Jurist Makenson JEAN Addresses a Message to Haitian Youth on World Environment Day

Today, environmental challenges are significant: climate change, deforestation, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, and the extinction of animal and plant species represent a threat to the lives of all inhabitants of the planet. Between speaking and acting, between saying and doing, we are all faced with a fait accompli. According to UNESCO, by 2025, one million animal and plant species will be endangered. More than 20% of ecosystems are degraded, and 66% of marine environments are altered by human activities. However, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was created primarily to address major global environmental challenges. To date, environmental threats remain humanity's greatest concern, especially for decision-makers. If nothing is done, planet Earth risks experiencing an anthropogenic catastrophe humanity has never known. In Haiti, over the last twenty years, forest cover is less than 3% of the country's total area. In this context, Haitian geographer Edmond Magny added that we are experiencing "ecological distress" in the country. And other environmental actors simply speak of an "environmental disaster." Based on this observation, as disheartening as it is overwhelming, several local initiatives have emerged in Haiti, including reforestation, recycling, creation of natural conservation areas, sanitation, awareness-raising, and environmental education activities. In addition, other national legal initiatives have been established, notably the decree of October 12, 2005, concerning environmental management and citizen conduct for sustainable development, and the decree of January 15, 2021, concerning the integration of environmental education into the curriculum of the Haitian educational system, with the ultimate goal of protecting the entire environment or biodiversity. Despite these advances, the Haitian environment continues to degrade at an accelerated or increasingly rapid pace. More than ever, we need to give new perspectives to our beloved homeland, Haiti, which during colonial times was called "the Pearl of the Antilles." On the occasion of World Environment Day, this Thursday, June 5, 2025, with this year's theme: "Towards a Plastic-Free Future," as an environmental advocate, we add that for several decades, plastic pollution has been present everywhere around the world. It infiltrates Haiti in the water we use, the food we eat, and all our daily activities. However, while plastic pollution is a major problem in the national territory, it is also one of the easiest environmental problems to solve in our community, with solutions you might not have even imagined. Therefore, we launch a vibrant appeal for environmental restoration, collective action, and strong youth engagement in the fight for environmental promotion and management. This is to rebuild harmony between Haitians and nature from a perspective of sustainability and a common future. Makenson JEAN
Jurist and Environmental Advocate