The Haitian Initiative
Seacology was organized to protect indigenous cultures and to conserve island ecosystems. Although most of Seacology's efforts have been directed to islands in the South Pacific, Seacology scientists have also been actively researching conservation initiatives in the Caribbean. For humanitarian reasons, Seacology has decided to focus its first Caribbean conservation efforts in the nation of Haiti.
The Seacology Haitian Initiative is a new project which hopes to apply the proven Seacology method of conservation to the Caribbean nation of Haiti. People are often surprised to hear of the biological diversity that still exists in the Caribbean. In some Haitian forests, over thirty percent of the plants encountered are endemic and can be found nowhere else in the world, in spite of rapid and constant degradation. The island is home to many native parrots, bats, orchids, cacti, turtles, lizards, manatees, flamingoes and a variety of less widely known organisms. However, plagued by environmental and economic crisis, Haiti's remaining forests are under severe threat because in many areas they offer the only source of livelihood. These few areas are not likely to survive under the pressure of demand for cleared farm land, fuel, wood, timber and other forest products, unless conservation is closely allied with development.
In La Serre, a village in the Plaine du Cul de Sac, farming and charcoal production served as the two major sources of income. Now many of the farms in the area have been abandoned and trees suitable for charcoal production are rare. The farmers explain that the soil is saline and require constant irrigation if crops are to be successful. In the past five years, rainfall has declined and since the community has never had a reliable water supply, many members of the community have turned to scavenging or have left the area in an attempt to survive. Most villagers are forced to walk many miles to carry drinking water back to their homes. Local residents approached Seacology with their dilemma.
Providing the well we will build, this project will provide water for approximately 2,000 people. Donations are needed to help pay for the drilling of the well, purchase of a solar pump and construction of a community irrigation system. We also hope to assist conservation efforts in the community by cultivating endangered species endemic to Haiti. An area will also be devoted to planting fast growing trees that can be used as an alternate source for local forest products. This project will enable the La Serre community to become self-sufficient and will serve as a model for other Haitian communities interested in finding economic alternatives and conservation solutions.
