The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the Ministry of the Environment in organizing workshops to validate its Biodiversity Financing Plan and its 7th National Report, as well as in preparing Haiti's participation in COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Organized with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), these meetings are being held from October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince.

Launched by Valery Fils-Aime, the Minister of the Environment, with the participation of Xavier Michon, UNDP Resident Representative in Haiti, the first day was dedicated to reviewing and validating the Financing Plan, developed within the framework of the Biodiversity Financing Initiative (BIOFIN). This Plan outlines the financial needs and the means to address them. Feedback from stakeholders will help finalize the Plan and guide resource mobilization for its implementation.

The challenge is to protect a heritage upon which the livelihoods and security of the population depend. Forests, mangroves, and reefs help conserve water, support fishing and family incomes, and mitigate the effects of disasters.

According to the Ministry, Haiti is part of the Caribbean islands' biodiversity hotspot and is home to between 5,000 and 5,600 species of vascular plants and more than 2,000 animal species. Its 31 key biodiversity areas, including 14 coastal or marine areas, and its 14,243 hectares of mangroves constitute an essential resource for conservation, research, and nature tourism.

"Protecting Haiti’s biodiversity means investing in our capacity to produce, to live in security, and to pass on to future generations the means for their development," emphasized Valéry Fils-Aimé.

For UNDP, this funding must contribute directly to the protection of people and their livelihoods.

"Protecting biodiversity here is not about protecting nature from people. It’s about protecting people by protecting the nature they depend on," said Xavier Michon.

He also commended the concerted work of the various stakeholders collaborating on this initiative. According to him, among the 91 countries supported, Haiti was the first to submit its plan and the second to have it validated. The Haitian team has been invited to share its experience internationally.

UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the Plan and mobilizing partners to translate conservation priorities into concrete actions.

October 7 and 8 will be dedicated to the validation of the 7th National Report, which examines progress and challenges, and then to Haiti’s preparation for COP17.

IH/ iciHaiti