3.4 Santa Fe It is located just outside Trujillo between the beach and the mountain. It has about 1,500 residents. Besides the beach and restaurants, the Catholic Church offices Mass in Garifuna language. The community has the potential to attract visitors interested in gastronomy, culture, ecotourism, and adventure tourism. The village’s close proximity to Trujillo opens up a large market for day trippers. The community has expressed the desire to create a cultural center to serve both to transfer the culture to younger generations and as a tourist product.

5.2.3.5 San Antonio San Antonio is just a few minutes down the road from Santa Fe. There are no tourist activities right now and its viability as a tourist destination could be questionable since to get there, one must pass through Guadalupe, which has much more to offer. However, some potential tourism products could be: artisan works, bird watching, hiking, restaurants, beach, fishing trips.

5.2.3.6 Guadalupe Guadalupe is down the road from San Antonio, about fifteen minutes away from Santa Fe. It has over 2,000 inhabitants. Currently is producing artisan works (painting, wood carvings, typical dresses and crocheted items). Potential products that could be developed are: traditional clothing, fishing trips, yucca commercialization and ecotourism.

5.3 PUERTO LEMPIRA

5.3.1 Present Tourism Situation Puerto Lempira is surrounded by extensive and varied nature ecosystems, such as the Karataska Lagoon, open plains, pine forests, tropical forests, wetlands, and so on.

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The Karataska Lagoon is part of the most important lagoon system in Honduras. It has been declared a Biological Reserve. The Miskito economy and culture is based on it.

The Miskito culture can be seen in many small villages around Puerto Lempira and the Miskito language is heard everywhere.

Due to its isolation, this region has no tourism attractions already developed, but there is a lot of potential to replicate the La Ruta Moskitia experience.

There is no Regional Chamber of Tourism in Puerto Lempira, but it could be constituted if at least ten tourism organizations are interested. There is no Municipal Tourism Unit either.

There is no website dedicated exclusively to Puerto Lempira.

5.3.2 Tourism Inventory Assets20

5.3.2.1 Natural Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Karataska Lagoon In front of Puerto Lempira It is more than 3,000 Km2 Boat tour, fishing, nature large of which almost half sightings are wetlands and mangroves. It has been declared a Biological Reserve. Tansing Lagoon Near Puerto Lempira Fresh water lagoon Boat tour, Miskito communities visit, water fowl observation Mocoron River Near Puerto Lempira A crystal clear river in a Boat tour, nature and tropical rainforest wildlife sightseeing

5.3.2.2 Cultural and Heritage Attractions NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION ACTIVITIES Caukira Near of Puerto Lempira Miskito village Cultural and educational visits

5.3.2.3 Accomodation21 HOTEL # ROOMS COST (USD) Centro Turistico Los Pinares 19 48 Kawu Paysaka Hotel n/a 25 Yu Baiwan View Hotel 9 24 El Gran Samaritano 15 24 Los Amigos 22 24 Gran Hotel Flores 19 19 Hospedaje Santa Teresita 18 13 Hotel Silvia 10 4

20 Honduras Tips 21 www.hondurastips.honduras.com

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5.4 ROATÁN 5.4.1 Present Tourism Situation Within Honduras, Roatán can almost be considered its own entity. Tourism has flourished due to the location within cruising ships routes, natural beauty, quality beaches, popularity among scuba divers and multi-million dollar hotel and real estate investments. On top of that, there are about 300 days of ideal weather per year.

Currently, tourism is focused primarily on the west side of the island. The West Bay area includes a series of great quality hotels such as Henry Morgan, Mayan Princess, and Infinity Bay among others in front of the most popular beach on the island. West End includes a collection of nighttime venues, smaller and more affordable hotels, restaurants and diving businesses. Tourists arrive at the island either through local flights from mainland, direct commercial and charter flights from the United States and Europe or via ferry from La Ceiba or via cruise ships that disembark passengers for activities and sightseeing Figure 5 Tourism in Roatán during the day. Both of the world’s largest cruise lines operators: Carnival and Royal Caribbean disembark regularly on Roatán, as well as Norwegian Cruise Lines and several others.

Tourists in Roatán are more international than the rest of the country, because of the trendy appeal to Europeans and North Americans. The island is also popular among people from El Salvador and Guatemala. In 2007, 43,878 foreign tourists entered Honduras through the Roatán Airport.

The future of Roatán as a tourist destination can be determined in two ways. First, the correct incentives will need to be maintained with foreign companies investing in port facilities, hotels and flights. Second, environmental initiatives will need to be implemented to maintain the natural appeal of the island. Marketing campaigns can be Figure 6 Tourism related jobs in Roatán implemented to turn Roatán from a popular trendy destination to a household name in other countries. The Coral Reef Alliance is taking the initial steps to help Roatán to become a blue flag certified location which would enhance its prestige among scuba divers. A new dock is currently being completed by the Carnival Corporation and it is expected to begin operations in December, 2009. Additionally, the Pristine Bay Resort is expected to open in less than two years and it will include a Pete Dye designed golf course. Other major housing/hotel developments are Parrot Tree Plantation and Nikki Beach Resort.

Disembarked cruise passengers have demonstrated to be a major source of tourism for Roatán. The number of tourists vacationing in Roatán decreased in 2008; however, disembarked cruise passengers have actually increased and are expected to continue this trend with the opening of the second port. Busier periods of cruise passengers include the first three months of the year, being March the busiest month.

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Roatán has evolved as a labor market. Initially, fishing was the main source of employment and income in the island. Now, more than half of the working population works in tourism related jobs. 56% of the jobs are in hotels, 24% in food businesses and 9% in transport. The amount of jobs generated by the tourism industry in Roatán shows how dependent is on having a constant stream of tourists. Another chance available to increase the job offer would be to open a small training center to infuse to the local community a customer service mentality, improving this way the foreign perception of the services provided. Additionally, working with university tourism programs would serve to bring the proper expertise to the destination.

Environmental issues are a major concern in a tourist destination such as Roatán. Deterioration of the reef caused by climate change, coral bleaching, sewage disposition, industrial waste and garbage management are challenges to be met to avoid the disruption of the natural beauty of the island.

5.4.2 Tourism Inventory Assets Currently the most developed section of Roatán is West Bay. This area includes high quality hotels on the most popular beach of the island, tourists can relax at the beach; enjoy water activities such as wave runners, banana boats or kayaks. Snorkeling is quite common and the proper gear can be rented for about US$5.00.

West End includes less expensive hotels, various restaurants including a Mexican, a Thai and an Argentinean one. This section is popular among backpackers and younger generation of price oriented tourists. Stores include a scuba, diving/snorkeling equipment rental and sales. There are many bars and nightclubs right next to the Picture 6 Cruise Ship in Roatán Port ocean, but the scenery is less picturesque than West Bay.

Another popular area is Sandy Bay. This section is popular among scuba divers. Several resorts offer quality accommodation with a focus on diving and related activities.

Other tourists like to visit the less developed areas of the island such as Punta Gorda. This is the main Garifuna village and tourists can go and enjoy some of their foods and drinks, interact with the people and view some of their rituals.

There are about thirty certified diving schools in Roatán as it is the main recreational activity on the island. There are five canopy businesses: Gumbalimba Canopy, South Shore Canopy, Mayan Canopy, Pirates of the Caribbean Canopy and Jungle Canopy. There are also six parks on the island: Gumbalimba Park that features an animal refuge, botanical garden, rope bridge and museum; Carambola Park which features a botanical garden and scenic views; a butterfly garden and wildlife exhibition; Coral Cay Marine Park which features marine animals; Nikki Beach Resort also features a park and a zoo; and, there is one iguana farm.

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6 NICARAGUAN CARIBBEAN COAST OVERVIEW22 The Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua is a wide plain where large rivers flow and that has an annual rain level of 2,000 to 5,000 mm. It has a coastal lagoon system and many sandbanks and cays. It covers 46% of the national territory and the home of 11% of the total population of the country. Its main river is the San Juan River, which is a navigable waterway rich in biodiversity.

Between 1650 and 1860, the Caribbean Coast was under foreign control, a fact that delayed the integration process to the rest of Nicaragua until the last decade of the XIX century. Now this region has an autonomy status. The Autonomous Regions have Regional Councils where regional policies and rules are proposed, discussed and approved. The Regional Governments plan the economical development and there are Tourism Offices in each region, where all the actors of the local tourism are represented.

The Caribbean Coast, constituted by the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions (RAAN and RAAS), has been the most isolated region of the country and where poverty reaches a level of 73.6-75.0% of the population. The scarce residents that have a job get an income that covers only half of the basic needs. Some social indicators are shown in the following table:

ITEM RAAN RAAS Total population 192,716 272,252 % illiterate population 42.98 45.92 % households with no water 83.73 87.74 % households with no electricity 81.52 70.88 % households without toilets 52.68 40.75 % population in rural areas 73.51 62.08

This isolation also is traduced in lack of productive and social investments, absence of transportation infrastructure, a no cohesive production chain, insecurity, very limited basic services coverage and a still weak institutional framework.

The population is composed by Miskitu people, Garifuna people, Sumu people and cross-breeded people. Sin the Autonomy Act preserves the historical, artistic, cultural and linguistic patrimony, each ethnic group keeps its own organization, social relations, religion and language.

The main economical activities are: forestry (5,048 Km2 of forest land), fishing (more than 40,000 ton per year), mining (gold and silver through the Bonanza Mine situated in RAAN), small businesses and remittances. There is a poor development of telephone and Internet networks; water supply and its quality is an issue; the access by road to the region is still very limited, being the access by air the most common used. The main airfields are located in Puerto Cabezas, Siuna, Bonanza, Rosita and Waspam in RAAN and Bluefields, Corn Island and Nueva Guinea in RAAS. Within the region, the connection between communities is made either by land or by water.

Most of the natural resources exploitation is directed toward the international markets therefore, a local economy oriented to satisfy the local needs has not had the opportunity to develop. The economical return of these industries is limited to the paid wages and many people are dedicated to self subsistence activities. The statistics show that 30% of the economical active people are self employed and there are more than 5,650 small and medium businesses that provide about 14,650 jobs.

22 Tourism Sector Analysis of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. Lucy Valenti. June 2009.

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The communities in these regions have their own way to organize themselves for productive activities. The syndic and the wihta (communal judge) are responsible for managing and distributing the income that community receives by usufructing their natural resources.

6.1 RAAN RAAN covers 32,127.28 Km2, which is 24.7% of the national territory. The region is composed be the following municipalities: Siuna, Bonanza, Rosita (known as the mining triangle), Waspan, Prinzapolka and Puerto Cabezas. The regional government seats at Bilwi, in the Puerto Cabezas municipality.

There are twelve important rivers that cross the region, being the traditional main mean of transportation; eleven lagoons that cover about 425 Km2 and wetlands and mangroves that cover more than 3,740 Km2. These aquatic systems are important as they support species, such as lobster, crab and shrimp, which the region economically Figure 7 RAAN relies on. They also are significant biological reserves.

The region also has forest reserves, being many of them currently exploited and natural reserves that are officially protected. These reserves are the following:

PROTECTED AREA LOCATION Bosawas Biosphere Reserve Bonanza, Waspan, Siuna, Jinotega Miskito Cays Biological Reserve and Coastal Strip Puerto Cabezas Alamikamba Natural Reserve Prinzapolka Limbaika Natural Reserve Prinzapolka Bismuna-Tara Rava Leimus Natural Reserve Gracias a Dios Cape Pahara Lagoon Natural Reserve Puerto Cabezas / Gracias a Dios Cape Yulu – Karatá Lagoon Natural Reserve Puerto Cabezas Kligna Natural Reserve Puerto Cabezas Yulu Natural Reserve Puerto Cabezas Layasika Lagoon Natural Reserve Prinzapolka Kukulaya Lagoon Natural Reserve Puerto Cabezas Cabo Viejo Natural Reserve Puerto Cabezas

The climate is typical of a tropical rainforest, oscillating the rain levels between 2,400 and 6,000 mm per year; the temperature ranges from 24°C to 39°C and there are annual floods, particularly during the storm season.

The communities are represented by “Las Diez Comunidades Indígenas” (The Ten Indigenous Communities) whose Board of Directors is responsible for the management of the resources and the handling of affairs between institutions. They also manage the communitarian fund used to help the poorest communities, to support the cultural and sportive events, scholarships and some other pre approved spending. The Karatá community has its own administration.

6.2 RAAS RAAS covers 27,546.32 Km2, which is 21.1% of the national territory. The regional government seats at Bluefields.

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There are big rivers that cross the region that constitute the traditional mean of transportation. The most important of them is the Grande de Matagalpa River. There are also several lagoons, mangroves and wetlands that support species, such as lobster, crab and shrimp. Coral reefs, sand bars and small cays can also be found in this region and forests of precious woods such as mahogany, cedar and others.

The climate is typical of a tropical rainforest, oscillating the rain levels between 2,000 and 5,000 mm per year; the temperature ranges from 24°C to 37°C. Figure 8 RAAS The regional authorities are: the RAAS Autonomous Regional Council and the RAAS Regional Government. There is also the Municipal Council in Bluefields.

6.3 SAN JUAN DEL NORTE To get to this town, also known as Greytown, one must get to San Carlos by air and from there, to ride eight hours by boat in the San Juan River. It is practically within the Indio Maíz natural reserve. The electric power plant provides electric energy from 14.00 to 23.00 hrs, there is potable water in every house, a municipal garbage collection and treatment program, land and mobile telephony services, Internet, a clinic, a school, a park, a public library and churches. No vehicles circulate in this community of 2,000 residents who mostly earn their living by fishing.

It has a rainforest climate, it rains ten months a year and the average temperature is Figure 9 San Juan del Norte between 22°C and 32°C.

Its main characteristics are the rainforests and the wetlands that cover most part of the territory, its rivers, being the San Juan and Indio the most important, and its lagoons, such as Manati, Ebo, Sílico and San Juanillo. These ecosystems are the home of a rich and varied flora and fauna and are located in protected areas such as the Cantagallo Reserve or the Indio Maíz Reserve.

Here can be found traces of the first Spanish and English settlers: the old cemetery, the Sabine frigate and parts of the Viejo San Juan town.

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7 NICARAGUA TOURISM INDUSTRY23

7.1 LEGAL FRAMEWORK The legal framework for the tourism industry in Nicaragua is composed by the following instruments:

1. The Constitution 2. Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism Creation Act (298 Act) 3. Incentives for the Tourism Industry Act (306 Act) 4. Tourism General Law (495 Act) 5. Fiscal Activity Law 6. National Fund for Environment Bylaw (Decree 91-2001) 7. Special Act #4-45 for the Regime of the Communal Property of the Indigenous People and Ethnic Communities in the Atlantic Coast Autonomous Regions and Bocay, Coco, Indio and Maíz Rivers. 8. Administrative disposition #39-22-04-2008: Incentive and promotion policies for the tourism sector in RAAN. 9. Agreements between INTUR and Regional Governments

7.2 BILWI

7.2.1 Present Tourism Situation Bilwi is located about 550 Km away from Managua. It can be reached by road or by air. It has an airport and a dock for inland transport.

Within the city, the tourism attractions are limited: bars and restaurants, an artisan shop and the Judith Kain Museum, that collects samples of the Miskitu and Mayagna cultures, créole and mongrel home environment examples, and domestic artifacts belonging to all ethnic groups that live in the region. There are local singers that perform Miskitu songs. The artisan articles are made by the Miskitu people who live by the Coco River.

For outdoor recreation, the Tuapi River and la Bocana (in Picture 7 Bilwi front of the sea) are visited. Tuapi is located eight Kilometers from Balwi. There are no facilities for the visitors. Guililandia Beach is not used for recreational purposes since it is used by fishermen and for passengers transport.

The market niches that could be aimed to are the ones related to anthropological and adventure tourism as well as the business or work tourism; being the last ones very important because of the international organizations that work in the area.

Since Bilwi concentrate many of the governmental offices, services and trade suppliers, it is only natural that it becomes the tourism hub of RAAN.

23 Tourism Sector Analysis of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. Lucy Valenti. June 2009.

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7.2.2 Tourism Facilities

7.2.2.1 Accommodation HOTEL TYPE CATEGORY Caribe Cabins 1 star Cortijo I Guest House Hostel 1 star Sweet Dreams Hostel Cortijo II Hostel 1 star Las Colinas Hostel Casa Museo Hostel 1 star Perez Hostel Monter Hotel 3 stars El Exclusivo Motel Sandy Bay Hostel Tagny Hostel Wanky Hostel Zenith Motel Harrison Motel Canoso Guest House Mar Azul Guest House El Limón Motel Liwa Mairin Hostel Luz de Luna Motel 1 star Don Cirilo Shelter Bilwi Guest House Rivera Hostel Pelícano Hostel Costeño Hostel Li Karma Hostel Triple H Hostel

7.2.2.2 Food and Beverages Services PLACE TYPE CATEGORY Crisfa Restaurant 1 fork Kabu Payaska Restaurant 2 forks Malecón Restaurant Marea Alta Restaurant Wah May Restaurant Estiliano II Restaurant Miramar Restaurant 1 fork Bilwi Tigny Restaurant Oasis Restaurant 2 forks Las Colinas Restaurant Rostipollo y Asados Restaurant Cafetín Marisol Snack bar Famahi Restaurant El Exclusivo Restaurant Rincón Costeño Bar 1 cup Flipper Bar Fast Food Bar Zaire Bar Gartbath Place Bar Alice Bar Ranchón Caribeño Bar Payito Bar Black and White Bar El Atlántico Bar Doña Carol Bar Kabu Yula Bar

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PLACE TYPE CATEGORY Luna Caribeña Bar Marisol Bar Churrucos Place Bar Scarleth Bar Coco Bongo Disco Jumbo Disco Coral Negro Disco Mariah Disco

7.3 ATTRACTIONS NEAR BILWI

7.3.1 Karatá This community is an ethnical attraction located at 25 minutes by motorboat from Bilwi on the border of the Karata Lagoon. The houses are evenly distributed, among clean and well kept lawns.

It has a clinic, churches, a primary school and a small pier.

The lagoon surroundings are composed by mangroves, swamps and some open areas where ecolodges could be built. The water is not deep, so it is not apt for sport fishing, but the tarpon or bass fishing can be made in the nearby rivers. Other potential activities could be participating in the community daily activities or making boat trips. Picture 8 Karatá The community has made some communitarian tourism efforts. With international help, they built some cabins, an eating area and restrooms for visitors. The women have also received some training in tourism services.

A sport fisherman and hunter occasionally leads small groups for fishing in the nearby rivers.

7.3.2 Wawa It is located on the river sandbar, about forty minutes from Bilwi by water transport.

Some communitarian tourism efforts with women have been made in this community. Fishing can be made in the river and the beach can be visited during the summer months.

7.3.3 Haulover It is a community of 350 families, most of them of the Miskitu origin. They keep their own way of government, being the Elders Council who take care of the community affairs and represent it before the authorities. The communitarian decisions are taken through community assemblies.

