Travel Guide Bahía De Jiquilisco

Declared a RAMSAR site since 2005 and a natural biosphere of UNESCO since 2007, Jiquilisco Bay is part of the well-kept treasures of El Salvador. Consisting of 27 islands, wetlands, and many sand benches (which find themselves in low tides), it covers more than 400 km 2 and borders the peaceful ocean over 50 km. The importance of mangroves, which account for 47% per cent of the North Pacific coast and the richness of its avifauna, of which 87 species have been recorded, are highlighted and the presence of several species of endangered marine turtles. The low altitude and location of the region make it vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea level and exceptional weather conditions. Hurricane Mitch destroyed one of its communities, San Juan del Gozo. Since then, two earthquakes have caused even more damage.It is one of the poorest regions in El Salvador. There are few jobs for the 8 000 people living in its 25 small communities. These people derive their livelihood from natural resources, from fishing in the bay, from arable land cultivation and from harvesting mangroves to make firewood. A commercial shrimp project would provide them with jobs, but would also destroy precious mangroves, where trees are growing that can provide protection against floods and severe weather.