GEO Haiti 2010

GEO HAITI • 2010
156
Driving Forces
Energy Needs
State of the
Environment
Descriptions
The government has not yet found a solution to the country’s energy problem. As
such the population’s demand for energy remains extremely high while the supply
continues to decrease.
The provision of hydroelectric power is greatly affected by the phenomena of
erosion and sedimentation. Demand for energy exceeds supply which means less
people have access to electricity.
- Marine and Coastal Environments
The most serious problems which could impact the coastal zone are the increased
destruction of beaches and the uncontrolled clearing of mangroves for construction
and charcoal producing purposes; the risk of extinction of certain marine species
and the complete loss of others; the growing vulnerability of coastal towns; the
destruction of food and natural reserves particularly coral reefs and the decline of
aquatic biodiversity.
- Water Resources
Water tables are extremely contaminated due to the lack of wastewater treatment
as well as organic and chemical pollution.
The occurrence or the intensifying of phenomena such as the salinity of aquifers,
the flow reduction or even the drying up of water sources greatly impact the
sanitary quality of the population’s water. Further water shortage could also be
observed in several areas around the country.
- Forest Cover and Diversity
Increasing population pressures and their effect on the environment have reached
their highest point. More and more trees are cut down each year as the research on
alternatives to charcoal as an energy source was not very successful.
Soil is deteriorating further and vegetative cover has been greatly reduced. Erosion
begins to extend to areas previously spared. None of the measures to protect
natural resources is enforced.
Mountain watersheds are deprived of vegetative cover, in addition to forest clearing
in order to expand areas for farming; the overexploitation of natural resources runs
the strong risk of jeopardising new animal and plant species.
Biodiversity continues to be mercilessly exploited. New animal and plant species
are in danger of extinction. Anthropic pressure threatens the country’s protected
areas yet the Ministries of Environment and Agricultural and Legal regulations have
not come together to put legally-binding measures in place.
- Air Quality
Throughout the country, the proliferation of second-hand vehicles unequipped
with catalytic converters contributes significantly to air pollution. Increased charcoal
production and the lack of monitoring of factories are major sources of polluting
emissions. Frequent open burning of refuse negatively affects air quality.