AGP Executive Report

Urban Security & Land-Use: Haiti’s “Territories Thursday” spotlighted how weak urban planning can boost insecurity, with maps and data linking poorly governed spaces to criminal networks and stalled local development. Energy & Clean Tech Policy: Haiti Libre reports the Prime Minister’s move to eliminate taxes on solar panels and batteries, cutting costs for renewable power and storage. Humanitarian Funding: The U.S. State Department announced a $240M disaster-response grant to Catholic Relief Services, with rapid aid support for crises including Haiti. Displacement Pressure: UN reporting says nearly 1.5 million people are displaced in Haiti as gang violence persists. Local Livelihoods: Former commerce minister Danielle Saint-Lot is expanding cross-border markets for Haitian artisans through diaspora craft marketplaces, aiming to protect traditional skills while creating new income. Disaster Risk Context: A 6.1 quake off Cuba was felt across Florida, underscoring regional seismic awareness for the wider Caribbean.

Land-Use & Security in Haiti: A “Territories Thursday” forum linked weak urban planning to higher insecurity, noting how criminal networks exploit poorly governed land and hinder local development. Solar & Batteries Tax Cuts: On World Environment Day, Haiti’s prime minister announced elimination of taxes on solar panels and batteries, aiming to support green jobs and environmental priorities. Nutrition & Local Agriculture: Meds and Food for Kids reported progress against malnutrition in Haiti’s North, producing therapeutic peanut-based foods and training nearly 1,900 producers while warning of peanut supply and quality gaps. Biodiversity Through Better Land Use: New research in Science says smarter land management can boost both biodiversity and climate benefits while improving economic returns—highlighting Haiti’s missed potential. Macaya National Park Residency: A call for a Haiti-based photographer offers an immersion residency at Macaya National Park with workshops for youth, tying art to environmental awareness. Haiti World Cup Logistics: Haiti selected Stockton University as its team base camp, underscoring how major events keep intersecting with local institutions and planning.

World Cup Geopolitics: A CFR report says the 2026 FIFA World Cup is becoming an “obstacle course” as Trump-era border clampdowns and global conflicts reshape travel and diplomacy across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Haiti Environment & Jobs: On World Environment Day, Haiti’s PM announced tax cuts on batteries and solar panels, while the Environment Ministry highlighted sanitation, protected areas, ecosystem restoration, climate action, and youth-led “Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè” waste removal. Land Use for Nature: New Science research finds better land management can boost biodiversity, carbon storage, and economic returns—pointing to Haiti as a place where gains are possible. Local Conservation & Learning: Haiti’s World Environment Day push included school education, plastic-pollution awareness, beach cleanups, mangrove activities, and tree planting in multiple departments. Water Safety Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—underscoring the need for clean-water action. Biosphere Spotlight: Aruba was approved as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a model for biodiversity and sustainable development in island settings.

World Environment Day in Haiti: The Prime Minister marked June 5 with the Ministry of Environment, highlighting “Green Jobs Serving a Sustainable Haiti,” youth-led action, sanitation work, protected-area protection, ecosystem restoration, climate action, and the “Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè” push that removed over 60,000 cubic meters of waste. Plastic and coastal cleanups: Departmental events reached thousands—students learned about plastic pollution in the Northeast, while the Northwest organized a beach cleanup in Haut-Fourneau, mangrove education, and tree planting. Food security meets local agriculture: Meds and Food for Kids shared how it produces therapeutic peanut-based nutrition (about 234 tons so far) using local raw materials, while tackling peanut-sector gaps like low production and quality compliance. Disaster preparedness in schools: Civil Protection trained students and teachers in the North and Artibonite on emergency response—earthquakes, fires, panic—and ran evacuation drills to build school resilience. Environment risk check: In Ouanaminthe, authorities halted a gas station project after it failed legal and environmental safety requirements. Biodiversity in the region: UNESCO approved Aruba as a Biosphere Reserve, a model that could inspire Caribbean conservation planning.

