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| The average annual precipitation of Haiti |
Monday, March 3, 2014
A soil map of your country with soil names and descriptions with source cited
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| This map created from arcmap by Hovard Guerrier |
Detail two ways your country or local government could address and stop those environmental threats
Haiti is a beautiful tropical nation. 60% of the country was covered with verdant forests in 1923. However, over the years deforestation has increased and nearly 98% of the island's forests have been cut down.
From 2000 to 2005 deforestation increased by 20%. Finally, in 2011, the government stepped in and passed the deforestation act of 2011. But this is just a small start.
Using domestic and foreign investors, the government is striving to implement reforestation programs. They plan to plant millions of trees. The goal is to double the forest coverage by 2016, however, even with doubling it, only 4% of the forests will be planted. This will be a slow process, it takes time for the trees to grow, and with the nature of the weather patterns in the region and the occurrence hurricanes, it will affect the growth of the trees.
Another way the government can assist with this deforestation issue, is to fund alternate fuel sources, such as grass biofuel. With government assistance the farmers can be incented to grow the fuel source and the women encouraged to sell the fuel. If the people of Haiti have a viable alternate fuel source, this will help cut down on the rampant destruction of the forests. Haiti is a poor country and the people need charcoal as a fuel for cooking and feeding their families. With an alarmingly high unemployment rate, the people need jobs, they need income, so even though the deforestation is a massive issue, keeping your family fed, is more important. So even though the trees are being cut down, people will continue with the destruction, if it's the only way to keep their families fed.
The issue with deforestation will also take a big initiative to educate the people of Haiti about the damaging affects of their fuel collection. I find that this similar to the issue some countries face in Central America, such as Costa Rica, with the eating of sea turtle eggs. This practice is devastating to the sea turtle life cycle, because it takes the turtle 25 years to reach sexual maturity. So, if the eggs are being eaten it creates a big problem for the turtles to reach the age to be able to reproduce. Thus the likelihood of the turtles reproducing is diminished. Similarly, in Haiti, with the continual deforestation of trees for fuel for cooking, the life cycle of the trees can not be completed. The government needs to help educate the people about the devastating affects of deforestation, including soil erosion.
If the government takes a dual pronged approach of educating the people of Haiti, as well as providing funding for replanting of trees, over time, the issue with deforestation will hopefully be cut back significantly. By 2016, the estimated progress will only be 2% better, clearly to see substantial progress will take many years. But, the time is now to begin the process.
References:
http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/environmentandenergy/successstories/reforestation-project-brings-life-and-growth-to-haitian-communit/
http://haitiinnovation.org/en/blog-tags-2/reforestation
http://www.lambifund.org/programs_reforestation.shtml
From 2000 to 2005 deforestation increased by 20%. Finally, in 2011, the government stepped in and passed the deforestation act of 2011. But this is just a small start.
Using domestic and foreign investors, the government is striving to implement reforestation programs. They plan to plant millions of trees. The goal is to double the forest coverage by 2016, however, even with doubling it, only 4% of the forests will be planted. This will be a slow process, it takes time for the trees to grow, and with the nature of the weather patterns in the region and the occurrence hurricanes, it will affect the growth of the trees.
Another way the government can assist with this deforestation issue, is to fund alternate fuel sources, such as grass biofuel. With government assistance the farmers can be incented to grow the fuel source and the women encouraged to sell the fuel. If the people of Haiti have a viable alternate fuel source, this will help cut down on the rampant destruction of the forests. Haiti is a poor country and the people need charcoal as a fuel for cooking and feeding their families. With an alarmingly high unemployment rate, the people need jobs, they need income, so even though the deforestation is a massive issue, keeping your family fed, is more important. So even though the trees are being cut down, people will continue with the destruction, if it's the only way to keep their families fed.
The issue with deforestation will also take a big initiative to educate the people of Haiti about the damaging affects of their fuel collection. I find that this similar to the issue some countries face in Central America, such as Costa Rica, with the eating of sea turtle eggs. This practice is devastating to the sea turtle life cycle, because it takes the turtle 25 years to reach sexual maturity. So, if the eggs are being eaten it creates a big problem for the turtles to reach the age to be able to reproduce. Thus the likelihood of the turtles reproducing is diminished. Similarly, in Haiti, with the continual deforestation of trees for fuel for cooking, the life cycle of the trees can not be completed. The government needs to help educate the people about the devastating affects of deforestation, including soil erosion.
