The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), with support from the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) program funded by UK International Development, officially launched the binational Blue Hispaniola project on Wednesday, July 15.
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), with support from the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) program funded by UK International Development, officially launched the binational Blue Hispaniola project on Wednesday, July 15. This three-year initiative aims to promote sustainable management of marine resources, strengthen the livelihoods of coastal communities, and enhance cooperation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic around the blue economy.
The ceremony took place in the CODEVI free zone in Ouanaminthe, with representatives from partner organizations, local government officials, community stakeholders, as well as several Haitian and Dominican figures involved in marine ecosystem protection in attendance.A binational corridor serving coastal communities
With a cross-border approach, the project brings together six local organizations across the two countries to create a blue economy corridor that promotes sustainable fishing, the preservation of coastal ecosystems, market access, and income-generating activities. The initiative aims to support more than 8,350 people, at least 50% of whom are women, while improving the management of 92,250 hectares of marine and coastal ecosystems.
“Blue Hispaniola is all about turning shared waters into shared opportunities. When two countries share the same coastline, the smartest investment is the one that benefits the communities that depend on it. This project shows that protecting the oceans and driving economic growth can move forward together,” said Katie Taylor, Executive Director of PADF.Haiti Efficace focuses on biodiversity as a lever for development
Among the Haitian partners is Haiti Efficace, represented by its president, economist Etzer Émile. Speaking during the ceremony, he presented the actions his organization will carry out as part of the project to strengthen the capacities of the Bord de Mer de Limonade communities. This aspect specifically aims to preserve coastal biodiversity while creating sustainable economic benefits through responsible management of natural resources.
“Through Haiti Efficace, we want to show that biodiversity conservation can become a real driver of local development. By strengthening the capacities of the Bord de Mer de Limonade communities, we help protect natural resources while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the families who depend on them,” said Etzer Émile.The economist also praised the collaboration between PADF and the UK government, saying that this partnership helps implement initiatives with a strong economic, social, and environmental impact in Haiti. He reminded that Haiti Efficace is one of the six partner organizations responsible for carrying out this binational project.
A cooperation to protect marine resources
The project also involves several Haitian organizations, including Fondation Essence-Elle, Mouvement Paysan pour le Développement de Paulette, Groupe Féministe Révolté d’Haïti, and Haiti Efficace, as well as Dominican partners AgroFrontera and Fundación REDDOM. Together, they will work on strengthening fishermen’s organizations, training communities, improving market access, and promoting women’s leadership in fisheries-related value chains.Program officials believe that the coastal communities in the northern part of the island are facing major challenges, including overfishing, the degradation of marine habitats, and limited economic opportunities. Through an integrated approach, Blue Hispaniola aims to strengthen community resilience while protecting mangroves, coral reefs, and other ecosystems essential for food security.
“Blue Hispaniola shows that community-driven actions can simultaneously protect marine environments and expand economic prospects for coastal populations. By bringing together local partners on both sides of the border, we are building a sustainable model for the blue economy in the Caribbean,” said Billy Curryer, program head of the OCEAN program.
Planned until 2028, the project aims to be a regional model of cooperation around the blue economy, focusing on local leadership, sustainable management of natural resources, and the inclusive development of coastal communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