World Environment Day in Haiti: The Ministry of the Environment marked June 5 with school outreach, climate education, and cleanups across departments—over 1,200 students reached in the North, plastic-pollution lessons and tree planting in the Northeast and Northwest (including a beach cleanup and mangrove education in Port-de-Paix), plus an “energy forest” restoration effort in Mapou. Water safety spotlight: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa facing infrastructure gaps, weak sanitation, and climate pressure. Haiti displacement crisis: The UN’s migration agency reports about 1.47 million displaced people in gang-ravaged Haiti, with violence spreading beyond traditional hotspots and women and girls making up more than half. Migration at sea: U.S. and regional authorities intercepted an overcrowded boat carrying 240 Haitians near Turks and Caicos, warning that these routes are extremely dangerous. Local waste management snag: In Fort-Liberté, residents say a donor-funded landfill remains closed because a weighbridge is missing, leaving garbage piling up and raising health concerns.

Haiti Humanitarian Crisis: The UN’s migration agency says nearly 1.47 million people are displaced in gang-ravaged Haiti, with violence spreading beyond usual hotspots and leaving families with fewer safe options; in May alone, renewed fighting in Cité Soleil forced 18,000+ people to flee in days, pushing Port-au-Prince IDPs above 300,000. Maritime Safety & Migration: A dangerously overcrowded boat carrying 240 Haitians was intercepted near the Turks and Caicos, as authorities warn these trips are “extremely hazardous” and often lack basic life-saving gear. Waste Management in the Northeast: In Fort-Liberté, residents say a donor-funded landfill remains closed because a required weighbridge is missing, forcing garbage dumping near the site and raising health concerns. Climate Finance for the Caribbean: Canada will deploy about US$97 million via the GAIA Climate Loan Fund to back long-term climate adaptation and mitigation projects across vulnerable Caribbean and other emerging economies.

Haiti Displacement Crisis: The UN’s migration agency says nearly 1.47 million people are displaced in gang-ravaged Haiti, with violence spreading beyond usual hotspots and leaving fewer safe places to go; in May, renewed fighting in Port-au-Prince’s Cité Soleil displaced over 18,000 people in days, pushing the capital’s IDPs above 300,000 for the first time. Waste & Health in the Northeast: In Fort-Liberté, residents say a donor-funded landfill remains closed months after inauguration because a weighbridge is missing, forcing garbage dumping around the site and raising health concerns. Caribbean Climate Finance: Canada will deploy about US$97 million through the GAIA Climate Loan Fund, targeting climate adaptation and mitigation in vulnerable regions including Small Island Developing States like those across the Caribbean. Biosphere Spotlight: UNESCO approved Aruba as a Biosphere Reserve, recognizing the whole island and highlighting how biodiversity conservation and sustainable development can go together. Animal Health Risk Link to Haiti: Reports on the New World screwworm—known to occur in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti—highlight new spread concerns as it reaches South Texas, raising stakes for livestock and wildlife.

Haiti Displacement Crisis: The UN’s migration agency says gang violence has displaced about 1.47 million people in Haiti, with attacks spreading beyond usual hotspots and the situation worsening in Port-au-Prince’s Cite Soleil. Climate & Health Risk: Scientists warn more Saharan dust could reach the Caribbean, including Haiti, after a recent plume affected the region—raising concerns for air quality and respiratory impacts. Climate Finance for the Caribbean: Canada will deploy about US$97 million via the GAIA Climate Loan Fund to support climate adaptation and mitigation in vulnerable Caribbean states, using blended finance to reduce pressure on public budgets. Haiti Justice & Rights: Amnesty International welcomed Haiti’s new specialized judicial units for serious abuses, urging independence, resources, and child-sensitive procedures to tackle impunity tied to gang violence. Transboundary Animal Health: New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas, a disease linked to Haiti and the Dominican Republic—highlighting how regional climate and movement of animals can spread environmental health threats.

