Strengthening Coastal Ecosystems in Haut-Fourneau, Haiti
03/04/2026
The Northwest Departmental Directorate (DDNO) of the Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with the Directorate of Integrated Coastal and Marine Zone Management, recently organized a series of impactful events in Haut-Fourneau, Port-de-Paix. Supported by the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+), they held two days of training and awareness on sustainable management of coastal areas, followed by two days of hands-on mangrove planting.
The goal was clear: boost coastal ecosystems that are under threat from climate change. Agronomist Noëlle Luckner led the initiative, which reached out to local organization leaders, fishermen, youth clubs, women’s groups, teachers, and students.
Through these activities, around 40 participants received training to tackle environmental challenges in their communities. They learned how to better manage coastal and marine areas. Over these four days, volunteers planted over 1,000 mangrove seedlings, helping to restore degraded areas and protect against climate change impacts.
The Haut-Fourneau mangrove spans 270 hectares, including approximately 100 hectares of diverse mangrove forests and 170 hectares of brackish ponds. This rich ecosystem not only guards against erosion but also offers opportunities for ecotourism and habitat for local wildlife.
Recent research indicates that healthy mangrove ecosystems can reduce the impacts of storms and rising sea levels by over 70%. This makes initiatives like the one in Haut-Fourneau essential for both environmental health and local livelihoods. Efforts to strengthen these areas often foster community resilience and can have positive economic impacts as well.
Building awareness and planting trees is just a beginning. Engaging local communities can play a key role in long-term environmental sustainability. Social media buzz around these events shows a growing interest in environmental issues among the youth, indicating a hopeful shift in community involvement.
By bringing people together to take action, Haiti is making strides toward securing a healthier and more sustainable future.
For more insights on the importance of coastal ecosystems and their role in climate resilience, you can read the report from the United Nations Environment Programme [here](https://www.unep.org/resources/report/importance-coastal-ecosystems).
HL/ HaitiLibre
