UNEP’s work aims to support Haiti’s role in the Caribbean region to build a strong and sustained collective, institutionalized regional approach to the sustainable management of natural resources (terrestrial and marine) through South-South Cooperation for Haiti and the development of joined solutions to transnational environmental problems.
This regional work has three main interlinked components and is directly co-managed by the UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, based in Panama, with regard to the overall cooperation schemes across Caribbean countries. Specific interventions are coordinated by the UNEP liaison office based in Port-au-Prince. The Caribbean Biological Corridor is an example of such regional cooperation involving joint approaches. UNEP Haiti can also link to expertise and networks at regional level on issues such as waste management.
South-South Cooperation – Support South-South environmental cooperation schemes in favour of Haiti at political, scientific, technical and civil society levels.
Working with the Cuba National Protected Areas Agency: In 2013-2015, cooperation with the Cuba National Protected Areas Agency led to technical support for the Haitian counterpart and Ministry of Environment for the development of Haiti’s first protected areas management plan methodology for both terrestrial and marine protected areas. In addition, the cooperation resulted in a signage manual for tourism infrastructure development, with practical examples already completed for the Grotte Marie Jeanne in the South Department.
The Grotte Marie Jeanne Visitor’s Center was designed in collaboration between the UNEP, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, KPP (a local NGO) and with the technical assistance of the Cuban National Protected Areas Agency through a South-South Cooperation agreement. It is the first visitor’s center of its kind in the South Department.
The Grotte Marie Jeanne is legally declared an 'Élément Naturel Exceptionnel' and is noted as an conservation element within the Macaya National Natural Park management plan. The Grotte is part of 9 marine protected areas declared in the South Department in 2013 via presidential decree; the cave and surrounding protected area cover 31 hectares, including subterranean chambers that span 4.7 km. In addition to its significant aesthetic value, the Grotte is also noted for the habitat it provides for key flora and fauna.
Haiti-Dominican Republic Project: UNEP conducted a major study, released in June 2013, to examine the state of the environment and the increasing depletion of natural resources along the border zone of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The project, which involved close cooperation with the governments of both Caribbean nations, looked at existing and potential sources of transboundary tensions over natural resources and determined opportunities for cooperation.
Knowledge Management – Support a sustainable and integrated knowledge management system that covers ecosystems of Haiti and of its neighbouring countries.
Policies & Tools – Share and harmonize, to the extent possible, policies and instruments for biodiversity conservation and natural resource management (including formal agreements when required) relevant for Haiti and its neighbouring countries.