One can get to Haulover by sea or by the interior waterways. Its main attraction is the Wounta Lagoon where water sports and fishing can be practiced. It also has a rich wildlife

Picture 9 Haulover which can be seen during boat trips and a large beach. Some traditional dances are performed during holidays.

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Some shelters remain on the beach next to the village, but they are deteriorating for lack of use.

7.3.4 Pahara It is located on the border of the lagoon of the same name. Its residents are mainly turtle (Chelonia Mydas) hunters that are recollected for human consumption. This village is not ready yet for tourism because it is recovering from the damages caused by the Hurricane Felix.

7.3.5 Krukira This village is located on the lagoon border, about forty minutes by car from Bilwi. The strategic situation of this lagoon could give big opportunities to this community in the sustainable tourism industry by implementing some projects such as a turtle conservation program to create another source of income besides fishing.

7.3.6 The Miskitu Cays These cays (about eighty) were declared a biological marine reserve since 1991 because their sea grass in the main food of the marine turtles. They are more than three hours by boat away from Bilwi and lack any facility for overnight stays, except for temporary shelters used by the fishermen during the season. There is also an army surveillance point for drug trafficking control.

Picture 10 Miskitu Cays

7.3.7 Río Coco Riverside It is the geographical, cultural and economical center of the region.

During summer, the Siklala Tour Bilwi tour operator offers an adventure tour that visits Puerto Cabezas, Gracias a Dios Cape, Bismuna, the Cays, Sandy Bay and Haulover. The tourists spend the nights in Miskitu communities, cook what they have fished and also eat the traditional food.

7.4 RAAS COMMUNITIES

7.4.1 Laguna de Perlas This community is located 76 Km by road from El Rama or 80 Km from Bluefields by water ways. This municipality is composed by fourteen multiethnic, Créole, Miskitu and Garifuna communities. Near Laguna de Perlas is situated Orinoco, a Garifuna community. Their main economical activities are the shrimp fishing and the processing of African palm oil.

For more than 35 years, Laguna de Perlas has been a tarpon sport fishing destination which is made in the lagoon or in the Río Grande mouth. Picture 11 Clockwise: Laguna de Perlas, Some entrepreneurs have begun to build a website, to print some Cayos Perlas, Wawashang Reserve and promotional material and also plan to publish a traditional food recipe Bluefields

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7.4.1.1 Accommodation HOTEL OWNER Casablanca Dell López Estrella B&B George Leyva and Ana Fajardo Green Lodge B&B Wesley William / Arlene Curtis Ingrid Guesthouse Ingrid Culvert Sweet Perly Hilton Down Bella Vista Lodging Isabel Amador Garifuna Lodge

7.4.1.2 Food Services RESTAURANT Seet Perly Paradise Pearl La Abuela Queen Lobster

7.4.2 Cayos Perlas They are composed by eighteen small islands that are located one hour away by boat from Laguna de Perlas or one-and-a-half hour from Bluefields or Corn Island.

They are a good destination for snorkeling, sport fishing or beach. There are two houses, each on its own small island, that are being offered for rent at US$8,000 per week.

7.4.3 Wawashang Reserve It is located to the North of the lagoon, by the same named river. This reserve is linked to an agricultural educational program aimed to the youth of the communities. Up to sixty people could stop over here. There are rooms and camping lodge with water and solar energy, marked trails and a classroom.

This is a good destination for investigative tourism among biology students and teachers. The visitors can also, besides fishing and snorkeling, go hiking in the rainforest trails.

7.4.4 Bluefields This city is located one-and-a-half hour from Managua by air or two hours by boat from El Rama. This is the seat of all the regional authorities and the central government representatives.

They have two main touristic attractions: the Palo de Mayo feast and the sport fishing tournaments.

7.4.5 Corn Island It is a small island (9 Km2) located about 70 Km from Bluefields. There are 8,000 residents. The fishing is the main industry that provides jobs for 400 people and generates about US$20,000,000 per year. Traditional fishing is also practiced.

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On August 27th, the most important feast is celebrated: “The Crab Feast”. They also celebrate the Palo de Mayo feast.

Its coral reef offers tourism products such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, glass-bottom-boats tours and beach. ATM’s and car renting are also available for the tourists that come into the island.

To consider the development of the tourism industry on this island, several issues must be first addressed: the tourists loading capacity, the loss of coastal land, the water supply, the energy supply and the waste and sewage management.

7.4.5.1 Accommodation HOTEL TYPE CATEGORY Casa Canada Hotel 4 stars Arenas Beach Hotel 3 stars Anastasia Hotel 1 star Morgan Hotel 2 stars Café del Mar 3 J’s Hostel Sunrise Paradise Hostel Best View Hotel 1 star Vientos del Norte Cabins Hostel 1 star Ruppie Hostel 1 star Pesca Nica Tour Hostel 1 star Puerta del Sol Hostel 1 star Happy Hot Hostel 1 star Créole King Hostel 1 star My Place Hostel Angela Hostel June Hostel Martha’s B&B Hostel 2 stars Paraíso Club Hotel 2 stars Sweet Dreams Hotel 2 stars Princesa de la Isla Hostel 2 stars Sunrise Hostel Casa Blanca Guest house Picnic Center Guest house 2 stars Nautilus Hostel 1 star Brisas del Mar Hostel G & G Hostel 1 star Silver Sands Hostel Sunrise Hotel 1 star Panorama Hostel My Flower Hostel La Flor Hostel Yellowtail House House for rent Beach View Hotel Bella Vista Hostel

7.4.5.2 Food and Beverages Services PLACE TYPE CATEGORY El Chisme Bar El Sapo Bar 2 cups Cesteo Bar 1 cup Brisas del Mar Bar Banana Bar Daysi Bar Sweet Corn Center Bar 2 cups Doña Chayo Bar

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PLACE TYPE CATEGORY Good Time Bar El Naranjito Bar Nico’s Bar Ivette Bar Island Style Bar Fishers Cave Restaurant 2 forks La Rotonda Bar Siempre Linda Bar Sun-set Bar Tercer Parada Bar Rinconcito Marino Bar Acuarios Bar Reggae Palace Disco 2 cups Sweet Corn Center Night Club 2 cups Eat and Art Restaurant Anastasia Restaurant

7.4.6 Little Corn Island It is located about 45 minutes by boat from Great Corn Island. Originally, it was dedicated to provide agricultural products to the big island, but now the tourism has seen some development. There are no cars on this island; everybody walks or rides by bicycles. Its main attraction is diving.

A sustainable development and growth program must be considered to manage waste and the water and energy supply.

7.4.6.1 Accommodation HOTEL TYPE CATEGORY Los Delfines Hotel 3 stars Lobster Inn Hotel 2 stars Sunshine Hotel 2 stars Casa Iguana Cabins Sweet Dreams Hostel Elsa’s Place Cabins Grace’s Place Cabins Carlitos Sunrise Cabins Derek’s Place Cabins Farm Peace And Love Cabins Los Ensueños Cabins

7.4.6.2 Food and Beverages Services PLACE TYPE Sunshine Restaurant Habana Libre Bar & Restaurant Cool Spot Bar & Restaurant Sweet Oasis Bar & Restaurant Miss Brifgette’s Bar & Restaurant Lobster Inn Restaurant Sawadee Bar & Restaurant Los Delfines Restaurant Ela’s Bar & Restaurant Grace’s Bar & Restaurant Carlitos Sunrise Paradise Bar & Restaurant

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7.5 SAN JUAN DEL NORTE There are little facilities for the tourists that could come into this community, also called Greytown. There are no marked trails, except for the leading to the cemetery and the water transport is limited to only three times a week and private boats must be used to go from one place to another. However, a tourism information center is being built that would also serve as a migration office.

Picture 12 San Juan dell There is a group of organized guides that provide tours to the reserve, to the cemetery, to Norte Wetland the lagoons and fishing packages.

There is a 5-star hotel. Rio Indio Lodge, on the lagoon border and four small hostels (Evo, Paraíso, Virgen, Anderson and Urbina Cabins) located downtown. The small restaurant “Orquídea” offers local cuisine. In the Cantagallo Reserve, there is a small hut which is occasionally used.

7.6 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN 7.6.1 Types of Tourism Based on the identified resources and the kind of tourist that is expected to attract, the following types of tourism are suggested:

• RAAN: Ethnical-anthropological, eco-adventure, cruising ships (converting Bilwi in a tax-free zone), sun and beach. • RAAS: Ethnical-anthropological, eco-adventure, sport fishing, sun and beach. • San Juan del Norte: Historical-cultural, sport fishing, eco-tourism, scientific tourism.

7.6.2 Circuits The following circuits are proposed:

• Laguna de Perlas and Cayos Perlas with its natural reserve and cultural assets. • Laguna de Perlas, Bluefields, Corn or Little Corn Island. • San Juan del Norte and Corn or Little Corn Island. • San Juan del Norte. • Corn Island. • Bilwi and the indigenous communities. • Bilwi, Waspán, Coco River, Bismuna, Sandy Bay, Miskitu Cays and back to Bilwi.

7.6.3 Events The following international events are proposed:

• In Bilwi, the Central American Fair of Living Cultures. • In Bluefields, the Central American Fair of Caribbean Music. • In Bluefields, the Caribbean Gastronomic Fair. • In Corn Island and Little Corn Island, a submarine photo contest. • In Laguna de Perlas, a sport fishing contest. • In Laguna de Perlas, a Garifuna Fair.

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8 PORT FACILITIES24

8.1 LA CEIBA The Old Fiscal Dock is in an advanced state of deterioration due to neglect and weather exposure. Its dimensions are about 200 m long and 8 to 10 m wide. The presence of people is notorious and -because of the probability of an accident is high, fishing or walking around could be risky activities.

The Old Fiscal Dock superstructure was built with timber beams and planks. It is in a poor condition and many elements are missing. There are also remains of old rails that were used to load bananas into the ships.

The foundations are also made of timber, but many of them are encased in concrete, maybe to prevent the deterioration caused by the marine environment or, to reinforce them if they were already damaged. As it can be seen in Picture 8, these foundations are somewhat deteriorated and the structure could collapse should an extraordinary event accompanied by big waves occur.

On the dock’s eastern beach side there is a building owned by ENP completely abandoned. On the western side, there is a sewage pump station and low income dwellings. These surroundings are neglected and drug addicts and alcoholics spend their time or live in the area. To walk around is not advisable.

Given the coast low depth and its exposure to climatic and oceanographic conditions, this dock Picture 13 Old Fiscal Dock Superstructure could not be rehabilitated for cabotage purposes, so the structure to consider will be only a touristic attraction.

There are three possible ways of rehabilitation:

1. Expanding the existing structure to make a T-head pier with a maximum length of 200m and 10m to 12m wide. This option requires a detailed structural diagnosis. The superstructure could be rehabilitated but the foundations, given their age and state, would have be to completely replaced by reinforced concrete piles. 2. Demolishing the present structure and building a reinforced concrete new one, T-head, 200m Picture 14 Old Fiscal Dock Foundations maximum length and 10-12m wide. To minimize the possible problems caused by storm waves, the deck would have to be raised and be connected to the shore by a ramp. 3. Leaving the existing structure in its place and building another to the East. If the present structure is left, it would contaminate visually and its access would have to be prohibited. The new structure would be a T- head pier 200m long at most and 10m to 12m wide located about 80m to the East of the Old Fiscal Dock.

24 Visit Report to Sites in Honduras. Ing. Armando Frías Váldez, May 2009. Report n Visit to Sites in Nicaragua. Ing. Armando Frías Váldez. June 2009.

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Also, to minimize the possible problems caused by storm waves, the deck would have to be raised and be connected to the shore by a ramp.

It would also be advisable to create the space for a restaurant that could be a touristic attraction and generate some income for the pier operator by renting it. This could be made in two ways:

1. By adding a 400m2 platform to the pier’s west side at a water’s depth of 1.5m deep at most, to prevent damage caused by storm waves. Energy and water and sanitation systems would be connected to the city’s networks. The toilets module could as well be installed on land. 2. On land. This option would be cheaper but less attractive. A 400m2 area strategically located close to the pier would be required and would be serviced by the existing energy and water and sanitation systems

To make this project financially feasible through a donation, the existing wharf’s ownership would have to be transferred to the Municipality as well as the ENP’s building. Furthermore, it would be required to rehabilitate the adjacent neighborhood by building a touristic zone and by implementing an urban ordering plan.

The restaurant’s rent would provide some income, but it would not be enough for the pier’s maintenance and repairing, therefore, to find the necessary funds for its upkeep will be an unavoidable task.

The Environmental Sanitation and Coastal Protection Figure 10 La Ceiba’s Touristic Pier Layout 25 using Alternative 2 Study describes some features of interest for the set up and operation of port facilities in La Ceiba:

• The tidal amplitude is small, with a medium range of 0.30m and is of semidiurnal type. • The main sea current runs from East to West; however, in deep waters near the coast, it runs in the opposite direction with typical speeds of 0.20-0.40 m/s. As a result, there is an East to West current responsible of sediment transportation along the coastline. • The wave height reaches their peak every two to three years at 2.0-2.5 m, but during the Mitch Hurricane, the waves were higher and destroyed part of the structure although the Old Fiscal Dock is located at an elevation of 3.2m. The low depth water causes the waves to break near the Old Fiscal Dock. • The oceanographic and meteorological design parameters to take into account are:

PARAMETER RETURN PERIOD EXTRAORDINARY (STORMS EVERY N YEARS) STORMS N=2 N=10 N=50 Wind speed (m/s) 16 20 22 35 Storm Surges (m) 0.30 0.50 0.75 1.50 Wave Height (m) at 20m depth 3.60 4.00 4.90 6.40

25 Estudio Saneamiento Ambiental y Protección Costera de La Ceiba, Resumen Ejecutivo, Volume I. The Louis Berguer Group Inc. 2005.

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• In La Ceiba, there is a sediment transport along the shoreline but the Old Dock structure and the existing breakwater constitute a barrier for the sediments in such a way that they accumulate on one side of the structure and causes erosion on the other side.

A cabotage dock is located to the east of La Ceiba, which is used to transport passengers and cargo. It is situated within an artificial basin built in a river mouth. The waterway to the sea is protected by two breakwaters.

According to the information provided, to keep the dock deep enough, dredging up is to be kept permanently resulting in a very expensive operation. Silt may not come only from the estuary system when rainwater is discharged into the sea, but it also may penetrate from the sea since the sediment deposits westward along the coastline and it is highly possible that it has overflowed the East Picture 15 Cabotage Dock breakwater.

The vessels that use this dock are relatively small, since its depth would not allow bigger ships. This is a relevant issue, because of the cargo that is transported to other coastal towns.

8.2 TRUJILLO The cabotage dock is in poor condition although it is utilized by fishing small crafts and passenger and cargo vessels. In consequence, it is necessary its rehabilitation and improvement. Nowadays the dock is operated by the Municipality, and this condition could be kept.

On the shoreline, the Municipality has a lot that could be used for backland facilities. The existing timber buildings could be relocated. This lot area is approximately 800m2.

The existing dock is about 100m long and 4 to 4.5m wide. Its structure (deck, slabs, beams and piles) is concrete based. The shore side is connected to the coastal road.

The foundations are constituted by vertical piles of 40x40 cm cross-section. These piles are located in longitudinal axis with a separation of about 3.5-4.0m and are linked together by transversal beams. The piles are Picture 17 Municipal Dock deteriorated and cracks that go from the upper beams till the embedded part can be seen. It is not possible to determine the total extension of these cracks. It also can be noted the marks left by the steel oxide that show the high level of Picture 16 Dock’s Structural Condition

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The deck is constituted by longitudinal and transversal beams and the slab that makes up the operational platform. Cracks and failures are notorious and it is evidently there has never been a preventive nor corrective maintenance.

The fenders and the bitts are also deteriorated and, in the latter case, some makeshift ones have to be installed to operating vessels.

From the technical perspective, the structure is totally failed and, in any moment, a major failure or collapse could occur. Given this condition, the present structure would have to be totally demolished or, if it is left in its place, using the slab only as falsework to cast upon it the new one.

The vessels that provide cabotage services between La Ceiba, Trujillo and Puerto Lempira have the following dimensions: length: 60 feet Picture 18 Fenders and Makeshift Bitts (18.29m); beam: 16.5 feet (5.00m) and draft: 8-9 feet (2.43-2.74m). For these vessels, the pier should have, at least, a 3.35m depth in its farthest berth to have a under keel clearance of 0.61m, which would be enough because of its location. Considering these vessels length, the berthing face should be at least 24m long for a single berthing and 50m for two simultaneous berthings.

To optimize the pier’s length, since it would be in relatively shallow waters, it should constructed with a L-head configuration, depending on the detailed bathymetric study to be made, with a total length of 100-120m and 10m wide to allow the proper loading and unloadinng.

The pier should be constructed entirely of reinforced concrete, foundations, piles and deck, with the appropriate height to allow the vessels to manouver comfortably. It also should have dock fenders and bitts for securing lines.

The backland facilities required for this port would be: a parking area (168m2), an operational yard (272m2), a shed (50m2) and a snack bar with a waiting room and toilet facilities (120m2). Water and energy supply in the pier and the backland facilities could be provided by the municipal system. The sewage would be directed to a septic tank. Additionally, a vessel lifting was requested for small crafts (up to 27 feet length) that could be located in any place (minimum depth:1.5m) where it does not Figure 11 New Pier Layout interfere with the cargo and passengers operations.

The operation and maintenance of the pier and backland facilities would be a Municipality responsibilitty. A tariff system would provide the required funds for maintenance and repair.

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8.2.1 Terms of Reference for the Modernization of the Cabotage Dock These Terms are informative and not restrictive. The project must include all the necessary details for its building and must be developed in accordance with Honduran standards and specification; should any be absent, another of other origin could be used, stating its source.

8.2.1.1 Collection and Analysis of Information It will be required to collect and analyze all the necessary information to carry out the project design, including, but not limited to: topographic charts, satellite images; waves, tides, currents and winds data; geological and seismic data; vessels characteristics, cargo statistics, etc. In all cases, the source of information should be mentioned.

8.2.1.2 Project Craft and Type of Cargo Handling Based on statistics or field data, the characteristics of the vessels (length, beam, strut, maximum draft, tonnage) that will operate in the projected pier will be defined, as well as the cargoes to be handled in order to dimension the facilities and the structure of the projected dock. Initially, the vessel characteristics that could be used may be: length: 18.29m, beam: 16.50m; draft: 2.43-2.74m.

8.2.1.3 Topohydrographic Survey This work will be carried out in both the existing dock and the adjacent beach front, including the municipal property.

Support Polygonal

Planimetric Survey (0.20 Ha. Approx.)

Water Area Tobe Structured (Bathymetry) 200 m. x 200 m.

Vertices to be Marked Maritime Front with Sections every 20 m. 21 sections of 50 m. Approx.

