Report on the Reforestation Project in Haiti, June 2005

G.E.N.E.S.I.S. at Morehouse:

Report on the Reforestation Project in Haiti, June 2005

Cynthia Hewitt, Ph.D.

Department of Sociology and Fellow of

The Andrew Young Center for International Studies

A. Kweku Andoh, Ph.D., F.L.S.

Fellow of Linnean Society, London

G.E.N.E.S.I.S. Project

North Scale Education & Research Institute, Inc.

We had a very successful initial student service learning trip to Haiti, organized by G.E.N.E.S.I.S. - Growing Energy and Nutrition for Environmental Stability and Investing in Society - a project led by Dr. A. Kweku Andoh of the North Scale Education & Research Institute, Inc. (NSERI) and Morehouse College. This ten day study abroad was the culmination of a nine-month effort to develop awareness of the value of the environment and nutrition to the culture and well-being of Africans at home and in the Diaspora. It was also the launch of an on-going effort to enhance the educational outcomes of Morehouse and other Atlanta University Center students through involvement in sustainable development projects which emphasize hands-on learning, bridging the gap between knowledge derived from theory and experiential knowledge derived from listening to community elders and living close to nature.

The project began during Africa Awareness Week 2005, with a seminar on Haiti, and a lecture and workshop focused on the Moringa oleifera, the Miracle tree and its potential for nutrition, healing and water purification. We housed important specimen trees and shrubs in the Morehouse greenhouse and planted Moringa seeds for propagation in the greenhouse, as well as at the NSERI. We learned skills in horticulture, silviculture and herbal nutrition each Saturday from February through April of 2005. To enhance our knowledge of the country, we studied the culture and history of Haiti. After an initial site visit in May, we traveled with Dr. A. Kweku Andoh, four students, three community supporters, and two Morehouse faculty members to carry out our initial experience of tree planting in Haiti, June 4 - 14.

We made progress along four fronts.

First, we carried out plantings and solidified our working relationship with Jane Wynne, director of the Wynne Farm Forest Reserve in Kenscoff. Ms. Wynne hosted our group and provided logistical and technical support, such as locating planting sites and providing necessay materials. This enabled our group to carry out the planting of 250 seedlings as part of a community effort to reforest a ravine in Kenscoff, and 100 Moringa and fruit tree seedlings for nutrition and soil conservation in the hilly farming community of Callebasse. We also provided seeds and seedlings for the community to continue planting after our departure.

Second, we explored local projects and began to establish relationships with these communities. Ms. Wynne provided a home-base at her nursery, where we met community activists involved in reforestation and youth training and discussed joint projects for the future. These groups included the Red Cross youth league, representatives of the community of Seguin, naturopathic healers, and Haitian musicians and supporters of the Yele Haiti Foundation, among others. Before leaving, we held a get-together with live music, food, the pouring of libation, and very good cheer. We feel that our role in Haiti’s reforestation is one of supporting indigenous efforts, introducing cutting-edge nutriceuticals for domestic use as well as for their potential commercial value. Encouraging youth to lead by example creates self confidence and insures the project’s continuation into the future.

G.E.N.E.S.I.S. and Morehouse in Haiti, p. 2

Third, the dedication of our small group to planting trees despite the well-publicized difficulties of travel in Haiti led to the timely launching of G.E.N.E.S.I.S. to coincide with the June visit of Hip-Hop superstar, Wyclef Jean for his foundation, Yele Haiti. We were able to assist Yele Haiti in launching its reforestation program by participating in the publicity campaign arranged by the foundation. We enjoyed a wonderful benefit concert on the evening of our arrival. We were asked to come on the stage, and were introduced as part of the group who make Yele Haiti’s environment and sustainability program possible. We participated in photo ops with Wyclef Jean in Port-au-Prince and Gonaive, as he promoted his Clean Up the Garbage Campaign, and the Schools and Education projects. He introduced the G.E.N.E.S.I.S/Morehouse, Yele Haiti joint initiative for reforestation. We had a brief meeting with Wyclef Jean where Dr. Andoh introduced some of the most useful plants we are promoting for reforestation and health. Our group was also an integral part of the second meeting of the environmental movement launched by Yele Haiti. This trip enhanced the G.E.N.E.S.I.S./Morehouse cooperation with Yele Haiti, as we continue to discuss and develop new strategies.

Several other important initiatives were broached. G.E.N.E.S.I.S. Board Member Chuck Banks and supporter, Chris Banks, entered into discussion with Yele Haiti Board Member Richard Sassine about their mutual interest in developing student loans and grants for college level training. In a separate initiative, the Morehouse students began a scholarship fund called the Alem Fund, named after its first recipient. This fund provides assistance to high school students to pay fees for exams.

As part of our ethno-botanical studies program, Dr. Andoh and our group identified unknown trees, shrubs and herbs, and produced name tags for plants in the Wynne Botanic Gardens. An extensive botanical survey was undertaken in and around Kenscoff environs, including Callebasse Ravine. More than 150 plant species, both indigenous and introduced, were identified and studied. Of this number, 25 specimens were described, botanically named and mounted on herbarium voucher sheets. This initial scientific survey will lead to a publication on the indigenous flora of Haiti. We agreed with Jane Wynne that education at all levels is integral to reforestation and sustainablity of the health and welfare of the communities.

Our initial project was successful despite the negative travel advisory and the extremely short planning period. The project was both a culmination of a process of preparatory work in Atlanta, and the initiation of a long-term service and learning relationship. There was general consensus on the value of getting our hands dirty, so-to-speak, with tree planting. Making an impression among the people of Kenscoff regarding our dedication to this project gives us a permanent place in the hearts of the people. There is mutual appreciation for the groups and individuals whom we met and who have been so supportive. The students are interested in developing our capacity to live self-sufficiently by camping on the land in communities as we progress.

The primary conclusion which the group shared is our need to develop an on-going project with G.E.N.E.S.I.S. at Morehouse and to prepare to travel two or three times a year, for two-to-three week periods, as a group. We should also carry out short-term visits, as needed, in support of our projects and collaborators. This will involve development of model forest sites, and development of life skills of food preparation and herbal nutrition which we can also model. Leaning the indigenous Haitian wisdom systems is crucial to the dissemination of the benefits of reforestation and natural nutrition throughout the population at all economic levels.

G.E.N.E.S.I.S. and Morehouse in Haiti, p. 3

Our future projections are:

• To return to Haiti in August 2005 to carry out more site recognizance, look more closely at projects in progress, locate and assess local nursery supplies and possibilities, and consider alternative housing and local transport logistics.

• To bring another student group for a brief stay in the fall, again to plant, liaise, and work with Yele Haiti’s launching of the health and environmental music caravan campaign.

• To return in late December and early January to have the second lengthy planting and nutrition program for two weeks.

• We anticipate introducing the project more widely at the Atlanta University Center;

• Fundraising and a benefit concert;

• Participate in the major international symposium on “Brain Circulation” for African Diaspora collaboration in economic development, Africa Awareness Week, February 2006.