The Environmental Problems of Mali and Honduras

Development The process of increasing national incomes, improving quality of life for all citizens, and increasing social status in the world.

Mali Capital-Bamako Population-12,666,987 Located Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

History of Mali Became independent from France in 1960 Dictatorship brought down 1991 by military coup. Ran by Amadou Toure Elections-free/fair President Amadou Toumani Touré

Basic Environmental Issues Desertification, soil erosion, deforestation, loss of pastureland, poor water quality. Wildlife threatened by drought, poaching, and destruction of wildlife.

Deforestation Government lacks means to prevent cutting down trees for fire wood. 10.3% of Mali is forest

Poaching Authorities lack means to control poaching of prevented animals. Endangerd/extinct animals--cheetah, addax, elephant, Barbary sheep, and Sahara oryx

Waste Mali's cities produce about 0.4 million tons of solid waste. Poor water quality Majority of household-no running water.

Honduras The capital is Tegucigalpa Population=7,792,854 Located on the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Nicaragua

History of Honduras Became independent in 1821 from Spain. Freely elected government in Hurricane Mitch-1998, killed 5,600, left $2,000,000,000 in damage. President Manuel Zelaya

Basic Issues in the Environment Soil erosion, loss of fertility in soil (because of slash+burn cultivation), rapid depletion of forests, and waste has hurt Honduras.

Deforestation , rate of deforestation =2.34% About 200,000 acres of forest are cut down each year because of peasants searching for land/money.

Deforestation Illegal logging 85% of timber production is illegal Timber trade feeds corruption in government and other areas

Waste Cities produce 500,000 tons of waste a year. Air pollution results from lack of pollution control for industries and cars

Effects of Hurricane Mitch

Honduras Environment Map

Compare Both have problems with waste, deforestation, desertification, and soil erosion Also have problems with poaching of endangered/protected animals

Contrast Mali = landlocked—Honduras = coast –Mali relies more on resources in its own country Honduras suffers from floods due to hurricanes

How Environment Effects Development Honduras—desertification and hurricanes cause destruction to crops/towns –This leads to poverty –Leads to deforestation, poaching, etc.

How Environment Effects Development Mali—drought, desertification, and soil erosion –Issues lead to poverty –Leads to deforestation, poaching, and poor crop quality = no food

The Future Honduras—forests will be nearly gone –More polluted –Majority poor Mali—nearly desert –Decrease in water quality-pollution –Majority poor

Works Cited Butler, Rhett A. Mongabay.com June Encyclopedia of the Nations Advameg, Inc. 2 June Canadian International Development Agency June Country Studies June 2009.