An ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction approach was implemented in Port Salut using a ridge-to-reef approach that included inland and coastal revegetation and improving the sustainability of local fisheries. 

Nature-based Intervention:

In an effort to bolster community and ecosystem resilience, the Côte Sud Initiative (CSI) together with the UN Environment Programme worked together to implement an ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) initiative using a ridge-to-reef approach. The ridge-to-reef approach constitutes a portfolio of interventions that cover the entire landscape from hills to sea in an effort to boost overall ecosystem resilience. More specifically, the project implemented three specific actions. First, re-vegetation and more sustainable vetiver farming was introduced and expanded to reduce the risk of upland erosion and inland flooding. Second, coastal areas underwent significant revegetation in order to strengthen the area’s biological buffer against storm surges and flooding. In practical support of these first two interventions, a tree nursery was established producing 137,000 seedlings of coastal and riparian species and fruit trees. As a result, 141 hectares were reforested with 54,065 fruit and forestry trees planted on and around riverbanks to reduce soil and riverbank erosion and 36,300 mangroves and sea grape trees planted on the shoreline and river mouths to mitigate storm surge and flood risk. Lastly, more sustainable fisheries management has been implemented including the reparation of fishing boats to allow fishers to fish in deeper waters and, as a result, reduce pressure on near-shore ecosystems.

Overview of context and outcomes:

The Port Salut municipality in Haiti is becoming increasingly vulnerable to more frequent and extreme coastal risks including sea level rise and storm surges. Port Salut has also been designated as one of Haiti’s first marine protected areas. These actions have all been supported by larger-scale capacity building and advocacy efforts across the country promoting Eco-DRR and marine protected area management.