Due to its geographic location, Honduras is vulnerable to cyclical climate phenomena, including cyclones, tropical storms and hurricanes, as well as prolonged periods of drought associated with the climate distortion known as “El Niño”. In November 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota brought widespread flooding and major destruction to the country. At least 745 communities across 155 of the 298 municipalities reported varying degrees of damage, including loss of life, food and nutrition insecurity.39 Honduras faces significant challenges regarding environmental deterioration, loss of biodiversity and reduction of ecosystem benefits. One of the most visible effects has been progressive deforestation, at 40 percent of the total land area today compared to 65 percent in 1995.40 The adverse social effects of the expansion of extractive activities are another source of concern, due to the frequency of conflicts between settlers and local communities over the use of natural resources and ecosystem benefits. This situation is more sensitive in indigenous and Afro-descendant territories due to the spiritual value of natural resources, in addition to their economic and environmental functions. Currently renewable energy consumption stands at 51.5 percent of total final energy consumption.41
1.4 UNDP programme under review The UNDP partnership with Honduras began in 1971. During the current evaluation period, the UNDP strategy in Honduras has been guided by the 2017-2021 CPD, which is aligned to the Honduras United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2017-2021. The CPD is also aligned with the priorities identified by the Government in key national planning documents, namely, “Visión País” (2010-2038), “Plan de Nación” (2010-2022), the Government Strategic Plan (2014-2018) and sectoral cabinet plans. The main focus of the current CPD is to reduce vulnerabilities and inequalities, so that no one is left behind. The foundation of the 2017-2021 CPD, in particular, has been the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on goals 1, 5, 10, 12, 13, 16 and 17. The CPD focused on three outcome areas:
Outcome 39. Vulnerable Hondurans in target communities have improved the exercise of their rights, with more effective, inclusive and transparent institutions, through broad and effective citizen participation. Outcome 40. The Honduran population, particularly those in vulnerable situations in municipalities experiencing high levels of violence and crime, improve their conditions of living, citizen security and access to protection mechanisms, with broad citizen participation. Outcome 41. Populations in conditions of poverty and vulnerability to food insecurity in prioritized regions increase production and productivity, gain access to decent work, increase income and responsible consumption, while taking into account climate change, conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems.
39 40 41
https://reliefweb.int/report/honduras/honduras-flash-appeal-tropical-storm-eta-november-2020 Human Development Report 2019 (% of total land area). http://www.hdr.undp.org/en/indicators/100806 Renewable sources include hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, tides, wind, biomass and biofuels. Source: Human Development Report, 2019.
CHAPTER 1. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUC TION
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