By Josette Perard | Haiti Director
Project Needs and Beneficiaries
Almost 1/3 of Haitians have no access to safe drinking water, resulting in disease and a high death rate for children. Haiti is described by the U.N. as one of the most degraded countries in the world. Without trees to protect the land, flooding from hurricanes destroys homes, lives, farmland and ecosystems. Our poorest neighbor in the Western Hemisphere needs an urgent plan to plant trees and provide safe water for 600 peasants in the village of Chato.
Activities
Peasants in Chato asked Lambi to help build a network of 10 water cisterns. They also want to reforest the area with 100,000 trees. They will provide the labor and, with your help, Lambi will provide construction materials, training and seedlings
Project Update
Cisterns and reforestation
Ten cisterns have been built. In the aftermath of the hurricanes which pounded on the entire country in August and September 2008, it was reported that 2 of the cisterns sustained some damage. Funding received for Hurricane relief was used to repair damaged cisterns.
Reforestation
Chato’s reforestation efforts are in full operation. About 50,000 fruit and forest tree seedlings were produced during the second phase, however Chato reported losses of seedlings to the hurricane season. The hurricanes caused many delays in replanting schedules, however farmers have resumed their activities. They have planted young trees and have begun the production of 35,000 seedlings. About 13,000 seedlings prepared for reforestation have been planted. Members of the organization have convened collective workgroups called ‘Konbits” to plant those seedlings in areas impacted by the hurricanes. They have also met with members of neighboring communities to discuss the containment of goats known to “graze” on young trees.
Project Impact:
The cisterns brought great relief to the community of Chato. Children and more particularly girls from Chato no longer have to walk miles to the nearest water source and can now go to school on a regular basis. Sustainable reforestation will have an impact on the environment and will help peasants earn a living through the sale of fruits at local markets. Joseph Clervil, Chato resident stresses that they have learned more than planting trees “We understand through our experience that we must engage our neighboring villagers to reforest as well.” He adds that they have proceeded to share with neighbors information and knowledge acquired from Lambi Fund’s sustainable reforestation workshops.
By Leonie M. Hermantin | Deputy Director
By Leonie M. Hermantin | Deputy Director
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