Honduras’ The Moskitia Route Wins Eco Award

The Moskitia Route, an ecotourism venture started by Rare, has been selected from over 1,700 nominees as recipient of the 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award in the “Best in Park or Protected Area” category.

The Moskitia Route has helped strengthen the community of the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras, doubling the number of visitors to the area and creating 150 new jobs that support over 750 family members.

The ecotourism program dedicates a percentage of its revenues to conservation projects in the reserve, and works with Rare and community members to inspire residents of Rio Platano to protect and care for the natural resources upon which the ecotourism industry depends.

The Moskitia Route was created as part of a Rare program dedicated to helping rural communities find sustainable alternatives to environmentally-threatening practices. Rio Platano, sometimes referred to as “the last lungs of Central America,” faces significant environmental threats, including illegal logging, grazing, slash and burn agricultural practices and unsustainable fishing.