News

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...

We are proud to share that Haiti National Trust was recently represented at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025, held in St. Kitts and co-hosted by Island Innovation and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. This global event brought together island leaders, environmental experts, and practitioners to exchange ideas and strategies for a more resilient and sustainable future for island communities. Our Executive Director, Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi, joined the panel “Preserving Caribbean Ecosystems: Strategies for Island Conservation,” alongside key regional actors such as the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and others. Her presentation highlighted the powerful work...

A Race Against Time to Protect a Vital Marine Species Haiti’s coral reefs are in crisis, and one of the most unique species in our waters, the pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus), is critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Facing threats from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), climate change, and habitat destruction, Haiti’s pillar coral populations have declined dramatically. Without immediate intervention, this critical marine species may disappear forever, leaving devastating consequences for our marine biodiversity and coastal communities. In response, Haiti National Trust (HNT) is initiating “From Fragments to Reefs: Saving Haiti’s Pillar Coral from Extinction,” a vital...

In an exciting collaboration aimed at preserving Haiti’s unique natural heritage, Fondation Capital Bank has teamed up with HNT to fund a groundbreaking project. The mission? To save from extinction, the Carossier (Attalea crassispatha) – the most endangered endemic palm in Haiti and one of the world’s most threatened palm species. The urgency of this endeavor cannot be overstated. According to the last study of the wild population in 2001, there remains only 19 known reproductive adults 5 adult males, scattered across three geographically separated subpopulations in the southwest region of Haiti. These strikingly low numbers underscore the critical need...

In the face of Haiti’s tumultuous political landscape, rampant gang-related activities, and persistent civil unrest, Haiti National Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s rich biodiversity. Despite the myriad challenges, the organization’s dedicated teams continue to work tirelessly to restore, preserve, and protect Haiti’s natural wonders. Operating in such a volatile environment is not without its difficulties. However, our dedicated teams are undeterred, venturing into the field daily to ensure that our objectives are met. With a focus on Grand Bois National Park, our nurseries thrive with native and endemic species, providing the foundation for our reforestation...

In response to concerning trends in the destruction of habitat for Caribbean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) on Hispaniola, conservation efforts are being intensified. Despite being labeled as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, recent evaluations point to significant declines in breeding colonies and habitat quality. Since the arrival of Spanish and French settlers in 1781, Caribbean Flamingos have been a familiar sight on the island, once deemed locally abundant. However, the landscape has undergone notable changes, primarily due to habitat degradation driven by human activities. The absence of active breeding sites, noted in the 2003 review, stands in stark...

The year is already off to a fantastic start, as we are excited to announce a significant partnership with Digicel, Haiti’s leading telecommunications provider. Digicel is generously supporting our conservation efforts by donating smartphones and sim cards with data plans to our dedicated team of forest rangers stationed at Grand Bois National Park. Grand Bois National Park, located in the beautiful southern region of Haiti, is home to an array of unique flora and fauna. Protecting this precious ecosystem and its biodiversity is a shared responsibility that requires constant vigilance and innovative solutions. Thanks to Digicel’s support, our forest rangers...

In a recent update from our ongoing exploration of Grand Bois National Park, we’re thrilled to share exciting news about a plant species we previously encountered. Recall the intriguing plant locally named “Bwa Krapo” or the “frog tree” from our previous article? Well, the veil of mystery shrouding its identity has finally been lifted. After rigorous research and consultation with botanical experts, we can now confirm that “Bwa Krapo” is Meliosma herbertii. This discovery marks the first documented sighting of this species in Haiti, enriching the biodiversity tapestry of the region. Meliosma herbertii, native to Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and other...

In a thrilling discovery for biodiversity enthusiasts and conservationists alike, we are excited to announce the identification of two native species in the pristine landscapes of Grand Bois National Park. Our dedicated team of botanists has been diligently exploring the rich natural tapestry of Grand Bois, and their efforts have yielded remarkable results. Two of the newly re-discovered species have been identified as “Twa fèy” (Allophylus cominia) and “Bwa kochon” (Protium balsamiferum). The third species, often referred to as “Bwa krapo” in Creole, or the “frog tree” in English, has yet to be formally identified. We like the name, since...

In 2023, our commitment to the preservation of Haiti’s natural heritage led us to set an ambitious goal: to plant 80,000 native and endemic species in the stunning Grand Bois National Park as part of our reforestation efforts. Today, we are happy to share the remarkable news of our resounding success. Despite a multitude of challenges, including unpredictable storms, relentless droughts, security concerns, and accessibility hurdles, our unwavering dedication prevailed. We are thrilled to announce that we not only met but exceeded our target for the year, planting a remarkable total of 85,936 plants from 21 different native and endemic...