When we picture the Caribbean, we envision beautiful beaches with sapphire blue waters, beaches covered in picturesque sands with palm trees blowing in the wind and people sipping on fruity drinks basking in the glorious sunshine. But wait, something is wrong with this picture: an island nation named Haiti (which at one point in time was called the “Pearl of the Antilles,” known for its production of cane sugar and social revolutions) is now undergoing an environmental crisis. Haiti is a unique island situated off the coast of Cuba and is a part of the Grand Antilles, attached to the Dominican Republic as a portion of the island of Hispaniola. Haiti has very unique topography and is adorned with many mountains that are a special source of pride for the Haitian people.
While in generations past these mountains have been covered with lush forests and undergrowth, these forests are now disappearing. About 97% of forested areas have been lost (Pellek 1990). This leaves only about 2% of the original forest cover left today (Foxx 2012). The main cause of deforestation is the economic instability of the country. Haiti has a very impoverished population that relies on the forest to provide charcoal, which has become their main form of energy and fuel. Most of the forested lands are also not owned by the people but by the government, so there is economic incentive for both the local people and the government in such an unstable economy to gain as much profit from this land, even if it means the destruction of the forest systems (Foxx 2012).
The next question is: what is the main issue of deforestation? When trees are removed from a landscape, one of the most concerning outcomes in Haiti is the soil erosion that occurs. Trees and plants hold soil in place with their root systems and stabilize the soil from wind or water erosion. By maintaining the soil, trees are also able to contribute to the health of the soil by adding and maintaining nutrients. Soil that lacks nutrients and soil stability is much more vulnerable to erosion and desertification (Kareiva and Marvier 2011). Once topsoils are lost it is very hard to replace them, especially on this island that is commonly ravaged by hurricanes and other natural disasters (Beinhart and Hughes 2007). When these events occur, they can increase erosion and ruin some of the necessary and economically viable agricultural land and put human lives in danger. There can also be other environmental issues, such as reduced ecosystem services like a reduction in water quality, carbon sequestration, and loss of biodiversity.
With this fundraiser set up by Roanoke College's Francophone Societies class, we are aiming to raise money in order to help plant trees in Haiti to help reduce the harmful impacts of soil erosion as well as to give the people of Haiti another economically viable way to sustain their lives. The current deforestation efforts are bolstered by the economic and political instability of the nation. By incentivizing conservation, we can improve people's quality of life while also preserving and replanting the forests of this beautiful country. By working with local peoples through NGOs, we can make a difference and reforest Haiti.
Proceeds from this 5K fundraiser will go to One Tree Planted, which uses every $1 to plant one tree in Haiti (https://onetreeplanted.org/products/haiti)!
