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TEAM EL SALVADOR 9

Evaluation of the Local Plan for Sustainable Use of the Mangrove Ecosystem

Callaghan, Christopher; Callaway, Nicole; Fancher, Tessa; Nelson, Stephanie; Spegal, Jeffrey;

Stagg, Tom ; Stanton, Jamie

Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Editor and Faculty Advisor : Adele Negro

January, 2015



Acknowledgments,

The study detailed in the following report would not have been possible without the support and technical

assistance of numerous people in El Salvador and Monterey, California.

First, we would like to extend our thank you to Asociación Mangle, not only for their willingness to provide us with access to any and all information needed to complete our report, but also hosting us as a

team and as colleagues. Specifically, Walberto Gallegos, Don Luis Ramos, Carmen Argueta, and Sabino

Cruz supported our initiative from the beginning, serving both as guides to the communities of the Bajo

Lempa region and providing us access to community leaders and local experts. Additionally, their help

allowed us to coordinate our entire three weeks in the region and for this we are incredibly grateful.

Further, the assistance of José Maria “Chema” Argueta allowed the logistics of our stay in the Bajo

Lempa to proceed smoothly, a task that cannot be overstated, as the coordination of our 16 students from

the United States is often challenging and tedious work.

Further, we would like to thank Nathan Weller and Amy Kessler of EcoViva. Both former Monterey

Institute students, their perspective of the region was invaluable, and their partnership with Asociación

Mangle helped us start our work immediately upon arrival in the Bajo Lempa.

Integral to the success of our work were the Coordinadora del Bajo Lempa and the Coordinadora of

Puerto Parada, as well as the leaders and residents of the communities where we conducted interviews and

surveys: Las Mesitas, Los Calix, La Canoita, Brisas del Mar, Isla Montecristo, la Chacastera, Puerto

Parada, el Botoncillo, and San Hilario.

Additionally, the work of Team El Salvador would not be possible without the faculty guidance from our

professors at the Middlebury Institute. First and foremost, Adele Negro, as faculty director for Team El

Salvador for the past 10 years, possesses a wealth, not only of information, but of passion for the ongoing

work in this region. Her continued commitment to introducing students to El Salvador is what provided

the opportunity for this project. Additionally, we would like to extend our thanks to Professors JeffDayton-Johnson, Fernando DePaolis, Robert McCleery and Phil Murphy, who consulted with us at every

step of the project, from its inception and initial design to the analysis of the data and the compilation of

the final report upon our return. With their clear guidance, we were able both to synthesize and clearly

present the results of our work.

We also extend our appreciation to the people of Ciudad Romero who showed our team the sincerest

hospitality through opening their hearts and homes to us. We are indebted to the families of Doña Isabel

“Chabela” Fuentes, Doña Gloria Rosibel “Maribel” Perez, and Doña Marcelina Alvarenga for their

ongoing hospitality as hosts for our students. It is important further to convey our deepest thanks and

appreciation to our drivers, Víctor Manuel Maldonado, José Dolores “Lolo” Rojas, Jesús Elías Navarrete

for providing logistical assistance to our team.

Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to previous teams from the Middlebury Institute, whose

history of valuable work in the region paved the way for the completion of our study. We are proud to be

part of such a lineage.

1



Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary………………………………………………………………….....3

2. Background…...………………………………………………………………………...43. Proposed Study………………………………………………………………………....7

4. Methodology…………………………………………………………………………....7

5. Observations and Analysis…………………...………………………………………....8

6. Policy Relevance………………………………....…………………………………….10

7. Recommendations………………………………...…………………………………....11

8. Appendix 1. Community Statistics……………....…………………………………….17

2



Executive Summary

In January of 2015, a group of graduate students in Team El Salvador, of the Middlebury

Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), traveled to El Salvador with the task of

researching the impact of the Plan Local de Aprovechamiento Sostenible (PLAS), or, Local Plan

for Sustainable Use. PLAS was implemented in 2010 in the Bajo Lempa region following the

passing of Decreto 14 (Ministerial Decree #14), and its adoption by the Ministry of the

Environment and Natural Resources (MARN).