Figure 12 Topohydrographic Survey

One closed and two open support polygonals will be laid out using a total station or similar equipment. On their tangents that face the sea, stakes every 20m will be placed to mark the different sections. The vertexes V1 and V2 that have a line of sight between them will be marked with truncated pyramid shaped concrete structures (height: 1.20m, minor base: 15x15cm; wider base: 30x30cm) with aluminum or bronze nameplates that will bear their identification data. Each of these landmarks will be photograph twice: one general and one detailed photo, to be

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Final Report fully identified. All vertexes and stakes will be leveled according to the assigned tidal elevation to one vertex by the vertical ground control.

In order to get the horizontal ground control, UTM or geographical coordinates will be obtained at the landmarks using a first-order GPS that will be placed long enough to get adequate precision (three or four hours at least).

The vertical ground control must be established with the tidal elevation. For this, tidal predictions data of the site or of the nearest one must be obtained or, to install a mareograph (or limnimeter) in the existing dock for thirty consecutive days. From this information, a tidal correlation can be made, and the base level –situated in one of the landmarks- deducted. This level should be referred to the Mean Low Level Water (MLLW), since this is a semidiurnal tide. The zero level of the mareograph (or limnimeter) will be linked to the altitude of one of the landmarks. Another option to obtain the base level is to transfer the benchmark from Puerto Castilla to Trujillo through a first-order GPS, if Puerto Castilla has a reliable benchmark with tidal elevation.

To obtain the topographic configuration of the coastline, the beach will be sectioned perpendicularly to the coastline, using the polygonals and stakes, from the existing buildings up to the water depth of -1.0m MLLW. The sectioning can be made with a fixed level or a total station (with reflecting prism) with the points’ density enough for a detailed configuration. A total of twenty-one 50m-long sections are envisaged.

A planimetric survey of the area destined to the backland facilities (0.20 Ha) will be made using the radiation method (angle and distance) with a total station or similar equipment and the vertexes already determined. This survey shall include a description of every element: buildings, road accesses and utilities.

A detailed bathymetric survey will be based on the established ground control using a differential mode- real time GPS with a precision of 0.10m or higher. Also, hydrographic software must be available to program the boat’s travels and to display them in portable computers. Depths will be measured with a digital echo sounder operating jointly with a GPS, adjusted to tidal variations and the transducer’s depth. Software (Hydro, Hypack or any other similar) will be used to configure the seabed in bathymetric curves every 50 cm or, if the floor is too shallow, the best determined interval. Reference plan will be MLLW. Transects will be made every 20m, coinciding with the beach sectioning. The survey will cover 100m on either side of the existing pier and 200m towards the sea up to find a depth of at least 3.335m.

8.2.1.4 Dock Preliminary Arrangement The following premises must be taken into account: The pier must have two berthing positions considering the project craft, maybe with a L-head configuration; the access gangway and the operation platform must be 10m wide; the needed backland facilities are: a parking area (168m2), an operational yard (272m2), a shed (50m2) and a snack bar with a waiting room and toilet facilities (120m2).

The posssible aternatives are: to build the new pier pier over the present one; to demolish the existing pier, building a new one in its place, and; to demolish the existing pier to build a new one to the West. The most appropriate alternative must be chosen taken into account cost, procedures and the time that the present pier would stop operations. The chosen solution must be approved before any further work.

8.2.1.5 Soil Mechanics Three drillings will be performed, if necessary, combining a standard penetration tool with a thin wall Shelby-type tube for unaltered sampling of cohesive soils. The use of diamond rock barrel should not be discarded. The drillings to be made are: Drilling SP1: At the start of the existing pier, where the water area begins (20m within the seabed); Drilling SP2: At the end of the existing pier (20m within the seabed); Drilling SP3: Between the shed and the snack bar (5m into the soil). If rocky soils are found, the exploration should stop at 3m deep and the RQD (Rock Quality Designation) should be determined by the recovery of nucleus.

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Depending on their nature, the samples will be submitted to the following tests: field and laboratory classification (ASTM D2488); natural water content (ASTM D2261); consistency limits (ASTM D423 and ASTM D424); granular composition by mesh (ASTM D422); fine contents by washing (ASTM D1140); solid density; If applicable: shear resistance in unconfined compression with two cycles for loading and unloading (ASTM D2166), compressibility in unidimensional consolidation test (ASTM D2435), shear resistance in triaxial compression (ASTM D2850) and compressibility through unitary stress deformation test in a triaxial chamber.

A technical report will be prepared to include: pier, shed and snack bar foundations design; operational yard and parking lot pavement design; seismic coefficient to be used in structural projects; general building procedures and any other element deemed necessary.

8.2.1.6 Executive Projects They must include the following elements:

• Cabotage Pier: o Configuration according to project craft, available depths and for two berthing positions. o Structural dimensions: foundations type, reinforced concrete superstructure. In all cases the cement to be used should be sulphate resistant (RS type, puzzolanic). o Fenders and bitts installation. o Structural calculation: to create a three-dimension model (Staad type or similar), run it for different loads combinations (dead load, live load, berthing strength, bitts pulling, earthquakes) and, from theses results, design every pier’s part including the decision of using solely vertical piles or a combination of vertical and slanted ones. o Complementary elements: night position lights with colors according to the International Code of Maritime Signals on a pedestal and using solar energy; energy supply, water pipelines and intakes of the platform; a vessel lifting for small crafts (up to 27 feet length) that could be located in any place (minimum depth:1.5m) where it does not interfere with the cargo and passengers operations.

If the option of building the new pier over the existing one is chosen, the operation of the existing pier must be least disturbed, whether by stopping for the least possible time or by working at the same time with the necessary signs and precautions.

• Shed: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; structures: main structure, floor; energy, lighting and water supply. • Snack Bar-Waiting Room-Toilets Module: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; main structure; septic tank for toilet sewage disposal; electric energy and water supply; exteriors design. • Operational Yard and Parking Area: The grade lines must be consistent with the existing streets; the pavement will be made of concrete, reinforced with steel rods or with an electro-welded mesh, over a cemented base which was compacted to at least 95% of its maximum dry volumetric weight; the rain drainage will be through superficial slopes; the horizontal and vertical signalling of all the facility by means of vertical signs must be included. • Materials: They must provide the least possible maintenance.

All plans must be made in AutoCad and printed in bond paper and film –with plotter. They must include a general plan of the entire project.

8.2.1.7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule The Catalog must be divided into batches (pier, shed, etc.) and for each item have: a correlative identification number, description, unit, quantity, unit price, cost. If the demolition of the existing pier is considered, all

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Final Report corresponding items should be included, such as loading and transportation of debris to the disposal area. The nomenclature will be the standard used in Honduras.

The building specifications should include, among others: general information, location, execution time, unit system, elevations, previous surveys, provisional works, standards, quality controls, enviromental aspects, materials specifications, etc. and for each item: description (scope), measuring system and payment conditions.

The Base Budget will be prepared from the catalog and the corresponding quantities of work, defining unit prices for each item, as well as subtotals for batches and for the total work. For the definition of unitary prices, reference costs may be used or to calculate them taking into account direct and indirect costs. In any case, the chosen method of calculation, must be clearly stated for bidding purposes.

The project schedule must indicate the (partial and total) resources required per month of work. This may be done in Excel or any specialized software.

8.2.1.8 Results Delivery This will be done as follows: • Two copies of the descriptive and calculation reports, with photos related to field activities, in plastic binders or similar, containing plans printed in bond paper. • A presentation in Power Point, which will be exhibited on completion of the work in Trujillo before representatives of the World Bank, the Norwegian Trust Fund and the municipality. • Original plans printed in film paper. • Three prints (of at least 90 x 60 cm) relative to the different project’s components carried out, which could be, for example: one general; one of the pier; and one of the backland facilities. • Backup in CD of all the work performed.

8.2.1.9 Implementation Time The maximum time to carry out the works described in the Terms of Reference will be eight (8) calendar months.

8.2.1.10 Technical and Economical Proposals The Technical Proposal must include: the procedures and equipment to be used in accordance with the Catalog shown in Section 8.2.1.11; the company’s as well as the all the individual’s resumés to demonstrate prior experience in similar works; and, his work schedule.

The Economical Proposal must include the catalog, including unitary prices and the corresponding quantities of work. The analysis of the used factor for indirect costs must be submitted. The necessary trips both to Tegucigalpa and Trujillo for the smooth running of the project must be considered.

8.2.1.11 Concept Catalogs # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Project craft and cargo type handling Study 1 3 Topohydrographic survey 3.1 Support polygonals and ground control Global price 1 3.2 Beach sectioning Global price 1 3.3 Existing pier survey Global price 1 3.4 Planimetric survey of backland Global price 1 facilities’ area 3.5 Bathymetric survey Global price 1 4 Dock preliminary arrangement Arrangement 1 5 Soil mechanics

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# CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 5.1 Exploration Global price 1 5.2 Laboratory Global price 1 5.3 Technical report Report 1 6 Executive Projects 6.1 Pier Project 1 6.2 Shed Project 1 6.3 Snack bar-waiting room-toilets module Project 1 6.4 Operational yard and parking lot Project 1 7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule 7.1 Catalog Document 1 7.2 Building specifications Document 1 7.3 Base budget Document 1 7.4 Work schedule Document 1 8 Results Delivery Delivery 1 TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

8.3 PUERTO LEMPIRA In Puerto Lempira, the municipal dock is located in front of town. It is used to bring into the zone almost all goods for local use. This dock extends 340 m until it reaches the boats minimum operational water’s depth. The boats can only moor at the extreme. Its width is barely 2.5m.

Boats navigate within the lagoon till they reach the Karataska Sand Bar, which is located about 15 Km away from Puerto Lempira, then they go out to the sea. Therefore, the boats draft is precisely determined by this bar’s Picture 19 Municipal Dock Operation shallowest point. Within the lagoon, the navigation channel is not marked; subsequently the pilots have to be

careful in order not to run aground. Picture 20 Car unloading platform There are no available areas in the vicinity of the existing dock that could be utilized to build backland facilities.

Fifteen kilometres to the east of town, there is a little dock which is mainly used for disembarking vehicles. The dirt road to get there is in poor condition.

The Municipality has a lot that has been destined to build a new pier about two kilometres southeast of the municipal dock. The site Picture 21 New Pier Location is a coast salient where a 3.35m depth could be found no more

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Final Report than 200m away from the shore, according to a direct field measure, which remains to be confirmed.

This lot, located in Barrio Cementerio, is about two hectares big, it has a low topography and some areas may be prone to flooding. There is a dirt road built by the Municipality to get there, whose rights of way have already been defined. This road only needs some improvements.

To define the new pier characteristics, it is convenient, first of all, to describe the kind of vessels that would use the facilities. The vessels that provide cabotage services between La Ceiba, Trujillo and Puerto Lempira have the following dimensions: length: 60 feet (18.29m); beam: 16.5 feet (5.00m) and draft: 8-9 feet (2.43-2.74m). For these vessels, the pier should have, at least, a 3.35m depth in its farthest berth to have a under keel clearance of 0.61m, which would be enough since its situated within a lagoon. Considering these vessels length, the berthing face should be at least 24m long for a single berthing and 50m for two simultaneous berthings.

To optimize the pier’s length, since it would be in shallow waters, it should constructed with a T-head configuration (it also could be a L- head configuration, depending on the detail bathymetric study to be made), with a total length of 200m and 10m wide to allow to load and unload vehicles.

The pier should be constructed entirely of reinforced concrete, foundations, piles and deck, with the appropriate height to allow the vessels to manouver comfortably. It also should have dock fenders and bitts for securing lines.

The backland facilities required for this port would be: an access control booth (3m2), an operational yard with a parking lot (150m2), a shed (50m2), a small office with toilet facilities (15m2) and a perimetral security fence. Water supply in the pier and the toilet module could be provided by the municipal system. The energy supply in Puerto Lempira is deficient so it would be advisable to meet the Figure 13 New Pier Layout demand (power and lighting) by an independent generating system. The sewage would be directed to a septic tank. To unload the fuel carried by boat, a piping system would be installed, so that it can be directly transported to the tankers.

The Municipality would be willing to create a company which would manage and operate the new pier. The tariff system would provide the required funds for maintenance and repair.

8.3.1 Terms of Reference for the New Cabotage Dock These Terms are informative and not restrictive. The project must include all the necessary details for its building and must be developed in accordance with Honduran standards and specification; should any be absent, another of other origin could be used, stating its source.

This project will be carried out in four stages as follows:

1. Collection and analysis of information; project craft and cargo handling, topohydrographic survey and dock preliminary arrangement.

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2. Collection and analysis of information; soil mechanics and seismic refraction. 3. Collection and analysis of information; executive projects for pier and access canal signaling, catalog, building specifications, base budget and work schedule. 4. Collection and analysis of information; executive projects for shed, office-toilet module, operational yard and parking area, control booth and perimeter fence, catalog, building specifications, base budget and work schedule.

8.3.1.1 Collection and Analysis of Information It will be required to collect and analyze all the necessary information to carry out the project design, including, but not limited to: topographic charts, satellite images; waves, tides, currents and winds data; geological and seismic data; vessels characteristics, cargo statistics, etc. In all cases, the source of information should be mentioned.

8.3.1.2 Project Craft and Type of Cargo Handling Based on statistics or field data, the characteristics of the vessels (length, beam, strut, maximum draft, tonnage) that will operate in the projected pier will be defined, as well as the cargoes to be handled in order to dimension the facilities and the structure of the projected dock. Initially, the vessel characteristics that could be used may be: length: 18.29m, beam: 16.50m; draft: 2.43-2.74m.

8.3.1.3 Topohydrographic Survey This work will be carried out at the municipal site intended for the new dock and its waterfront. The approximate area is 2 Ha.

A polygonal will be laid out using a total station or similar equipment. On its tangents that face the sea, stakes every 20m will be placed to mark the different sections. The vertexes V1 and V2 that have a line of sight between them will be marked with truncated pyramid shaped concrete structures (height: 1.20m, minor base: 15x15cm; wider base: 30x30cm) with aluminum or bronze nameplates that will bear their identification data. Each of these landmarks will be photograph twice: one general and one detailed photo, to be fully identified. All the property limits should be located at the vertexes of the polygonal; also, the access road must be incorporated. All vertexes and stakes will be leveled according to the assigned tidal elevation to one vertex by the vertical ground control. Figure 14 Topohydrographic Survey In order to get the horizontal ground control, UTM or geographical coordinates will be obtained at the landmarks using a first-order GPS that will be placed long enough to get adequate precision (three or four hours at least).

The vertical ground control must be established with the tidal elevation. For this, tidal predictions data of the site or of the nearest one must be obtained or, to install a mareograph (or limnimeter) for thirty consecutive days. The equipment could be located at the existing pier. From this information, a tidal correlation can be made, and the elevation through an auxiliary base level –situated in the environs of the equipment- deducted. This level should be referred to the Mean Low Level Water (MLLW), since this is a semidiurnal tide. This level will be transferred to either vertex V1 or V2 using a direct method (closed leveling 2 Km long) or using a GPS.

To obtain the topographic configuration of the coastline, the beach will be sectioned perpendicularly to the coastline and to the sides of the polygonal, using the stakes, from the back tangents of the polygonal up to a water

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Final Report depth of -1.0m MLLW. The sectioning can be made with a fixed level or a total station (with reflecting prism) with the points’ density enough for a detailed configuration. Sections of 1.6 Km are envisaged.

Two bathymetric surveys will be carried out: a detailed one on the immediate seafront where the new dock will be located and a general one to define the access canal between the pier and the Karataska Bar mouth. Both surveys will be based on the established ground control using a differential mode- real time GPS with a precision of 0.10m or higher. Also, hydrographic software must be available to program the boat’s travels and to display them in portable computers. Depths will be measured with a digital echo sounder operating jointly with a GPS, adjusted to tidal variations and the transducer’s depth. Software (Hydro, Hypack or any other similar) will be used to configure the seabed in bathymetric curves every 50 cm or, if the floor is too shallow, the best determined interval. Reference plan will be MLLW. For the detailed survey on the immediate area to the new pier, transects will be made every 20m, coinciding with the beach sectioning and covering an approximate area of 12 Ha expecting to find a depth of at least 3.35m. For the survey to define the access canal, the length will be about 13 Km, with 200m wide transects every 100m which implies an approximate area of 260 Ha. It would be desirable to recruit the services of local boatmen since they know the lagoon waters.

8.3.1.4 Dock Preliminary Arrangement The following premises must be taken into account: The pier must have two berthing positions considering the project craft, maybe with a T-head configuration to minimize the access gangway; the access gangway and the operation platform must be 10m wide; the needed backland facilities are: an access control booth (3 m2), an operational yard with a parking area (150m2), a shed (50m2) and a small office and toilet facilities (15-20m2). These facilities will be connected to access road.

8.3.1.5 Soil Mechanics and Seismic Refraction Three drillings will be performed, if necessary, combining a standard penetration tool with a thin wall Shelby-type tube for unaltered sampling of cohesive soils. The use of diamond rock barrel should not be discarded. The drillings to be made are: Drilling SP1: On the land, at the start of the projected access gangway, where the water area begins (20m within the seabed); Drilling SP2: At the area where the shed will be located (5m into the soil); Drilling SP3: Where the office-toilets module will be located (5m into the soil). If rocky soils are found, the exploration should stop at 3m deep and the RQD (Rock Quality Designation) should be determined by the recovery of nucleus.

Depending on their nature, the samples will be submitted to the following tests: field and laboratory classification (ASTM D2488); natural water content (ASTM D2261); consistency limits (ASTM D423 and ASTM D424); granular composition by mesh (ASTM D422); fine contents by washing (ASTM D1140); solid density; If applicable: shear resistance in unconfined compression with two cycles for loading and unloading (ASTM D2166), compressibility in unidimensional consolidation test (ASTM D2435), shear resistance in triaxial compression (ASTM D2850) and compressibility through unitary stress deformation test in a triaxial chamber.

The marine seismic refraction technique is a method that allow calculating –through the propagation o velocity of seismic waves in the subsoil- the compactness and thickness of materials. Therefore, this technique is useful in determining the thickness and degree of compactness of the seabed and defining the contact depth and hardness degree in rocky or very compact soils. Two layings will be considered: A 250m long along the access gangway from the place on land where the direct drilling is being made up to the operation platform; and a 100m long along the operation platform (considering a T-head configuration). The hydrophones must be situated in order to penetrate 20m deep into the seabed to know better the thickness and distribution of the soil layers. Also, the seismic waves generation should be done in such a way to achieve the required depth. A 12-channel seismograph with special cables and hydrophones for use in water or similar equipment could be used. The results of the direct drillings will be used for the calibration and interpretation of thseismic refraction layings.

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A technical report will be prepared to include: pier, shed, control booth, office and toilets module foundations design; operational yard and parking lot pavement design; seismic coefficient to be used in structural projects; general building procedures and any other element deemed necessary.