If the government takes a dual pronged approach of educating the people of Haiti, as well as providing funding for replanting of trees, over time, the issue with deforestation will hopefully be cut back significantly. By 2016, the estimated progress will only be 2% better, clearly to see substantial progress will take many years. But, the time is now to begin the process.
References:
http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/environmentandenergy/successstories/reforestation-project-brings-life-and-growth-to-haitian-communit/
http://haitiinnovation.org/en/blog-tags-2/reforestation
http://www.lambifund.org/programs_reforestation.shtml
Description of the main environmental threats to Haiti biome caused by human disturbance. What are they? What causes them? Where are they the worst? How do they impact the environment (biotic and abiotic)?
One of the most devastating environmental threats to Haiti biome is the deforestation that unfortunately, has become endemic on this small tropical island. Haiti is a poor county, and it lack many of the modern conveniences that are take for granted in the first world countries. For instance, an electric or gas stove. The majority of Haiti still cooks meals over an open flame. You need fuel for the fire, so many people have taken to the forests to cut the wood to make into fuel for the fires to cook food for families. People need to eat and because Haiti lacks the infrastructure for proper utilities that forests are quickly being depleted to provide fuel for cook fires. The rate of the forest destruction is alarming, nearly 98% of Haiti's forests are gone.
There are additional issues caused by the deforestation. Due to the lack of trees, the soil is eroding very quickly. Haiti is a tropical island and is in the path of many hurricanes. When the heavy rains and high winds hit Haiti, the lack of trees and strong root systems, holding soil in place leaves the landscape susceptible to land slides. This cyclical issue has left Haiti't rate of deforestation very high, and additionally the soil erosion leaves the soils depleted of nutrients needed to grow healthy crops, such as vegetables. This leaves Haiti lacking in food self sufficiency. Maybe goods are imported to provide food for the county. The goal for Haiti would be to replant trees, this is a great place to start. With more trees, the root systems will flourish, and strengthen, leaving the soil in tact. There will not be as much soil run off, ,or erosion. The soil will retain its nutrients, supplying the farmers with better options for agriculture. Haiti needs to strive to be more self sufficient. Unfortunately this process will not take place overnight, it will take years to eventually see success from the reforestation process. But it needs to start soon so Haiti can begin to rebuild and regrow.
References:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/28/haiti-plant-millions-trees-deforestation
http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/haiti_news/1087287.html#axzz2wK3axADK
There are additional issues caused by the deforestation. Due to the lack of trees, the soil is eroding very quickly. Haiti is a tropical island and is in the path of many hurricanes. When the heavy rains and high winds hit Haiti, the lack of trees and strong root systems, holding soil in place leaves the landscape susceptible to land slides. This cyclical issue has left Haiti't rate of deforestation very high, and additionally the soil erosion leaves the soils depleted of nutrients needed to grow healthy crops, such as vegetables. This leaves Haiti lacking in food self sufficiency. Maybe goods are imported to provide food for the county. The goal for Haiti would be to replant trees, this is a great place to start. With more trees, the root systems will flourish, and strengthen, leaving the soil in tact. There will not be as much soil run off, ,or erosion. The soil will retain its nutrients, supplying the farmers with better options for agriculture. Haiti needs to strive to be more self sufficient. Unfortunately this process will not take place overnight, it will take years to eventually see success from the reforestation process. But it needs to start soon so Haiti can begin to rebuild and regrow.
References:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/28/haiti-plant-millions-trees-deforestation
http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/haiti_news/1087287.html#axzz2wK3axADK
Three peer-reviewed articles about the management of the ecosystems in Haiti
1. The peer article is about Ecosystem
The relationship of forests in water quantity and quality has been debated during the past years. At the same time, focus on climate change has increased interest in ecosystem restoration as a means for adaptation. Climate change might become one of the key drivers pushing integrated approaches for natural resources management into practice. [read more ...]
The relationship of forests in water quantity and quality has been debated during the past years. At the same time, focus on climate change has increased interest in ecosystem restoration as a means for adaptation. Climate change might become one of the key drivers pushing integrated approaches for natural resources management into practice. [read more ...]
