Port Salut – On June 27, Norwegian State Secretary, Laila Bokhari visited Haiti for the first time. The aim of her visit was to better understand the challenges being faced by local communities in Haiti’s Grand Sud region following hurricane Matthew. Also, to see for herself how Norwegian-funded projects are helping to build resilience by promoting partnerships for regional development.
Partnerships amongst international organisations are already showing very positive results. As stated by State Secretary, Laila Bokhari, “I can see the considerable efforts of our Haitian and international partners to make lasting change for the communities living in the region”. The Haiti South Department Délégué, Max Serge Daniel also recognized the positive influence, “A regional vision with meaningful integration and coordination will help us to build the resilience we are hoping for”. The aftermath of Matthew showed how important it is to move from ad-hoc isolated projects to integrated coherent programs for the Grand Sud region.
The delegation first visited one out of nine of Haiti’s marine protected areas, Pointe Abacou in Saint Jean du Sud. There they saw the progress towards the development of a protected area management plan for Pointe Abacou. Norway’s support has strengthened the collaboration between UN Environment and the International Labour Organisation to promote environmental rehabilitation through immediate green jobs creation.
Head of UN Environment in Haiti, Matti Lehtonen, underlined the importance of partnerships in improving the lives of Haitians: “It is by working together that we can achieve the most. Through the support of champion countries like Norway to the strengthening of the Haitian institutions, the management of public goods, such as fragile ecosystems, can be reinforced.”
This visit helped partners renew their commitment to working closely with regional authorities in the South of Haiti to support sustainable, viable and socially just economic development.
Find out about UN Environment’s work in Haiti at unep.org/Haiti (English/ French) or follow us on Facebook (French).