In this context, the MIIS research team’s study aimed at assessing the broader social

characteristics of this region. During the research design phase, four variables were identified as

potentially important to the implementation of local environmental resource conservation policy:

effective communication structures, community ownership of the policy, relative economic

stability in the region, and access to alternative markets and resources. In an effort to address

these variables, the team designed a survey and prepared a set of questions for semi-structured

interviews in the field. During three weeks in the Bajo Lempa, the team conducted 76 household

surveys and over 10 hours of semi-structured interviews with local community leaders and local

forest rangers ( guardarecursos ), who are responsible for enforcing PLAS policies.

Throughout the study, community leaders and citizens alike stressed the importance of

sustainable regulation of their ecosystem. They value the mangrove ecosystem and know

intimately that without proper conservation efforts, they cannot continue to survive as

communities. Unfortunately, the study found that over 80% of community members in

communities where the PLAS has been implemented are unaware of the regulations dictated by

the Plan. Additionally, 92% reported that there were no locations where they could acquire

alternative materials to sustain their livelihoods. Further, it was widely reported that

enforcement, as well as monitoring and evaluation, was insufficient. Community leaders and the

forest rangers expressed a need for increased resources, such as technical assistance and funding

for more rangers and supplies.

As a result of the study, key problems were identified that need improvement where

PLAS has already been implemented; if these issues are not addressed, they will limit

3



conservation efforts in new communities. The survey confirmed a very low level of income in

the Bajo Lempa, with 62% of households surveyed stating they did not have dependable work

and 34% reporting a monthly income of $0. Due to the poverty levels examined in the Bajo

Lempa region, community members were unable to eliminate their dependence on mangrove

resources as their sole provision of sustenance and survival. This was a large barrier to the

adherence to PLAS regulations.

There is room for improvement in the implementation and monitoring of the policy. First,

the completion of regular and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems which use a set

of standardized measurements that incorporate both social and environmental indicators is

recommended. Additionally, it is important to bolster community understanding through a

technology-based forum, pictographic instruments of communication, and the engagement of

future generations. The need to develop outreach programs that improve community cohesion in

an effort to increase youth involvement in governance and build a coalition between the multiple

stakeholders that influence environmental conservation efforts is also evident. Finally, the

continuing support of local cooperatives, job training for youth, and increased micro-lending in

communities with PLAS will improve financial opportunities in the Bajo Lempa region.

I. Background

The Bay of Jiquilisco and the surrounding mangrove ecosystem in the Bajo Lempa region

of El Salvador constitute a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve and a Ramsar Wetland of 1

International Importance that is valued both for its carbon sequestering ecosystem and its rich

ecological variety. The nearby communities rely directly on resources from this ecosystem for

their livelihood. However, degradation of this ecosystem is threatening both the livelihood of

residents and the sustainability of the environment. Between 1980 and 2005, El Salvador lost

more than 40% of its mangrove forests. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations reported that, “In Central American countries such as El Salvador, mangroves were lost

1 A Ramsar site is a protected wetlands area designated by international standards. Accessed through http://www.ramsar.org

4



mainly through uncontrolled urbanization, agricultural encroachment and conversion to shrimp

and salt ponds.” In 2012, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) 2

reported that there were 46,950 “unintervened” acres of mangrove forest in the Bay of Jiquilisco.

There were 3,086 acres which were developed into aquaculture and salt ponds. More mangrove

forest was converted illegally than legally: 1,482 acres were approved by MARN for projects

such as shrimp farming, while 1,604 acres were developed illegally. MARN also identified 2,333

acres at risk of sedimentation, deforestation and flooding, with additional threats from

encroachment by agriculture, pesticide and solid waste contamination, as well as tourism

development .3

The Plan Local de Aprovechamiento Sostenible (PLAS) was implemented five years ago

in the Bajo Lempa region of El Salvador following the passing of the Decreto 14 by the

Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (MARN). Decreto 14 granted authority

over conservation of environmental resources to local districts, and, in response, the PLAS

project was designed to regulate the usage of the mangrove ecosystem in eight communities. It

was developed with a five year timeline, after which it would be up for review and renewal, if

successful. Preliminary biological studies published by MARN indicate success and, as the five

years expired in 2015, Asociación Mangle is interested in renewing and expanding the policy . 4 5

For this reason, PLAS has recently transitioned into the policy evaluation stage so that the effects

on mangrove depletion and the surrounding socioeconomic repercussions on the communities of

the Bajo Lempa region can be accurately assessed and analyzed.6

Prior to research design, the team investigated the existing literature relevant to policy

implementation for resource management and environmental conservation. Throughout the

investigation several recurring themes associated with positive policy results emerged, including

an emphasis on community ownership, stable infrastructure, and local capacity. Resounding

2 FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. Pg. 33. Accessed throughftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1427e/a1427e07.pdf3 (2012). Fomilenio II. Evaluación Ambiental Estratégica Informe No. 2. Exploración de Alternativas: Pesca, Agroforestería yTurismo. Accessed through http://www.marn.sv/documentos/sistema-evaluacion-ambiental/EAEFMC-SegundoAvanceEAE.pdf4 Asociacion Mangle is a non-governmental organization that promotes developmental and environmental programs in the BajoLempa Region.5 Álvarez, Ana Gloria. (2014). Evaluación del Plan Local de Aprovechamiento Sostenible del sector occidental de la Bahía de

Jiquilisco. Asociación Mangle y MARN.6 Wu et al. (2010). The Public Policy Primer. Managing the Policy Process. Routledge textbook in Policy

studies.

5

http://www.marn.sv/documentos/sistema-evaluacion-ambiental/EAEFMC-SegundoAvanceEAE.pdf

http://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1427e/a1427e07.pdf



professional opinion spoke against highly centralized systems of policy development and

implementation and in favor of increased local control. Given a variety of factors, including

insufficient use of local knowledge, lack of technical expertise and economic support, and

ineffective monitoring, centralized and top-down implementation tends to fail. However, when

policy implementation derives from the environment in which it will be enacted and is

coordinated with strong institutional backing, the achievement of long-term results is much more

likely.

Stable infrastructure is another factor that increased the likelihood of positive results.

Within the literature, a vast and disparate list of factors have been identified as ingredients that

can aid implementation of resource management policies. It was often illustrated that in places

where stable infrastructure and economic incentives were lacking, these targets were valued over

environmental and resource management goals. Understanding economic influence on a

community’s behavior was essential to successful policy implementation.

There was a noticeable gap, however, when it came to addressing questions of

replicability of policy implementation across regions. One common reason discussed in the

literature was the lack of outcome evaluations in community resource management programs.

Without appropriate evaluation, it is difficult to ascertain the success of a policy, let alone the

possibility for replication. This was due to the over-specificity of regional factors that could not

be abstracted into larger, overarching key variables. There is a way to resolve these concerns for

replicability and address the gaps in research by looking at the Bajo Lempa both in its very

individualized context and also keeping in mind the theoretical and analytical needs.

II. Proposed Study

As such, the study asked the following question: In the communities that have PLAS,

what community characteristics are most relevant to effective implementation of PLAS?

Additionally, which characteristics are important to evaluate with respect to expansion of PLAS

to additional communities?

6



A review of previous research regarding local control of research extraction led to an

identification of the following four factors as essential to the success of an environmental

conservation policy: a sense of community ownership, effective structures of communication,

stable local infrastructure and a viable economy in the region. Community ownership refers to a

shared sense of responsibility and involvement in both the system of decision-making and the

ongoing maintenance and enforcement of the environmental policy. In terms of communication

structures, the effectiveness of routes of information flow, both formal and informal, that allow

for the overall increase of knowledge in the community was assessed. The value of stable local

infrastructure is reflected both in the relative stability and security of the community and in the

administrative capabilities of local governing bodies. Finally, the communities’ access to

commercial markets (selling and purchasing) and the ability to secure alternative methods of

livelihood--both critical for a viable local economy--were analyzed.