8.3.1.6 Executive Projects They must include the following elements:

• Cabotage Pier: o Configuration according to project craft, available depths and for two berthing positions. o Structural dimensions: foundations type, reinforced concrete superstructure. In all cases the cement to be used should be sulphate resistant (RS type, puzzolanic). o Fenders and bitts installation. o Structural calculation: to create a three-dimension model (Staad type or similar), run it for different loads combinations (dead load, live load, berthing strength, bitts pulling, earthquakes) and, from theses results, design every pier’s part including the decision of using solely vertical piles or a combination of vertical and slanted ones. o Complementary elements: night position lights with colors according to the International Code of Maritime Signals on a pedestal and using solar energy; energy supply, water pipelines and intakes of the platform; a pipeline from the operaton platform to the operational yard to transfer fuel from the vessels to the truck. • Shed: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; structures: main structure, floor; energy, lighting and water supply. • Office-Toilets Module: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; main structure; septic tank for toilet sewage disposal; electric energy and water supply; exteriors design. • Operational Yard and Parking Area: The grade lines must be consistent with the access road, which will be given the adequate upgrade; the pavement could be made either of asphalt or concrete tiles; the rain drainage will be through superficial slopes; the horizontal and vertical signalling of all the facility by means of vertical signs must be included. • Control Booth: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; main structure; energy supply. • Signals for the Access Canal: Buoys (position, colour, type, anchor, and fastening system) for diurnal operation with the adequate separation will be used. • Perimeter fence: Outline, length, height, fastening posts with concrete anchoring and tensors will be used. • Materials: They must provide the least possible maintenance and local materials will be evaluated (geotechnical studies) to find out if they can be used in this project.

All plans must be made in AutoCad and printed in bond paper and film –with plotter. They must include a general plan of the entire project.

8.3.1.7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule The Catalog must be divided into batches (pier, shed, etc.) and for each item have: a correlative identification number, description, unit, quantity, unit price, cost. If the demolition of the existing pier is considered, all corresponding items should be included, such as loading and transportation of debris to the disposal area. The nomenclature will be the standard used in Honduras, whenever possible.

The building specifications should include, among others: general information, location, execution time, unit system, elevations, previous surveys, provisional works, standards, quality controls, enviromental aspects, materials specifications, etc. and for each item: description (scope), measuring system and payment conditions.

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The Base Budget will be prepared from the catalog and the corresponding quantities of work, defining unit prices for each item, as well as subtotals for batches and for the total work. For the definition of unitary prices, reference costs may be used or to calculate them taking into account direct and indirect costs. In any case, the chosen method of calculation, must be clearly stated for bidding purposes.

The project schedule must indicate the (partial and total) resources required per month of work. This may be done in Excel or any specialized software.

8.3.1.8 Results Delivery This will be done as follows: • Two copies of the descriptive and calculation reports, with photos related to field activities, in plastic binders or similar, containing plans printed in bond paper. • A presentation in Power Point, which will be exhibited on completion of the work in Puerto Lempira before representatives of the World Bank, the Norwegian Trust Fund and the municipality. • Original plans printed in film paper. • Three prints (of at least 90 x 60 cm) relative to the different project’s components carried out, which could be, for example: one general; one of the pier; and one of the backland facilities. • Backup in CD of all the work performed.

8.3.1.9 Implementation Time The maximum time to carry out the works described in will be three (3) calendar months for the first stage; three (3) calendar months for the second stage; four (4) calendar months for the third stage and four (4) calendar months for the fourth stage.

8.3.1.10 Technical and Economical Proposals The Technical Proposal must include: the procedures and equipment to be used in accordance with the Catalogs shown in Section 8.3.1.11; the company’s as well as the all the individual’s resumés to demonstrate prior experience in similar works; and, his work schedule.

The Economical Proposal must include the catalog, including unitary prices and the corresponding quantities of work. The analysis of the used factor for indirect costs must be submitted. The necessary trips both to Tegucigalpa and Puerto Lempira for the smooth running of the project must be considered.

8.3.1.11 Concept Catalog

Stage 1 # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Project craft and cargo type handling Study 1 3 Topohydrographic survey 3.1 Support polygonals and ground control Global price 1 3.2 Beach sectioning Global price 1 3.3 Bathymetric survey Global price 1 4 Dock preliminary arrangement Arrangement 1 5 Results Delivery Delivery 1 TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

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Stage 2 # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Soil mechanics and seismic refraction 2.1 Exploration and Laboratory Global price 1 2.2 Geophysics investigation Global price 1 2.3 Technical report Report 1 3 Results Delivery Delivery 1 TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

Stage 3 # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Executive Projects 2.1 Pier Project 1 2.2 Signals for access canal Project 1 3 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule 3.1 Catalog Document 1 3.2 Building specifications Document 1 3.3 Base budget Document 1 3.4 Work schedule Document 1 4 Results Delivery Delivery 1 TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

Stage 4 # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Executive Projects 2.1 Shed Project 1 2.2 Office-toilets module Project 1 2.3 Operational yard and parking lot Project 1 2.4 Control booth Project 1 2.5 Perimeter fence Project 1 3 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule 3.1 Catalog Document 1 3.2 Building specifications Document 1 3.3 Base budget Document 1 3.4 Work schedule Document 1 4 Results Delivery Delivery 1 TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

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8.4 TELA The town's long dock burned in 1994. A hasty replacement, opened in January 1995, collapsed due to high winds, and the remnant is now used for fishing. Its deck is made of timber and the foundations are timber piles with concrete caissons. It is extremely deteriorated and dangerous for the people who still get up there. Its length is about 240m.

Due to the fallen parts that still lie in the seabed, which are difficult to recover or even to detect, it would be difficult to rehabilitate the present dock because the new piles embedment would be a complicated task.

In recent years, some dolphin facilities have been built seaward. These are used to pump fuel to land. However, even these structures are in bad Picture 22 Existing Dock condition.

The beaches around the dock are tidied up and well preserved. To the East, there is a touristic walkway along which, there are hotels and restaurants. This walkway could be an example for other coastal towns, because, at a low cost, a beautiful and useful place has been obtained.

Some people in Tela expect support to build a cruise ship dock. However, after 26 explaining the technical reasons and the output of the completed study , they Picture 23 Dolphin Facilities accepted that a pier for touristic purposes only could be useful too. In any case, the repairing of the existing dock is considered in the Participatory Strategy for the Integral Development of Tela.

Taking into account how damaged is the existing dock, the well preserved beaches in the vicinity and a developed walkway along one of them, the probable project in Tela would be then the rehabilitation of the existing dock or to build a new one. In any case, it would be exclusively a complementary touristic facility.

There are three possible ways to carry out this project:

1. Partially using the existing structure, demolishing certain parts and building a new foundation to make a T-head pier with a maximum length of 240m and 6m wide. The protruding parts of the main deck would have to go. The deck planks would be only partially substituted to minimize costs and the remaining planks would be given a recovery repair. Figure 15 New Pier Layout The existing foundations would be demolished and new ones – reinforced concrete or steel piles- would be embedded. The

26 Study and Master Plan Development for Cruise Ship Dock in Trujillo Bay

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seabed would have to be cleaned up to prevent obstructions for the new foundations. 2. Demolishing the present structure and building a new a T-head pier with a maximum length of 240m and 10m wide. The debris would be completely removed and the new structure would be of reinforced concrete. To minimize the possible problems caused by storm waves, the deck would have to be raised and be connected to the shore by a ramp. 3. Leaving the existing structure in its place and building another 100m to the East or to the West of the existing dock. If the present structure is left, it would contaminate visually and its access would have to be prohibited. The new structure would be a T-head pier 200m long at most, and 10m to 12m wide and to minimize the possible problems caused by storm waves, the deck would have to be raised and be connected to the shore by a ramp. The new pier location would be decided in common agreement by the stakeholders.

For the Option 1, a previous detailed analysis of the existing dock’s structural conditions would be necessary in order to determine if this alternative can be taken and, if so, which parts might be demolished. This analysis would have to determine precisely if the structure could resist the loads imposed on it during the rebuilding process.

For the Options 1 and 2, a seabed detailed inspection would have to be carried out to determine which fallen elements would have to be removed because they obstruct the new foundations building. Also, to make this project financially feasible through a donation, the existing dock’s ownership would have to be transferred to the Municipality.

The Option 3 would be the easiest alternative if the Option 2 would not be possible.

8.5 BLUEFIELDS Bluefields is the capital of the Nicaraguan South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS) and it is located in the Caribbean Coast (83° 45’ W, 12° 00’ N), it has an area of 4,775 Km2 and it is located 383 Km away from Managua. Its population is 50,861 inhabitants, of which 96% live in urban areas and the rest in rural zones; it is multiethnic, multilingual and multicultural.

The municipal dock is about 50 m long and 5.5m wide, constructed with a T-head configuration where the head is 25m long by 10m wide. It is entirely built of reinforced concrete. It is relatively in good condition but the bitts and fenders are somewhat damaged and even missing. The access street has shops on both sides so there is no parking space for the dock. It could be observed that the dock is crowded with vessels a cause of incorrect operation and lack of berthing spaces.

There is transportation service from Bluefields to Rama, Laguna de Perlas, Kukra Hill, and other villages. The passenger terminal can have up to 200 passengers in peak hours. This terminal is a Picture 24 Municipal Dock wooden building with an area where tickets are sold, a small waiting room where snacks and drinks can be bought and a cubicle for luggage inspection. For embark/disembark operations, small reinforced concrete docks are used.

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Taking into account these situations and that the largest vessels that use the dock have the following dimensions: length: 25.12m; beam: 6.34m; draft: 1.83m and strut: 2.86m, the improved facilities would have the following characteristics:

1. New berthing spaces. A new reinforced concrete operations platform would be built to the North of the present one. It would be 25m long and 10m wide. Two 33m long and 7m wide piers would be added, each projecting form each operating platform that would offer four simultaneous berthing positions. They would have mooring bitts, dock fenders and water and energy outlets. 2. Land reclamation for a new terminal and parking lot. About 500 m2 of new land area would be created to the North of the existing dock by using a Figure 16 Proposed Dock Layout perimeter steel sheet piling filled with aggregates (sand or rubble). In this area a 324m2 parking lot would be built and, if required, an administration office. 3. New passenger terminal. A new passenger facility would be built occupying a 176 m2 area and it would contain an administrative office, a waiting room, a snack bar, toilet facilities and a luggage inspection area. This terminal would have three 10m long x 2m wide reinforced concrete piers with mooring cleats and docking fenders that would allow six small crafts to berth simultaneously. Water and energy would be supplied and the sewage would be directed to a septic tank or to a sewage system.

Since the dock´s operation cannot be stopped, the construction could be made as follows:

1. To build the perimeter sheet piling to reclaim land. 2. To fill the spaces between the sheet piling. 3. To do the earthwork. 4. To build the new pier and operation platform. This space could be used to construct the new piles for the foundations of the new facilities. 5. To build the new passenger terminal piers. 6. To build the new passenger terminal. 7. To pave the land reclaimed to the sea. 8. To build the second pier.

The overall cost of the project is estimated in between US$350,000 to US$400,000, and could take six to eight months to be carried out.

8.5.1 Terms of Reference for the Expansion of the Municipal Dock These Terms are informative and not restrictive. The project must include all the necessary details for its building and must be developed in accordance with Nicaraguan standards and specification; should any be absent, another of other origin could be used, stating its source.

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8.5.1.1 Collection and Analysis of Information It will be required to collect and analyze all the necessary information to carry out the project design, including, but not limited to: topographic charts, satellite images; waves, tides, currents and winds data; geological and seismic data; vessels characteristics, cargo statistics, etc. In all cases, the source of information should be mentioned.

8.5.1.2 Project Crafts and Type of Cargo Handling Based on statistics or field data, the characteristics of the vessels (length, beam, strut, maximum draft, tonnage) that will operate in the expansion part will be defined, as well as the cargoes to be handled in order to dimension the facilities. Initially, the vessel characteristics that could be used may be: length: 18.29m, beam: 16.50m; draft: 2.43-2.74m, for cabotage crafts and for passengers’ crafts, fiberglass boats with outboard engines of 7.62 to 8.53m long can be considered.

8.5.1.3 Topohydrographic Survey A closed support polygonal containing the existing dock, the passenger terminal and the adjacent area, will be laid out using a total station or similar equipment. The vertexes V1 and V2 that have a line of sight between them will be marked with truncated pyramid shaped concrete structures (height: 1.20m, minor base: 15x15cm; wider base: 30x30cm) with aluminum or bronze nameplates that will bear their identification data. Each of these landmarks will be photograph twice: one general and one detailed photo, to be fully identified. All vertexes and stakes will be leveled according to the assigned tidal elevation to one vertex by the vertical ground control.

In order to get the horizontal ground control, UTM or geographical coordinates will be obtained at the landmarks using a first-order GPS that will be placed long enough to get adequate precision (three or four hours at least).

The vertical ground control must be established with the tidal elevation. An official base level will be identified and physically located to constitute the base level for the vertical ground control. If neither the information is found nor it can be physically located, tidal predictions data of the site or of the nearest one must be obtained or, to install a mareograph (or limnimeter) in the existing dock for thirty consecutive days. From this information, a tidal correlation can be made, and the base level –situated in one of the landmarks- deducted. This level should be referred to the Mean Low Level Water (MLLW), since this is a semidiurnal tide.

Poligonal de Apoyo (200 m.)

Levantamiento Planimetrico (0.20 Ha.)

Levantatiemto Batimetrico (1.5 Has.)

Figure 17 Topohydrographic Survey

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A detailed survey of the existing dock will be carried out, including its platform, slab, beams, piles, mooring and docking elements and existing facilities, linking them –horizontally and vertically to the already established polygonals.

A planimetric survey of the entire existing facilities’ area (0.20 Ha) as well as the coastline required for the expansion will be made using the radiation method (angle and distance) with a total station or similar equipment and the vertexes already determined. This survey shall include a description of every element: buildings, road accesses and utilities.

A detailed bathymetric survey will be based on the established ground control using a differential mode- real time GPS with a precision of 0.10m or higher. Also, hydrographic software must be available to program the boat’s travels and to display them in portable computers. Depths will be measured with a digital echo sounder operating jointly with a GPS, adjusted to tidal variations and the transducer’s depth. Software (Hydro, Hypack or any other similar) will be used to configure the seabed in bathymetric curves every 50 cm or, if the floor is too shallow, the best determined interval. Reference plan will be MLLW. Transects will be made every 20m, or less if necessary. It is estimated that the survey will cover 1.5 Ha.

8.5.1.4 Facilities Preliminary Arrangement The following premises must be taken into account: A new 25m x 10m operations platform with two 33m x 7m piers will be added to offer four simultaneous berthing positions; about 500 m2 of new land area would be created to the North of the existing dock; and a new 176 m2 passenger facility (administrative office, waiting room, snack bar, toilet facilities and luggage inspection area) would be built with three 10m x 2m piers to allow six small crafts to berth simultaneously.

8.5.1.5 Soil Mechanics Three drillings will be performed, if necessary, combining a standard penetration tool with a thin wall Shelby-type tube for unaltered sampling of cohesive soils. The use of diamond rock barrel should not be discarded. The drillings to be made are: Drilling SP1: At the start of the existing access gangway, where the water area begins (20m within the seabed); Drilling SP2: At the central part of the of Southern arm of the existing operations platform (20m within the seabed); Drilling SP3: At the central part of the of Northern arm of the existing operations platform (20m within the seabed). If rocky soils are found, the exploration should stop at 3m deep and the RQD (Rock Quality Designation) should be determined by the recovery of nucleus.

Depending on their nature, the samples will be submitted to the following tests: field and laboratory classification (ASTM D2488); natural water content (ASTM D2261); consistency limits (ASTM D423 and ASTM D424); granular composition by mesh (ASTM D422); fine contents by washing (ASTM D1140); solid density; If applicable: shear resistance in unconfined compression with two cycles for loading and unloading (ASTM D2166), compressibility in unidimensional consolidation test (ASTM D2435), shear resistance in triaxial compression (ASTM D2850) and compressibility through unitary stress deformation test in a triaxial chamber.

A technical report will be prepared to include: new operations platform, piers and new passenger terminal foundations design; dredging of water areas, sheet piling design, filling of the area surrounded by the sheet, parking lot pavement design; seismic coefficient to be used in structural projects; general building procedures and any other element deemed necessary.

8.5.1.6 Executive Projects They must include the following elements:

• New Operations Platform plus Piers 1 and 2: o Configuration according to project craft.

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o Structural dimensions: foundations type, reinforced concrete superstructure. In all cases the cement to be used should be sulphate resistant (RS type, puzzolanic). o Patent berthing and mooring elements installation. o Structural calculation: to create a three-dimension model (Staad type or similar), run it for different loads combinations (dead load, live load, berthing strength, bitts pulling, earthquakes) and, from theses results, design every pier’s part including the decision of using solely vertical piles or a combination of vertical and slanted ones. o Complementary elements: energy supply, water pipelines and intakes of the piers. • Dredging: Only if it is necessary: area and depth, volumes (sectioning every 10m), material and place of its disposal. • Passengers Piers: o Configuration according to project craft. o Structural dimensions: foundations type, reinforced concrete superstructure. In all cases the cement to be used should be sulphate resistant (RS type, puzzolanic). o Patent berthing and mooring elements installation. • Passengers Terminal: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; main structure; kitchen and toilet sewage disposal; electric energy and water supply. • Parking Lot: o Grade lines consistent with the existing streets and piers. o Pavement made of asphalt or concrete tiles, whichever is more convenient taking into account it will be placed over a filling. If required, the dynamics improvement of the filling must be specified or the use of geotextiles. o Rain drainage will be through superficial slopes. o The horizontal and vertical signalling of all the facilities by means of vertical signs must be included. • Demolitions: Which elements (characteristics, dimensions, materials) are going to be demolished once the new facilities are ready; volumes involved; and disposal.

A general plan of the entire project must be prepared and a work program that takes into account that the existing facilities cannot stop operating until the new ones start providing service.

8.5.1.7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule The Catalog must be divided into batches (operations platform, piers, passenger terminal, etc.) and for each item have: a correlative identification number, description, unit, quantity, unit price, cost. If demolitions are considered, all corresponding items should be included, such as loading and transportation of debris to the disposal area. The nomenclature will be the standard used in Nicaragua.

The building specifications should include, among others: general information, location, execution time, unit system, elevations, previous surveys, provisional works, standards, quality controls, enviromental aspects, materials specifications, etc. and for each item: description (scope), measuring system and payment conditions.

The Base Budget will be prepared from the catalog and the corresponding quantities of work, defining unit prices for each item, as well as subtotals for batches and for the total work. For the definition of unitary prices, reference costs may be used or to calculate them taking into account direct and indirect costs. In any case, the chosen method of calculation, must be clearly stated for bidding purposes.

The project schedule must indicate the (partial and cumulative) resources required per month of work. This may be done in Excel or any specialized software.

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8.5.1.8 Results Delivery This will be done as follows: • Two copies of the descriptive and calculation reports, with photos related to field activities, in plastic binders or similar, containing plans printed in bond paper. • A presentation in Power Point, which will be exhibited on completion of the work in Bluefields before representatives of the World Bank, the Norwegian Trust Fund and the municipality. • Original plans printed in film paper. • Three prints (of at least 90 x 60 cm) relative to the different project’s components carried out, which could be, for example: one general; one of the pier; and one of the backland facilities. • Backup in CD of all the work performed.

