Nicaragua's Bosawás Biosphere Reserve is being rapidly replaced by agriculture

This forest in Nicaragua has fertile land, which is attracting farmers. Land is being cleared for agriculture in the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, even though it's not legal. According to Nicaraguan law, these lands are titled to the indigenous Mayagna and Miskito people, and cannot be sold to individuals.

But indigenous communities report land traffickers are selling their land. These intrusions are leading to the rapid disappearance of forest within the reserve. In 2000, 15% had been cleared for agricultural use. By 2019, that number climbed to 31%. For the first time deforestation has reached the center of the reserve.

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