Konbit Pou Ayiti

Haiti’s population is facing the dual crises of environmental degradation and intense poverty. The two problems are intertwined, and focusing energy on one while ignoring the other is what Haitians would call, Lave men swiye yo atè, or washing your hands and wiping them in the dirt.

While hundreds of organizations based in Haiti and internationally are engaged in the domain of the environment, few have ever worked together to build regional and national alliances. Even now as Haiti is experiencing relative peace under the government of an agronomist, President Rene Preval, political will seldom becomes solid action. During a groundbreaking conference in July 2007, the Ministry of the Environment articulated the same three priorities as leaders of the popular movement, illuminating the path to unified efforts.

Participants launched the Haitian National Coalition for the Environment to encompass the vast environmental work already happening in the country. KONPAY’s role is to coordinate these diverse groups, organizations, and agencies to be as effective as possible. KONPAY doesn’t seek to replicate existing work, but rather to create a network where organizations can share resources, education and best practices. KONPAY is working to bring together experts and initiatives for erosion prevention, building greenbelts, solar and wind energy, alternative fuels, tree planting, food security and much more, while at the same time building the capacity of the new National Coalition to coordinate these groups in the future.

• I. The Problem
• II. Our Vision
• III. Goals and Strategies

Learn more about the Haiti National
Coalition for the Environment at our new website:
www.haitienvironment.org.

(The site is still under construction and will be available in Creole soon!)