Restoring mangroves in Haiti boosts fishers' livelihoods
- Haiti's mangrove area has significantly decreased due to human activity, particularly urbanization.
- Conservationists are restoring mangroves to protect marine ecosystems and improve the livelihoods of local fishers.
- These efforts aim to create sustainable income opportunities while addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
Haiti has been facing significant environmental challenges, particularly the loss of mangrove areas, which decreased from 16,462 hectares in 1996 to 14,759 hectares in 2016. Conservationists, led by Jean Wiener and local organizations, are actively working to restore these vital ecosystems. Their efforts include training local communities in sustainable practices, such as fishing and agriculture, to improve livelihoods while protecting marine resources. The initiatives aim to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and provide alternative income sources for fishers and farmers. The work is crucial as it addresses both ecological restoration and socio-economic vulnerabilities in coastal communities, ensuring that local populations can adapt to environmental changes while maintaining their livelihoods.