HAITI - CARIBBEAN
Planting Region & Country
Country Haiti - Caribbean
Type of Trees
Reforestation & agro-forestry - Planting includes species of Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena Leucocephala, Delonix Regia
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The species Gliricidia sepium is cultivated and used for a variety of purposes in tropical regions. The flowers of Gliricidia are edible when cooked. The whole plant is a folk remedy for various conditions such as but not limited to colds, cough, fever, headache, bruises, burns, rheumatism, ulcers, and wounds. It can also be used as a rodenticide and general pesticide.
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Leucaena Leucocephala - Young leaves, pods, and flower buds are edible and usually eaten raw, steamed or mixed in soups or with rice. The seeds can also be eaten either raw or cooked, or dried then used as coffee substitute. The plant also yields edible gum used in sauces. Roasted seeds can even be used to moisturize skin.
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Delonix Regia - Besides its ornamental value, it is also a useful shade tree in tropical conditions, because it usually grows to a modest height (mostly 5 m or 15 ft, but it can reach a maximum height of 12 m or 40 ft) spreads widely and its dense foliage provides full shade. In areas with a marked dry season, it sheds its leaves during the drought, but in other areas it is virtually evergreen.
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Our partner Eden Reforestation Projects is managing this plantation project.
Key Impact Areas
Biodiversity & Habitats - Soil Stability & Erosion control - Climate Stability - Social Community Impact
Community Benefits
This project will positively impact the lives of the native communities. Agro community forests support food security in poverty-stricken areas.
Project Description & Objective
Haiti is one of the most environmentally degraded countries on earth. With 99% of its forests already gone, the UN estimates that thirty percent of Haiti’s remaining trees are destroyed each year. Charcoal production is a major cause of the continued deforestation of Haiti. This deforestation magnifies the effects of hurricanes and contributes to soil degradation, leaving the community with diminished natural resources.
Ecological Benefits
Years of ecological devastation in Haiti have led to varying levels of crop failure, flooding, soil erosion, and water table depletion. To combat these effects, Our partner Eden works directly with community leaders to plant, protect and guard native trees to maturity. In doing so, Eden hopes to help restore the natural environment and implement agro-forestry techniques to aid in food security.
