#haititakesroot

Trees are critical. Two hundred years ago, Haiti's mountainous slopes were covered with dense forests, tropical hardwoods, fruit trees, and valuable crops. Since then, tree cover has decreased to ~30%. This massive deforestation is the result of a complex interplay of historic, economic, social, and ecological factors. These factors have caused drought and famine in one part of the world while causing environmental degradation in another.

Photo by Michael Muller

It is in response to the strain on local agriculture and the dramatic loss of tree cover in Haiti that we have created Haiti Takes Root. HTR is a unique public-private coalition led by the Government of Haiti, whose goal is to reverse over 200 years of deforestation in-country. J/P HRO is a founding member of this coalition comprised of the Government of France, World Bank, and Parker Foundation. We believe that re-greening Haiti will take massive injection of new resources, more efficient programming, and research that brings innovative practices to the economic, energy, and environment sectors.

How are we helping? 

We are partnering with ACCESO on farmer relief packages and sustainable agroforestry. ACCESO’s model is unique because farmers receiving material and technical support also receive a guarantee from ACCESO to buy their crops. The link between immediate relief and long-term sustainability - a focus for J/P - is thus clear.

The project will begin with an initial integration with Cavaillon, where we will co-finance:

a tree nursery/anchor farm;

the distribution of approximately 300 “farmer relief kits” containing seeds, seedlings, and tools; and,

provide farmer extension services and guaranteed purchase of crops over a 5-year period. 

In partnership with American Red Cross we are working on urban planning and community mobilization for an urban greening initiative. After the 2010 earthquake, a spontaneous settlement emerged in Canaan and has since grown to become the fourth-largest city in Haiti with a population over 300,000. Two main activities were implemented as part of this objective of the project

The design, construction, and supervision of green public spaces.

The training and mobilization of Urban population on tree planting and protection.

What is our ultimate goal?

Promotion of environmentally sustainable agroforestry value chains

Preservation of critical protected areas

Reduction in use of unsustainable charcoal and firewood

On June 10, CitiBank Haiti partnered with J/P Haitian Relief Organization, Haitian Red Cross and American Red Cross to plant 3,000 trees in Canaan under the banner of the Haiti Takes Root Initiative, a unique public-private collaboration that promotes sustainable reforestation around the country.

CitiBank Haiti employees, #CitiVolunteers

Citi employees across the world volunteered on June 10 as part of the 12th Annual Global Community Day, and this year Citi Haiti chose to contribute to reforestation and to celebrate World Environment Day. Planting trees in Canaan highlights the World Environment Day theme “Connecting People to Nature” in two important ways: first, by providing Citi Haiti’s team a chance to get their hands in the soil and directly connect to nature, and second by planting trees that change the way the residents of Canaan connect to their environment.

Director General of Citi in Haiti, Alex Pascal Fouquet, explained, "Although we don’t know what those trees will become, if they will ever grow to justify our sweat, but we can rest assure that we have added one drop in that ocean of needs that our country faces. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to start change."

The trees, including Moringa – often called the miracle tree for its many uses – and lime, were planted in public green spaces that have been identified by the community as part of the larger Canaan Urban Greening program, a partnership between the Red Cross and J/P HRO that is a part of the larger Haiti Takes Root Initiative. The trees will protect these new parks while providing shade and helping reduce storm run-off, and at the same time can provide economic value to the community. Through the Canaan Urban Greening Program, the Red Cross and J/P HRO are piloting an innovative green infrastructure approach to mitigate the threat of flooding, landslides and other effects of climate change.

Canaan is an emerging city that began to grow after the earthquake in 2010. Although it has rapidly expanded to be one of Haiti’s largest urban zones, many misconceptions about the area exist. Citi Haiti chose Canaan for the opportunity to make a visible and meaningful impact, but also to get beyond the story of Canaan to see what the community has really built.

Chris Ward, Haiti Takes Root Executive Director, planting seedlings with Citi employee.