III. Methodology

A mixed methods approach was used to collect data, employing both qualitative and

quantitative methods. The research was conducted over a three week period in the Bajo Lempa

region of El Salvador, in six communities that currently had PLAS (Los Calix, Canoita, Las

Mesitas, Isla Montecristo, Chacastera and Brisas del Mar), and in two communities where

expansion has been proposed by Mangle (San Hilario and Botoncillo). To collect quantitative

data, 76 surveys were administered to residents both of communities that had implemented

PLAS and communities where the implementing organization had intentions to expand PLAS.

The survey addressed aspects of the four qualities mentioned previously. In an effort to

investigate communication, questions were developed that inquired as to where people receive

their information (intra or inter-community), how much they know about PLAS, and whom they

trust outside of the family (hoping to understand how communication flows within a

community). Infrastructure was addressed by asking the interviewees about their use of

mangrove resources for home building and looked for alternative sources of construction

materials within each community. To gauge community buy-in, a set of questions was designed

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to examine the perception of people regarding environmental preservation. Finally, access to

markets was addressed by looking at the supply chains for mangrove resources within each

community and basic income demographic questions.

In addition to the survey, the team conducted focus groups with the leaders of each

community and the guardarecursos (similar to forest rangers), who are responsible for enforcing

the rules and regulations of PLAS. This allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the

community level functioning of PLAS. With this data in mind, recommendations have been

developed both for the improvement and expansion of PLAS.

IV. Observations and Analysis

1) Monitoring and Evaluation

In previous investigations, the team was given past evaluations of PLAS with respect to

biological sustainability. The team also read what is known as the Plan Manejo de Bahia

Jiquilisco , a measurement of specific indicators set for monitoring protected areas, such as the

mangrove ecosystem. Unfortunately, because of large inconsistencies in these reports, much of

the data was found to be incomplete and unreliable. To date, there is no comprehensive system in

place for the monitoring and evaluation of PLAS performance and the gradual depletion of the

mangrove ecosystem. Therefore, it is impossible to evaluate the effectiveness of PLAS at this

time. A consistent monitoring system is essential for Mangle if they are to determine the rate of

depletion of mangrove resources and the economic consequences of restricting access to those

resources in the Bajo Lempa region.

In order to ensure that these needs are adequately addressed, it is imperative that

community leaders be allocated more resources, both technical and financial, to achieve their

goals and initiate positive change. Community leaders’ reliance on organizations such as

Mangle, the Ministry of the Environment, and other NGO’s for financial, technical and

administrative assistance reflect a lack of operating capacity, which was echoed in communities

and nearby organizations alike.

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2) Education - Communication

Through focus group conversations and surveys, the team found that within the six

communities that have PLAS, more than 80% of the individuals interviewed could not articulate

the rules and processes it contains. Although it was observed that measures of communication

were attempted, there was widespread confusion about the exact rules of PLAS, even amongst

authority figures. This is detrimental to effective resource conservation in these areas, as even

with large public support for environmental conservation, citizens cannot follow rules of which

they are unaware.

3) Community Buy-In

A recurring theme observed in interviews with community leaders was a strong respect

for organizations that benefit the mangrove ecosystem and the local people. However, during the

surveys and focus groups, community leaders and citizens expressed a lack of trust and security

in their communities. This can be traced to the presence of gang activity, tensions left over from

the civil war, and disputes over communal resources. For example, representatives from some of

the communities directly bordering the ecosystem mentioned that people from other

communities farther from the mangrove ecosystem often took advantage of natural resources that

didn't “belong” to them, while those from outlying areas felt they were unduly discriminated

against with respect to resource extraction.

Furthermore, when asked the general question, "Overall, in whom do you place your trust

outside of your family members?" 40% of respondents indicated they placed their trust in the

church, 24% in their neighbors, 12% in the authorities, 8% in the school, 8% in community

organizations, and 8% did not place their trust in anyone . Also, a direct concern regarding the 7

enforcement of PLAS was the increasing levels of gang activity and insecurity in the region.

