Our Cause: Soil Erosion in Haiti
Due to multiple socioeconomic and environmental factors, deforestation continues to escalate in Haiti, making it a nation with one of the highest soil erosion rates in the world. Haiti is also the poorest country on the American continent, with a per capita income of about $2 per day, while the income of neighboring rival Dominican Republic is about $18 per day (UN Data, 2016). Due almost solely to wood burning for fuel, an enormous number of trees in Haiti have been cut in recent decades, resulting in erosion.
Our Mission
Our team of global citizens strive to promote the sustainable use of natural resources in order to ensure minimal disruption of our ecosystems. We achieve this by engaging in and promoting on-the-ground restorative projects that reverse the destruction and waste of our natural resources, encouraging others by sharing knowledge about our precious environment and its conservation.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to our cause may be tax deductible.
The vital work of Better Universe and Citizens is only possible with your help! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Better Universe and Citizens. Gifts of any amount are very helpful and welcome, and we’re happy to discuss creating a giving opportunity to fit your interests.
The Challenge:
Erosion has damaged the Haitian economy by destroying property, vital resources, and jobs. Haiti’s mountainsides were once lush with trees and foliage that secured the precious soil, yet due to continuous erosion and deforestation, rains and rushing water have more easily flooded towns and their industry and homes, destroying both crops and animal habitats. Left unchecked, this erosion and deforestation only cause more and more damage…
What Does Erosion Do?
Erosion removes the critical topsoil necessary for all agriculture, from lands to oceans. This topsoil is washed into the ocean, where it suffocates marine plants and expels aquatic life. Topsoil can take from dozens to hundreds of years to regenerate.
Erosion increases the likelihood of landslides, which kill thousands of people and animals during hurricanes.
Erosion threatens food security through the loss of agricultural production.
Our Solution: Grass
To end the poverty cycle, The Haiti Grass Project plants perennial grasses that reduce erosion.
What are perennial grasses? Perennial grass grows year after year without having to be replanted. These grasses also quickly establish themselves, require little to no maintenance, and help retain topsoil.
The grass species Guinea grass, Elephant grass, and Bermuda grass are ideal to grow in Haiti. Once these grasses are established under tropical conditions (hot weather and high rainfall), they grow even faster and healthier than they do in Florida!
What has planting perennial grass achieved so far?
Reduced soil erosion, a key problem that has contributed to a poor economy in Haiti.
Stabilized the soil and decreased the frequency of mudslides which escalate the death toll during hurricanes.
Provided natural habitats to native insects, birds, and land animals.
Protected marine ecosystems by lessening the amount of silt and soil in bodies of water.
Increased the positive media representations of Haiti’s land and ecosystem.
Meet our newest partner: Rotary Club of McLean, VA
The Rotary Club of McLean has kindly awarded us a grant to establish grass nurseries in Northern Haiti schools.
Meet our biggest partner: Florida State University!
Several FSU Departments and Centers are collaborating with our organization to help meet our project goals.
Become a part of our innovative team!
Please join our global team to provide solutions for Haiti’s soil erosion. Plant grass, establish nurseries, educate about conservation in Haiti and the United States, provide solar cookers, and help build sustainable and resilient communities.
In the scene on the left, the barren rocky wasteland was once a verdant mountainside flourishing with soil, trees, and grass. Yet when it rains today, tropical downpours crash down the desolate hillside and flood the now impoverished town.
As a member of our team, you can play a direct and meaningful role in ameliorating these conditions. Joining with local leaders in Haiti and the US, you’ll help turn circumstances around to make a better universe for indigent citizens.
“Reclaiming degraded land to green land is one of life’s most rewarding experiences!”
— Dr. Tawainga Katsvairo
Sign Up For a Program
Join one of our exciting and meaningful programs. These experiences include planting perennial grasses in Haiti, as well as learning about Haiti’s ecosystem and economic development.
Volunteer Opportunities
Use your expertise when volunteering for our activities and even coordinate and run our altruistic operations. You can help in the USA, in Haiti, or both!
Please Make a Donation
Choose how we use your donation. For example, you can designate it for planting grass at a school, at churches, in a village, or on eroded mountainsides. You can even ask us to use it for environmental education in Haiti, in the USA, or both.
