The document summarizes tourism development and local benefits in the Cayos Cochinos Marine Protected Area of Honduras. It describes the establishment of the MPA in 1993 by offshore NGOs to protect coral cays and manage economic activities for local people. The area is home to the Garifuna people who are economically disadvantaged and dependent on subsistence fishing. Three cases of tourism development on the cays are discussed - a restaurant and accommodations, another restaurant, and a proposed dive and eco-center. Issues addressed include capacity building, institutional strengthening, marketing, and the effectiveness of partnerships between local and international organizations.

1. Tourism and Local Benefits in the Cayos Cochinos Marine Protected Area, Honduras R.J. Payne Lakehead University Ocean Management Research Network Conference University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario October 21 – 24, 2009

3. The Garifuna People

5. Emerging Issues

8. Management plan, 2004: find economic activities for local people

10. Culturally different from other Hondurans; economically disadvantaged

11. Largely dependent on subsistence fishing for their livelihoods

12. Most affected by MPA establishment

15. Four rooms

16. Tourism operators from La Ceiba stop off at Chachauate

18. 1 large room (dormitory style)

19. restaurant

21. Location

22. Finance

24. Institutional Strengthening: Co-operative principles and operation

27. graduate students)

28. Tourism and Local Benefits in the Cayos Cochinos MPA End/Fin