Given the extensive environmental degradation in Haiti, one might wonder whether enough eco-attractions still exist. Amazingly, Haiti still possesses a wealth of biodiversity. It is home to more than 6,000 species of plants (35 per cent of them endemic), 600 species of orchids and 220 species of birds (21 of them endemic). The birds include a beautiful Trogon and the smallest bird in the world, the Vervain hummingbird.
Haiti is a botanist's and bird watcher's
Ultimately, several factors are required for ecotourism to succeed as a method of encouraging environmental rehabilitation and sustainable development.
First is political stability. Next is a well-motivated, representative and functioning government. This government must take the initiative, plan ahead and negotiate the kind of ecotourism that will benefit Haiti, thereby avoiding negative impacts on urban and rural populations.
Third, there must be marketable eco-attractions, and, of course, a systematic program that provides benefits and economic incentives for protecting the environment from the sectors of society with the greatest environmental impact.
Perhaps most important is the need to arouse the interest of Haitians, who now spend considerable sums of money vacationing elsewhere. The Haitians should become the first ecotourists in the country, thus enticing others to explore Haiti's spectacular sites.Source: Article first published in ECODECISION by Paul Paryski, and edited for this site.
Kiskeya Alternative Destination
To be an effective force in promoting environmental rehabilitation and protection, ecotourism in Haiti would have to be carefully planned, regulated and negotiated. Safeguards would be needed to ensure that the peasants receive adequate benefits from government or ecotourism companies. The government and private sector would have to become efficient and professional. The country would need to be rationally managed.
Another great advantage is Haiti's unique and fascinating culture: its music, art and historic monuments such as the famous Citadelle; its traditional dances and architecture; and the rural lifestyle of the friendly and dignified Haitian. If ecotourism can be linked with cultural tourism, Haiti has a distinct advantage over other Caribbean destinations.
Haiti still possesses unusual and marketable eco-attractions including rolling mountains, the highest in the Caribbean, pine forests, waterfalls, lofty peaks, unexplored limestone cave systems and meadows filled with wildflowers. Haiti's exquisite beaches are often surrounded by peaks and pristine coral reef systems.
In the highest of Haiti's mountains, two national parks, Macaya and La Visite, have been established to conserve the country's natural heritage and unique mountain ecosystems. Unfortunately, all these eco-attractions face severe pressure from Haiti's growing population indulged in careless forestry practices.
Ecotourism could provide Haiti with economic benefits and foreign currency of up to US$1 billion each year as it does in some Caribbean countries. No heavy investments in infrastructure would be needed. Ecotourism could help Haitians, both rich and poor, to recognize the value of the country's unique ecosystems and biodiversity, and to appreciate the beauty of the countryside, beaches and mountains. By gaining interest in Haiti's national heritage, the entire population could be definitely motivated to protect the environment. But
In Haiti, ecotourists could leave the capital, Port-au-Prince, early in the morning and trek, or ride a horse, on one of the Caribbean's most spectacular high trails to the mountainous Parc-La-Visite. There they could spend two days viewing unique, endemic birds and orchids, waterfalls, pine forests and alpine meadows; they could explore caves and enjoy spectacular vistas of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the cool and sometimes chilly mountain air. They could then descend to some of the Caribbean's finest beaches, spend a day in Jacmel (a picturesque port city with charming architecture and handicrafts), and return to Port-au-Prince to visit museums and shop for Haitian paintings.
Another route could take ecotourists to Parc Macaya - not only to view spectacular tropical cloud forests, birds and exotic plants and flowers, but also to experience peasant culture in traditional communities. Visitors could also stay in seaside fishing villages and enjoy skin diving among the coral reefs. Or they could make their base in the Citadelle, and from there go on bird watching.
