Creating a tree planting culture.

Mission

The Haiti Tree Project works with Haitian communities to help scale their pre-existing reforestation efforts. Through financial, educational, and technological assistance our goal is to create self-sustainability and food sovereignty while improving environmental conditions throughout Haiti.

So far, two tree nurseries in Haiti have been established, expanding our capacity to grow and share seedlings year-round. These nurseries employ mostly women who would otherwise have a difficult time finding paid work in the community.

Distribution + Education

Families receive both hardwood and fruit trees. These trees mitigate erosion and flooding and work to replenish the water tables while also creating a locally produced, year-round food supply that lasts for generations. The trees are free to the community members, and they are able to take as many as they feel comfortable caring for.

Classes on agroforestry techniques are provided to get a high rate of sapling survival. In our work, the newly established forests are a diverse mix of fruit and hardwood with cash crops in the understory to discourage the overcutting of the trees that provide the needed canopy.

The Final Steps: Self-Sustainability

Within six months after planting season, we come back to survey the land and sapling survival. Through passion and growth success, people form committees to create a plan for continued reforestation in their communities. They’re also often employed to continue educating other community members and guiding tree planting.

As the projects grow, so does community involvement. Over time, they no longer need our help or support. The experience allows them to spread their knowledge throughout the community. Most importantly, financial independence is achieved through their agroforestry economy.