Building Climate Resilience in Northern Haiti: Community-Led Solutions Drive Ecosystem and Livelihood Recovery in Acul Bay
In Northern Haiti’s Acul Bay, local organizations are stepping up to restore ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods, and build climate resilience—supported by a community-focused project funded through the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund.
© The Pan American Development Foundation
Acul Bay, located west of Cap-Haïtien and north of Acul-du-Nord in northern Haiti, is a vital ecological zone. It supports more than 220 bird species and critical mangrove forests that underpin local fisheries and eco-tourism. Yet this rich biodiversity is increasingly threatened. Years of deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and mounting economic pressures have heightened the area's vulnerability to sea level rise, storms, and coastal erosion.
To address these climate-related challenges, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is leading the Resilient Coastal Community Development through Ecosystem-based Adaptation project—an initiative that promotes nature-based solutions to climate risks while safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems. The project is funded through the Ecosystem-based Adaptation Facility of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), with support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and KfW.
A key achievement in the last quarter of FY2024 was the launch of a competitive grants program aimed at supporting grassroots, community-driven initiatives. Through a transparent, multi-stage selection process, nine local organizations were selected based on their alignment with the project’s goals.
PADF featured the selected grantees at an awards ceremony.
Highlights from the Grantees:
- Asosyasyon pou Devlòpman Bodmè Kanyèt (ADK): Leading mangrove restoration and delivering agricultural training to strengthen climate resilience among farmers near Acul Bay.
- Association des Femmes Engagées d’Haïti (AFEH): Advancing responsible tourism rooted in cultural heritage to boost local livelihoods in Acul-du-Nord.
- Groupe d’Intervention pour la Relance Sociale et Economique (GRISEC): Promoting circular economy practices by training women and youth to convert plastic waste into artisan goods.
- Renforcement des Agriculteurs Pour la production du Miel (RAPM): Supporting sustainable beekeeping and reforestation while expanding market access for honey producers.
The CBF team visited the mangrove plantation site near Acul Bay.
A total of nine selected groups are pioneering community-based action for climate adaptation in Haiti. PADF is providing ongoing capacity-building support to strengthen implementation. Organizations not selected in the first round have been encouraged to revise and resubmit proposals for the next phase of funding.
This initiative reflects the power of local leadership and strategic partnerships in delivering environmental and social impact. The CBF, with the generous support of IKI and KfW, is proud to help catalyze a more resilient and sustainable future for Acul Bay and beyond.
- Country: Haití
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