In observance of World Soil Day 2025, Haiti’s Ministry of Environment has launched an ambitious national soil sampling campaign targeting the country’s severe land degradation issues. Under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” the initiative represents a critical step toward environmental restoration and climate resilience.
Environment Minister Moïse Fils Jean Pierre emphasized the fundamental importance of soil as “the matrix and substrate, the foundation of life” during the December 5th ceremony marking the campaign’s launch. The project, which gained approval from the Global Environment Facility in September 2021, forms part of a broader regional effort across eight Caribbean nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia.
The comprehensive program has already trained 245 university students and young professionals in advanced soil sampling techniques. Participants received instruction in geospatial location mapping, specialized sample transportation methods, and data processing software applications. This educational component strategically positions youth as central actors in sustainable land management practices.
Implementation involves collaboration between multiple Haitian institutions including the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Center for Geospatial Information, and both public and private universities. The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) provides overall coordination for the multinational project, which aligns with United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification objectives.
The updated soil data collected through this campaign will serve as the foundation for developing evidence-based conservation strategies, enhancing environmental education programs, and promoting sustainable natural resource management across Haiti’s vulnerable ecosystems.