New World screwworm hits South Texas: USDA confirmed the first case in the U.S. mainland after larvae were found on a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, warning livestock, pets, wildlife and even rare human cases are at risk; officials say the fly can’t infect meat or crops but could still mean major economic damage. Haiti justice push: Amnesty says Haiti’s new specialized judicial units are a necessary step against gang-linked abuses of children, but urges independence, resources, and trauma- and child-sensitive procedures. Caribbean climate reality check: A new piece on the Caribbean’s rising hurricane intensity since 2016 highlights how storms like Matthew and Maria have become more damaging—an urgent reminder for Haiti’s disaster preparedness. Miami climate gentrification: Rising seas and insurance costs are displacing Black residents as buyers shift toward higher-ground neighborhoods, accelerating pressure on communities like Little Haiti. Haiti World Cup visibility: Haiti’s government distributed “Ayiti nan Mondyal” TV and internet kits so communal sections can watch matches—an environmental-adjacent boost for local connectivity during the tournament. Haiti’s islands matter: A HaitiLibre quiz note spotlights Haiti’s 100+ small islands and cays, from mangroves to coral sandbanks, stressing the need for better maritime stewardship and sustainable tourism.

Travel Safety: The UK Foreign Office lists Haiti under “do not travel,” warning of security risks and noting that travel insurance may be invalidated if you go against advice. World Cup Prep & Heat: Haiti’s World Cup build-up is tied to extreme weather realities, with reports of dangerous heat across the U.S. and hydration breaks planned—while FIFA’s sudden ban on reusable water bottles at stadiums sparks backlash from Scotland fans, who say it undermines hydration and sustainability. Local Tech for Fans: Haiti’s government distributed “Ayiti nan Mondyal” audiovisual kits to communal sections and communes, including large TVs, generators, internet access, and prepaid service so people can watch matches live. Haiti on the Pitch: Haiti beat New Zealand 4-0 in a Fort Lauderdale friendly, giving Les Grenadiers rare home-like momentum ahead of their World Cup opener. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with fewer storms expected—an important reminder for Haiti’s climate and disaster planning. Caribbean Tourism: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism leaders together, highlighting a shift toward “regenerative” and culture-focused travel that could matter for Haiti’s environment and communities.

Hurricane Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026, with a 55% chance of fewer storms and only 8–14 named storms expected—good news for planning, but a reminder that Haiti’s coast still needs strong preparedness. Climate & Heat Safety: With World Cup matches in the U.S. expected to run in dangerously hot conditions, FIFA is moving toward mandatory hydration breaks—an issue that matters for Haiti too as extreme heat strains health and outdoor work. Port-au-Prince Security & Migration: U.S. diplomatic staffing gaps are highlighted alongside Haiti’s worsening security and humanitarian crisis, which is driving regional migration pressures. Biodiversity Spotlight: Haiti’s coastline includes more than 100 small islands, islets, and cays—home to varied ecosystems like mangroves and coral sandbanks—making maritime protection and sustainable tourism a key environmental priority. Local Community Pressure: In Miami’s Little Haiti, leaders mark 10 years of neighborhood recognition while warning gentrification pressures are still pushing Haitian businesses out.

Climate & Disaster Risk: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with a 55% chance of fewer storms than average and 8–14 named storms expected—an early reminder for Haiti and the wider Caribbean to stay ready. Weather Disruptions: A lightning-and-rain delay hit Haiti’s World Cup warm-up in Florida, pushing kickoff back about 36 minutes and showing how extreme weather can disrupt travel and events. Haiti Sports & Mobility: Haiti’s defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre finally landed in Fort Lauderdale for World Cup preparations after visa/travel hurdles, clearing the way for him to join the squad. Regional Diplomacy: Dominican President Luis Abinader and Suriname’s leader urged stronger international, rights-respecting action to stabilize Haiti, tying Haiti’s future to Caribbean security and development. Tourism & Resilience: Caribbean tourism leaders gathered in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, focusing on resilience and connectivity as competition for visitors intensifies.

