Haiti's Environment Ministry rallies support for La Selle and La Hotte biosphere reserves

The Ministry of the Environment held a training and awareness workshop on Haiti's biosphere reserves to mark the International Day of Biosphere Reserves. Its Biosphere Reserve Management Unit (UGRBH) organized the session with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Youth Network.

The workshop aimed to build understanding of biosphere reserves and to promote an approach that pairs biodiversity conservation with the development of local communities. It forms part of continuing efforts to mobilize support for the country's reserves, which suffer heavily from deforestation, degraded ecosystems and climate change.

Who spoke at the launch

Yves Bernard Remarais, Chief of Staff to the Minister of the Environment, opened the celebrations. Representatives of sectoral institutions and ministry officials attended. Remarais said that "Haiti’s natural heritage cannot be protected in a sustainable way without the active engagement of local communities".

He presented the La Selle and La Hotte reserves, both recognized by UNESCO, as a responsibility for Haiti and a chance to foster development that benefits the population. He also linked this approach to the National Community Reforestation Strategy, which puts local authorities and communities at the center of work to restore degraded ecosystems.

The programme and the global network

Ematel Bélance, Coordinator of the UGRBH, said UNESCO launched its Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1971. He described its goal as a lasting balance between conserving biodiversity, economic and social development, scientific research and environmental education.

The workshop also covered Haiti's two biosphere reserves and the main challenges they face. They belong to a worldwide network that now counts 797 biosphere reserves in 145 countries.