Description of ecosystem in Cap-Haitien

Cap-Haitien, Haiti is the largest city outside of the capitol of the country, Port-Au-Prince. It is located in the northern portion of the island of Haiti.  In 1670 it was founded by the French and was also the scene of

many slave uprisings over the years. The population in Cap-Hatien is approximately 190,000.  It is located on the coast and has a thriving harbor and much commerce is handled in the ports in Cap-Haitien. Haiti is a tropical island, with warm temperatures, rain, and lots of natural beauty. There is heavy rainfall and warm temperatures.

The ecosystem is rather fragile in the area. Haiti is prone to hurricanes. There is a major problem with deforestation, nearly 98% of the country has been deforested. With the lack of the trees with strong root systems, when the hurricanes and rains come to the region, they suffer a very high rate of soil erosion, flooding, and mudslides. All of these issues were exacerbated when the devastating earthquake of 2010 occurred,  killing thousands upon thousands of people. The loss of trees that help deflect heavy winds have left areas susceptible to additional damage in storms. 

The mountain regions of Haiti, have more endangered species than any other place on earth. Because of this, the forests need to be preserved. But it is a long arduous process to get the reforestation efforts going.  Additionally people need income in Haiti and one can get about $30 for a bag of charcoal and in a country where people make on average, a dollar a day, selling charcoal is very lucrative. The area of Cap-Haitian has seen some reforestation initiatives in place. Over 150,000 plants and trees have been planted with about 65% of those being fruit trees. 

Cap-Haitien is also subject to flooding. When the rainy season starts, the area is prone to flooding, the rivers swell and water overflows that banks and into the streets. Because of this, there is a community driven approach to assess the issue with flooding and begin to fix it. Some of the ways they are doing this is by restoring ravines, building boundaries, protecting river banks, and giving the local government the authority to help protect the drainage basin. 

Haiti needs infrastructure to help deal with many of the issues, such as deforestation, ecological issues. Through education, the people are stepping up to help preserve the fragile environment of Cap- Haitien and of all of Haiti. 

References:

http://www.sentinel.ht/news/articles/environment/3953-widespread-flooding-throughout-cap-haitien-and-northern-haiti

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap-Ha%C3%AFtien

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/09/10/haiti.biodiversity/