8.5.1.9 Implementation Time The maximum time to carry out the works described in the Terms of Reference will be eight (8) calendar months.

8.5.1.10 Technical and Economical Proposals The Technical Proposal must include: the procedures and equipment to be used in accordance with the Catalog shown in Section 8.5.1.11; the company’s as well as the all the individual’s resumés to demonstrate prior experience in similar works; and, his work schedule.

The Economical Proposal must include the catalog, including unitary prices and the corresponding quantities of work. The analysis of the used factor for indirect costs must be submitted. The necessary trips both to Managua and Bluefields for the smooth running of the project must be considered.

8.5.1.11 Concept Catalog # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Project crafts and cargo type handling Study 1 3 Topohydrographic survey 3.1 Support polygonal and ground control Global price 1 3.2 Existing pier survey Global price 1 3.3 Planimetric survey of surrounding area Global price 1 and complementary facilities 3.4 Bathymetric survey Global price 1 4 Dock preliminary arrangement Arrangement 1 5 Soil mechanics 5.1 Exploration Global price 1 5.2 Laboratory Global price 1 5.3 Technical report Report 1 6 Executive Projects 6.1 New operations platform and Piers 1 Project 1 and 2 6.2 Metal sheet pile Project 1 6.3 Dredging of water area Project 1 6.4 Passengers piers Project 1 6.5 Passenger terminal Project 1 6.6 Parking lot Project 1 6.7 Demolitions Project 1 7 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule 7.1 Catalog Document 1 7.2 Building specifications Document 1 7.3 Base budget Document 1 7.4 Work schedule Document 1 8 Results Delivery Delivery 1

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# CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

8.6 CORN ISLAND Corn Island is located in the RAAS in the Atlantic Ocean (83° 03’ W, 12° 10’ N) occupying 13.1 Km2. According to the 2005 census, Great Island has 6,626 inhabitants and there are 560 people living in Little Island. The predominant ethnic group is Créole.

In the northern end of Coco Beach there is a municipal dock used for cabotage purposes and a small pier to transport passengers and small goods to Little Corn Island. The dock is protected from waves by a breakwater and it is built with a T-head configuration, with a gangway of 60m long and 6m wide and a head of 25m long and 10m wide. It is in good condition and would only need to replace the Picture 25 Municipal Dock docking fenders with patent ones and the mooring bitts with some patent cast iron elements to prevent corrosion.

The small pier for passengers use is built entirely of timber and is linked to the main dock by means of a staircase and a ramp.

Since the municipality has requested a small passenger terminal, it could be built in an area of 60-70 m2 and would include a waiting room, a snack bar, a ticket office and toilet facilities. Energy and water supply would be taken from the existing networks and the sewage would be dispose to a septic tank. The municipality would have to define and provide the land for this purpose. The cost of this project would be around US$75,000 and it would be completed in four months.

8.6.1 Little Corn Island The pier in Little Corn Island is owned by the municipality. It is built of reinforced concrete, 40m long and 2.5m wide and is in poor condition; even its shore side presents erosion and the deck is too high for passengers use. A docking fender system has been recently installed, based on embedded timber piles fastened to the main structure. Around the pier there is a small strolling area with hotels, restaurants and shops.

On this site, the improvements would be the following: Picture 26 Little Corn Island Pier

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1. A 20 m2 waiting room with toilet facilities plus septic tank in an area designated for this purpose by the municipality.

2. A position light beacon (probably white) visible enough from off shore at one side of the pier. It would be have the following elements: a concrete base, pedestal, lantern, solar panel and batteries.

3. A small pier attached to the current one but with a lower deck to allow the safe embarking and disembarking of passengers. Figure 18 Pier Layout This pier could be of any of three types: concrete gravity type, timber structure or of floating type. The gravity type requires major equipment to be built, so it is not recommended. The timber type would be easier to build but the floating one would be better operationally. Although the latter could be damaged by severe wave action, it could be dismounted and moved to a safer place, should such event occur. This pier could be fastened by either plies or anchor buoys and tensors. All its elements should be patent ones ready to assemble at the site.

4. A promenade along Coco Beach, from the existing fishing pier to the Northwest end, with restricted vehicle access with roundabouts at its ends. It would be seven meters wide, about one kilometer long and equipped with benches, trash bins and public lightning. The pavement would be of 10cm thick reinforced concrete with an electrowelded mesh and a possible color finish. If so required, it would have to be protected by enrockments. The promenade level should follow the terrain. Picture 27 Promenade Area This infrastructure would represent a major recreational attraction and would attract more tourists as touristic businesses install themselves in the area.

The overall cost of the first three improvements is estimated in US$75,000 and if the floating pier is fixed with buoys and tensors, the project could be executed in three to four months. The promenade would cost about US$200,000 and could be built in six months. Figure 19 Promenade Architectural Concept

8.6.2 Terms of Reference for Complementary Facilities These Terms are informative and not restrictive. The project must include all the necessary details for its building and must be developed in accordance with Nicaraguan standards and specification; should any be absent, another of other origin could be used, stating its source.

8.6.2.1 Collection and Analysis of Information It will be required to collect and analyze all the necessary information to carry out the project design, including, but not limited to: geotechnical data; tides information; seismic data; vessels characteristics, etc. In all cases, the source of information should be mentioned.

8.6.2.2 Topohydrographic Survey In Corn Island, the dock’s dimensions must be corroborated and the docking fenders and mooring bitts located for its replacement. Once defined, the area for the passenger terminal must be surveyed, establishing its boundaries by means of a polygonal (200 m2) and sections every 5m. Two polygonal’s vertexes will be marked each with PVC pipes (6” diameter), bearing aluminum identification nameplates. By the radiation method, all the existing facilities and accesses will be located as well as the existing utilities installations.

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In Little Corn Island, a support polygonal will be established at the existing pier, marking two vertexes each with PVC pipes (6” diameter), bearing aluminum identification nameplates. A bathymetric survey of the pier perimeter will be made on a 20m wide strip, using either an echo sounder with GPS positioning or by direct methods (leveling rod or total station and prism); in any case, the elevations will be adjusted using the tide predictions of the nearest site. The waiting room (40m2) and beacon (10m2) locations will be linked topographically to the polygonal.

To determine the subsoil conditions in both Corn Island and Little Corn Island, strip pits (1.5m x1.5m) will be dug out 1.5m deep or up to groundwater level or up to layer hard enough not to be excavated with pick and shovel. Strata will be visually classified and cubic samples will be collected to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics.

8.6.2.3 Executive Projects They must include the following elements:

• Replacement of bitts and fenders: Patent, well known brand and quality. • Passenger Terminal in Corn Island: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; structural design; toilet sewage disposal; electric energy and water supply; exteriors. • Waiting room in Little Corn Island: Architectonic elements: plans, facades, cuts, finishes, etc; structural design; toilet sewage disposal. • Position light beacon: Of prestigious brand that requires the minimum maintenance. It should include: a concrete base, pedestal, lantern (color in accordance with the International Code of Maritime Signals), solar panel, batteries and spare parts. • Floating pier in Little Corn Island: a patent dismountable one, aluminium with non-slippery floor and railings access ramp, self recovery anchor buoys and tensors.

8.6.2.4 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule The Catalog must be divided into batches (bitts and fenders replacement, passenger terminal, etc.) and for each item have: a correlative identification number, description, unit, quantity, unit price, cost. If demolitions are considered, all corresponding items should be included, such as loading and transportation of debris to the disposal area. The nomenclature will be the standard used in Nicaragua.

The building specifications should include, among others: general information, location, execution time, unit system, elevations, previous surveys, provisional works, standards, quality controls, enviromental aspects, materials specifications, etc. and for each item: description (scope), measuring system and payment conditions.

The Base Budget will be prepared from the catalog and the corresponding quantities of work, defining unit prices for each item, as well as subtotals for batches and for the total work. For the definition of unitary prices, reference costs may be used or to calculate them taking into account direct and indirect costs. In any case, the chosen method of calculation, must be clearly stated for bidding purposes.

The project schedule must indicate the (partial and cumulative) resources required per month of work. This may be done in Excel or any specialized software.

8.6.2.5 Results Delivery This will be done as follows: • Two copies of the descriptive and calculation reports, with photos related to field activities, in plastic binders or similar, containing plans printed in bond paper. • A presentation in Power Point, which will be exhibited on completion of the work in Corn Island before representatives of the World Bank, the Norwegian Trust Fund and the municipality.

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• Original plans printed in film paper. • Three prints (of at least 90 x 60 cm) relative to the different project’s components carried out, which could be, for example: one general; one of the pier; and one of the backland facilities. • Backup in CD of all the work performed.

8.6.2.6 Implementation Time The maximum time to carry out the works described in the Terms of Reference will be six (6) calendar months.

8.6.2.7 Technical and Economical Proposals The Technical Proposal must include: the procedures and equipment to be used in accordance with the Catalog shown in Section 8.5.1.11; the company’s as well as the all the individual’s resumés to demonstrate prior experience in similar works; and, his work schedule.

The Economical Proposal must include the catalog, including unitary prices and the corresponding quantities of work. The analysis of the used factor for indirect costs must be submitted. The necessary trips to Managua, Corn Island and Little Corn Island for the smooth running of the project must be considered.

8.6.2.8 Concept Catalog # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Topohydrographic survey 2.1 Corn Island Global price 1 2.2 Little Corn Island Global price 1 3 Geotechnics Arrangement 1 4 Executive Projects 4.1 Replacement of bitts and fenders in the Project 1 municipal pier of Corn Island 4.2 Passenger terminal Project 1 4.3 Waiting room in Little Corn Island Project 1 4.4 Position beacon in Little Corn Island Project 1 4.5 Floating pier in Little Corn Island Project 1 5 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule 5.1 Catalog Document 1 5.2 Building specifications Document 1 5.3 Base budget Document 1 5.4 Work schedule Document 1 6 Results Delivery Delivery 1 TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

8.6.3 Terms of Reference for Coastal Promenade in Corn Island These Terms are informative and not restrictive. The project must include all the necessary details for its building and must be developed in accordance with Nicaraguan standards and specification; should any be absent, another of other origin could be used, stating its source.

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8.6.3.1 Collection and Analysis of Information It will be required to collect and analyze all the necessary information to carry out the project design, including, but not limited to: geotechnical data; tides information; topohydrography, cartography, etc. In all cases, the source of information should be mentioned.

8.6.3.2 Topohydrographic Survey Where the promenade is intended, a closed support polygonal will be established, substantially in parallel to the coastline, regardless of the deflections required, using a total station or similar equipment. Along the coastline tangents, stakes every 20m will be placed. The vertexes V1 and V2 that have a line of sight between them will be marked with truncated pyramid shaped concrete structures (height: 1.20m, minor base: 15x15cm; wider base: 30x30cm) with aluminum or bronze nameplates that will bear their identification data. Each of these landmarks will be photograph twice: one general and one detailed photo, to be fully identified. All vertexes and stakes will be leveled according to the assigned tidal elevation to one vertex by the vertical ground control.

In order to get the horizontal ground control, UTM or geographical coordinates will be obtained at V1 and V2 using a first-order GPS that will be placed long enough to get adequate precision (three or four hours at least).

To establish the vertical ground control, the elevation of the two existing piers’ operations platform will be obtained (verified by measuring at least three low and three high waters) and will be transferred via closed differential leveling to either V1 or V2 (about 500m away), where it will be extended to the rest of the polygonal. Elevations will be referred to the Mean Sea Level (MSL=0.0m).

To obtain the topographic configuration of the coastline, the beach will be sectioned perpendicularly to the coastline, using the polygonal and stakes, from 50m inland up to the water depth of 1.0m MSL. If a special or important feature requires a smaller sectioning, this must be done. The sectioning can be made with a fixed level or a total station (with reflecting prism) with the points’ density enough for a detailed configuration. A total of fifty- six sections are envisaged.

A planimetric survey of the intended promenade area will be made. This survey shall include a description of every element: existing buildings, streets, lots delimitations, utilities availability and existing swamps.

8.6.3.3 Geotechnics To determine the stratigraphic sequence and physical characteristics of the zone, five strip pits (1.5m x1.5m) will be dug out 1.5m deep or up to groundwater level or up to layer hard enough not to be excavated with pick and shovel. Volumetric weight and soil humidity in natural state will be determined and samples will be collected to run laboratory tests (consistency limits, linear contraction, granulometry, dry volumetric weight, optimal humidity, sand equivalent, support relative value). Also, the density of the bank of rocks at the site will be evaluated and possible borrow pits will be investigated for the earthwork project, assessing their material by strip pits and laboratory tests, transportations distance and possible acquisition cost. A report on the geotechnics study will be delivered, including photos.

8.6.3.4 Promenade Project It must include the following elements:

• Geometric analysis and implantation on field: An outline axis plan must be developed calculating the horizontal curves and the building tables, also including intersections with the streets (whre the roundabouts will be located). Afterwards, these results will be set on the field, based on the polygonal. • Pavement: A 10-12cm thick concrete carpet, reinforced with an electrowelded mesh and the surface stamped and colored. On the ground side, a curb will be placed and the seaside will be protected by enrockments.

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• Sub-grades: Longitudinal slopes, vertical curves geometry and sub-grade levels calculation; geometry of the constructive sections definition (pumping, super-elevations, slopes, thickness and slopes of cuts and terraces), earthworks calculations. • Roundabouts: Outline plan, complementary building plan, streets profiles, and building sections. • Drainage works: Location, structures to be used. • Equipment: Lightning, benches, trash bins.

8.6.3.5 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule The Catalog must be divided into batches (earthwork, pavement, etc.) and for each item have: a correlative identification number, description, unit, quantity, unit price, cost. If demolitions are considered, all corresponding items should be included, such as loading and transportation of debris to the disposal area. The nomenclature will be the standard used in Nicaragua.

The building specifications should include, among others: general information, location, execution time, unit system, elevations, previous surveys, provisional works, standards, quality controls, enviromental aspects, materials specifications, etc. and for each item: description (scope), measuring system and payment conditions.

The Base Budget will be prepared from the catalog and the corresponding quantities of work, defining unit prices for each item, as well as subtotals for batches and for the total work. For the definition of unitary prices, reference costs may be used or to calculate them taking into account direct and indirect costs. In any case, the chosen method of calculation, must be clearly stated for bidding purposes.

The project schedule must indicate the (partial and cumulative) resources required per month of work. This may be done in Excel or any specialized software.

8.6.3.6 Results Delivery This will be done as follows: • Two copies of the descriptive and calculation reports, with photos related to field activities, in plastic binders or similar, containing plans printed in bond paper. • A presentation in Power Point, which will be exhibited on completion of the work in Corn Island before representatives of the World Bank, the Norwegian Trust Fund and the municipality. • Original plans printed in film paper. • Three prints (of at least 90 x 60 cm) relative to the different project’s components carried out, which could be, for example: one general; one of the pier; and one of the backland facilities. • Backup in CD of all the work performed.

8.6.3.7 Implementation Time The maximum time to carry out the works described in the Terms of Reference will be six (6) calendar months.

8.6.3.8 Technical and Economical Proposals The Technical Proposal must include: the procedures and equipment to be used in accordance with the Catalog shown in Section 8.5.1.11; the company’s as well as the all the individual’s resumés to demonstrate prior experience in similar works; and, his work schedule.

The Economical Proposal must include the catalog, including unitary prices and the corresponding quantities of work. The analysis of the used factor for indirect costs must be submitted. The necessary trips both to Managua, and Corn Island for the smooth running of the project must be considered.

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8.6.3.9 Concept Catalog # CONCEPT UNIT QUANTITY UNITARY COST (USD) PRICE (USD) 1 Collection and analysis of information Study 1 2 Topohydrographic survey 2.1 Support polygonal and ground control Global price 1 2.2 Beach sectioning Global price 1 2.3 Planimetric survey Global price 1 3 Geotechnics Arrangement 1 4 Promenade Project 4.1 Geometrical analytical project and in Project 1 field implantation 4.2 Pavement project and section type Project 1 4.3 Sub-grade project Project 1 4.4 Junctions at level or roundabout project Project 1 4.5 Drainage project Project 1 4.6 Equipment project Project 1 5 Catalog, Building Specifications, Base Budget and Work Schedule 5.1 Catalog Document 1 5.2 Building specifications Document 1 5.3 Base budget Document 1 5.4 Work schedule Document 1 6 Results Delivery Delivery 1 TOTAL COST TOTAL COST WRITTEN OUT (including taxes)

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9 ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN LA MOSKITIA27

9.1 TELECOMUNICATIONS In La Moskitia is difficult to develop telecommunications systems because its geography full of rivers, woodlands and waterways and the lack of road infrastructure and electric energy.

The telephony companies: CELTEL, CLARO, DIGICEL and HONDUTEL have presence in La Moskitia. Many communities have fixed or mobile service provided by at least one of these companies. The services supply includes voice and low speed data. The communication among base stations is mainly made via satellite -hiring 1xE1 per base station- and via submarine cable Maya or ARCOS1 to Puerto Lempira.

ARCOS1 has hired capacity In Puerto Lempira to HONDUTEL (12xE1) and CELTEL, but still has several STM-1 available.

HONDUTEL offers in Puerto Lempira and Kaukira Nx64 circuits, E1 and STM-1. The present rate for a clear channel E1 is US$1,221 per month. HONDUTEL does not provide Ethernet circuits 10/100 Base T in Puerto Lempira, but the client could install multiplexers to convert STM-1 to Ethernet, discounting its cost from the rate payment. Additionally, a rate of US$5 per m2 must be paid for collocation and US$51 per m3 of tower space to install the antenna.

The Internet connectivity is made mostly by satellite, which complicates its development due to the high costs of services and the transmission delays. One hour of service cost about 30-40 lempiras while the average monthly family income is only 900-1500 lempiras. A few people has computers, the access to Internet is limited because of the broadband connectivity issue. The telecommunication companies have no plans of extending broadband access in this zone

Two small cybercafés provide service in Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna using VSAT’s. CELTEL also provide a low speed Internet service in Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna. In Ahuas, only the Evangelical Clinic has internet service for its own use, which is provided via a private VSAT.

The presence of computers in schools is almost null. According to some teachers, some students do not even know them. In Cocobila and Brus Laguna there are two schools that have a computer room whose power is provided by solar systems, but the computers are few –only three or four- and old, with Pentium III processor that consumes a lot of energy.

9.2 ELECTRIC ENERGY The electric energy supply throughout La Moskitia is deficient or non-existent, situation that severely limits the touristic, productive and social development.

Electric energy is very important in this zone where the average temperature is about 30°C all day long. Food refrigeration, air conditioning, lightning and productive activities are seriously limited by power shortages. Some people have their own generators for their own needs.

27 Final Report, Alternative Energy and Telecommunications for La Moskitia. Italo Mazzei. 2009

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In Puerto Lempira there are two electric energy systems: a municipal one and a private one. Both distribution networks overlap. In Brus Laguna, there is a small municipal diesel generator of only 50 KVA. Due to the diesel cost, these generators only work during several hours per day; in Puerto Lempira, for instance, there are about thirteen hours of generation, from 8.30 in the morning till 9.30 at night. Other communities have no electricity at all, save for some small private generators.

