ACA Trains Honduras’ Green Battalion at Rawacala Eco Park
Strengthening Environmental Protection Through Canyoneering
by Alexa Rodriguez
In December 2024, the American Canyoneering Academy (ACA) delivered specialized canyoning and rope rescue training to members of Honduras’ Green Battalion at Rawacala Rainforest Adventure Eco Park in Omoa, Cortés. This landmark initiative empowered a military unit whose mission aligns with both environmental protection and national security—underscoring the growing relevance of technical canyoning skills beyond recreation.
Guardians of the Forest: The Green Battalion
The Green Battalion is a specialized unit within the Honduran Armed Forces, created in 2022 to safeguard the country’s protected areas and forest reserves. These soldiers operate at the intersection of environmental stewardship and national defense. Their responsibilities include:
- Combating illegal logging, mining, and fishing
- Counteracting drug trafficking routes through wilderness zones
- Providing security and support to rural, often vulnerable, communities
- Preserving biodiversity and water resources within Honduras’ fragile ecosystems
The unit trained in December was the Third Battalion, newly inaugurated to serve the departments of Cortés, Santa Bárbara, and Comayagua. This region, rich in biodiversity and heavily forested terrain, presents both logistical challenges and urgent conservation priorities—making advanced technical training essential.
Why Rawacala?
Tucked away in the mountains of Omoa, Cortés, Rawacala Rainforest Adventure Eco Park is more than just a training site—it’s a conservation story in motion.
What began as a family initiative to protect a local river has evolved into a private nature reserve dedicated to sustainable tourism, environmental education, and biodiversity preservation. The site’s steep ravines, flowing watercourses, and dense canopy make it an ideal location for both recreation and rescue training.
Rawacala’s connection with the ACA runs deep, they share a long-standing relationship with Rick Green, ACA President and passionate advocate for safe, responsible canyon exploration. Their shared values made Rawacala the perfect setting for this military training partnership.
The Training: From Rope Systems to Real-World Readiness
During the multi-day course, ACA instructors provided comprehensive training in:
- Rope rescue and rappelling techniques
- Anchor building and terrain assessment
- Swiftwater navigation and hazard management
- Team communication in remote environments
- Minimal impact practices for protected ecosystems
This wasn’t just a skills course—it was mission-focused training, tailored to the unique needs of military personnel operating in forest and riverine environments. The curriculum emphasized real-world application, including search-and-rescue scenarios, secure movement through canyons, and coordination in rugged terrain.
A Win for Conservation and Capability
The collaboration between ACA and the Green Battalion is a model of how technical canyoning can serve greater causes. With these newly trained soldiers now equipped to safely traverse and monitor hard-to-reach natural areas, Honduras strengthens its environmental defense infrastructure.
These are not just soldiers—they are guardians of the forest. Their work supports national and global goals to combat environmental crime, protect indigenous flora and fauna, and ensure safe access to clean water sources.
Looking Ahead
The ACA remains committed to expanding its reach throughout Latin America, offering training programs that support local communities, environmental defenders, and rescue professionals.
Congratulations to the Green Battalion for their commitment, discipline, and leadership in this pioneering initiative.
Our Multi-National Team:
Greg Horn (Canada) – ACA Pro Guide
Joe Storms (Canada) – ACA Pro Guide
Guillaume Coupier (France/Canada) – ACA Pro Guide & owner of the Western Canyoning Collective in Canada
Tom Seeley (Arizona) – ACA Pro Guide and owner of AZ Rock & Canyon Adventures
Dave Krummenmacher (Utah) – ACA Pro Guide
Randy Walter (Utah) – IFMGA & ACA Aspirant Guide
Rick Green (Utah) – ACA Pro Guide and owner of Excursions of Escalante
Community Support
Special thanks to Ana Morales, Ramon Morales and Paraíso Rainforest and Beach Hotel for their outstanding support. Their commitment and contributions were key to the success of the training, providing both essential hospitality and logistical help.
We are also deeply thankful to the local restaurants that supported the Green Battalion and ACA instructors with meals and warm hospitality throughout the training week:
- Viña del Mar
- Restaurante El Barranco
- Café San Fernando
- Restaurante Doña Mary
- Restaurante Ocean View
Your generosity made a difference.
About the author:
Alexa Rodriguez is a canyoning enthusiast with a passion for conservation and outdoor adventure. She has a background in ecotourism and experience managing a private nature reserve, where she promoted sustainable tourism and environmental education. Alexa coordinated logistics for the American Canyoneering Academy’s most recent training at Rawacala, supporting efforts to strengthen environmental protection through technical training.
