2 for 1: Safe Drinking Water & Planting Trees

Project Needs and Beneficiaries

Almost 1/3 of Haitians have no access to safe drinking water, resulting in disease and a high death rate for children. Haiti is described by the U.N. as one of the most degraded countries in the world. Without trees to protect the land, flooding from hurricanes destroys homes, lives, farmland and ecosystems. Our poorest neighbor in the Western Hemisphere needs an urgent plan to plant trees and provide safe water for 600 peasants in the village of Chato.

Activities Peasants in Chato asked Lambi to help build a network of 10 water cisterns. They also want to reforest the area with 100,000 trees. They will provide the labor and, with your help, Lambi will provide construction materials, training and seedlings

Project Update

Cisterns and reforestation

Ten cisterns have been built. In the aftermath of the hurricanes which pounded on the entire country in August and September 2008, it was reported that 2 of the cisterns sustained some damage. Funding received for Hurricane relief was used to repair damaged cisterns.

Reforestation

Chato’s reforestation efforts are in full operation. About 50,000 fruit and forest tree seedlings were produced during the second phase, however Chato reported losses of seedlings to the hurricane season. The hurricanes caused many delays in replanting schedules, however farmers have resumed their activities. They have planted young trees and are ready to start the production of about 35,000 more seedlings.

Workshops A workshop on reforestation and agro-forestry was conducted.

Project Impact:

The cisterns brought great relief to the community of Chato. Sustainable reforestation will have an impact on the environment and will help peasants earn a living through the sale of fruits at local markets.