Both community members and guardarecurso s expressed reluctance to approach and cite

offenders because of the fear of approaching a gang member.

7 These percentages were calculated from 100 responses collected in total (the question allowed for more than one selected response).

9



These circumstances damage the level of cooperation and confidence within and amongst

communities. Additionally, they diminish communal responsibility and the incentive to preserve

local resources. Given the data, our recommendations comprise strategies to strengthen both inter

and intra community confidence, as well as to promote a sense of security in the region.

4) Livelihoods and Access to Alternative Markets

The resources from the mangrove ecosystem are the only viable options and sources of

livelihood for the majority of the population. The team’s study found that more than 60% of

people in the sample did not have a secure and dependable occupation, and 34% stated a monthly

salary of $0. Additionally, over 90% of the individuals interviewed indicated that there was no

business in their community where they could purchase materials for construction, forcing them

to rely entirely on resources from the mangrove. This underscores the necessity to increase

employment opportunities in rural communities of the Bajo Lempa region. Increasing purchasing

power is an effective way to diversify the products used for the construction of houses and for

fuel, rather than relying solely on resources from the mangrove.

V. Policy Relevance

The study directly addressed four variables in its research design. It was hypothesised

that the adoption of PLAS in individual communities was dependant on: (1) Community Buy-In,

(2) Communication of Policies, (3) Access to Markets and (4) Infrastructure.

Aside from education and income, variables were chosen that would serve to determine

the relevance of identified factors. For example, community buy-in was measured by

participation in meetings and interest in environmental programs. Additionally, measuring the

use of mangrove wood as building materials and the reported number of fisherman over the past

five years serves to begin to address dependency on the mangrove and therefore the likelihood of

accepting and abiding by restrictions in their extraction and use. Finally, variables such as

perceived efficacy of community representation and number of years spent in a community may

10



give an overview of social capital and communication, high levels of which would be vital in the

implementation of a given policy.

Two statistical models were created to analyze the survey data. The first model indicated

that the reported change in number of fisherman in a given community, along with the source of

a respondent’s information - either from within, or outside the community (e.g., radio, TV, etc.)

– was insignificant and, as such, was removed from the model. However, the reported number of

meetings attended by a respondent in the past year was retained in the model despite its statistical

insignificance due to noted perceived interactions.

A logistic regression was used to test whether the communities that have been nominally

introduced to PLAS exhibit desirable factors which should be evaluated and replicated in

additional communities. The coefficients whose sign was negative were focused on as well as

what that indicates regarding practical interpretation of this model. The variables-- years,

education and income--all have negative coefficients, suggesting that PLAS has been introduced,

perhaps unknowingly, into communities with lower levels of education, income, and less social

capital. It is difficult to determine whether this is simply a function of the unique characteristics

of these community's needs, or whether this would hold true throughout the region.

VI. Recommendations

The team’s research identified community characteristics that make possible the

implementation of PLAS. The data show that communities are lacking in the factors identified as

important: education, community ownership, communication, economic alternatives and access

to markets. For example, PLAS has been implemented in communities where there is little

knowledge of the policy or where individuals have few financial resources. In other words, the

fact that a community is unaware of PLAS or has little financial capacity is not an obstacle to the

expansion of PLAS. However, survey statistics, responses from the semi-structured focus

groups, and observations by our research team while in the Bajo Lempa, reveal aspects of the

PLAS which can be strengthened to benefit communities where it is already implemented and

ways to establish a supportive base in new communities where it can be expanded. The following

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recommendations aim to enhance the PLAS and stem from our observations, or interactions with

community focus groups, in the field.

1. Regular and Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation.

The design and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan is an

essential next step for improving the future performance of PLAS and enhancing future Team El

Salvador research. This conclusion is based on the fact that no previous data exist which can

provide a consistent, evaluative measure of the socioeconomic and biological impacts of the

PLAS since its inception. Currently it is difficult, if not impossible, to evaluate the success of the

policy. Therefore, the creation of a systematic monitoring and evaluation mechanism will

promote the protection of the mangrove ecosystem and the conservation of important species.

