NCI 2024
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    Nicaragua, located in Central America, boasts a vast array of ecosystems including rainforests, dry forests, wetlands, and coastal regions. This diverse country features an assortment of breathtaking landscapes such as lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, rich mangroves, and dry tropical forests, each providing unique habitats for a wide variety of wildlife. It is home to Central America’s largest and most well-preserved tracts of tropical rainforests and lowland ecosystems.

    Nicaragua’s extensive coastline stretches 463 km (288 miles) along the Caribbean and 372 km (231 miles) along the Pacific, making up 13% of Central America’s coasts. Additionally, the country possesses a large continental shelf, particularly in the Caribbean, contributing to its significant marine biodiversity.

    Score Rank Change
    Total Score – NCI 2024 57.47 63 N/A
    Land Management 69 22 N/A
    Protected Areas (Terrestrial) 100 1 N/A
    Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 100 1 N/A
    Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 70 26 N/A
    Protected Areas (Marine) 58 25 N/A
    Pristine Habitat (Converted Land) 100 1 N/A
    Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution) 26 130 N/A
    Sustainable Pesticide Use 32 88 N/A
    Threats to Biodiversity 61 103 N/A
    Threatened Species (Terrestrial) 92 46 N/A
    Threatened Species (Marine) 68 44 N/A
    Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas 86 110 N/A
    Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas 100 1 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial) 5 157 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Marine) 0 10 N/A
    Depleted Fisheries 0 39 N/A
    Fishery Pressure in the High Seas 100 91 N/A
    Invasive Species Pressure 98 53 N/A
    Capacity and Governance 62 102 N/A
    Total Management Cost 81 148 N/A
    Conservation Culturomics 65 21 N/A
    Conservation Legislation 42 73 N/A
    Ratification of CBD 100 1 N/A
    Ratification of CITES 100 1 N/A
    Political Stability and Absence of Violence 50 63 N/A
    Control of Corruption 24 165 N/A
    Government Effectiveness 30 152 N/A
    Future Trends 38 114 N/A
    Climate Change Mitigation 38 114 N/A


    Four pillars elaborated:

    Land Management

     Nicaragua proudly manages a network of 78 protected areas, known as the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP), which covers 22,422 km² (8,657 mi²) or about 17.3% of the country’s territory. This extensive network safeguards a diverse collection of ecosystems including lush rainforests, cloud forests, volcanic regions, and coastal wetlands. The protected areas are categorized into nine different management types, each aimed at achieving specific conservation objectives. These categories range from strict nature reserves to national parks, natural monuments, wildlife refuges, biosphere reserves, and protected landscapes. Within these protected domains, Nicaragua hosts a wide range of biodiversity, providing critical habitats for many species, including endangered ones like sea turtles and the resplendent quetzal.

    Threats to Biodiversity

     The main threats to biodiversity in Nicaragua stem from both human activities and natural phenomena, falling into two broad categories. These include ecosystem transformation due to land use changes, irrational exploitation of natural resources, pollution from industrial and residential sources, and the construction of extensive horizontal infrastructure. Additionally, climate change poses a significant threat, altering weather patterns and affecting habitats and species survival. These factors collectively challenge the conservation of Nicaragua’s rich and diverse natural environments.

    Capacity and Governance

     The Nicaraguan government has implemented various efforts to support biodiversity conservation in the country. These include the establishment and management of a network of protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife refuges, and biosphere reserves, covering significant portions of the country’s landmass. Additionally, the government has implemented policies and regulations aimed at sustainable resource management and biodiversity protection, including measures to combat deforestation, regulate land use, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the government collaborates with local communities, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to implement conservation projects, promote environmental education, and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

    Future Trends

     Nicaragua’s future biodiversity plans are geared towards sustainable development, aiming to harmonize economic growth with environmental conservation. Key initiatives include the establishment of protected areas to preserve biodiversity hotspots and endangered species, alongside efforts to promote sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and maintain soil fertility. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels is also prioritized. These plans emphasize collaboration between government bodies, NGOs, and local communities, highlighting the significance of community engagement in conservation endeavors, as exemplified by partnerships with organizations like Guacimo Eco-lodge.


    Biodiversity

    Nicaragua, nestled in Central America, is endowed with a rich variety of ecosystems, including rainforests, dry forests, wetlands, and expansive coastal regions. The country is a sanctuary for nearly 200 species of mammals, ranging from various marine mammals like manatees to a diverse array of terrestrial species such as “new world monkeys,” which includes capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys.

    Additionally, Nicaragua is home to several species of felines including jaguars, cougars, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. Exploring Nicaragua’s natural landscapes offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter unique wildlife like three-toed sloths, tamanduas, armadillos, wild boars, and tapirs. The country also provides habitat for over 10 endangered mammal species, such as Van Gelder’s bat, the margay, the long-tailed otter, and Geoffroy’s spider monkey, making it a critical area for conservation efforts.

    In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Nicaragua only):


    Species
    (World rank)    		 Threatened % Threatened Endemic % Endemic
    Mammals 219 (#49) 7 3.2% 3 1.4%
    Birds 685 (#41) 18 2.6%
    Reptiles 188 (#50) 11 5.9% 5 2.7%
    Amphibians 75 (#46) 10 13.3% 8 10.7%
    Fishes 1,078 (#42) 81 7.5% 6 0.6%
    Plants 9,000 (#35) 50 0.6% 105 1.2%


    Go To 2024 National Nature Conservation Index Main Page

    Nicaragua

    Its natural beauty knows no bounds!

    Score:

    57.47 / 100

    Rank:

    63 / 180