Haiti Friends and the Haiti Timber Reintroduction Program

Founded in 2005 by Haiti Friends, the Haiti Timber Reintroduction Program (HTRIP) has become a cornerstone of community-based agroforestry initiatives in Haiti. Operating in the Artibonite region, HTRIP supports over 10,000 farmers spanning more than 60 communities, empowering them to rejuvenate and manage their land sustainably. In partnership with Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, HTRIP addresses pressing issues such as malnutrition, poverty, soil erosion, and deforestation, aiming to restore Haiti's landscapes while improving community health and resilience.

HTRIP adopts an innovative approach known as agri-silviculture, integrating timber species like Spanish cedar and Honduras mahogany, fuelwood such as Bloodwood and Siris, and a variety of fruit trees including mango, lime, orange, coconut, papaya, and soursop. These trees complement staple crops like beans, corn, and sorghum, tailored meticulously to meet the specific needs and preferences of each community and their local environment.

Deforestation

Deforestation in Haiti increased rapidly after Hurricane Hazel downed trees throughout the island in 1954. At that same time, concessionaires stepped up logging operations in response to Port-au-Prince’s intensified demand for charcoal. Deforestation had already become an issue because of unsound agricultural practices, rapid population growth, and increased competition for land.

By 2000, 98% of Haiti had been deforested due to logging. Most of the rich topsoil has washed into the sea, where it chokes the reefs and marine life. Haiti’s mountains have eroded to bedrock and its aquifers are drying up. The habitat loss for wildlife is staggering, with many native plants and animals on international registries of endangered species. The deforestation and resulting desertification is Haiti’s single largest ecological problem, which has had a negative ripple effect on the overall ecology of the country and its surrounding waters.

The Collection

Haiti Friends is a Pittsburgh-based 501c3 non-profit organization that has focused on the arts in Haiti to expand awareness of the culture and tenuous situation of the Haitian people. Over several decades, Haiti Friends has supported and encouraged artists in Haiti and has acquired, through donations and purchases, a significant number of works by Haitian artists.  Through art sales events and special exhibitions throughout the US, Haiti Friends has raised funds and friends to help support health and ecological restoration projects in collaboration with Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti.

The Haiti Friends inventory of artworks will be for sale to support these endeavors following this LACC exhibition. For more information contact Edward Rawson at rawson.edward@gmail.com or www.haitifriends.org.