Haiti National Trust proudly participated in the 5th Caribaea Initiative Conference held in Martinique, a regional event that brought together Caribbean conservation scientists, practitioners, and institutions to exchange research and forge new collaborations.

As part of the conference’s special symposium, “Safeguarding Biodiversity and Ecosystems in Haiti” our Executive Director Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi presented an oral talk titled: “Ecosystem Restoration and Innovative Strategies for Protected Area Management in Haiti.” This presentation focused on the organization’s ongoing work in Grand Bois, a critical biodiversity hotspot in southwestern Haiti. She highlighted how community-driven conservation efforts are restoring ecosystems, supporting endangered species, and proving that long-term environmental stewardship is not only feasible but already underway in Haiti.

Anne-Isabelle also led a poster session on the “In Situ Conservation of the Critically Endangered Attalea crassispatha” a rare palm endemic to Haiti’s southern peninsula and facing extinction. This initiative represents one of the few concrete efforts currently focused on plant species recovery in the country.

During her intervention, Anne-Isabelle delivered a message that captured the urgency of the situation:

“Conservation in Haiti is not only possible, it’s already happening. We cannot wait for political stability, security or ideal conditions. If we wait, it will be too late, not just for Haiti’s biodiversity, but for Hispaniola and the entire Caribbean.”

The conference also served as an opportunity to shift the global narrative surrounding Haiti: from a country viewed solely through the lens of political and humanitarian crisis to one that is ecologically vital and rich in natural heritage. This change in perception is essential not only for awareness, but also for attracting meaningful support to scale effective conservation solutions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Caribaea Initiative for organizing this impactful event, to Sunrise Airways—a committed partner to our mission—for supporting our participation, and to our amazing and dedicated donors: Re:wild, ASB, Fondation Capital Bank and our dear supporters and followers.

Their belief in our work empowers us to protect Haiti’s unique and irreplaceable biodiversity.

At Haiti National Trust, we continue to demonstrate that conservation in Haiti isn’t a distant goal, it’s a reality that grows stronger every day!

Discover what we presented at the conference:
➡️ Download the presentation: Ecosystem Restoration and Innovative Strategies for Protected Area Management in Haiti
➡️ Download the poster: In Situ Conservation of the Critically Endangered Attalea crassispatha in Southern Haiti