The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), with the support of the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) program, funded by UK International Development, officially launched the binational "Blue Hispaniola" project last week.

The ceremony took place in the CODEVI free zone in Ouanaminthe and brought together representatives of the two Nations of the island, the PADF, the British Government, local authorities, the private sector, academia, fishermen's organizations, in the presence of representatives of partner organizations, local elected officials, community actors and several Haitian and Dominican personalities engaged in the protection of marine ecosystems.

This three-year initiative aims to promote the sustainable management of marine resources, strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities and consolidate cooperation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic around the blue economy.

Through a cross-border approach, the project mobilizes six local organizations from both countries to create a blue economy corridor that promotes sustainable fishing, the preservation of coastal ecosystems, access to markets and income-generating activities.

Among the Haitian partners is Haiti Efficace, the Essence-Elle Foundation, the Peasant Movement for the Development of Paulette and the Revolted Feminist Group of Haiti. Dominican partners include the NGOs AgroFrontera and Fundación Reddom. Together, they will work to strengthen fishermen's organizations, train communities, improve access to markets and promote women's leadership in fisheries value chains.

The initiative plans to support more than 8,350 people, at least 50% of whom are women, while improving the management of 92,250 hectares of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Scheduled to last until March 2029, with a budget of 4 million US dollars from the British Government (via the OCEAN Program), this project, which focuses on strategic areas of the North Coast, aims to become a regional model of cooperation around the blue economy, with an emphasis on local leadership, sustainable management of natural resources and the inclusive development of coastal communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

"Blue Hispaniola aims to transform shared waters into shared opportunities. When two countries share the same coastline, the wisest investment is one that benefits the communities that depend on it. This project demonstrates that ocean protection and economic development can go hand in hand," said Katie Taylor, Executive Director of PADF.

Through the Blue Hispaniola project, the Ministry of the Environment reaffirms its desire to make regional cooperation a lever for the protection of marine biodiversity, the development of the blue economy and the resilience of coastal communities. It invites all stakeholders concerned to join forces in order to sustainably preserve the marine heritage shared between the two countries, for the benefit of present and future generations.

SL/ HaitiLibre