Bwa-yo - Société Audubon Haiti

Adaptability: Survival of a tree species requires a regeneration strategy and suitable
site conditions. As the land becomes disturbed and no longer favorable for the regeneration
of native species, it is common for more hardy, often exotic, species to dominate.
Silvicultural interventions are often necessary to cultivate those species more sensitive
to environmental change. These measures might include various modes ofartificial
regeneration, site preparation and species mixing to manage light; nutrient and
moisture factors. In the absence ofoutside assistance, making use ofthese interventions
requires that the farmers sacrifice scarce resources that otherwise would be channeled
toward more lucrative and immediate returns (e.g., goats, pigs, corn and beans). Given
the resources and options available to rural Haitians, tree planting ofmany species, particularly
those that require silvicultural inputs, is inadequate to meet the demands of
both production and conservation.
The ideal tree species for the Haitian farmer is one that "takes care ofitself" ([eve
pou kal). Simarouba (Simarouba sp.) and royal palm (Roystonea borinquena) are good
examples of such species. Fauna aid in the dispersal of seed ofboth species for regeneration
away from the mother tree. Farmers transplant the volunteers or leave them
eventually to replace harvested trees. Both species are adapted to a wide variety ofsoils
and fill a range ofniches in local farming patterns with their excellent forms. As sites
becomes more degraded, another group of tree species aids in restoring fertility. The
more useful of these species are non-native to Haiti· and include mesquite (Prosopis
juliflora), leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala ssp. glabrata), neem (Azadirachta indica),
and cassia (Senna siamea). These trees, filling the role ofpioneer species and being a
component of improved fallows, are widely adapted, provide quick ground cover and
arrest the processes that deteriorate the most important resource available to the Haitian
farmer - the soil.
Utility: Living on the production of a hectare of land allows little consideration for
trees without immediate value to the household economy. Trees must provide myriad
goods and services. A tree's failure to do so generally means its elimination, many times
in favor of other agricultural activities, mainly grazing and land clearing for annual
crops.
Fruit trees, which provide a certain element offood security, as well as shade, fuelwood
and lumber, are among the most important tree species. Mango (Mangifera indica),
avocado (Persea americana), coconut (Cocos nucifera) and the Citrus group top the
list. Next in importance are the species that provide construction material. Together,
these form a key group that is surviving and playing a vital role in the peasant economy.
They provide a basic level ofgoods and services, grow fast enough, tolerate a fair
amount of disturbance, and are broadly adapted. The hope is that by better managing
these few species, we can begin to learn what will be required to conserve the rest.
Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis), the mangrove species, and the rare endemics are
all worthy in their own right and are in critical need of a national management plan.
Continued efforts to increase the productivity and value of tree products always will be
a priority ifarboriculture is to remain a viable alternative to current patterns ofland use.
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