GEO Haiti 2010

State of the Environment Report 2010
It is a well-known fact that forest trees are important
to soil improvement, to the biological control
of pests and other diseases, to the promotion
and establishment of microclimates favorable to
cultivable rain-fed plants, and to the regulation
of the water cycle and soil conservation. All these
functions are affected by the destruction of a
vegetation cover (SAFFACHE, 2001), as recognized
by FAO (2001), which has declared that the
degradation of natural resources threatens
agricultural productivity.
In addition, the virtual absence of forests is not
without consequences to a country’s hydrologic
ecosystems, and actually, the entire water cycle
is affected. Despite the abundance of rainfall and
fairly good spatial distribution, some springs and
rivers which formerly had a constant flow in Haiti,
now literally dry up during certain periods of the
year (USSC, 1999). On the other hand, heavy rains
cause the level of rivers to rise and floods have
caused enormous loss of lives and of property.
Several floods have been recorded over the last
twenty years: in the south of the country in 1986,
and in the capital in 1987 and 1988 (MAGNY, 1991).
In the Southeastern region and in the Artibonite
province, thousands of persons died as a result of
floods in 2002, 2004 and 2008.
4. Biodiversity
The concept of biodiversity encompasses three
overlapping components. These cover the
range of ecosystems (ecosystemic diversity),
of all species of living things (specific diversity)
and the full spectrum of the genetic heritage
(genetic diversity). In this regard, Haiti is
particularly noteworthy. The country abounds
in various species of fauna, flora and microorganisms,
which indicates a genetic heritage
replete with varied ecosystems. However, as a
result of overexploitation of the environment,
the country’s biodiversity continues to be eroded
– a situation that requires urgent protection
measures and careful attention.
The country is endowed with an enviable
biodiversity which is an undeniable asset.
(Erlich et al., 1986). In fact, its insularity and
mountainous terrain give rise to a multiplicity of
microclimates that some might call “biological
or living jewels”.
The main protected areas of Haiti represent
approximately 0.5% of the territory. These are
distributed throughout the country, as indicated
in the following table:
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Table 24: Main Protected Areas in Haiti
Name Type of habitat Area (hectares) Year established
Fort Jacques and Fort Alexandre Historical 9 1968
Fort Mercredi Historical 5 1968
La Citadelle, Sans Souci, Ramiers Historical and mountain site 2,200 1968
Sources Cerisier et Plaisance Hot springs 10 1968
Sources Chaudes Hot springs 20 1968
Sources Puantes Hot springs 10 1968
Lac de Péligre Artificial lake 100 1968
Parc La Visite Tropical rain forest and pine forests 3,000 1983
Parc Macaya Tropical rain forest and pine forests 2,000 1983
Forêt des Pins
Pine forest and mixed forestry
5,500 1983
reserve, harvesting currently illegal
TOTAL - 12,854 -
Source: USAID, 2006