The lack of adequate port facilities and the long distances that small sea crafts must cover to transport fuel to communities in La Moskitia makes the electric energy a very expensive commodity.

In Puerto Lempira, the municipal system has two diesel generators, one of 350 KVA –which is out of order- and another of 650 KVA. The latter is over twenty years old and consumes more than 370 gallons per day. The energy supply is not enough to cover the city’s requirements; there are zones without electricity and the population is constantly growing. The private generator supplies more than 50% of the demand and its clients are mostly hotels or high consumers. The price per KWh is 12 lempiras in the municipal system and 11 lempiras in the private system.

The Japan government has donated 36 solar systems that have been installed in the same number of schools in Gracias a Dios for the computers rooms that still do not have computers. Each system is composed by six 120W solar panels, a 3800W/24VDC inverter and eight 120A batteries for an output of 120VAC, 60Hz.

The energy demand should be considered in three settings:

• Individual: a small house with some low power lamps. • Small factories such as dairy plants, water purifiers, freezer stores, workshops whose energy demand is about 10KW. • Collective: groups of houses or small villages whose energy demand can be treated as a whole.

9.2.1 Available energetic renewable resources It would be possible to utilize wind turbines to generate electricity since the wind historical data show the presence of permanent moderate winds. For instance, in Puerto Lempira, the average annual value is 6 knots, with a maximum of 11 knots and a minimum of 3 knots, as the following table shows:

SERVICIO METEOROLÓGICO NACIONAL DEPARTAMENTO DE CLIMATOLOGÍA Pto. LEMPIRA HONDURAS OMM 7811 15° 12´ 30"N 083° 48´ 00"W 10M PROMEDIOS MENSUALES DE VELOCIDAD DEL VIENTO (m/seg)

AÑO ENE FEB MAR ABR MAY JUN JUL AGO SEP OCT NOV DIC MEDIA 1991 3,6 4,6 3,1 2,6 2,6 4,1 4,1 3,1 3,1 2,1 3,6 2,6 3,3 1992 3,1 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,1 3,6 3,1 3,1 5,1 5,1 3,6 3,7 1993 3,6 3,1 3,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 3,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 3,6 3,1 3,0 1994 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,6 4,1 3,6 2,6 2,6 2,6 3,1 3,1 3,1 1995 3,1 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,1 3,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 2,6 2,6 3,1 3,0 1996 3,1 3,6 3,6 3,1 3,6 3,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 1997 3,1 4,1 3,6 4,1 3,1 3,1 3,6 3,6 2,6 3,1 2,6 2,6 3,3 1998 2,1 2,6 2,6 2,6 2,1 2,6 2,1 2,1 3,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,3 1999 1,5 1,5 2,1 2,1 2,6 2,6 3,1 2,6 2,1 3,1 4,1 3,6 2,6 2000 3,6 3,6 3,6 4,1 4,1 3,6 3,6 3,6 2,6 3,1 3,1 4,1 3,6 2001 4,1 4,1 3,6 4,1 4,1 3,6 3,6 3,6 2,6 3,1 3,6 3,6 3,6 2002 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,6 4,1 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,1 3,1 3,6 3,1 3,5 2003 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,6 3,1 4,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 4,1 3,4 2004 2,6 2,1 3,1 2,6 2005 3,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 6,0 2,6 2,6 3,2 2006 2,6 3,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 2,6 3,1 2,6 2,1 2,1 2,6 3,1 2,7 2007 2,6 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 2,6 2,6 3,1 5,7 3,6 3,2 2008 3,1 2,6 2,6 3,1 3,1 2,1 2,7

Años 16 17 17 16 16 16 15 16 16 16 17 16 Media 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 3,1 Máxima4,14,63,64,14,14,14,13,63,15,15,74,1 Mínimo 1,5 1,5 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 2,1 d. Est 1,1 1,3 0,9 1,1 1,1 1,1 0,9 0,9 0,6 1,3 1,7 1,1

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It must be taken into account that these measures could be affected by the presence of trees in the area where the anemometer is located. Some measures taken in other communities confirm this presumption:

PLACE WIND SPEED (m/s) Kauquira (Cocodakra Beach) 3.88 5 Km on the road to Mistruk 6.38 Mistruk 4.17 – 5.55 Ahuas 4.44 – 8.33 Cocobila 2.22 – 6.66 Ibans 2.22 – 4.52 Nueva Jerusalen 3.05 – 5.55

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has the following map that shows the wind power (W/m2) and speed (m/s) for the Honduran Atlantic Coast:

The wind velocity does not change very much in inland areas because the zone is very flat and there is no high vegetation.

The other important energy source is the solar energy. Nowadays, thirty-six schools have solar systems, but just a few houses have solar panels to satisfy their electricity demand.

There is sun 65% of the year. From October to December, the sunlight is less intense and there are many clouds, so the efficiency of solar systems diminishes. Therefore, it is advisable two or more energy systems, to guarantee the electric service availability.

9.2.2 Wind Energy Wind turbines transform the wind kinetic energy into electricity. Wind power is displacing diesel power in isolated areas or it is supplemented by diesel or solar generation. Wind turbines of less than 100KW can generate electricity with wind speeds starting from 3.0m/s, although there are axial turbines that can start to generate with wind speeds as low as 2.5m/s.

Wind turbines can be of domestic as well as of industrial use. The new turbines have a low noise level; therefore they can be installed near the houses.

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A wind turbine has four main components:

• The generator and its accessories that produces the electricity. • The post or tower that supports the turbine. This can be a self supported tubular mast, fixed or with a hydraulic lift, or can be a braced mast. • The controller which is a device that measures the wind speed and direction to automatically position the turbine in order to maximize

its performance. The controller also regulates the generation to Picture 28 Braced provide a stable continuous current to charge the batteries or to feed mast the inverter. • The inverter transforms the continuous current into alternate current to feed the equipment at the voltage and frequency required.

Picture 29 Tubular Some turbines have three automatic braking levels when there are strong mast with hydraulic winds, so they can go on operating. The power generation starts to arm diminish when it reaches its maximum capacity, then the turbine moves away from the wind to reduce its rotating speed.

Most self-supported masts require of cranes for their installation, however, there are self- Picture 30 500W supported masts that have a hinge in its base and a hydraulic arm which allows to mount the Turbine turbine and the blades at ground level and then to lift them up to 12-16m high. It also allows taking the turbine down for maintenance or in danger of storms without requiring special cranes.

There are squirrel-cage type turbines which are appropriate for wind speeds of 0.0-5.4 m/s, 5.4-10.8 m/s and 10.8-20.0 m/s. These turbines are less noisy than the three-bladed. Picture 31 Nylon micro 28 turbine The PacWind factory produces turbines starting from 500W. These turbines can generate in 12-24VDC.

Also, some low cost, plastic or nylon micro turbines have been developed for small households29. These turbines are small (1.02m x 0.54m) and can generate up to 1.2 KWh a day with wind speeds of 10m/s, although they can work with wind Picture 32 Maglev speeds as low as 1m/s. They are available in 12 or 24 VDC. Turbine

The Yixion Factory has developed Maglev turbines that produce 5-6KW with a wind speed of 8m/s and 18KW with a wind speed of 12m/s and a turbine size of 2m of diameter and 8m high. These turbines can generate between 1 to 50KW.

There are also small turbines that produce up to 400 W, designed for low wind speeds and that are ideal for household use or to complement photovoltaic systems. Picture 33 High Efficiency 400W Turbine On the other hand, there are big, industrial turbines like the Enercon E-126, recently installed in Emden, Germany, that has a 7MW power, a 126m diameter blade and generates 20 million of KWh per year. Turbines such as these are not viable to install in La Moskitia due to their size, the difficult of transportation

28 www.pacwind.net 29US$290 FOB Taiwan. http://store.motorwavegroup.com/tg1017.html

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Final Report and their need of special equipment to mount them. However, it is possible to install 20 to 50KW turbines, since they are smaller.

9.2.2.1 Economical Issues • The efficiency of the existing small turbines is between 65-75% of the theoretical maximum value (Betz Limit). • The wind turbines’ availability is between 95-98%, which is higher than the existing generating plants that only work several hours a day. • A small to medium turbine. 0.4-20 KW, inverter included, has a FOB value of US$1,100 to US$1,800 per KW depending on the manufacturer and the power required. • The wind turbines had a electricity generating cost of US$0.04-0.05 per KWh by the end of 2005, depending on the wind quality and the financing conditions. • In la Moskitia area, the KWh is sold to the public at a US$0.635 price, which is higher than the average ENEE’s30 price of US$0.127. • According to the presented projects to the ENEE’s Social Electrification Office in December 2008, the cost per household ranges from US$608.04 in Kauquira to US$736.50 in Plaplaya considering generation and distribution facilities (materials and manpower) but not taking into account the operational costs (personnel, maintenance, fuel).

9.2.3 Solar Generation Generating electricity by using photovoltaic cells is more popular in La Moskitia. Solar panels can be seen in some schools and houses as well as some mobile telephony sites.

The photovoltaic efficiency is growing; nonetheless, most solar systems continue using monocrystalline silicon cells. The photovoltaic are classified as follows:

• Monocrystalline silicon cells, efficiency: 15-18%. • Polycrystalline silicon cells, efficiency: 12-14%. • Thin film or amorphous silicon cells, efficiency: 5-10%. • Periodic Table’s Groups III and V elements’ technologies, efficiency: 25% (with GaAs). Mainly used in spatial solar panels. • Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Employed in buildings or households to generate electricity in rooftops or windows, they have a low efficiency. • Concentrating Systems. They use the optical concentration or lens systems to focus the light in photovoltaic cells, improving their efficiency. • Multijunction or multilayer. They are highly efficient (25.0-40.7%) and mostly used in spatial applications.

The solar panels are easy to install and to give maintenance, since they do not have mobile pieces prone to wear out and they do not produce noise. In isolated areas, they are an excellent solution as long as it is taken into account that there will be three months a year (October to December) when the solar radiation in La Moskitia will diminish 66.7% of the highest measured solar radiation (that takes place in March). The initial investment is higher than that of a wind turbine system.

30 ENEE: Empresa Nacional de Energia Electrica (Electrical Energy National Agency)

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9.2.3.1 Economical Issues 1. The cost per KWh for a 4 KW system, silicon cells in Puerto Lempira, according to the NREL calculator31 is:

Station Identification City: Puerto Lempira Country/Province: HND Latitude: 15.22° N Longitude: 83.80° W Elevation: 13 m Weather Data: SWERA PV System Specifications DC Rating: 4.00 kW DC to AC Derate Factor: 0.770 AC Rating: 3.08 kW Array Type: Fixed Tilt Array Tilt: 15.2° Array Azimuth: 180.0° Energy Specifications Energy Cost: 0.8420 lempira/kWh It must be noted that this calculator takes long term solar radiation values that may vary ±30% per month and ±10% per year from the following shown values:

Results Solar Radiation AC Energy Month (kWh/m2/day) Energy Value (kWh) (lempira) 1 4.57 392 330.06 2 5.18 402 338.48 3 5.98 507 426.89 4 5.85 480 404.16 5 5.01 425 357.85 6 4.79 393 330.91 7 4.74 402 338.48 8 4.73 399 335.96 9 5.05 414 348.59 10 4.52 383 322.49 11 3.99 325 273.65 12 4.29 367 309.01

Year 4.89 4888 4115.70

2. It must be taken into account that 50% of the investment in a solar system for a simple house goes to the photovoltaic panels and the rest constitutes the transport and installations costs, batteries replacement and maintenance during the useful system life (25 to 30 years). 3. The photovoltaic cells prices depend on the power and the provider. The following table shows some examples32:

31 http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/International/pvwattsv1_intl.cgi 32 http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/solar_panels.htm

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Solar Panel Watt Min. US$/Unit US$/ Solar Panel Brand Quantity* Watt Vendor

Aten Solar 50 368 $92.50 $1.85 Aten Solar

Aten Solar 56 368 $103.60 $1.85 Aten Solar

Aten Solar 42 184 $90.30 $2.15 Aten Solar

Aten Solar 42 96 $94.50 $2.25 Aten Solar

Aten Solar 42 138 $94.50 $2.25 Aten Solar

Evergreen 190 56 $530.97 $2.79 The Solar BiZ

Evergreen 190 28 $541.97 $2.85 The Solar BiZ

Evergreen 195 56 $555.97 $2.85 The Solar BiZ

BrightWatts 120 2 $348.00 $2.90 DmSolar

BrightWatts 200 4 $596.00 $2.98 DmSolar

BrightWatts 220 100 $655.60 $2.98 DmSolar

BrightWatts 155 4 $461.90 $2.98 DmSolar

BrightWatts 100 10 $298.00 $2.98 DmSolar

BP Solar 175 40 $532.97 $3.05 The Solar BiZ

BP Solar 190 40 $578.97 $3.05 The Solar BiZ

BP Solar 190 40 $589.00 $3.10 BeyondOilSolar

Evergreen 180 30 $565.20 $3.14 Affordable Solar

Evergreen 190 30 $596.60 $3.14 Affordable Solar

BP Solar 190 20 $598.50 $3.15 BeyondOilSolar

Kyocera 135 20 $431.00 $3.19 Affordable Solar

Kyocera 180 20 $575.00 $3.19 Affordable Solar

Kyocera 205 20 $654.00 $3.19 Affordable Solar

Kyocera 135 20 $438.60 $3.25 Wholesale Solar

Kyocera 180 20 $584.80 $3.25 Wholesale Solar

Kyocera 205 20 $666.00 $3.25 Wholesale Solar

Kyocera 135 20 $445.45 $3.30 AltE

Kyocera 180 20 $593.95 $3.30 AltE

Kyocera 205 20 $676.50 $3.30 AltE

Kyocera 210 20 $694.25 $3.31 Wholesale Solar

Sharp 170 1 $569.70 $3.35 Infinigi

BP Solar 190 10 $636.50 $3.35 BeyondOilSolar

BP Solar 175 20 $586.25 $3.35 BeyondOilSolar

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Solar Panel Watt Min. US$/Unit US$/ Solar Panel Brand Quantity* Watt Vendor

Kyocera 210 20 $705.55 $3.36 AltE

Sharp 175 1 $594.41 $3.40 Infinigi

BP Solar 175 2 $603.75 $3.45 BeyondOilSolar

Kaneka 60 25 $211.96 $3.53 AltE

Sharp 208 22 $765.00 $3.68 Alter Systems

Sharp 208 16 $775.00 $3.73 Alter Systems

Sharp 216 1 $809.74 $3.75 Infinigi

Evergreen 200 20 $750.00 $3.75 Wholesale Solar

Sharp 208 12 $785.00 $3.77 Alter Systems

Sharp 216 24 $850.00 $3.94 Solar Panel Store

Sharp 198 1 $786.00 $3.97 Infinigi

Sharp 224 1 $888.35 $3.97 Infinigi

Sharp 175 24 $696.50 $3.98 Solar Panel Store

Sharp 170 20 $690.00 $4.06 Alter Systems

Sharp 170 10 $700.00 $4.12 Alter Systems

Mitsubishi 125 4 $525.00 $4.20 Solar Panel Store

Sharp 175 8 $750.00 $4.29 Solar Panel Store

Mitsubishi 125 1 $550.00 $4.40 Solar Panel Store

XC3i 85 1 $396.00 $4.66 Discount Solar

4. Complete solar system prices are shown as follows33:

Grid-tie solar kits: Usually include the following equipment and components: solar panels, inverter, circuit breakers, racking/mounting system, lighting arrester, metering panel and cables/wiring.

Off-grid solar kits: Normally include the following equipment and components: solar panels, inverter, charge controller, batteries, racking/mounting system, lighting arrester, DC ground fault protector and cables/wiring.

33 http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/solar_power_kits.htm

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1) GRID-TIE KITS (Without Batteries) Small Grid-Tie Solar Power Kits: < 2 kW

Kit Name Watts Solar Inverter $ (US) $/Watt (US) Retailer Specs Link Panels GT 1.4 1400 Sharp Enphase $8,589.00 $6.14 Solar Panel Store Specs WWS 1470 1470 Kyocera Solectria $8.092.00 $5.50 Wholesale Solar Specs (.pdf) ASG Power Kyocera 1.6 kW GT 1600 Kyocera PVPowered $8,683.00 $5.43 Affordable Solar Specs Kit Taos Mountain 1800 Kyocera Xantrex $9,999.00 $5.55 Wholesale Solar Specs (.pdf)

Medium Grid-tie Solar Power Kits: 2 kW - 4 kW

Kit Name Watts Solar Inverter $ (US) $/Watt (US) Retailer Specs Link Panels Sanyo SA200-SGTS-2000-FR2- 2000 Sanyo Fronius $14,859.47 $7.43 Infinigi Specs M Turnkey 3.2KW Grid-Tie 3200 DM Solar SMA $12,296.00 $3.84 DM Solar Specs System Sharp SH-SGTS-3150-28 3150 Sharp PVPowered $20,165.42 $6.40 Infinigi Specs

Turnkey 4.0KW Grid-Tie 4000 DM Solar SMA $15,260.00 $3.82 DM Solar Specs System GT 4.0 4000 Sharp Xantrex $20,675.00 $5.17 Solar Panel Store Specs Large Grid-tie Solar Power Kits: 4 kW - 25 kW

Kit Name Watts Solar Inverter $ (US) $/Watt (US) Retailer Specs Link Panels Shasta 4320 Kyocera Xantrex $22,006.00 $5.09 Wholesale Solar Specs (.pdf) Sanyo SA200-SGTS-4800- 4800 Sanyo Fronius $34,114.70 $7.11 Infinigi Specs FR51 Denali 5760 Kyocera Xantrex $30,464.00 $5.29 Wholesale Solar Specs (.pdf) GT 7.0 7000 Sharp Fronius $39,500.00 $5.64 Solar Panel Store Specs Sharp SH-SGTS-7000-6-M 7000 Sharp SMA $45,865.52 $6.55 Infinigi Specs Turnkey 8.4KW Grid-Tie 8400 DM Solar SMA $31,753.00 $3.78 DM Solar Specs System Turnkey 24KW Grid-Tie System 24000 DM Solar SMA $91,568.00 $3.82 DM Solar Specs

2) OFF-GRID KITS (With Batteries) Small Off-Grid Solar Power Kits: < 1 kW

Kit Name Watts Solar Inverter $ (US) $/Watt (US) Retailer Specs Link Panels WSS Medium AC Cabin 810 Kyocera Magnum $8,565.00 $10.57 Wholesale Solar Specs Medium Off-Grid Solar Power Kits: 1 kW - < 2 kW

Kit Name Watts Solar Inverter $ (US) $/Watt (US) Retailer Specs Link Panels WSS Medium AC Home 1080 Kyocera Magnum $11,099.00 $10.28 Wholesale Solar Specs 1.3kW 240Volt Off-Grid System 1300 SolarWorld Outback $12,346.00 $9.50 Solar Panel Store Specs

1.7kW REC-Xantrex 1700 REC Xantrex $15,625.97 $9.19 Solar Panel Store Specs Large Off-Grid Solar Power Kits: + 2 kW

Kit Name Watts Solar Inverter $ (US) $/Watt (US) Retailer Specs Link Panels WSS Large AC Off-Grid Home 2160 Kyocera Magnum $17,099.00 $7.92 Wholesale Solar Specs

2.6kW SolarWorld-Outback 2600 SolarWorld Outback $28,499.00 $10.96 Solar Panel Store Specs

5. For independent systems not connected to the distribution network, the price per watt goes from US$7.92 to US$10.96.

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9.3 PILOT PLAN Outside Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna the lack of electricity is notorious. There are many isolated communities where small generating sun/wind facilities could be installed. In order to evaluate for at least a year the behavior of these systems and, at the same time, to provide broadband internet connectivity, a pilot plan is proposed.