Environment Fridays: Haiti’s West Departmental Directorate held “Environment Fridays” in Pétion-ville, bringing students together to discuss protecting natural resources, waste management, pollution control, and how everyday actions can improve local living conditions. Haiti-France Cooperation: Haiti’s Minister of Planning and External Cooperation met a French delegation to review development projects across agriculture, food security, education, health, governance, biodiversity, and culture, stressing better partner involvement early in project planning for stronger monitoring. Hurricane Season Watch: The Atlantic hurricane season begins today; Dominican meteorology expects mostly dry, hot conditions with Saharan dust, while a tropical wave near Haiti could bring scattered showers and thunderstorms—health and hydration guidance included. Water & Development: Haiti is preparing for the High-Level International Conference on Water and Development, as regional partners push water-focused solutions amid the country’s broader crisis. World Cup Heat Rules: FIFA will use mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup to manage extreme heat stress—an issue that matters for athletes and event planning across hot host cities.

Environment Education: Haiti’s Ministry of the Environment held “Environment Fridays” in Pétion-ville, bringing students together to learn about protecting natural resources, waste management, pollution control, and how everyday choices can cut environmental harm. Climate & Disaster Readiness: The Dominican Institute of Meteorology says the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins with mostly dry, hot conditions driven by Saharan dust, while a tropical wave near Haiti may still bring scattered showers—urging residents to hydrate and limit sun exposure. Biodiversity & Resilience Projects: Haiti and France met to review development cooperation, with a project portfolio spanning agriculture, food security, education, health, governance, biodiversity, and culture, and a push for earlier partner involvement to improve monitoring. Youth & Conservation: Haiti launched the 4th Eco-Genius competition in Pétion-ville, backed by UNESCO and partners, warning that floods, erosion, deforestation, pollution, and climate change threaten schools and communities—while betting on youth to drive change. Heat Risk for Sports: FIFA introduced mandatory hydration breaks at the 2026 World Cup to help players manage extreme heat stress across host cities.

Environment Education in Haiti: The Ministry of the Environment launched the 4th Eco-Genius competition in Pétion-ville, urging students to tackle Haiti’s environmental threats—floods, erosion, deforestation, pollution, and climate change—through practical, youth-led action. Water & Climate Resilience: Haiti’s environment minister took part in a high-level water and sustainable development conference in Tajikistan, highlighting work to strengthen water governance and climate resilience, including support for Haiti’s hydraulic resources and safer water management. Haiti–France Development Focus: A Haitian planning ministry team met French partners to review about 15 projects spanning agriculture, food security, health, governance, biodiversity, and culture, with an emphasis on better coordination and monitoring from the start. Hurricane Season Watch (DR): The Dominican Republic’s meteorology institute says the Atlantic hurricane season begins today with mostly dry, hot conditions driven by Saharan dust, while warning of scattered showers near Haiti and isolated storms in parts of the country. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM foreign ministers called for “unified action” and a “dual approach” to protect Caribbean sovereignty, including food and energy security through faster regional market integration.

Eco-Genius Launch: Haiti’s Ministry of the Environment kicked off the 4th Eco-Genius competition in Pétion-ville, urging youth to tackle floods, erosion, deforestation, pollution, and climate change with support from UNESCO, Helvetas Haiti, Heifer International, and the TPR project. Water & Resilience Diplomacy: Environment Minister Valéry Fils-Aimé joined a high-level water and sustainable development conference in Tajikistan, pushing integrated water management and cooperation to strengthen Haiti’s hydraulic resources and climate resilience. France Development Talks: Haiti’s planning ministry met a French delegation to coordinate about 15 projects across agriculture, food security, education, health, governance, biodiversity, and culture—calling for earlier partner involvement and tighter monitoring. Security for Reconstruction: The Defense minister outlined a plan to rebuild Haiti’s Armed Forces as a sustainable security tool, aiming to reduce the security vacuum created after 1995 and support police against armed gangs. Local Governance in Cité Soleil: A new municipal commission was installed in Cité Soleil, with officials tasked to stabilize the area and help conditions for displaced residents to return. Haiti Water Logistics: Nippes health authorities began supplying hospitals with medical and pharmaceutical equipment to improve care and access for vulnerable communities.