The following are steps towards a monitoring and evaluation plan:

Set standardized indicators. Studies conducted by MARN and ICMARES (with

assistance from Mangle, EcoViva and Team El Salvador) in 2008, 2013 and 2014

provide data that can potentially serve as a baseline for determining key indicators.

Relevant stakeholders, including representatives of Mangle and members of the Local

Environmental Committee, should begin a dialogue about the creation of appropriate

indicators for success, both with respect to levels of resource extraction and

implementation structures within communities. In the short term, indicators of success

should focus on raising community awareness and engagement with PLAS. In the long

term, biological indicators should be both specific and geared toward monitoring the

incremental progress of mangrove flora and fauna in order to focus priorities and collect

time series data.

Incorporate partners that add scientific knowledge. Strengthen partnerships with local

academic institutions such as ICMARES of the University of El Salvador, to ensure

practices are scientifically based and do not unintentionally harm the mangrove

ecosystem.

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Designate an intra-community representative who is directly responsible for

monitoring PLAS regulations and organizing group meetings, and essentially serves

as a knowledge broker. Local champions of the policy can serve as the main advocates

to encourage the community to adhere to a policy that is trusted and understood. This

position should be filled by environmentally conscious individuals, preferably members

of the environmental committee .8

2. Increase Community Education

Unfortunately, the quantitative data gathered illustrated a surprising lack of knowledge of

PLAS rules and regulations: over 80% of individuals surveyed could not articulate the policy's

rules. By increasing and improving community education and outreach initiatives, residents will

not only be better able to adhere to PLAS regulations, but deficiencies in enforcement due to

lack of resources may also be mitigated. A high level of environmental concern and

consciousness was observed in these communities, despite the lack of direct knowledge

regarding specific rules and regulations. To this effect, we recommend the following:

Create a technology-based forum. Our observations of numerous communities point to

the prevalence of cell phone usage. Nearly all the families encountered seemed to own a

cellular device. Thus, it would be beneficial to utilize this means of communication to

bolster information dissemination of regulations set forth in the PLAS. This in turn has

the potential to bridge communication across communities where insecurity and distrust

may exist, while enabling those who are not able to physically attend meetings to receive

the information they need. A text message-based system which distributes information

about the PLAS rules and regulations, and provides updates on PLAS policy, would be a

potential avenue of information exchange and communal relationship building.

Create picture signs or cartoons that depict PLAS rules. Creating signs or pictograms

of policy regulations helps to narrow the misinformation gap for that portion of the

8 The environmental committee comprises one representative from each community, who serves as a conduit of informationregarding environmental issues. As we understand it, the role of each representative is to serve as a local knowledge broker.

13



population which is illiterate, while it enhances a sense of inclusion among community

members wanting to conserve the mangroves. Even for those who are literate, particularly

in educational conservation, pictures and signs are digestible in a way that policy

documents and long lists of rules are not.

Engage youth in PLAS . School performances are a creative outlet to include youth in

environmental causes on behalf of their community. Children would learn about

sustainability of the mangroves and the reasons why PLAS is important for their

community. Theatrical performances are a way of disseminating information to

audiences, raising awareness among generations, and building community buy-in. They

also help build a sense of place and pride in one’s community at a young age.

3. Develop Outreach Programs to Improve Community Cohesion

Our group conversations with community leaders and spontaneous interviews with

community members revealed a clear lack of inter- and intra- community trust, coupled with an

imminent fear of gangs. To address levels of mistrust and insecurity in the region, certain

recommendations are provided here with the aim of developing and improving community

outreach programs and strengthening community cohesion.

Encourage youth involvement in governance. Observations from multiple interviews

validated that the Bajo Lempa is home to a dynamic group of young people with the

interest and innovative spirit to bring to local governance. The inclusion of such

individuals is essential to improving the governing capacity of local community

organizations. Leaders with more strength and dynamism translate into communities with

greater vitality. This is important not only in relation to environmental conservation but

also for citizen security. Encouraging youth involvement in community governance can

be a direct disincentive to gang membership.

