The binational steering committee, established by the Haitian and Dominican authorities, as part of binational project of rehabilitation of the Artibonite River watershed, held its first meeting last Thursday. This committee aims to strengthen the dialogue between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, especially on the watershed management [often conflictual].

The project estimated at $ 11 million is funded by CIDA, UNDP and OXFAM and aims to strengthen the organizational and institutional capacities of the countries responsible for the development of the Artibonite River watershed, to support the forestry agricultural and agro-forestry initiatives designed to increase the income of rural populations in the area of ​​intervention, and to promote the opportunities of dialogue between the two countries, particularly on the management of watersheds.

Joseph Ronald Toussaint, the Haitian Minister of Environment stated that "the provision of environmental services is limited by persistent threats on the terrestrial ecosystems. These threats result in various forms including deforestation, inappropriate land use and agricultural practices harmful."

For Victor Garcia, For Victor Garcia, Vice dominican Minister of the Ministry of Environment, this project is critical to the extent where the Artibonite River provides water to the most impoverished area of the Dominican Republic.

HL/ HaitiLibre