Central America: Geology, resources and hazards / Центральная Америка: геология, ресурсы и опасности

Central America comprises 7 countries (Fig. 1.1) that cover 50 million hectares extending over different ecoregions (Fig. 1.2a) and shelter nearly 39 million people (2003). With a relatively high population density (71 inhabitants/km2), Central America is one of the world’s regions most prone to geology-related and climaterelated natural disasters. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which are related to the Central American tectonic setting, and landslides, which are either earthquake induced or rainfall-related, are the most severe geological burdens of the region. Central America also is afflicted by several climatic hazards, particularly droughts and hurricanes, which may be accompanied by secondary hazards, including high winds, flooding and landslides. 
After decades of political, economic and social instability, Central American countries in the 1990s defined and applied a series of policies and actions geared towards pacification, regional integration, environmental protection and the opening of economies. The willingness of governments to find a new balance between economic growth, social equity and environmental protection shaped agreements like ALIDES (Alianza Centroamericana para el Desarrollo Sostenible), led to the development of integrated projects like Plan Puebla-Panamá, and defined environmental protection and conservation strategies like Corredor Biológico Mesoaméricano. Such projects notwithstanding, degradation of the environment, vulnerability to natural hazards and external events, increasing poverty, and local economic crises remain predominant  characteristics of the region. <...>