Create smaller-scale projects that have discreet, tangible goals, in order to build

pride and community ownership. On the basis of the quantitative data, it was clear that

14



individuals had a strong, collective interest in preserving their environment. Bringing the 9

community together through organized events could help resolve trust issues. Volunteer

days could be conducted two or more times a month to incentivize individuals to work

together toward a common goal, like improving community infrastructure. Public spaces

such as schools and community gathering places could be painted, or cleaned up with a

trash pick-up event.

Build a coalition of government entities, educational institutions, civic organizations,

and international NGOs. Certain aspects, such as the funding of the guardarecursos ,

are beyond the scope of Mangle’s responsibilities. In order to address these wider

challenges, it is recommended that Mangle continue to bolster cooperation,

communication and cohesion between organizational entities such as MARN and the

ADESCOs. The strengthening of ties between these organizations will foster more

effective logistical and financial strategies to fund projects, which, in turn, will enhance

the effectiveness of local management plans. The augmentation of logistical support will

improve transparency, clarification, and shared expected outcomes. Furthermore, top

funding priorities should focus on enforcement, monitoring and evaluation of the PLAS.

4. Promote Improved Financial Livelihoods in the Bajo Lempa

As stated above, the lack of financial resources has a significant impact on the mangrove

ecosystem because residents of the Bajo Lempa rely on wood, fish, shrimp, and crabs from the

mangroves when they cannot purchase materials and food from other sources. It is recognized

that developing economies and their resources present challenges that have no easy or clear

solution. There are initiatives already underway, however, such as the creation of fishing,

shrimping and dairy cooperatives that form part of the economic development which is a key

priority for Mangle.

9 See Appendix 1 under Community Engagement for community statistics

15



Continue to develop and support local cooperatives. Mangle can coordinate

organizational development, technical assistance, and financial support for local

cooperatives. Streamline their systems including a focus on supply chains. Assist with

market research, communication between cooperatives, and transportation. Promote

environmentally sustainable practices that conserve resources, prevent pollution, and

minimize impact on the mangrove ecosystem. Promote the dissemination of best

practices and market information between cooperatives.

Other potential initiatives to consider with the aim of improving livelihoods in the Bajo Lempa

are:

Start job-training programs for youth. A program idea inspired by the USAID

initiative to establish community centers referred to as “Outreach Centers for My

Neighborhood”. This in turn was sparked by a movement that has been effective in

countering gang violence in other parts of Central America called Movimiento Jóvenes

Contra La Violencia . This intervention calls for the development of community centers 10

where at-risk youth and ex-gang members can receive job training and assistance

securing alternative livelihoods. These trainings offer assistance in identifying positive

transferable skills such as leadership, organization and management.

Develop a micro loan project in these communities. This can promote self-sustaining,

small businesses and the creation of new markets for alternative resources. EcoViva

would be a great partner for this initiative. This would increase access to income and

promote livelihood opportunities, which in turn increases purchasing power to obtaining

alternative resources. Based on conversations with Salvadoran citizens, a micro loan

project needs to be implemented in conjunction with increasing safety and security

measures to protect individuals and companies from extortion by gangs.

10 Jóvenes Contra la Violencia. Accessed on May 5, 2015 through http://jovenescontralaviolencia.org/

16

http://jovenescontralaviolencia.org/



Appendix 1: Community Statistics

1) Puerto Parada (Botoncillo)/ without PLAS

16 people surveyed: 9 women, 7 men

Community Empowerment:

∙ 25% of people interviewed mentioned that the authorities don't take into account their opinions,

12.5% said that the authorities sometimes take into account their opinions, and 62.5% said that the

authorities do take into account their opinions.

∙ Only one person said that the conservation of the mangrove isn't important, 12.5% said that it is

important but not a priority, and 81% said that it is important and a priority.

Infrastructure:

∙ 75% of the sample indicated using mangrove wood in order to cook

∙ 62.5% of the sample uses mangrove wood to construct their homes

∙ 100% of the sample states that there isn't a business in the their community where they can buy

materials for construction

Communication:

∙ 31% of the sample said they were familiar with the formal process of extracting mangrove wood

under PLAS

∙ 18.5% said that they know the regulations of PLAS

Viable Economy:

∙ The distribution of income is between $0-$400 per month, with an average of $109.

