Episode 4

Episode 4 – Community Based Sciences & Education in Haiti

Published on: 5th July, 2024

Episode 4 of the Our Shared Ocean podcast journeys to Haiti to discuss a vital initiative from Quisqueya University and the Haiti Ocean Project who are building a citizen science and engagement programme in the least developed country in the western hemisphere against the backdrop of continued political instability. These conditions, coupled with a growing population, have taken their toll on the surrounding environment, resulting in degradation and stress on already scarce natural resources. The coastal and marine environment, in particular, is experiencing a wide range of challenges including, overfishing, mangrove harvesting, solid waste & sea turtle exploitation.

We meet Alexandra Pierre an Engineer studying for a PhD in geography and climate change; Jaime Aquino, founder of the Haiti Ocean Project and Francklin Barbier, a volunteer from Petite Riviere de Nippes, a small coastal fishing village in the Nippes Department, to discuss the “Haiti Citizen Science Sea Project” based in Île-à-Vache Natural National Park (IAV-NNP) and the Baradère-Cayemites Marine Protected Area (MPA) both located in the South Peninsula of Haiti. Their project aims to protect sensitive ecosystems & emblematic species and strengthen the overall management and local governance of marine protected areas in Haiti and the Caribbean. It’s a bottom-up approach focussing on working with community leaders, coastal communities, youths and fishers to convey the importance of marine conservation and biodiversity.

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The Our Shared Ocean Podcast is a funding initiative by the Government of Ireland through Irish Aid and managed by the Marine Institute.

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About the Podcast

Our Shared Ocean Podcast
Stories of lived experience from across the world as part of Ireland's response to the environmental and economic challenges facing many Small Island Developing States
The Our Shared Ocean podcast brings you stories of lived experience from across the world as part of Ireland's response to the environmental and economic challenges facing many Small Island Developing States. These proud island nations are on the frontline in tackling climate change issues and are supported by Ireland in this critical battle by the Our Shared Ocean Programme, a funding initiative by the Government of Ireland delivered by Irish Aid and the Marine Institute.