Caribbean Biodiversity Fund Awards CORE Additional $2 Million for Ongoing Climate Resilience in Haiti

Press Release

February 2024 – CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) has received a new $2 million award from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) for a vital 30-month-long project in Haiti. This is CORE’s third award from CBF in support of localized Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) work. This new grant will extend program activities to Baradéres-Cayemites commune in the Nippes.

Haiti currently ranks in the top ten of the Climate Risk Index, meaning it is critically exposed to the increasing effects of climate change, which impacts the health and livelihoods of over 11 million people. Storms in recent years have caused an estimated $61 million loss in agricultural production. With the threat of increased environmental disasters such as hurricanes and floods, Haiti will suffer further harsh economic ramifications unless action is taken. 

CORE will continue building on lessons learned from the previous “ridge to reef” approach taken in the neighboring Bondeau, Corail, and Pestel Areas with prior support from the CBF. To help the biodiversity and resource-abundant protected area of the Baradères-Cayemites commune, CORE will work closely with government agencies and community-led associations to design collaborative management strategies for ecosystem conservation.

A fisher in the Nippes Department in southern Haiti who’s benefited from CORE’s Ecosystem-Based Adaptation program. CORE photo by Garry Calixte.

One of the 45 fishers trained in sustainable fishing techniques in the Nippes Department. CORE photo by Garry Calixte.

Collaborating with local farmers, CORE will work to implement sustainable practices that will strengthen the longevity of the ecosystem. CORE will help implement nature-based solutions and green infrastructure, like reforestation, to increase erosion prevention, reduce the frequency and intensity of flooding, and decrease the amount of detrimental sediment that flows downstream, which harms mangrove forests and coral reefs that are crucial to restoring and conserving coastal wetlands.

In partnership with local fishers, CORE will develop a participatory management plan to focus on sustainable fishing techniques. The goal is to reduce overfishing in shallow waters, ensuring the renewal of key fish species and the preservation of that vital ecosystem while improving fisher income. 

In addition, CORE will support alternative sustainable livelihoods through agricultural practices like cocoa and cassava farming and beekeeping. This will occur in local communities and with women’s associations to alleviate pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems and increase economic stability. 

“CORE has deep roots in Haiti, and this award reinforces our dedication to advancing long-term, sustainable solutions to increase climate resilience in the country,” says Samba Sidibe, CORE Haiti Country Director. “This project is crucial to helping safeguard those most at risk of climate disaster while also pointing a promising economic light forward.”

This is a project of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, co-financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection through KfW.

About CORE

Founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is a global humanitarian organization that brings immediate relief and long-term recovery solutions to underserved communities. When a crisis strikes, CORE responds immediately to fill gaps, mobilize resources, and establish trust and collaboration from within communities. CORE has played a pivotal role in providing critical relief to marginalized and vulnerable populations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as it continues its mission of empowering communities in and beyond crises worldwide. For more information, see www.coreresponse.org and follow CORE on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.