∙ 18.8% indicated having no income.

∙ Of the 9 women, 77.7% indicated housewife as their profession

∙ Of the 7 men, 57% indicated that they were fishermen

∙ 56.3% of the sample indicated that the fish in their home is captured by a member of the family

17



2) Los Calix / with PLAS




20% said that the authorities sometimes take into account their opinions, and 70% said that the authorities

do take into account their opinions.

∙ Only one person said that the conservation of the mangrove isn't important, 30% said that it's

important but not a priority, and 60% said that it is important and a priority.

Infrastructure:


∙ 40% of the sample uses mangrove wood to construct their homes



Communication:


under PLAS

∙ 10% said that they know the regulations of PLAS

Viable Economy:

∙ The distribution of income is between $0-$220per month, with an average of $42.40


∙ Of the 8 women, 75% indicated housewife as their profession


∙ 10% of the sample indicated that the fish in their home is captured by a member of the family

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3) Canoita / with PLAS



∙ 28.6% of people interviewed mentioned that the authorities don't take into account their opinions,

0% said that the authorities sometimes take into account their opinions, and 71.4% said that the


∙ 0% said that the conservation of the mangrove is not important, 14.3% said it is important but not

a priority, and 85.7% said it is important and a priority.

Infrastructure:

∙ 42.9% of the sample indicated using mangrove wood in order to cook




Communication:


under PLAS

∙ 0% said that they know the regulations of PLAS

Viable Economy:

∙ The distribution of income is between $0-$5 per month, with an average of $0.71



∙ Of the 3 men, 33.3% indicated that they were fishermen


19



4) Chacastera/ with PLAS

3 people surveyed: 1 woman, 2 men





∙ 100% said the conservation of the mangrove is important and a priority.

Infrastructure:





Communication: ∙ 0% of the sample said they were familiar with the formal process of extracting mangrove wood

under PLAS

∙ 0% said that they know the regulations of PLAS.

Viable Economy:

∙ The distribution of income is between $30-$100 per month, with an average of 63.33$

∙ 0% indicated having no income

∙ 100% of the sample size indicated they were fishermen


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5) Las Mesitas / with PLAS12 people surveyed: 7 women, 5 men





∙ 0% said that the conservation of the mangrove is not important, 8.3% said it is important but not a

priority, and 91.7% said it is important and a priority.

Infrastructure:



∙ 83.3% of the sample states that there isn't a business in the their community where they can buy


Communication:

∙ 14.3% of the sample said they were familiar with the formal process of extracting mangrove

wood under PLAS


Viable Economy:

∙ The distribution of income is between $0-$200 per month, with an average of $24


∙ Of the 7 women, 85.7% indicated housewife as their profession



21



6) Brisas del Mar (Babilonia) / with PLAS9 people surveyed: 6 women, 3 men





∙ 100% said that the conservation of the mangrove is important and a priority.

Infrastructure:





Communication:


under PLAS


Viable Economy:


∙ 55.5% indicated having no income


∙ Of the 3 men, 0% indicated that they are fishermen


22



7) Isla Monte Cristo / with PLAS11 people surveyed: 8 women, 3 men





∙ 100% said that the conservation of the mangrove is important and a priority

Infrastructure:





Communication:


wood under PLAS


Viable Economy:

∙ The distribution of income is between $30-$360 per month, with an average of $130.63.





23



8) San Hilario / without PLAS7 people surveyed: 6 women, 1 man



28.5% said that the authorities sometimes take into account their opinions, and 28.5% said that the

authorities do take into account their opinion.

∙ 100% said that the conservation of the mangrove is important and a priority

Infrastructure:





Communication:


wood under PLAS

∙ 0% said that they know the regulations of PLAS.

Viable Economy:




∙ Of the 1 man, 0% indicated that they were a fisherman


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plas 2015 final deliverable 2

Documents