Punta Izopo Wildlife Refuge, Protected area and Ramsar site in Tela, Honduras
Punta Izopo Wildlife Refuge is a protected area on Honduras's Caribbean coast that encompasses wetlands, mangrove forests, and coastal ecosystems. The site is crisscrossed by river channels and supports abundant wildlife and plant life.
The area gained official protection status in 1992 and received international recognition as a Ramsar wetland in 1996. These designations marked the start of systematic conservation for this important coastal region.
The Garifuna communities near the refuge practice traditional fishing methods that have shaped the area for generations. Their knowledge of local ecosystems guides how they interact with the environment today.
The best way to explore the area is on guided kayak tours along the water channels, which can be arranged from nearby Tela. The ideal visiting period is between November and April when weather is drier and more stable.
The refuge is crossed by two major river systems, the Plátano and Hicaque, which create a dense network of waterways through the mangroves. Paddlers navigate this intricate maze of channels formed by the convergence of these two river systems.
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