The pilot plan would consider the combined use of wind turbines and solar panels and the broadband service supply using wireless technologies.

The candidate communities are Kaukira or Mistruk, because they are located near Puerto Lempira.

In Kaukira, there is the Francisco Morazán School, with 313 students. The school has a solar system composed by six 120W solar panels, a 3800W/24VDC inverter and eight 120A batteries for an output of 120VAC, 60Hz. A 3 KW wind turbine could be added and also a radiolink to Puerto Lempira and a WiFi distribution system. A 10KW wind turbine installation could be evaluated in order to supply a small village nearby.

In Mistruk, the Estados Unidos School has 108 students. For this school, a 3KW wind turbine and a 1KW solar system could be installed. The turbine is of higher power because the wind conditions generate less energy. The radiolink to Puerto Lempira would be 12.8 Km long.

To cover seven schools in Puerto Lempira with broadband Internet access, one school in Mistruk and a free WiFi access point, also in Mistruk, the estimated investment in equipment only is the following:

ITEM US$ QUANTITY TOTAL FOB HY 3000 HY-L, 5 blades, 48/110V 2,178 1 2,178 2000 W Controller 428 1 428 10 m mast 1,500 1 1,500 Eight batteries 225A/6V 1,000 1 1,000 5 KW Inverter 1,214 1 1,214 1 KW Solar panels 5,000 1 5,000 Others 1,500 1 1,500 TOTAL ENERGY 12,820

Skypilot Gateway 5,048 1 5,048 Skycontrol Software 9,999 1 9,999 APM 500 Firewall (up to 2,000 clients) 2,000 1 2,000 Control server 850 1 850 Other software 2,000 1 2,000 SkyConnector end-user terminal 210.57 7 1,474 1W WiFi Access Point 1,100 1 1,100 RJ45 Arrester 52 4 208 TOTAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS 22,679 TOTAL US$ 35,499

The communitarian support for the civil works would be necessary: the concrete foundations for the wind turbine mast; the solar panels, the wireless gateway and the energy equipment installation. These costs have not yet been considered. It also would be necessary to get a clear channel E1 in ARCOS1 cable to connect to Las Americas NAP.

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9.4 ELECTRIC ENERGY AND INTERNET SERVICES MARKET STUDY A study is being carried out to explore the markets of energy and Internet services in La Moskitia region, specifically in the urban areas of Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna, to:

a) identify and assess the actual and potential demand for both electric energy and Internet services; b) determine user’s affordability and willingness to pay for either or both services; c) explore user’s needs, expectations and preferences regarding technologies and individual or public access for the Internet service; d) describe the actual provision of both electric energy and Internet services; e) analyze the possible options to provide a constant and reliable electric energy supply service at a reasonable price in both communities; and, f) explore the possible mechanisms that would allow the penetration of Internet access in both communities.

9.4.1 Terms of Reference34 The tasks required for the completion of these objectives are the following:

A local survey in both Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna in order to determine the following information for each community:

a) Socio-economical characteristics of the area of interest: population, population density, official growth projections, number of households, number of persons per household, households members characteristics (sex, age, educational level, languages, occupation), monthly household income, main source of income, aggregate expenditure and its distribution (food, clothing, health, education, public services, transport, debt), household characteristics (electric energy supply, water and sewage services, type and quantity of telephones, TV cable service, refrigerator, air conditioning, stove, computer, Internet service); b) Identification of the different categories of actual and potential users: type (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional), description of the residential segment (the same as the households characteristics), description of the commercial (restaurants, hotels, shops) segment (quantity, line of business, size, location, peak hour), description of the industrial segment (quantity, size, line of business, location, working regime, peak hour) and description of the institutional (health services providers, schools, offices) segment (quantity, type, size, location, working hours, peak hour); c) Information regarding electric energy demand: typical consumption pattern, average monthly consumption for each category of user, geographical distribution of users, peak hour, total monthly demand (KWh), price perception; d) Information regarding the Internet service: current service availability, existing users, options used for Internet access, usage, price perception; e) Existing electric energy suppliers: identification, market share, coverage, type of generation, installed capacity already in use, infrastructure condition, technical and administrative structure, prices and costs structure, service quality, marketing systems, charging and collection systems, customer service; and, f) Existing Internet providers: identification, used technology, market share, installed capacity already in use, location related to the area of service, prices and costs structure, service quality, marketing systems, customer service.

Based on the gathered information an analytical work will be undertaken that will allow:

34 Liesbeth Castro-Sierra, August 2009

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a) to estimate the present and future electric energy demand in both Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna; b) to determine the evolution of the actual electric energy suppliers (usage increase of idle capacity, extension of the installed capacity, fuel prices trend); c) to quantify the unsatisfied present and future electric energy demand; d) to determine the existing restrictions for the provision of electric energy supply (geographical restrictions, technical limitations, rates); e) to estimate the evolution of the Internet service demand in both Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna; f) to quantify the unsatisfied present and future Internet service demand; g) to determine the existing restrictions for the provision of Internet service in the region (geographical restrictions, technical limitations, rates, interest of the potential user, computer literacy, equipment availability); h) to determine the user´s user’s affordability and willingness to pay the electric energy service and/or the Internet service; i) to enunciate the user’s needs, expectations and preferences regarding technologies and individual or public access for the Internet service; j) to describe the available options to provide a constant and reliable electric energy supply service at a reasonable price in both communities; and, k) to describe the possible mechanisms that would allow the penetration of Internet access in both communities.

A report will be prepared that will include the summary of the gathered information, analysis, conclusions and recommendations.

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10 LOCAL CITIZEN SECURITY SYSTEM35

10.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAME A comprehensive Citizen Security policy should include the following elements:

a) Strengthening of the institutions responsible for the security. b) Support to decentralization. c) Increase of the collective safety. d) Increase in the number of preventive measures, particularly those ones aimed to the children and adolescents. e) Police preventive action in the communities. f) Study of the crime situation and its patterns.

As a product of this policy, the Local Citizen Security Committee having the cooperation of the municipality, national police, Secretary of Government, health and education authorities, judicial branch, public prosecutors, civil defense, fire department, churches, business, media and organized local communities, will carry out police patrols and interventions, as well as preventive, educational and reintegration actions in order to diminish the crime and delinquency, to generate better conditions of tranquility and order so that all the people will be able to do their normal activities.

To formulate the most adequate strategies, the geographical and demographic conditions of the area of interest must be known, as well as the crime patterns and what are the available resources to fight it.

The geographical factor is relevant to build crime maps, to determine the number of sectors, to classify them and according to this classification, to establish precisely the critical and vulnerable points of the area of interest. It is also useful to formulate the neutralizing actions of the crime organizations, knowing the existing infrastructure, the terrain characteristics and the legal boundaries of the municipality.

The demographic conditions ―population characteristics, such as age, sex, distribution all over the area of interest; how many households are, what are the socio-economical circumstances― are useful to know where the most vulnerable population to crime is located and what kind of felony affects each stratum of society.

Crime statistical data and periodic reports help to optimize the available resources for its prevention and to reduce it effectively. Risk factors must also be considered.

10.2 LOCAL CITIZEN SECURITY SYSTEM IN PUERTO CORTÉS In Puerto Cortés a local citizen security system is being implemented to provide a timely and adequate response to emergency situations within the urban area. This system is being funded by the Citizen Security Municipal Tax.

This system consists in a Security and Emergency Monitoring Center that coordinates all the resources that could be required in an emergency situation, such as police, the fire department, ambulance and first aid help, transit police, among others. Any person, who witness or is being a victim in such situation, can ask for the adequate help calling the Security and Emergency Monitoring Center through the phone number 100.

The phone number 1-0-0 or “100” was established as the unique phone number to call in Puerto Cortés in case of an emergency situation. This number can be dialed in any telephone network. The people in this city are being

35 La Ceiba Local Plan Citizen Security Report. César Zaldívar. December 2009

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The Security and Emergency Monitoring Center is located in the Fire Department building. It receives all the calls made to the 100 phone number, it determines the kind of help required, contact the adequate resources and send them to the address provided by the caller. It has been established that all the operative resources (Police, Fire Department, Red Cross, hospitals, Transit Police, Justice) will respond to the demands made by the Center. The police patrols, as they are equipped with GPS equipment, can be seen in real time in the Center computer screens, as the images are refreshed every ten minutes. The Center also keep record of every call made and statistical analysis are made to determine what is the most common emergency situation that happens in Puerto Cortés and where it takes place.

The next phase of the local Citizen Security System consists in the installation of security cameras in strategic points throughout the city. These cameras will be monitored form the Security and Emergency Monitoring Center.

10.3 LOCAL CITIZEN SECURITY SYSTEM IN LA CEIBA Having seen the success of the Local Citizen Security System being implemented in Puerto Cortés, La Ceiba’s authorities decided that a similar system could be implemented in their locality. Therefore, a study to develop such project was carried out to help the city to integrate their local emergency services to improve the livelihood the residents and tourists that live in the coastal city.

The Local Citizen Security System will be funded by the Citizen Security Municipal Tax fund although donations, legacies, international cooperation funds and personal contributions can also be accepted. All these funds must be managed through a bank trust and be used for the following:

• To implement the Citizen Security Plan. • To support local initiatives for preventive actions. • To implement additional security measures such as telecommunication equipment and alarm systems for some particular neighborhoods. • To pay the Commissioner and his staff so that they can be full time dedicated to their responsibilities.

To begin with, a Local Plan for Citizen Security is being implemented in La Ceiba in order to provide to the municipality a conceptual instrument about policies, strategies and technologies to deal with the causes and effects of crime, immediately, in the medium and the long term.

The legal fundaments for such plan are:

• The Honduran Constitution (Art. 78) • The Municipalities Law (134-90 Decree, Art.25, #9). • The National Police Organic Law (Art. 5, 6, 7(10), 8(3, 5, 8, 9), 12, 26, 34, 43(18), 57 (16, 21, 22), 148)

This Plan must comprehend the prevention of crime as well as the police intervention and investigation. The preventive actions are developed not only by the members of the Local Citizen Security Committee, but also by all organizations that render community services, such as churches, NGO’s, social clubs, neighborhood associations, etc. consequently, it is important to know to identify these organizations and the kind of work they perform so that, these activities can be integrated into the Local Plan. Also, the Local Citizen Security Committee must always have

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For the Local Plan development, it is important to know what preventive and educational activities are carried out by municipal agencies and by the national police; the quantity and quality of the education and health services provided in the area; the judiciary system situation (how many prosecutors and judges are, as well as their level of coordination with the local police, how many cases are resolved, how the misdemeanors are handled, what is the penitentiaries situation); and, naturally, the police department situation (agents per inhabitants and square kilometers, logistics, resources).

10.4 LA CEIBA DIAGNOSTICS According to the Violence Study in Honduras during 2008, La Ceiba presents the highest homicide rate: 149.5 per 100,000 inhabitants36, being the violence and the organized crime the most urgent problems. More than 80% of the urban population perceives a very high degree of insecurity, the police capacity (1 policeman per 1666 inhabitants) is rather low and the idea that security is a matter exclusively for the police is very extended.

Causes of crime expansion are the drug micro trade and use and the excessive alcohol consumption. There is high incidence of larceny, mostly during the weekends, at night. There are also many cases of domestic violence and rape. The city’s critical points have not been properly evaluated by the police and crime maps have not been created.

Although there are many initiative for crime fight and prevention, they are isolated, disintegrated and many times, contradictory. The different organizations lack working coordination and many of them have not enough resources.

The police force shows apathy and disinterest to perform its functions and the way it treats the citizens is not the most adequate. Its actions for preventing and controlling crime are poor because it lacks more agents and more means as its operative budget is nonexistent.

10.5 LA CEIBA PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The following steps must be taken to implement the Plan:

1. To write the Citizen Security Workbook that will include: o The Local Citizen Security Committee organization, functions, powers and responsibilities. o Procedures and thing to be taken into account to increase the city’s security levels.

2. To put into action the Local Citizen Security Committee with the following suggested structure where the Local Citizen Security Committee is responsible for the implementation and fulfillment of the Citizen Security Plan and the concrete actions are coordinated by the Commissioner, who is responsible for informing the Committee about the Plan’s operative development:

36 http://www.unah.hn/uploaded/content/category/926831121.pdf

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DIRECTORY

LEGAL AFFAIRS

MUNICIPAL SECURITY COMISSIONER

MONITORING CRIME PROJECTS SOCIAL SERVICES FINANCES CENTER OBSERVATOY

3. To create a new well trained municipal police:

DIRECTOR

URBAN RURAL SURVEILLANCE SURVEILLANCE TOURISTIC POLICE SCHOOL POLICE POLICE POLICE

4. To implement a security program (human resources and technical equipment integration according to the handbook).

5. To develop a supervision and control program aimed to keep an established level of security and to adapt thhe system to any future changes.

6. To divide the city into four sectors for a better surveillance.

7. To provide the police all the required logistic and technical means so that it can perform its functions satisfactorily, for instance, portables computers, PDA’s, smartphones.

The plan must be developed according to the following program:

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MONTH ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 Monitoring center installation X X X X X X Emergency number X X X X X X implementation Handbook Workshop 1 w Commitee training 3-4 w Municipal police training X X Calculation of police requirements X of logistics and technical means

The monitoring center installation and the emergency number implementation must be made as the first stage. This system will include by the following elements: call reception and dispatch; statistical area; video surveillance; alarm subsystem; databases; radio communications; automated vehicle location (AVL); recording subsystem; power subsystem; automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS).

Figure 20 Monitoring Center Configuration

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An estimated budget for this first stage is the following:

For the monitoring center:

QUANTITY UNITARY PRICE TOTAL PRICE ITEM (USD) (USD) Power Edge R300 Server for GPS 2 2,087 4,174 Software GPS Server 1 8,000 8,000 Power Edge R300 Server for telephony 2 2,026 4,052 IP Linksys SPA941 telephone 20 180 3,600 Keyboard and mouse, LCD 17” screen 1 190 190 KVM D-Link 1 120 120 Dell Power Connect 2716 Switch, 16 ports 1 200 200 LAN Wireless-G Router 1 100 100 D-Link Switch, 12 ports 1 80 80 Server rack 1 1,300 1,300 E1 Equipment 1 2,200 2,200 Patch cords 1 100 100 Dell Optiplex 360 computer 5 823 4,115 LG Plasma Screen 42” 2 1,000 2,000 Office desk and five chairs 1 3,415 3,415 Canon multifunctional printer 1 100 100 10 KVA UPS 1 6,570 6,570 Vehicle GPS 50 400 20,000 TOTAL 60,316

For the radio communication system:

QUANTITY UNITARY PRICE TOTAL PRICE ITEM (USD) (USD) Repeater 1 4,204 4,204 Mobile Radio 25 368 9,200 Base radio 12 683 8,196 Portable radio 90 271 24,390 Repeater site, tower and booth 1 26,275 26,275 Radio recording system 1 5,000 5,000 1-year maintenance 1 758 758 TOTAL 78,023

In a second stage, after the first stage has been consolidated for about six months, 150 cameras will be installed in the urban area, taking into account critical points such as, city’s accesses, traffic lights, schools, commercial and financial areas, strategic facilities, hospitals and clinics.

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11 HONDURAS RELATED LEGISLATION In order to develop tourism projects, port facilities and energy and telecommunications projects in the Caribbean Coast of Honduras, it is important to know the legal frameworks that regulate these areas. An analysis of all existing laws was made and, in consequence, some drafts of legal reforms were elaborated to encourage investment in this region. Also the legal procedure to develop a renewable energy project is described as well as the works made to foster the creation of local chambers of commerce and tourism.

11.1 DRAFTS OF LEGAL REFORMS37

11.1.1 Employment Generation In order to create job opportunities and to encourage the national and international investment, an attractive option would be the establishment of special law regime to allow the operation of contact centers and business process outsourcing (BPO’s) in the coastal towns of Honduras. A draft of a decree has been presented to the Congress to allow the operation of such centers.

11.1.2 Port Management In order to promote more participation of the municipal governments in port activities, encourage commercial and touristic activities around port facilities and promote joint efforts of local development, it is important to declare of national interest the development of municipal port facilities in the coastal towns of Honduras.

Nowadays, the National Port Agency, Empresa Nacional Portuaria (ENP) has jurisdiction in all the maritime ports of Honduras. That means, ENP must provide adequate and efficient port facilities and services in all the ports. However, due to budget limitations and lack of interest, ports other than the three most important ones are not given the proper attention; therefore, ENP should transfer the port facilities to the municipalities.

According to the law, ENP can make contracts with third parties to provide part or all the services it must provide, and, the municipalities, in turn, can create enterprises, foundations or associations of mixed nature to provide municipal services. ENP would make a 25-year contract to allow the corresponding municipality to use all the necessary port facilities to provide port services. This very same contract would allow the municipality to transfer all its rights and obligations therein contained to the enterprise that would be responsible for the use, exploitation, maintenance, operation and management of the port facilities.

At present, a draft of a decree has been presented to the Congress to allow the transference of port facilities to the municipalities.

11.2 RENEWABLE ENERGY REGULATIONS38

11.2.1 Key Legislation INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION Framework Law of the Electric Sub-Sector Regulates the electric energy generation, transmission, (Decree # 158-94) distribution and marketing. Its main objective is to encourage the private sector participation Decree # 131-98 The National Commission of Energy is created

37 Legal Aspects of Infrastructure and Small Scale Development for Coastal Cities Report. Walter Bodden, 2009. 38 Guide for developing renewable energy projects in Honduras,Pampagrass, 2009.

