Haiti's Environmental Future

The long-term efforts to help Haiti will need to include a focus on reversing environmental damage such as near deforestation that causes a shortage in water and food supply for the Haitians, experts say. Haiti’s president is grateful for all the emergency aid, however he asks donors to remember the country’s long-term needs. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who are heading the private-sector fundraising efforts, are asking us to be generous in our donations, not only in the short-term, but also in the long-term recovery for Haiti.

From 1957 to 1986 Haiti had a dictatorship, first Francois Duvalier, then his son Jean-Claude. The dictatorship resulted in deforestation – today less than two percent of the nation has forest cover. This contributes to erosion that undermines food output. The deforestation also makes Haiti more vulnerable to hurricanes and storms. Before the quake on January 12th, the U.N. Environment Program had decided on a two-year project, starting in 2010, to boost Haiti’s environment, from forests and coral reefs. Asif Zaidi, Operations Manager of the post-conflict and disaster management branch of the UNEP, says, “Among quick measures for donors could be to provide propane to encourage a shift from charcoal-burning stoves. That could be backed in the longer-term by reforestation and investments in renewable energies such as solar or wind power.”

Bill Clinton and George W. Bush said that while the earthquake is a tragedy for Haiti, it has focused the world’s attention on the impoverished nation. The Haitian government, Haitians living abroad and countless non-governmental organizations, and many donor nations have a chance to help make the long-term improvements, they added.

Victoria Lindbak, Intern