Introduction

Honduras has some of the planet's finest natural reserves. Almost 53% of the country´s surface is covered by forests and its biodiversity is exceptionally higher for its size. It procures energy from three sources: hydrocarbons (organic compounds such as carbon and hydrogen), hydric (water) and biomass (organic matter originated in a biological process).

More than 60% of the energy that the country consumes is derived from thermal plants based on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. More than 30% of hydrocarbons are used to produce electric power while the rest is consumed by transport.

Legal framework and projects

Currently there are projects for the usage of alternative sources of energy such as hydroelectric, biodiesel (out of the African palm, one of the principles crops in Honduras) and ethanol from sugar cane.

The legal framework in place regarding renewable energy is supported by the following laws:

-Law of Hydrocarbons (Decree 194-84 La Gaceta 28/02/85 Nº 24557)

-Law of the Electric Subsector (Decree 158-94, La Gaceta 26/11/94 Nº27,511)

-Bylaws of the Electric Subsector (La Gaceta 12/4/1999 Nº 28837)

-Law of Promotion of Energy with Renewable Resources (Decree 70-2007, La Gaceta 02/10/2007, Nº 31,422)

-Law of Biodiesel (Decree 144-2007)

It is expect that many other projects will be executed in Honduras; it will reactivate the construction sector in the country employing not only foreign but local workers, which means that a lot of families will benefit from these developments.

Conclusion

While the population is still highly dependent on natural resources the stability of natural resources and ecosystems are under constant threat by the inappropriate management of earth and water particularly in dry zones.

Studies reflect that since 2004 around 80,000 and 100,000 hectares are lost due to illegal logging, fires, and expansion of agricultural borders.

Honduras is eager to reverse this situation and has been making its best efforts since the 90´s by signing international conventions related to environment, developing and assuring a National Environment Policy for a better environment management.

Additionally Honduras has engaged as one of its Millennium Goals "To incorporate the sustainable development principles in the national policies and programs this investing the lack of resources in environment.

These programs about the environment resources must be highly sustainable with a long term vision and monitored.

Furthermore it is important to expedite the passage and enforceability of other laws regarding the natural resources and environment management, such as Water Law Framework, Forest Law and Protected Areas Law and also to create special bylaws for the proper execution of the existent environment laws as well as to ensure its accomplishment.-

Originally Published by: Guide To Energy and Natural Resources 2012, Corporate Livewire.

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