The Tree of Hope” Bringing Back the Trees to the Mountains of Haiti

Not so long ago (1925), Haiti was a lush and welcoming island paradise with 60

The Tree of Haiti Project- Haitian school children planting trees in Port- De- Paix.

percent of its original forest covering the lands and mountainous regions. Today more than 95% of Haiti's forests are gone, fertile soils and farmlands have been destroyed and the mountains are now reduced to bedrock. The situation will continue to get worse as long as charcoal and low productivity agriculture are the only opportunities for poor farmers.

Scientific research has demonstrated that deforestation leads to soil erosion and flooding as seen when torrential rainfall from hurricane Jeanne hit Haiti and claimed nearly 3,000 lives in Haiti last September.

Given this reality, it is important that we take steps to restore Haiti's forest and educate local communities about the devastating effect of deforestation on the land and the economy. The planting of trees is an important tool, which can be implemented - and multiplied - through the involvement of local communities, media, private sectors, and the business community. The "Tree Of Hope Project" will involve the development of an efficient strategy to help reverse the degradation of Haiti's forest and farmlands. The benefits of planting trees will help to improve the quality of life, and the stability of local communities. Click here to download " A Tree Of Hope For Haiti" presentation

The "Tree Of Hope For Haiti Project" is a socio-environmental initiative organized by "Artist Relief Funds For Haiti" ( a 501 (c) non-profit organization, Heritagekonpa Magazine, and L'organization Du Nord Ouest Pour Protection De L' environment in Port De- Paix . Our goal is to reverse deforestation and build self-sustaining communities in Haiti through innovative agricultural and preservation programs, which will include expansion of tree nurseries to local farmers.

The project involves working in deforested areas with local residents in Haiti, both farmers and agronomists who are promoting economic sustainable development in the region through reforestation, environmental education, and wetland restoration.

The funds that are raised by "The Tree Of Hope Project" will be utilized to: produce seedlings, nurseries, restore watersheds, community and practical agricultural training, technical assistance to the local farmers through forestry and agricultural programs.

Artists Relief Fund For Haiti, a Humanitarian organization, and Heritagekonpa Magazine, an online Haitian Magazine, are seeking donations to fund the "Tree Of Hope For Haiti Project." We are organizing a benefit concert, an event coming in Summer 2006 to help finance "Tree Of Hope For Haiti." This event is designed to combat deforestation in Haiti. We would appreciate an in-kind or monetary donation from your business.

We believe your business could help to ensure the success of the "Tree of Hope Project" by donating [INSERT PRODUCT OR SERVICE, SUCH As sound equipment's, Venues, ETC., OR MONEY], although any contribution would be welcome. With your donation, we can feature the name of your business in "The Tree of Hope For Haiti Project" publicity materials.

All tax-deductible contribution can be sent to:

• Artists Relief Funds For Haiti
• P.O Box 1362
  Valley Stream, NY 11580

We truly appreciate your valuable support of the "Tree Of Hope For Haiti Project"

Sincerely,

Rene Devis, President of Artist Ralief Fund For Haiti

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?...

Artists Relief Funds For Haiti and Heritagekonpa Magazine plan to organize a fundraiser (summer 2005) to start rebuilding Haiti's forest goal is to plant one million trees

To learn about a partnership committed to enhancing Haiti's natural environment, specifically through reforestation, wetland restoration and community tree plantings, please contact Rene Devis 917-853-3746 or e-mail us heritagekonpa@yahoo.com.

Businesses, nonprofit organizations, concerned citizens, schools, and the media may request a marketing plan to support Haiti's Reforestation Program.

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