In a significant environmental governance initiative, Haitian authorities have commenced a comprehensive legal modernization project targeting the protection framework for Morne l’Hôpital, a vital ecological zone. The ambitious reform effort is being spearheaded by Pierre Canisius Guignard, Director General of the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT), alongside agronomist Jean Franck Junior Charles Pierre, Director of the Morne L’Hôpital Monitoring and Development Organization (OSAMH).
The cornerstone of this initiative involves revamping obsolete legislation originally established in 1986 that has failed to keep pace with contemporary technical standards and administrative requirements. The three-month modernization process will feature 12 collaborative workshops engaging the Legal Affairs Department and multiple technical units within the Ministry.
Agronomist Pierre emphasized the critical nature of the reforms, stating: “This new draft bill aims to equip OSAMH with modern technical structures to enable it to effectively fulfill its protection mission.”
The ecological degradation of Morne l’Hôpital presents substantial risks to Port-au-Prince’s viability, with the reform addressing multiple urgent priorities:
– Safeguarding the capital’s primary drinking water supply systems
– Implementing advanced erosion control measures to mitigate catastrophic flooding
– Launching comprehensive reforestation programs across the site’s 2,000 hectares
– Establishing robust land use planning mechanisms to combat uncontrolled urbanization
Director Guignard confirmed the initiative’s alignment with the Government Action Plan, noting that beyond legislative updates, the Ministry will address operational challenges including financial resource allocation and security provisions necessary for effective enforcement in high-risk areas. The protection of Morne l’Hôpital has consequently evolved from an environmental concern to a pressing national security imperative essential for Port-au-Prince’s long-term sustainability.