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INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION Agreement # 934-97 Framework Law of the Electric Sub-Sector Bylaw Decree # 85-98 The first Incentives with Renewable Sources Law Decree # 70-2007 Promotion of Electric Energy Generation with Renewable Resources Law. It consolidates and updates the incentives established in Decree #85-98. The incentives are directed to projects using water, sun, wind, alcohol, biomass, solid residues, and geothermic and vegetable sources,

11.2.2 Key Institutions INSTITUTION RESPONSIBILITIES Natural Resources and Environment State governing body in matters of energy and environment Secretary (SERNA) General Secretariat of SERNA Manages the environmental licenses applications Energy General Direction - SERNA Manages studies and operation agreements authorizations of renewable energy projects Hydro Resources General Direction - SERNA • Supervises matters related to hydro resources management and authorizes their exploitation • Issues opinions related to hydroelectric projects in their applications Environmental Evaluation and Control Processes environmental licenses applications Direction - SERNA Clean Development Mechanism Unit - Manages and approves the applications for Approval Letters for SERNA the Clean Development Mechanism National Commission of Energy Regulating entity of electricity providers. Forest, Protected Areas and Wildlife • Establishes the policies related to forest, protected areas Preservation and Development National and wildlife affairs. Institute • Issues opinions related to projects that may affect any protected area or forest. Municipalities of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro These municipalities have agreements with SERNA by which the Sula and Puerto Cortés environmental licenses process of projects located within their territory must be made directly with them. Electric Energy National Company (ENEE) Mainly the sole buyer of energy produced by private generators Honduran Association of Renewable Energy Groups and supports renewable energy producers. Allocates Private Producers (AHPPER) financing opportunities.

11.2.3 Licenses and Permits To develop a renewable energy project the following authorizations are required:

11.2.3.1 Feasibility Study Permit The Feasibility Study Permit for Constructing Energy Generation Facilities using National Renewable Natural Resources authorizes a company to carry out the technical and economical feasibility studies in determined site with exclusivity. This permit has duration of two years and can be renewed only one time for another two years. If the studies have not begun during the first year, this permit can be revoked. A company can only apply for up to three feasibility study permits. This permit is not required for cogeneration projects or self-consumption generation projects.

The requirements for this permit are the following:

1. Application made through an attorney at law. 2. Company’s constitution documents. 3. Applicant’s name and general information.

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4. Experience in similar projects. 5. Similar projects in which the applicant has partial or total ownership. 6. Key company’s staff, their technical and obtaining funding experience. 7. Project preliminary profile: project’s name, developers, actual state, location, area general description, property ownership status and for hydro projects: measured flow, height, pipeline length, estimated pressure and power and facilities location. 8. How the construction will be financed. 9. Schedule. 10. Bank references.

11.2.3.2 Environmental License This authorization can be granted as an Environmental License (Category 3 project), an Environmental Authorization (Category 2 project) or, as an Environmental Registry Statement (Category 1 project) and it is required before any works begin. The requirements to obtain this permit vary according to the project classification as stated in the Environmental Impact Evaluation System Bylaw:

CATEGORY PROJECT 1 2 3 Hydroelectric 500 KW ≤ P ≥ 1MW 1MW < P ≥ 3MW P ≥ 3 MW Wind P ≥ 5 MW Photovoltaic P ≥ 100 KW Biomass P ≥ 3 MW Geothermic P ≥ 5 MW Thermal plants 500 KW < P ≥ 1MW P > 1MW

The Category 1 projects are the lowest environmental impact projects, the ones that are part of the national rural development plan and that improve the environmental and socio economical well being. These projects must report their location and type of operation to be introduced into a registry in SERNA. The application requirements are: project information, developer’s documents, location on a map, property title, registry form and municipal environmental statement.

The Category 2 projects have medium or big predictable environmental impact that can be mitigated through standard measures. Their Environmental Authorization is accompanied by a mitigating measures agreement. The application must include a qualitative environmental diagnostics. The application requirements are: application, power of attorney, sworn statement, qualitative environmental diagnostics, company’s constitution documents, property title and municipal environmental statement.

The Category 3 projects are divided into two sub-categories: the ones that require an Environmental Impact Evaluation Study and the ones that only require a qualitative environmental diagnostics. Their Environmental License is accompanied by a mitigating measures agreement. The application requirements are: application, power of attorney, sworn statement, qualitative environmental diagnostics, company’s constitution documents, property title and municipal environmental statement.

11.2.3.3 Operation Agreement Once the feasibility study has been approved, a draft of this agreement must be presented accompanied by a project support guarantee of US$800.00 per installed megawatt. The application must include the land property rights, the facilities design and the company’s constitution documents. To sign this agreement, the environmental

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The requirements for this agreement are the following:

1. Application made through an attorney at law. 2. Company’s constitution documents duly registered. 3. Applicant’s name and general information. 4. Experience in similar projects. 5. Similar projects in which the applicant has partial or total ownership. 6. Key company’s staff, their technical and obtaining funding experience. 7. Project location and characteristics. 8. Property title. 9. Financing methodology indicating other projects where this methodology has been used. 10. Bank references. 11. Schedule. 12. Facilities design.

11.2.3.4 Water Contract The National Waters Exploitation for Hydraulic Force Contract is required for hydroelectric generation projects. The term of this contract will be the same as of the operation and can only be signed once the operation contract is approved. It is also approved by decree by the National Congress

The requirements for this agreement are the following:

1. Application made through an attorney at law. 2. Company’s constitution documents duly registered. 3. Property title. 4. Project technical description, location on a cartographic map, plans. 5. Agreement with same water source users (municipality, neighbors association). 6. Water source site photography. 7. If they are private, land rights of intake and pipeline sites. 8. Hydrologic or hydro geologic study, as required. 9. Water demand.

11.2.3.5 Power Purchase Agreement The energy is mostly bought in Honduras by ENEE. This is a standard agreement with a maximum term of 25 years; the energy is bought at a rate equal to the short term marginal cost which is updated yearly on January 15th. It can only be signed once the operation agreement and the water contract are valid. It is also approved by the National Congress.

11.2.3.6 Building Permit The facilities building permits are issued by the municipalities.

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Figure 21 Project Authorization

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12 LESSONS LEARNT 1. Since a vast number of studies for various infrastructure projects have been carried out in past years by different agencies, it is important to create a documentation center in each municipality to archive them, avoiding this way to spend time and resources in making them again for not knowing they already exist.

2. The international cooperation must coordinate their efforts when directed to one region, for example La Moskitia, since many projects are being duplicated or the results come out too dispersed to cause a real positive change in the region.

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13 RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS 1. A permanent beach cleanup program managed by each municipality that includes garbage recollection and prevention activities as well as any other waste management initiatives should be implemented. 2. The following improvements to the Capiro y Calentura National Park should be made: to upgrade the existing trails and to build new ones, to install signs, to build watch posts, to train guides and to identify and develop a camping site. 3. The Trujillo water and sanitation system must be completed in order to incentive the tourism industry. 4. The Trujillo historical center restoration program must be launched since it has been declared National Monument. 5. To develop other Moskitian regions, the La Ruta Moskita case could be replicated, where the communities are not only investors and service providers to visitors but are also the guardians and managers of their own protected areas and resources. 6. The tourism community in La Ceiba should be concerned with the environment, considering the wealth of natural attractions and wildlife in the area. 7. The perceived notion that foreigners or large local corporations are the only ones benefitting from the tourist industry in La Ceiba and that local communities have not been properly integrated into the system, must be changed. 8. La Ceiba can be viewed as a gateway to the Caribbean and the proper steps towards integrating it with nearby locations can be part of a broader strategy of creating synergy to attract more tourists. 9. To create a training program for members of Sambo Creek and other Garifuna communities to become sales and marketing representatives for their communities to create linkages between the communities and market outlets. 10. To foster early interest in La Ceiba, it would be advisable to connect with tour operators and tourism suppliers in Copán and Guatemala to market products and destinations in La Ceiba area. 11. By building relationships with tourism suppliers in La Ceiba, the communities can raise awareness of their products and drive market interest. 12. The municipal jail in La Ceiba must be moved out of the center of the town. 13. It would be preferable to link the Monte Pobre cultural center with the FUCSA visitors´ center since FUCSA has the space and it is willing to provide it for free during the first year. 14. Considering the long shape of the island of Roatán and the long trips that have to be made for reaching the farthest areas, an affordable shuttle service with a fixed schedule could be implemented to make the tourist experience more enjoyable and to create jobs. 15. It is important to create partnerships with guidebooks such as The Lonely Planet, The Moon Guide, the Rough Ride, etc to get adequate and appropriate coverage to Honduras. 16. Since there are several national parks and wildlife refuges in the Northern Coast of Honduras that have strong biodiversity and a need for scientific research, it would be advisable to foster SAVE Travel Alliance markets. 17. Use of water transportation should be encouraged since it would be faster and more reliable to connect the coastal communities to the main tourism hubs such as Tela, Trujillo and La Ceiba. Besides, this would facilitate greater market access and add to the tourists experience through a more enjoyable journey to each destination. 18. To solve the broadband telecommunications problems in La Moskitia it would be advisable to acquire more capacity in ARCOS1 cable to connect to Las Americas NAP, as well as to install digital microwave radio links and broadband point-multipoint wireless access systems to directly reach the users. 19. In La Moskitia it would be advisable to use the non-licensed bands in 2.4 GHz for accessing the end user via WiFi and the 5.2-5.8 GHz bands for transport and access because it would be cheaper and a deployed network as such would not present traffic congestion in that area.

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20. In La Moskitia, both the teachers and the students require to get familiar with the information technologies. 21. In La Moskitia, the schools’ computers must be changed to laptops, because of the latter’s lesser energy demand. 22. In La Moskitia, there should be training in information technologies to provide network maintenance and client support services. There should be at least one training center per municipality, due to the long distances that separate the communities. 23. To install a broadband network in La Moskitia, it would be cheaper if the existing infrastructure is used, paying for collocation to the operating companies. 24. Since it is complicated to install large wind turbines in La Moskitia, it is better to install groups of smaller turbines with hydraulic masts. 25. In isolated energy systems, a combination of solar panels and wind turbines must be used in order to guarantee the continuity of service. This includes the Puerto Lempira and Brus Laguna systems. 26. In La Moskitia, along with the renewable energy systems installation, local manpower must be trained in every served community to provide the adequate maintenance and repair. 27. The central government should have more justice operators in La Moskitia, since the existing ones are too little to deliver an effective service to the communities. 28. The municipalities should be taught to use the existing legal figures of association to develop their own projects. 29. A special legal judicial framework with simpler procedures, should be implemented for La Moskitia region. 30. To improve the education in La Moskitia, agreements with national and international education institutions could be established, as well as scholarships for local students. 31. In Nicaragua a training program that includes the following is proposed: o Tourism products development. o Local products use in gastronomy. o Training of local guides, experts in each of the tourism products to be developed. o Artisan training using local materials. o Customer service. o Business management. 32. To improve the accessibility to RAAN, the following could be necessary: o In Bilwi, to build a new cabotage dock since the existing one is too risky. o To grant a concession for a cruising ship dock with a tax free zone. o To improve the Bilwi-Waspan road. o To build a dock with touristic facilities in Lamlaya. 33. To impulse a waste recycling project in Bilwi, specially the beach trash. 34. To build a sewage system that allows removing the latrines on the Bilwi beach. 35. To build an aquarium and a conservation center in Krukira Lagoon to help preserve the marine turtle. 36. To make an advertising campaign in RAAN local media to promote the environment conservation. 37. To strengthen the tourism police in RAAN and to improve the street lighting. 38. To encourage a signaling project among schools and small touristic businesses in RAAN.. 39. To promote the alternative energy use in the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast Miskitu communities. 40. To install benches on the lagoons borders in the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast. 41. To keep a cultural recovery program and insert it in an anthropological tourism project. 42. To offer to the tourists Miskitu language, cooking, fishing and “cayuco” sailing lessons. 43. To organize touristic entertainment equipment in each community so that they can take care of introducing the dances, games and other cultural shows to the visitors. 44. To carry out a study to verify the feasibility of the land between Guililandia and Wawa River mouth for beach usage.

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45. To build a tourism center in Tuapi for internal tourism that includes camping facilities. 46. To create a tourism website for RAAN. 47. To install a souvenir shop in the main airfields of RAAN. 48. To train Miskitu and other people leaders in different tourism capabilities so that tourism can improve their communities’ lives. 49. To provide technical assistance to tour operators to improve their package tours. 50. To carry out a touristic loading capacity study for both Little and Great Corn Island. 51. To impulse a return-to-mainland program for all the plastic bottles and tin cans that get into both Little and Great Corn Island so that they can be recycled. 52. To implement a signaling program in Corn Island. 53. To print a local touristic guide to sold in both Little and Great Corn Island. 54. To carry a study to determine the touristic value of the wetlands in Corn Island. 55. To impulse hydroponic cultivation in both Little and Great Corn Island to provide vegetables to the local restaurants. 56. To carry out a marketing campaign to advertise the RAAS communities as safe places for visitors. 57. To establish a Garifuna Culture Museum in Orinoco. 58. To impulse a training program for local guides in the RAAS communities. 59. To promote the usage of alternatives sources for energy service in Greytown. 60. To improve the promotion Greytown as a scientific, adventure and sport fishing destination. 61. To offer a better product, to build facilities between Cantagallo and Silico Lagoon such as biological stations, piers, in situ museum, interpretation center and signaling. 62. To convert the old cemetery on Greytown in an in-situ museum adding it an Old San Juan town reproduction. 63. To build a small museum that shows the Nicaragua Channel history. 64. To carry out periodical guide trainings and customer services courses to the motor boats pilots in Greytown. 65. To establish a safe and reliable mechanism to encourage the crime denunciation. 66. To sign a mutual support agreement between the La Ceiba Municipality and the Security Ministry where the responsibilities of each party are established.

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14 CONCLUSIONS 1. To build the new port facilities in Trujillo would provide a high social return since all cargo would be properly managed and would stimulate the arriving of more passengers’ vessels. 2. To build the new port facilities in Puerto Lempira would provide a high social return, in terms of quality of life and complementary services for tourism, since all kinds of cargo destined for the area would be properly managed and more passengers’ vessels would be able to arrive. 3. The municipal port facilities in the Northern Coast of Honduras would provide an important means of transportation for people and goods, particularly in those towns that can be reached only by sea. 4. To improve the port facilities in Bluefields would have a high economic and social return since practically all the transport of people and goods to and from this area is made through this port. 5. Changes in customer service and improvements in infrastructure would help increase the amount of foreign tourists coming into La Ceiba. The approach should be integrated and comprehensive. 6. There are many opportunities in La Ceiba for private sector development considering that there is still demand for tourism services and that the area has not become saturated with competitors. 7. Internet would be a fundamental tool to carry out touristic, productive or educational activities in La Moskitia. 8. To impulse the development of La Moskitia a comprehensive solution must include energy, water and sanitation and broadband Internet access. 9. In order to provide economic development in the approached communities, a combination of capacity building and funding that will enable communities to acquire the skills they need to start their own tourism initiatives is required. 10. The approach to the communities must be tailored to meet the diverse needs of each community. 11. Although product development is a crucial starting point in the tourism industry, appropriate market linkages must be created in order to connect the markets with the products. 12. Capacity building and technical assistance are needed to get successful projects. 13. Tourism development may indirectly play a role in cultural revitalization in all of the communities by helping the people, both young and old; appreciate what is unique and special about their culture and providing a financial incentive for maintaining the culture. 14. Tourism may serve as an agent and catalyst for environmental conservation by providing funding and economic incentive for protecting the environment. 15. To develop tourism, it is necessary to have the basic infrastructure: water, sewage treatment, waste management, energy, access facilities and telecommunications. 16. Many natural and cultural assets are in danger of deterioration or extinction caused by mismanagement or lack of appreciation, therefore, tourism becomes the most viable way to revitalize and preserve them. 17. Trainings and formal education programs must be improved and adapted to the local conditions in La Moskitia to address the region’s requirements. 18. In order to increase the tourism flow into the Caribbean Coast, it is crucial to define and to implement a touristic marketing campaign based on a powerful regional brand and a national and international promotional plan. 19. In the Honduran legislation there are several legal figures of association that can be used by the municipalities to develop their own projects more efficiently. 20. The emission of propriety titles in La Moskitia is crucial for the development of tourism projects. 21. The national security system lacks the necessary resources to fight common as well as organized crime. State-of–the-art technology and a coordinating entity are critical. 22. To elaborate a citizen security plan is indispensable to have georeferenced data about crime and violence in order to optimize the available resources. 23. No security system is complete without adequate detention and reclusion centers.

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Final Report

15 ANNEXES There is complementary documentation in Spanish and English:

1. Plan Maestro de Desarrollo Turístico de la Bahía de Trujillo, Honduras, Síntesis General. ICARO C.A. Consultoría y Proyectos. 2001. 2. Estrategia Participativa para el Desarrollo Integral del Municipio de Tela. 2001. 3. Diagnóstico Ambiental Cualitativo de Muelle de Cruceros de Trujillo. José Luis Segovia Castillo. 2005 4. Estudio Saneamiento Ambiental y Protección Costera de La Ceiba. The Louis Berger Group Inc. 2005. 5. Estrategia Nacional de Turismo Sostenible de Honduras. 2005 6. Reporte Final Fase III Estudio y Plan Maestro para el Desarrollo de un Muelle de Cruceros en la Bahía de Trujillo. Bermello, Ajamil & Partners. 2006. 7. Estudio y Diseño Final de Acceso a La Ceiba Calle 8. 2007. 8. Propuesta de Estrategia Regional para La Moskitia enviada al Gabinete Social. 2007. 9. Base de Datos de Prestadores de Servicios en La Ceiba. Unidad Turística Municipal. 2008. 10. The La Ruta Moskitia Ecotourism Alliance: A Case Study. Mattew Humbke. 2008. 11. Proyecto Oficina de Turismo Costero Departamental de Colón. 2009. 12. Business Framework of Tourism in La Ceiba and Roatán. Álvaro Rivera. 2009. 13. Informe Final Energía y Telecomunicaciones en La Moskitia. Italo Mazzei. 2009. 14. Reporte de la Visita a Sitios de Honduras. Armando Frías. 2009. 15. Report on Visit to Sites in Nicaragua. Armando Frías. 2009 16. Executive Project for the New Cabotage Terminal in Puerto Lempira, Department of Gracias a Dios, Honduras. Terms of Reference. Armando Frías. 2009. 17. Executive Project to Modernize the Cabotage Terminal in Trujillo, Department of Colón, Honduras. Terms of Reference. Armando Frías. 2009. 18. Executive Project for the Expansion of Facilities of the Municipal Pier at Bluefields, RAAS, Nicaragua. Terms of Reference. Armando Frías. 2009. 19. Executive Project for the Expansion of Facilities of the Municipal Pier at Bluefields, RAAS, Nicaragua. Terms of Reference. Armando Frías. 2009. 20. Executive Project for Complementary Installation in Corn Island and Little Corn Island, RAAS, Nicaragua. Terms of Reference. Armando Frías. 2009. 21. Executive Project for a Coastal Promenade Corridor (Malecón) in Corn Island, RAAS, Nicaragua. Terms of Reference. Armando Frías. 2009. 22. Análisis Sectorial del Turismo en la Costa Caribe de Nicaragua. Lucy Valenti. 2009. 23. Assessment of Community Based Tourism Potential on the Northern Coast of Honduras. Campos, Hailer, McComb & Weber. 2009. 24. Informe de Seguridad Ciudadana. César Zaldívar. 2009

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