Lambi Fund of Haiti to Reinforce Tree Planting Projects in the Aftermath of Recent Hurricanes

In an effort to address the issues of deforestation in Haiti, which also contributes to climate change, global warming, and the destruction caused by the recent hurricanes, Lambi Fund of Haiti and the Green Belt Movement is partnering to plant 1 million t

2008-10-10, Blueprint Creative Group

Posted by ffabulous1 97 days ago (1)
Category: Environmental Services | Tags: lambi-fund-of-haiti haiti-hurricane

MIAMI, FL, October 10, 2008 – Haiti’s pressing issue of reforestation has only been magnified by the recent hurricanes and the destruction it has caused on the island nation. With less than one percent of its forests remaining, the environmentally degraded island particularly experiences extreme devastation during storms as a consequent of soil erosion and deforestation. Since trees serve as natural barriers and help mitigate floods, the country’s bare land makes it highly susceptible to severe flooding as evidenced by the recent hurricanes. As part of its “After the Storms” emergency fund, Lambi Fund of Haiti will reinforce tree planting projects and escalate reforestation in Haiti through its partnership with the Green Belt Movement founded by Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wangari Maathai.

The reforestation project between Lambi Fund of Haiti and the Green Belt Movement is dedicated to planting over one million trees in Haiti over the next three years. Although The Lambi Fund always includes a reforestation component with every sustainable agriculture and development project it supports, the non-profit will intensify its reforestation projects in two levels. Small reforestation projects will plant 10,000 to 60,000 trees in rural communities and are part of a sub-set of a larger sustainable development project. Alternatively, larger environmental projects will plant 100,000 trees or more in larger communities. Since 71 percent of the energy used in Haiti comes from charcoal and the residents are left to chop down 10 to 20 million trees each year just to make and sell charcoal for food and other uses, the reforestation effort will also incorporate an educational component that teaches sustainable agriculture and techniques to reduce soil erosion.

While natural disasters cannot be avoided, the severe devastation caused by it can surely be mitigated. Reforestation is an important element in damage prevention and also has positive implications for Haiti’s agricultural sector and its role in addressing the country’s food security. Haiti needs emergency financial support as much as it needs support for its rebuilding efforts so that the farms, grain mills, and other peasant led projects are operating again expeditiously. Lambi Fund of Haiti is dedicated to re-building community sustainability and is seeking donations and funding for its projects. To support the sustainable development efforts of Lambi Fund of Haiti, please visit LambiFund.org and make an online donation or mail a check to Lambi Fund of Haiti, PO Box 18955, Washington, DC 20036.

About Lambi Fund of Haiti

Lambi Fund of Haiti supports and invests in grassroots efforts focusing on sustainable development, environmental integrity, and social and economic empowerment of the Haitian people. Their programs include community micro-credit, animal husbandry, reforestation efforts, and organizational and leadership training.

Contact:

Fabiola Fleuranvil of Blueprint Creative Group
for Lambi Fund of Haiti
(404) 437-0078
Fabiola@BlueprintCreativeGroup.com