The Challenge to Save the Caribbean's Native Species

Philanthropists patiently wait 12 months for the phenomenon known as year-end giving. The holiday season remains a particularly appealing time for asking and, in turn, receiving substantial gifts to put toward initiatives and operations for the coming year. 

Year-end giving, however; is neither democratic nor equitable for all charities, foundations and organizations. Giving patterns are not predictable and when dollars are down, the ripple effects can reach around the world and into the homes and shelters of the world’s most-desperate geographies. This year, particularly in Haiti, organizations are suffering under the duel crush of gang-based violence and international pressure to cut off the flow of aid into the country until a semblance of order can be restored. Meanwhile, Haiti’s population will suffer; of that, there is no doubt. 

From the traditionally well-funded, large-scale programs to smaller collectives focused on low-access, high-risk service delivery, we’re not talking about who’s getting an iPhone for Christmas; rather, who will go back to school in January, what will be planted, harvested and sold in the marketplace; will the tree in the front yard be chopped down to make charcoal? 

The answer to that last question is near and dear to the heart of Haiti National Trust’s executive director, Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi. “Every day, millions of Haitians depend on forests, clearing land for agriculture, grazing, urbanization, and charcoal, but this reliance is driving the rapid loss of forests and biodiversity,” she said when we spoke over the phone. Deforestation is a massive problem in a country fraught with difficult access to stable (not to even mention renewable) energy sources. Hand-in-hand with deforestation, Haiti, a rich biodiversity hotspot in the Caribbean, is home to thousands of native and endemic species, including more than 500 plants and animals (280 plants and 233 animals) now threatened with extinction—numbers that are increasing at an alarming rate.

Haiti National Trust, under Bonifassi’s guidance, is dedicated to saving and protecting Haiti’s biodiversity for future generations by restoring and safeguarding high biodiversity hotspots across the country. Working closely with local communities, the organization reforested over 60 hectares and actively protects 370 hectares within Grand Bois National Park, located precariously on the Massif de la Hotte, at the western tip of the Tiburon peninsula. Read: hard to access. 

Haiti’s natural and difficult geography, which proved helpful to rebellious slaves who hid in the vast ranges to plan and launch attacks against Napoleon’s forces during the Haitian Revolution, is literally the last horizon on the path to save access to basic needs. As any natural environment is depleted, water sources dry up, animals seek shelter elsewhere, crops fail and people give up on the land. Bonifassi says, “We are determined to change that, and with the right support, we can.”

Bonifassi spoke to Polo Lifestyles from her office in Port-au-Prince, where she is now stranded since the FAA grounded air traffic into and out of the capital’s only international airport. From Port-au-Prince, she manages and maintains close communication with her team and field staff, who work on various project sites to ensure the successful implementation of activities. Despite the challenging conditions, their commitment has driven remarkable progress, showcasing the resilience and impact of Haiti National Trust’s efforts.

“Growing up in multiple different countries, I have always loved nature, creatures and the environment… The species we fight to protect don’t recognize borders or care about politics—they can’t afford to wait for stability. The race to prevent them from going extinct is urgent, and our work focuses on creating the conditions they need to thrive and ensuring their survival,” said Bonifassi. She makes it sound simple, but it requires park rangers, native plant nurseries, staff, logistics, security forces, administrators and a whole lot of technology to keep everyone connected. Simply put, it’s expensive to restore the ecosystem. But the alternative is a complete loss of native species within our lifetime. One of Haiti National Trust’s most significant and appreciated donors is Re:wild, founded by Leonardo DiCaprio. In the early days, their generosity provided a transformative investment that helped lay the foundation for Haiti National Trust’s work, and their continued support remains invaluable, said Bonifassi. She expressed deep gratitude for donors like Re:wild, whose vision aligns with Haiti National Trust’s goals, and highlighted the importance of remaining faithful to the organization’s mission. “I’ve learned to say ‘No’ to donors,” she added, referring to times when a donor’s objectives didn’t support the organization’s core values. She highlights examples of other biodiversity hotspots where international organizations made significant investments in programs and activities. However, unresolved land tenure issues before the projects began and a limited understanding of the country, its people, and the underlying challenges led to significant obstacles, ultimately preventing these initiatives from achieving meaningful restoration.

So what actually works? Haiti National Trusts believes in understanding local communities, resolving land tenure challenges before projects begin, and partnering with the government through management delegation contracts. This collaborative approach, as demonstrated in Grand Bois, has been successful. By uniting efforts to restore forests, protect biodiversity, and support local communities, the organization is paving the way for a more sustainable future in Haiti. Bonifassi shares, “I am so proud to say that the work we’ve been doing has led to a profound transformation. The same people who once cut down trees and damaged the forests are now their most passionate protectors. It’s proof that, with the right approach and the necessary funding, we can empower communities to take ownership of their natural heritage and create a lasting impact.”

In the end, Bonifassi defines success as the resilience and collaboration of communities working together to restore Haiti’s natural heritage.

By restoring forests and protecting biodiversity, Haiti National Trust is not only safeguarding endangered plants and animals or protecting primary forests but also building a foundation for a brighter, greener future for generations to come. “Every tree planted, every species saved, and every community empowered brings us closer to a thriving Haiti,” Bonifassi says. She emphasizes that with the right support, this vision is within reach and underscores the importance of preserving Haiti’s forests and wildlife as enduring treasures that inspire hope and pride for generations to come.