FOREST COVER AND IMPACTS TO WATER QUALITY IN HAITI

A recently completed analysis of 2010–2011 Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite imagery indicates that the forest cover in Haiti is considerably greater than previous estimates. According to the new study, approximately 32.3% of Haiti's total land area was tree covered in 2010–2011 (29.4% using the FAO's forest cover class definition). Previous estimates of only 2-4% forest cover, which are widely quoted in news accounts, are likely underestimates due to: 1) the segmented and patchy nature of the forest cover in Haiti; 2) the accuracy of the data sources used to quantify land cover; and 3) the resolution of the imagery used for land cover analyses.

Forest cover, and the soils associated with the forest ecosystem, provides an important filtration mechanism for surface water before it enters shallow karst groundwater systems. Many rural Haitians use karst springs as their primary water source. Tree clearing for charcoal production contributes to localized deforestation and may partially explain the observed patchy forest cover. Charcoal production is often concentrated near population centers and villages, which are also locations of intense agriculture and higher potential for bacterial contamination of groundwater due to poor sanitation.

In order to provide long-term, resilient, water sources for Haitians all aspects of the hydrologic cycle and contaminatin sources must be considered and addressed. Sustainable safe water solutions for Haiti will require a combination of in-home water interventions such as biosand filters and chlorination; well installations that are compatible with local aquifers and resources; reforestation and forest management, and alternatives to the charcoal economy that is driving localized deforestation.