Integrated Approaches to Natural Resources Management in Practice: The Catalyzing Role of National Adaptation Programmes for Action
Source: Stucki, V., & Smith, M. (2011). Integrated approaches to natural resources management in practice: The catalyzing role of national adaptation programmes for action. Ambio, 40(4), 351-60. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/868264449?accountid=38161
2. Ecological management in the Caribean
The Caribbean Sea and its watersheds show signs of environmental degradation. These fragile coastal ecosystems are susceptible to environmental impacts, in part because of their oligotrophic conditions and their critical support of economic development. Tourism is one of the major sources of income in the Caribbean, making the region one of the most ecotourism dependent in the world. Yet there are few explicit, long-term, comprehensive studies describing the structure and function of Caribbean ecosystems. [read more]
A Conceptual Framework to Develop Long-Term Ecological Research and Management Objectives in the Wider Caribbean Region
Source: Rivera-Monroy, V., Twilley, R. R., Bone, D., Childers, D. L., & al, e. (2004). A conceptual framework to develop long-term ecological research and management objectives in the wider caribbean region. Bioscience, 54(9), 843-856. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216475552?accountid=38161
Source: Stucki, V., & Smith, M. (2011). Integrated approaches to natural resources management in practice: The catalyzing role of national adaptation programmes for action. Ambio, 40(4), 351-60. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/868264449?accountid=38161
2. Ecological management in the Caribean
The Caribbean Sea and its watersheds show signs of environmental degradation. These fragile coastal ecosystems are susceptible to environmental impacts, in part because of their oligotrophic conditions and their critical support of economic development. Tourism is one of the major sources of income in the Caribbean, making the region one of the most ecotourism dependent in the world. Yet there are few explicit, long-term, comprehensive studies describing the structure and function of Caribbean ecosystems. [read more]
A Conceptual Framework to Develop Long-Term Ecological Research and Management Objectives in the Wider Caribbean Region
Source: Rivera-Monroy, V., Twilley, R. R., Bone, D., Childers, D. L., & al, e. (2004). A conceptual framework to develop long-term ecological research and management objectives in the wider caribbean region. Bioscience, 54(9), 843-856. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216475552?accountid=38161
Three peer-reviewed articles about environment, animals or ecosystems in Haiti
1. This peer review article is about Environmental issues in Haiti.
The relationship of forests in water quantity and quality has been debated during the past years. At the same time, focus on climate change has increased interest in ecosystem restoration as a means for adaptation. Climate change might become one of the key drivers pushing integrated approaches for natural resources management into practice.[read more...]
Real-time modelling used for outbreak management during a cholera epidemic, Haiti, 2010รข[euro]"2011
Source: Stucki, V., & Smith, M. (2011). Integrated approaches to natural resources management in practice: The catalyzing role of national adaptation programmes for action. Ambio, 40(4), 351-60. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/868264449?accountid=38161
2. The conservation status of West Indian palms (Arecaceae)
3. The peer article is about Ecosystem
Three popular articles about the ecosystems or environment in home country
1. Ecosystem Marketplace - Haiti: The Slippery Slope of Ecosystem Degradation
In this moonscape called Haiti, there is no place to hide. Hurricane rains followed fast on the heals of the deadly January earthquake, pounding denuded forests and dirt-baked terrain, triggering mudslides, cutting through gullies, destroying anemic vegetation and washing deadly strains of cholera and sewage into rivers where people wash and drink. This once lush Caribbean island nation has been virtually cut clean of its former tree cover by an impoverished people desperate for fuel.
2.The environmental issues in Haiti
Haiti’s geographical location leaves it prone to a number of potentially disastrous natural phenomena such as hurricanes, tropical storms and earthquakes, which have frequently caused widespread devastation and major loss of life within the country, the latest example being the earthquake of 12 January 2010. Any country would find it difficult to deal with the challenges thrown up by such natural events. However, in the case of Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, the task is compounded by centuries of environmental degradation and mismanagement.
Source: EarthTrends (World Resources Institute) – Country profile: Biodiversity and Protected Areas - Haiti (2003): http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/bio_cou_332.pdf
3. The environmental issues in Haiti
This is a report of talked about the stormwater loosened soil in Haiti. The last month, a family lose trees, shrubs and other vegetation that anchor soil and buffer runoff are rare.
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