FAQS
Haiti National Trust is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting Haiti’s environment and biodiversity for future generations. It is both a Haitian foundation, established on March 22, 2021, and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, created on March 27, 2017.
Through science-based conservation, land protection, and community engagement, Haiti National Trust works to safeguard the country’s most important natural areas and species while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Yes. Haiti National Trust is a Haitian organization, legally registered as a foundation in Haiti and operating on the ground across the country.
While it also holds 501(c)(3) status in the United States to facilitate international support, its work, team, and mission are rooted in Haiti. The organization works closely with Haitian communities, institutions, and government agencies to ensure that conservation efforts are locally driven and nationally relevant.
Haiti National Trust’s core function is to identify, protect, and manage Haiti’s most important biodiversity areas.
This includes:
- Identifying biodiversity hotspots and Key Biodiversity Areas across the country
- Supporting the creation and management of protected areas and national parks
- Restoring degraded ecosystems using native species
- Conducting scientific research and biodiversity monitoring
- Engaging and employing local communities in conservation efforts
Since its creation, Haiti National Trust has assessed over 400 native tree species and leads long-term conservation efforts in some of Haiti’s most critical ecosystems, including Grand Bois National Park.
Saving Haiti’s biodiversity is an ambitious, long-term effort that requires significant investment.
Protecting the country’s remaining biodiversity hotspots involves identifying priority areas, securing land, restoring ecosystems, and maintaining long-term management and protection systems. These efforts will require many millions of dollars over time.
However, the cost of inaction is far greater. Biodiversity loss directly impacts water security, agriculture, disaster resilience, and livelihoods. Investing in conservation is therefore not only about protecting nature, it is about safeguarding the future of Haiti and its people.
We collaborate with key institutions such as the Comité Interministériel d’Aménagement du Territoire (CIAT), the Ministry of Environment (MdE), and the Agence Nationale des Aires Protégées (ANAP).
Haiti National Trust is the only organization in Haiti to hold a formal management delegation contract with MdE/ANAP for the management of Grand Bois National Park.
In this role, it is responsible for on-the-ground conservation actions, including:
- Protection
- Ecosystem restoration and reforestation
- Biodiversity monitoring and research
- Community engagement and education
Through this model, Haiti National Trust helps ensure that protected areas are not only designated on paper, but actively managed and protected in practice.
Yes, we have published information on biodiversity in protected areas and hot spots here and in other scientific publications: PNAS 2018 and supplement.
Yes, donations made on our donation page are tax-deductable in the US because we are a 501(c)(3) organization (in addition to being registered as a Foundation in Haiti).
100% of your donation goes directly to Haiti National Trust and is used to support its conservation mission.
Your contribution helps fund critical, on-the-ground work, including protecting biodiversity hotspots, restoring ecosystems, managing national parks, conducting scientific research, and supporting local communities who are actively involved in conservation efforts.
Haiti National Trust is committed to transparency, accountability, and effective use of funds.
The organization is governed by a Board of Directors that oversees financial decisions and ensures that resources are used strategically and responsibly.
In addition:
- Annual reports are published and made publicly available
- Independent audits are conducted regularly
- Projects are monitored using clear performance indicators and measurable outcomes
- Funds are directly linked to field-based conservation activities, including restoration, protection, and community programs
This rigorous governance and reporting structure ensures that every contribution is used to generate real, measurable conservation impact.