Community Environmental Preservation Initiatives in Borgne, Haiti

Authors

Craig J. Marcklinger, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Major/Program

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

First Advisor's Name

David Bray

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Juliet Erazo

Third Advisor's Name

Astrid Arrarás

Keywords

Haiti, Grassroots Development, Environment, Deforestation

Date of Defense

3-30-2011

Abstract

In examining the opportunities that lie within the larger context of Haitian development efforts, mending the strained environment upon which Haiti’s fragile rural agricultural sector depends must be a priority. Though related to other pieces of the Haitian reconstruction puzzle, the question of mending the Haitian environment comes down largely to the best way trees can be incorporated into Haiti’s existing agricultural systems. With this in mind, the purpose of this thesis was to complete an analysis of the work and practices of the community organizations of Borgne, Haiti. The organizations of Borgne have mobilized toward environmental development and the preservation of remaining natural resources through a community-wide tree-planting initiative that provides thousands of trees per year to local residents. Beyond an ethnographic assessment, this thesis explores greater implications of the project as a grassroots development model that may potentially be replicated by other communities and organizations throughout Haiti. Field research was completed on site in Borgne in the summer months of 2010. The primary methods employed in data collection were Participatory Action Research and semi-structured interviewing.

Identifier

FI11051008

Recommended Citation

Marcklinger, Craig J., "Community Environmental Preservation Initiatives in Borgne, Haiti" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 403.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/403