As part of the celebration of the International Day of Forests (March 21, 2026), celebrated under the theme "Forests and Economies" the Ministry of the Environment, through its Directorate of Forests and Renewable Energies (DFER), reiterates the strategic importance of forests in Haiti's economic development, environmental protection, and climate resilience.

This day highlights the role of forests in job creation, energy production, food security, soil protection, and climate regulation. In Haiti, deforestation, intensive charcoal production, and the effects of climate change are severely damaging forest ecosystems and the livelihoods of rural communities.

In response to this situation, the Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with its partners, is pursuing several priority actions, including:

- Mobilizing stakeholders around the creation of a national forest inventory;

- Reintroducing native species into their natural habitats;

- Strengthening seed collection initiatives nationwide;

- Improving training and forest fire prevention programs;

- Integrating local and scientific knowledge into forest fire management strategies;

- Developing sustainable forest management techniques that promote ecological restoration and the use of native species, particularly in carbon market projects.

The Ministry calls on public institutions, partners, and the public to commit to protecting and restoring forests, so that this natural heritage can be a driver of sustainable development and economic growth for Haiti.

IH/ iciHaiti