Honduran officials have set limits for a stretch of highway in the northern department of Yoro, home to the endangered emerald hummingbird (Amazilia luciae). The World Bank will finance the planned 46.4-kilometer highway — if the builders can present guarantees that the Honduran emerald will be protected.

Hugo Barnica, one of the three Honduran vice-presidents, told Tierramérica that they are studying monitoring measures, environmental impact mitigation, and protection of the hummingbird habitat, as well as plans for environmental management and conservation.

“We have signed an agreement with the entities responsible for building the highway and for protecting the environment, with clear definitions to ensure compliance,” he said.