Konpay's Post-Earthquake Campaign: Haitian-Led Solutions for Haiti

Konpay strengthens Haitian solutions to environmental, social and economic problems by building collaborative networks, sharing technology and expertise, mobilizing resources and supporting innovative Haitian-led efforts. The primary goal of our grassroots work primarily is to alleviate poverty by strengthening Haiti's environment and natural resources.

Since 2004, we have stood with our Haitian partners through extraordinary times: the aftermath of the 2004 coup, hurricanes and flooding, the January 12th earthquake and its aftermath, and most recently an outbreak of Cholera. Konpay’s efforts have always been about empowerment and solidarity with our Haitian partners so that they themselves have the tools, resources and skills to be able to avert crisis when possible and respond to crisis when necessary.

When the 7.0 earthquake shook the struggling country in January 2010, KONPAY played an unparalleled role in the immediate emergency response to the quake. We raised and effectively disbursed more than $150,000 in direct aid, mobilized resources, and managed essential aid distribution. Additionally, we leveraged our vast network of partners to establish the Haiti Response Coalition. Perhaps most importantly, we integrated Haitian leadership into the response. Never did we imagine that this natural event would lead to Konpay emerging as an organizational leader in the relief efforts; but our solid foundation proved to position us at the forefront of the response.

Today Konpay continues to vision ahead and work with our Haitian partners for a new Haiti. In the months since the earthquake, very little of the millions donated to help Haitians has actually reached those most in need. In fact, most earthquake survivors are still sleeping in tents in the streets and parks; however, Konpay is deeply connected to Haitian communities and their articulated vision for a new Haiti: investment outside of Port-au-Prince, funding for agriculture, the environment, alternative energies, health care and education in a decentralized country.

In the wake of the disaster and now, the solutions promoted by Konpay are still the most relevant, the most realistic, and the most Haitian-led: combining short-term relief with long-term solutions. Konpay’s unwavering commitment to our Haitian partners is evidenced in the day-to-day work we have done since 2004 and continue to do in post-quake Haiti:

• JDS Youth Group (Youth for the Development of Cyvadier): More than 40 young people work together to manage a model tree nursery, spearhead our reforestation efforts, and educate community members of Cyvadier and other surrounding areas on ways to protect their natural resources while at the same time meeting their basic needs. A tree we help plant, for example, represents food, economic opportunity, rejuvenated soil, and a community that is empowered to better its own future.

• Food & Fuel Alternatives (FFA) Center: We know that planting trees, albeit a top priority, is only one piece of successful reforestation, which is why our strategy for strengthening Haiti’s environment is more holistic. The FFA aims to increase food production while at the same time nourishing the environment. It houses nearly 1000 chickens at the aviary and provides workspace for the production of all-organic alternative fuel briquettes and safe, high-efficiency rocket stoves.

• KNAA: Konpay brings together diverse organizations, agencies and grassroots groups through the Haitian National Coalition for the Environment, Kowalisyon Nasyonal pou Anviwonman Ayisyen (KNAA). This national Coalition is a clearinghouse of resources, expert advice, education, initiatives, and best practices for Haiti's environment. Through the KNAA, environmental groups across Haiti can come together to collaborate on sustainable ways to strengthen Haiti's land and in turn Haiti's people and communities.

While our Haitian neighbors endure many crises, they vision for a better future. Small organizations like ours play a key role in helping their vision become their reality. Unlike countless other larger organizations, we strive to identify, support and generate sustainable solutions, not merely sustain existing programs.

Our work of combining short-term relief with long-term solutions depends on your support to continue. Please join us in our efforts - resolve to make a donation today!