Haiti - Environment : Meeting the challenge of deforestation in the country
The Directorate of Forests and Renewable Energy (DFER) of the Ministry of the Environment (MDE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MARNDR) and the National Center for Geospatial Information (CNIGS), with technical and financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the Haiti National Forest Inventory Project at the Germplasm, Plant Propagation, and Training Center in Dosmond (Ouanaminthe). The objective is to update technical data on the country's forest situation while proposing avenues for sustainable recovery of forest cover.
In his speech, Agronomist Joseph Emmanuel Philippe, Director General of the MDE, emphasized that agriculture, agroforestry practices, property rights, and land fragmentation are key elements in understanding timber demand and supply chains. He recalled that at a time when Haiti is facing a major climate challenge in a fragile political context, the country is often exposed to major natural phenomena, leaving its population vulnerable and destitute. Recognizing the crucial role of forests in disaster mitigation, he emphasized the urgent and essential nature of the National Forest Inventory. He emphasized that this tool will contribute to the national effort to promote growth and poverty reduction by highlighting the potential of forests to protect watersheds and water sources, mangroves, and tree and agroforestry systems, particularly through the introduction or reinforcement of trees in agricultural plots.
He reiterated that Haiti's deforestation situation is very worrying and is deteriorating every year due to human activities (livestock farming, agriculture, charcoal production, infrastructure, etc.) and climate change. Without concrete action, the situation will continue to worsen. For an effective government response, it is essential to have baseline data to monitor progress and implement results-based management. He also expressed the hope that the country would undertake financial reforms that would enable the Ministry of Environment to mobilize the necessary funds to meet its obligations.
Agronomist Eder Audate, Director of the DFER, presented an overview of the country's forest situation. He noted that for decades, deforestation in Haiti has been described through stereotypes that are often far removed from current reality. He presented the main expected results of the project, including : improving the legal and regulatory framework for the sustainable management of national forests based on updated data, completing the National Forest Inventory, updating mapping data on Haitian forests, developing a forest law, and Haiti's participation in the FAO's Latin American and Caribbean Forest Inventory Program.
