Haiti | Caribbean

Strengthening ecosystems and communities affected by climate change | Haiti

Haiti is a country at very high risk of humanitarian crises and disasters. In response to the increasing poverty and environmental problems in the country, especially those caused by deforestation, the project focuses on restoring biodiversity in the Grand Bois National Park and providing alternative employment and income opportunities for the local population. The main objectives of the project are to build up capacities in the areas of environmental governance, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the restoration of forests with native plant species and environmentally friendly value chains.

The project

Project title: Strengthening the resilience of ecosystems and the communities of the Macaya Biosphere Reserve in Haiti who are vulnerable to climate change
Project region: Haiti
Financing: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and own resources of HNT-SAH and ASB
Project volume: € 2,444,444.00
Project duration: 15/04/2023 - 14/04/2026
Target group: 11,354 people

The climate crisis is having a severe impact, which is exacerbated by the socio-economic and political crisis. Families in the project region are living in extreme poverty and are struggling with a lack of state support and a lack of sustainable employment and income opportunities. This characterises the situation in the remote area of Grand Bois. As a result, people living there have limited access to basic services. At the same time, valuable ecosystems with great biodiversity are located in the project area, including the Grand Bois National Park and adjacent areas. The national park is part of a larger biosphere reserve in the Massif de la Hotte and is one of the most prioritised protected areas in Haiti. The project aims to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities by supporting good governance and developing alternative value chains.

Management of the Grand-Bois National Park, environmental management and involvement of communities and stakeholders

The ASB is working with its partner organisations to ensure the responsible management of the Grand Bois National Park. This includes both the protection and restoration of the area and compliance with the rules governing the use of natural resources. Priority is given to strengthening cooperation with the relevant institutions and other cooperation partners for the implementation of park management delegated to HNT-SAH (partner organisations). The ASB assists in the implementation and monitoring of the park’s restoration and environmental management plan.

In addition, good measures are being taken to adapt to climate change and campaign days are being held to raise environmental awareness in state schools. Specific measures include the establishment of school gardens and tree nurseries at four schools in the project region. This will be implemented through training measures and the formation of a management committee involving the entire school community. At the end of the project, the school gardens will provide sufficient products to supply the school canteens of the participating schools.

Resilient ecosystems: restoration of the Grand Bois National Park and buffer zone

Together with its partner HNT-SAH, the ASB is working to restore biodiversity in the Grand Bois National Park. With the support of volunteers, invasive plants are being removed, the park is being reforested with native species and nurseries are being supported. Finally, so-called critical points for the protection of the park are also being restored. As part of these measures, around 400 helpers will be deployed in the park and buffer zone.

The ASB also supports the organisation of campaign days in the project area. The goal of these campaign days is to raise the awareness of people regarding the biodiversity of the national park. They should be made more aware of the environmental protection and the benefits that an intact ecosystem brings to them. Local partner organisations receive support in strengthening their lobbying and campaign capabilities. The project aims to increase local ownership and effectiveness in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

Alternative sources of employment and income

This part of the project will support the development of the honey value chain in the project area. An important success in the previous project phase was the establishment of the local beekeeping association APMKS. During this phase of the project, the ASB will support capacity building to increase production capacity and improve commercialisation. New reforestation campaigns are also planned which will involve communities and families producing honey. In addition to the honey value chain, two other environmentally friendly value chains will be identified, taking into account the specific characteristics of the region, the links and interactions between ecosystems and the sustainable use of resources, in order to strengthen resilience.

Supporting local partner organisations

The project is being implemented jointly by the ASB and the local partner organisations HNT-SAH and FeODTI. In particular, the ASB coordinates project and financial management and provides expert support. It is important that the ASB continuously shares its experience and works with relevant project stakeholders to build resilience and ensure the sustainability of the project.

Due to the current difficult situation in Haiti, the ASB must constantly monitor the security situation and adjust the planning. Support for partner organisations also focuses on public relations and campaigns. The ASB public relations specialist is available to partner organisation project teams to help them develop communication products and improve their visibility and communication.