ARTICLE - ARTIBONITE WATERSHED PROJECT

BINATIONAL PROJECT FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE ARTIBONITE RIVER WATERSHED
(Haiti Libre) -

The binational steering committee, established by the Haitian and Dominican authorities, as part of binational project for the rehabilitation of the Artibonite River watershed, held its first meeting November 10th. This committee aims to strengthen the dialogue between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, especially on the issue of watershed management [often conflictual].

The project estimated at $11 million is funded by CIDA, UNDP and OXFAM, and aims to strengthen the organizational and institutional capacities of the countries responsible for the development of the Artibonite River watershed, to support agricultural forestry initiatives designed to increase the income of rural populations in the areas of ​​intervention, and to promote the opportunities of dialogue between the two countries; particularly on the management of watersheds.

Joseph Ronald Toussaint, the Haitian Minister of Environment, stated that "the provision of environmental services is limited by persistent threats on the terrestrial ecosystems. These threats result in various forms; including deforestation, inappropriate land use and harmful agricultural practices."

For Victor Garcia, Vice-Minister of the Dominican Ministry of Environment, this project is critical; to the extent where the Artibonite River provides water to the most impoverished area of the Dominican Republic.