We spend so much breath saying things can't be done.
In searching the web for reforestation articles I find so much defeatism. For example, with respect to Haitian reforestation, it often takes the form of bigotry and anger with the Haitian traditional method of charcoal cooking (see the comments below this article). With scientists it is all about pragmatism "you can't solve the problem with reforestation, it's only part of the solution." See this article.
What the cynics are missing is the simple fact that we need to change minds. If a society can embrace reforestation, and reforestation's sister, permaculture, it must, of necessity, become aware of other necessary changes. Success has an effect on behavior. For instance, were Haitians able to plant more trees and shift to a permaculture model, it seems impossible to me that they would not "get it". How could they continue to burn the trees they were planting once their livelihoods depended on these same trees? For more on permaculture transformations see Geoff Lawton's web site.
Now I am not a bible beater by any stretch. And it sometimes seems that good intentions have done as much harm as good in many areas of the world (including Haiti) by promoting a culture reliant on handouts. But these same good intentions are often lifesaving. I find, you might say oddly, that it is often religious individuals who are actually doing something -- rather than just talking about it. I just love that these kids got out there and planted 999 trees in a week. It's not even a fraction of what is needed, of course, but it is really something -- and it is leading by example. If they inspire one Haitian to carry on planting, it could change the entire course of history for this small island nation.
I am happy to say that there are more and more hopeful stories popping up on the web with respect to Haiti. It is only a small country, and reforestation on Haiti is not going to make much difference to the world climate. But with respect to the climate of and stability of Haiti itself, reforestation and permaculture could dramatically improve the lives of 10 million people. See this article for an unusually upbeat story along these lines.
Many in Haiti are still focused only on survival. But there are some who are working to move beyond the dual tragedies of natural disaster and disease. Sadhana Forest is an organization that is doing just that. They have planted 40,000 trees thus far, and they will let you be part of the solution if you so choose. Check it out.
