Grazzia Matamoros: Executive Director

As a biologist graduate from Honduras National University, Grazzia worked in the Gulf of Fonseca in the Pacific Coast of Honduras before coming to Roatán. Born in Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras, she has always been passionate about the marine environment, wildlife and conservation of natural resources. In 2006, just when she thought she have had enough of the busy city, she changed her residence to the Gulf of Fonseca and experienced working with protected areas management. One year later she moved to Roatán to coordinate the RMP’s education program and work with local communities. After being awarded with a scholarship at the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM) in 2009, she moved to Germany where she obtained a Diploma in Environmental Management. She is now back to Honduras and the RMP where she is responsible for overseeing all the organization’s activities. Her goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of resources in the Bay Islands, where she loves living.

Nic Bach: Director of Communications and Marine Infrastructure 

Having always had a passion for the sea, Nic has strived to gather as much experience regarding the beautiful blue. Whether with Coral Cay Conservation in the Philippines and Fiji, conducting research in the Mombasa Marine Park in Kenya or MOTE marine labs in Florida, or here on Roatan. Nic has always aspired to develop his knowledge in Marine Biology since a young boy. After completing his Masters in Tropical Coastal Management, he began working with the RMP in April 2006. Over the years, Nic has gathered experience in a host of roles including installing and maintaining marine infrastructure island-wide, writing and fulfilling grants, planning and supervising patrols, and developing relationships with the local community. His current concerns (which will effect how much longer he will reside on Roatan) pertain to how the increased cruise ship numbers will affect the island and its reefs.

Wendy Naira: Director of Education

Wendy was born in Tegucigalpa and is a biologist graduated from the National University of Honduras. She used to work as an independent consultant in volunteer clean development projects.  As a student she was really concern about the consequences of climate change in the environment that is why in her spare time she helped validate appropriate technologies that reduce emissions. Global warming is affecting our unique marine ecosystem and since always she has been passionate about conservation, she considers that with education and a change of attitude human been can achieve a friendly development with the environment witch we are part of. One year ago she had the opportunity of been part of the staff of the Roatán Marine Park as the Director of Environmental Education and Community Development, she is delighted to work with the children and communities of the Island, she believes the key to success is education. 

Tasha Jackson: Eco-store manager

Tasha was born and raised on Roatan, where she enjoys living. As a native islander, her spare time is mostly spent swimming and snorkelling the reefs around West End. For this reason, she chose to become part of the Marine Park staff, and runs the Marine Park Eco-Store. Recently, Tasha was trained in becoming a representative for the RMP through the Coral Reef Leadership Network, a project funded by the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL). Being a trained CRLN leader, she will be able to carry out education and outreach programs to target different stakeholders and community groups throughout Roatan.

Barie Jackson: Co-ordinator of Patrols

Born and raised on Roatan, he had wanted to leave the island after graduating from high school to attend the Police Academy and become a cop. Even though circumstances didn’t allow this to happen, Barie says working for the RMP’s patrol program made his dream come true. As he now works on the patrols hand in hand with the National Police, he has become recognized as a local authority figure. This is the reason why he has become the captain with the greatest record of arrests. He lives in Sandy Bay where he enjoys his days off with his 3 year-old daughter and wife. Barie is also a representative for the Coral Reef Leadership Network