Port-au-Prince, December 18, 2025.- The Haitian Civil Society Environmental Platform (PLESCH) was launched on Thursday 18 December at the El Rancho Hotel, carried by 14 organizations. The President, Patrick Saint-Pré, explained that the platform aims to structure environmental civil society within a sustainable framework and to coordinate actors in addressing major climate issues in Haiti.
In his speech, Patrick Saint-Pré said that « this moment is important for us and for the future of environmental governance in Haiti »recalling that « Every time has its fight » and that « the launch of PLESCH is a structuring act of the conscious and responsible organisation of environmental civil society ». He added that« Haiti is particularly vulnerable to climate shocks and the degradation of its natural resources »and stressed the importance of building on local initiatives and citizen engagement to structure civil society action. This vision justifies the creation of a collective framework to coordinate efforts.
In this context, Paul Judex Édouarzin, representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), recalled that the environmental situation in Haiti is alarming. He cited deforestation, biodiversity loss, watershed degradation and climate change. Mr. Édouarzin stressed that the State cannot act alone. The PLESCH must build on the experience of existing actors to strengthen the coordination and effectiveness of initiatives, while member organisations stress the citizen engagement and unity needed to address the climate emergency.
The creation of the PLESCH marks a structural step for Haitian environmental civil society, providing a collective framework to coordinate actions, strengthen citizen participation and respond to climate challenges. The platform is positioned as a key lever to support communities, consolidate local initiatives and promote sustainable environmental governance in Haiti.
R.J.
