Dealing with deforestation in Haiti

An international development agency says it is exploring the possibility of replicating in Haiti, a reforestation project that has been significantly successful in Africa. Deforestation is a major problem in Haiti, the western hemisphere’s poorest nation. World Vision Australia’s Business Unit Manager, of Food and Security and Climate Change, Tim Morris, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that his organisation is examining the possibility of implementing the “Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration” (FMNR) project in Haiti. The FMRN is the systematic regeneration and management of pre-existing tree stumps and root systems to restore degraded barren land to farmland and forest. The programme aims to reforest two million hectares over five years in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The Haitian Times said in the absence of other viable alternatives, cutting down trees became a feasible option that allowed struggling populations in Haiti to use trees to make charcoal in order to sell it and support their families. Climate change watchdog, Germanwatch, released a report earlier this week, saying Haiti is the country most affected by climate related catastrophes over the past decade. Morris told CMC that Tony Rinaudo, World Vision’s research and development advisor on natural resources, visited Haiti recently “to examine the degraded landscape in the area”. He said that Rinaudo met with World Vision officers in Haiti to evaluate the satiation and the potential for implementation of the FMNR programme.

Courtesy: www.cananewsonline.com