By integrating technical rigor, environmental stewardship and social equity, Honduras is positioning itself as a leader in responsible palm oil production. These initiatives are part of the RECOVER Project, implemented by Solidaridad in coordination with the Honduran Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Ready for global markets: Mastering audits and EUDR compliance
A critical component of this transformation is the professionalization of producers to meet international demands, particularly the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Through a successful bimodal training course that combines virtual theory with practical field simulations, Honduran technicians and producers have been preparing for official sustainability audits. The training focused on the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) Independent Smallholder Standard, a key certification for accessing responsible markets.
“My experience with the RSPO course has been very satisfactory; the course was dynamic and interactive, allowing me to acquire knowledge I didn’t have before,” says Marlen Aguilar, a supervisor of independent producers at Paiguay. “Now, I can apply this knowledge to guide and motivate producers to join the certification.”
International experts facilitated these sessions, using a “learning by doing” methodology. Participants simulated real-world audits, reviewing documentation related to labor rights and environmental protection measures. This preparation is vital for the sector’s social capital, comprising over 17,000 small-scale producers and ensuring they are not left behind as market regulations tighten.
Strengthening governance and combating bud rot
Beyond individual training, the sector has strengthened its institutional framework by reactivating the Zero Deforestation Voluntary Agreement Table (Mesa AVCD). This platform brings together government officials, the private sector (including major players like JAREMAR, DINANT and ACEYDESA), academia and producers to define a unified vision for sustainability.
Key outcomes of this renewed governance include:
- EUDR alignment: Developing collective interpretations and official guides to ensure legality and traceability.
- Plant Health Strategy: Addressing the critical challenge of Bud Rot, a disease threatening productivity.
To tackle Bud Rot, the project implemented technical field days and a National Forum. These events connected producers with experts to discuss genetic management, early detection and organic recovery methods.
“The restoration of biological corridors in the Atlantic coast is fundamental to halting the expansion of agricultural land and promoting a sustainable increase in palm oil production, while protecting natural ecosystems,” noted Gabriela Jeffs, Coordinator of the RECOVER Project.
The human element: Gender equality and generational integration
Sustainability in Honduras is not just about environmental metrics; it is about people. In the department of Atlántida, the project has launched workshops focused on gender equality and generational integration.
Recognizing that a resilient sector requires the participation of all community members, these sessions created collaborative spaces for women, men and youth. The results have been immediate: women are gaining visibility in leadership roles, and young people are bridging the gap between tradition and innovation with new technologies.
“Seeing women, men and young people in communities recognize that it is imperative to build a shared vision of the sector together is deeply inspiring,” Jeffs adds. “Projects like RECOVER demonstrate that when all voices participate, communities become stronger.”
A resilient future
By simultaneously addressing market compliance, phytosanitary health, governance and social inclusion, the RECOVER Project is driving a holistic evolution of the Honduran palm oil industry.
From the technical rigor of an RSPO audit to the restoration of biological corridors and the empowerment of young leaders, Honduras is positioning itself to demonstrate that a competitive palm oil sector can also prioritize inclusion, environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.
