161 Case study – Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction in Haiti Project approach The project has three main components, which were closely interlinked and implemented in parallel: Field interventions. This included soil erosion reduction in the uplands, coastal revegetation, stabilisation of riverbanks and establishing sustainable and resilient fisheries practice. Local and national capacity building on Eco-DRR for improved coastal zone management. This involved awareness raising, training and workshops, hands-on learning activities within demonstration sites, supporting improved municipal coordination, field visits and study tours with government and other partners. National awareness-raising on Eco-DRR in marine protected area establishment. This was achieved by making baseline data available on the diversity and status of coastal and marine ecosystems in the area, and emphasising the multiple benefits of protecting these ecosystems, particularly for disaster risk reduction. Project outcomes The highlights of the interventions were as follows: Tree nurseries were established producing 137,000 seedlings (native coastal, riparian and fruit species), directly benefiting 200 households through increased food and income security. Coastal species nursery management training delivered to 150 people from local communities and government. 141 ha of reforestation undertaken as a natural defence barrier in areas exposed to coastal hazards and flooding. 6.5 ha of sustainable vetiver farms established, directly benefitting 25 households on hillsides. Provided boat repairs and fleet improvements to enable local fishermen to head further out to sea and reduce fishing pressure on near shore ecosystems. Disaster preparedness plan established which included an early warning system and emergency equipment. Training delivered to 30 fishermen on disaster preparedness and management. Participatory action plan developed to agree on priorities and solutions for sustainable and resilient fisheries. Community-led collection of solid waste along the coast to reduce marine litter and obstruction of waterways. Municipal coordination round-table established and civil society participation in decision-making on coastal zone management increased. Lessons learnt Promote and mainstream Eco-DRR: This was critical for upscaling approaches to larger, more ecologically-significant scales. Strengthen local community-based organisations: Capacity building was a key mechanism for delivering project activities and strengthening governance at the local level. Consider the co-benefits: Demonstrating multiple benefits beyond disaster risk reduction, such as economic benefits, was key to obtaining local buy-in. Ensure project sustainability: Legacy can be supported by promoting ownership among local residents, capacity building and awareness raising. Sustainability and legacy of project The project received a high level ownership among local residents, as well as local and national government authorities. The approach carried out will be integrated into a $15 million (USD) investment by the Ministry of Agriculture and InterAmerican Development Bank in the fisheries sector in Southern Haiti. The field interventions of the Eco-DRR project will also be expanded by UNEP through secured funding from the Government of Norway and GEF, within their Marine Protected Area establishment framework. The project has successfully served as a stepping-stone for potentially larger-scale activities. However, in 2016, Haiti was struck by Hurricane Matthew, destroying a number of the project interventions. It is therefore important to recognise that the long-term outcomes may be threatened by factors outside of the project’s control and therefore adaptive management measures should be applied, ensuring to take climate projections into account. Further information: https://pedrr.org/casestudy/coastal-partners-haiti/ Diagram of NbS interactions showing how a ridge to reef approach can contribute towards multiple benefits. Return to Principles