ARTICLE - THE PRESIDENT PLANTS TREES

THE PRESIDENT PLANTS TREES
(Haiti Libre) -

On the occasion of World Environment Day, President Michel Martelly, went, Tuesday, June 5, 2012, to Morne l’Hôpital, at Galet, where he visited a pilot project for the reforestation of gullies, funded by international partners and with support from the Ministry of Environment [estimated U.S.$ 170.000]. By this visit, the Head of State, who makes of this area one of his priorities, wanted to encourage this initiative, which brings an intelligent answer to the crucial problems caused by deforestation.

"...today is World Environment Day; an environment in Haiti, which is deteriorating continuously, because of all the suffering we have in Port-au-Prince, Cité Soleil, Pétion ville, and Tabarre. When it rains, we know what happens... it is environmental degradation that is the cause.

Many people ask the Public Works to come to clean, but that's a false problem. It is a work for firefighters and wasteful. A good work is to start at the source of the problem, as on the hills where people plant things, such as corn on the slopes; ..... this is not recommended. We need forests, and fruit trees. We can understand that for a question of survival, corn is good for them, but if they put lemons that would allow the keeping of land and would also provide a financial contribution.

It is a matter of choice, education, and support. Today, I'm glad they manage, they are puting rocks there, to prevent soil coming down and to prevent water from doing damage; but this is only a part of work at the watershed level.

The second part,.... I came to inaugurate, the planting of trees. Today, we will plant cedars, mangos and lemon trees [...] I ask people to participate in the program [...] we told them that through the program, we will accompany them with fertilizer, and that on their side, they manage, raise awareness, and educate themselves, so that they understand that when they do damage here, they will kill people further down. It's that simple.

So it is to accompany all those who want to do this job, and protect watersheds [...] This project creates jobs, it is a first step [...] There are 27 watersheds like this, on which they are working; already 27...The idea now is to plant on all the watersheds, and to follow this work; [...] monitoring is very important. This is why I promised to return next year. I want to see the trees that we planted this year, be greater next year [...] In September, it is two million trees that we will plant. Today is a symbolic gesture for environment day. We will plant 800, which is minimal compared to our needs... Today there are 1,345 people in the group who are workin [...]

On this World Day of the Environment, it seems to me entirely appropriate to highlight the action initiated by the Organisation Nationale des Jeunes Professionnels pour Sauver Haïti, (ONJPSH) aimed at rehabilitating the Capitaine Louis gully of Morne l'Hôpital. Besides the environmental management, the operation undertaken by the ONJPSH will generate economic benefits, in its implementation phase, and in that of its operation. It opens interesting job prospects in the short, medium and long term for residents of the area," declared President Martelly, welcoming the partners involved in this process.

In terms of results:

Dry wall in floor will form several levels that will reduce water velocity and ensure a better flow rate

The perennial roots of vetiver and bamboo, which will be planted, will retain the soil and will be able to accommodate other herbs and trees

Introduced plantations will expand our production capacity in aromatic essences and provide material to the various transformations in craft and woodwork to which bamboo is suitable.

This is to raise awareness on the importance of pilot projects of reforestation in Haiti and of environmental protection as a means of economic growth and job creation, and as an important measure in order to prevent flooding and erosion.

The President of the Republic believes that such experiences must be multiplied throughout the country, not only to extend our cover and prevent our soil from being lost in the sea, but also to increase our production capacity and utilization of our workforce.