Geneva, 12 July 2016 - The Haitian Government, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), launched the report "Study on the agricultural sector and the greening of the economy in the Department of the South" on Tuesday. The launch of the report was prepared jointly by the Environment Minister, Simon Dieuseul Desras, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Pierre Karly Jean-Jeune, and the Regional Director of UNEP in Panama, Leo Heileman.
"I wish to see the Southern Department at the forefront of the green revolution in Haiti. It is only in this way that we can build an environmentally sound country, stable and economically prosperous for present and future generations, "said Minister Simon Dieuseul Desras.
"Haiti must undoubtedly face many environmental challenges related to climate change that affect the living conditions of the population. The Government of Haiti has acknowledged the challenges and recognizes the opportunities that can be generated by a green economy" said Leo Heileman, Director of the UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. He added that "this report provides an opportunity to promote green growth in the South."
The study consists of a strategic analysis of the agricultural sector in the Southern Department for the development of five sectors according to the National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP). They were selected according to environmental, economic, and social criteria in order to evaluate their potential to contribute to the development of a green economy in the South of Haiti. The main sectors identified are honey, cocoa, cashew, castor oil, and mango.
The development of these sectors in the buffer zones of Macaya Park and of the first protected coastal and marine areas of the country, declared in August 2013, will reduce the pressures on biodiversity and promote the development of productive and sustainable landscapes. It is also in this very region of the country that was declared at the beginning of the year, a World Biosphere Reserve, that clearly sets the need to connect biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic activities.
On the left, Minister of the Environment of Haiti, Simon Dieuseul Desras. On the right, UNEP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Leo Heileman.
"The results of this study are clear and show that there is a real potential for the development of these sectors in the department. When we talk about potential, we refer of course to the ability of these sectors, if suitably developed and exploited to generate significant revenues for households" said Pierre Karly Jean-Jeune, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture.
This study is the first of its kind produced in Haiti. It was funded by the European Union and with the support of Norway as part of a regional initiative which also includes Jamaica and St. Lucia.
The presence of the Minister of Environment, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agency for Protected Areas, the Climate Change Directorate of the MDE, representatives of civil society, private sector and other key players with expertise in the development of green industries confirms the importance of the issue for the future of Haiti and the broad recognition among the different actors that an integrated approach is needed for a successful implementation of the report recommendations.
Alongside the report launching workshop, members of the Haitian Government, the Regional Director of UNEP, and a delegation of actors involved in the sector will visit field activities reflecting the efforts already underway to give the environment its vital role in economy, tourism, and the well-being of Haitians. The first cocoa plantations, the recently renovated Marie Jeanne Cave with its educational visitor center, the restoration plan for the Beach of Port Salut, nurseries for coastal species that participate in the protection against natural disasters, and marine protected areas around Ile à Vache constitute the main landmarks of these visits.
According to the report, "the development of a green economy will benefit Haiti. It will promote the creation of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for women and young people who will constitute an emerging group in the sector. The projects planned will preserve and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems, reducing soil erosion risk while providing stakeholders with perspectives and viable and sustainable economic alternatives. "
The study is available for download in French here.
Press contact:
Peleg Charles – Communication officer UNEP/Haïti – 48916327 – Peleg.Charles@unep.org
Notes to editors
UNEP has worked in Haiti since 2008 and in the South since 2011. Its actions in the South mainly focus on the preservation of the environment by supporting the Haitian government in the establishment and management of marine and terrestrial protected areas and in strengthening natural barriers for coastal protection, and by supporting activities related to agroforestry and access to energy in rural areas to improve livelihoods.
