Goal: Reinforce existing natural resource based value chains and create new income generating activities in the Grand Sud Region.
Natural resources are the basis for nearly all livelihoods in Haiti’s Grand Sud. Promoting a Green Economy for development can simultaneously enhance economic activities in a sustainable manner, protect natural resources and improve resiliency within communities. UNEP’s approach targets specific ecologically significant value chains and enhances their sustainability throughout the production and transformation cycles.
The value chains supported by UNEP include agricultural mainstays such as agroforestry crops (e.g. mangos, cashews and cacao) as well as niche products (e.g. vetiver and castor oil) and major food security resources (e.g. fisheries). When sustainably developed, these value chains have the potential to catalyze the rural economy in Haiti’s Grand Sud.
Highlights of UNEP’s work in this area between 2011-2016 include:
- 25,500 seedlings planted to establish fruit orchards along Haiti’s southern coast.
- Support to vetiver cooperatives to improve soil management techniques to reduce erosion and stabilize hillsides.
- 2,500 young mango trees grafted to improve productivity; 30,600 grafted mango seedlings produced in the South Department.
- Establishment of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Unit in the Departmental Direction of the Ministry of Agriculture in the South Department to promote sustainable fisheries and enhance opportunities for aquaculture development.
- Rehabilitation and modernization of the Fish Market at Port Salut.
- UNEP Green Economy Assessment of 5 key value chains completed in 2015 with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment; recommendations for implementation over the next 5 years.
- Market assessments of niche products (cacao, honey and castor oil) completed and direct support for improved productivity for producers associations and cooperatives is beginning in 2016.
