Our Cause: Soil Erosion in Haiti
Due to socioeconomic and environmental factors, deforestation continues to escalate in Haiti, making it one of the countries with the highest soil erosion rate in the world. Haiti is also the poorest country in the American continent, with a per capita income of about $2 per day, while the income of neighboring Dominican Republic is about $18 per day (UN Data, 2016). Due to numerous socioeconomic factors, an enormous number of trees in Haiti have been cut in recent decades, resulting in extreme erosion.
Our Mission
Our team of global citizens strives to promote the sustainable use of natural resources to assure minimal disruption of our ecosystems. We achieve this by engaging in and promoting on-the-ground restorative projects to 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 generous, tax-deductible donation to Better Universe and Citizens. Gifts of any amount are helpful and welcome, and we’re happy to discuss creating a giving opportunity to fit your interests.
The Challenge:
Erosion has damaged the economy of Haiti by destroying property, vital resources, and jobs. The mountainsides of Haiti were once rich with trees and foliage that secured the soil. Due to continuous erosion and deforestation, rains, and rushing water can more easily flood towns, and homes, and destroy crops and animal habitats. Left unchecked, 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 soil is washed into the ocean, where it smothers marine plants and drives away aquatic life. Topsoil can take from dozens of years 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 loss in agricultural production ability.
Our Solution: Grasses
To break the cycle of poverty, the Haiti Grass Project focuses on planting perennial grasses to reduce erosion.
What are perennial grasses? Perennial grass grows year after year without having to be replanted. These grasses 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 weakened economy in Haiti.
Stabilized the soil and decreased the frequency of mudslides that worsen 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 soils in the bodies of water.
Supported positive media representations of Haiti’s land and natural environment.
Meet our newest partner: Rotary Club of McLean, VA
The Rotary Club of McLean has awarded a grant to establish grass nurseries in schools in the northern part of Haiti.
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!
Join our global team to provide solutions to soil erosion in Haiti. 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 now bare rocks were once part of a flourishing mountainside with soil, trees, and grass. Today when it rains, tropical downpours rush down the hillside and flood the 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 will help turn circumstances around to make a better universe for affected 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 the natural environment and economic development of Haiti.
Volunteer Opportunities
Use your expertise to volunteer for our activities and even coordinate and run operations. You can help in the USA, in Haiti, or both!
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.
