Decree No. 385/05 Declares the area known as Montaña La Botija as a multiple-use protected natural area

The Decree declares La Botija mountain, located in the municipality of San Marcos de Colón, department of Choluteca, as a Multiple Use Protected Natural Area. This declaration has the main objective of conserving the potential of this area as a crucial source of water supply for local municipalities and the ecosystem of the Gulf of Fonseca, as well as preserving its flora and fauna, and restoring degraded areas. The law also seeks to promote environmental education activities, ecological tourism and outdoor recreation, in addition to promoting sustainable and economic agricultural practices in harmony with the environment. The decree establishes that owners of land within the protected area must adhere to a management plan approved by the competent authority, and those lands without owners will be considered state property. Activities such as burning that cause forest fires, hunting and fishing with explosive devices, and the sale of wild species are prohibited. Likewise, the permanent structures installed in the reserve area will remain in favor of the State. The law seeks to ensure that all economic and research activities in the area are sustainable and respect current environmental regulations.