On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Directorate of Forests and Renewable Energies (DFER) of the Ministry of the Environment celebrated World Soil Day under the theme "Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities."

"Soil is the matrix and substrate, the foundation of life," stated Moïse Fils Jean Pierre, Minister of the Environment, who, since taking office, has initiated several structuring actions, including a soil sampling campaign.

This project, approved in September 2021 by the Global Environment Facility, is currently being implemented in eight countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia. It aims to strengthen the capacity of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean to achieve land degradation neutrality and climate resilience, particularly in connection with the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. The coordination and management of this project are ensured by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM).

The Haitian government, through the Ministry of the Environment, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Center for Geospatial Information, and public and private universities, has undertaken the mission of conducting a national soil sampling survey.

The Ministry of the Environment trained 245 young university students and professionals as part of the sampling campaign. This initiative positions young people as key players in sustainable soil management. These training sessions enabled participants to master the various stages of the sampling process, including locating sampling points, appropriate sample transport techniques, and the use of specialized software required for data processing.

Given the advanced state of soil degradation in Haiti, updating soil data has become an essential step in promoting soil conservation, environmental education, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The inclusion of students and young professionals in these measures demonstrates the Minister's commitment to making youth a pillar of environmental governance.

HL/HaitiLibre