6/14/2016

Two Delaware Law School professors recently hosted a six-person delegation from the American College of Environmental Lawyers, or ACOEL, on a visit to Haiti. Participants shared ideas about ways to advance environmental law and justice with leading members of the bar, academia, civil society, and the business community.

The meeting took place at the invitation of the host institution, the Universite de la Fondation Aristide, or UNIFA. The delegation visited from May 30 to June 2.

Delaware Law Professor Erin Daly, who is currently on sabbatical until the upcoming fall semester, is serving as UNIFA’s vice president for institutional development. It is the leading private university in Haiti. She was the local Haiti liaison to the delegation. Delaware Law Distinguished Professor James R. May, a fellow of the ACOEL and chief sustainability officer for Widener University, coordinated the visit for that organization. It was believed to be the first delegation of environmental lawyers from the U.S. to visit Haiti.

“This is a transformative time politically and ecologically in Haiti,” May said. “I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this special delegation to discuss ways in which the rule of law can be used to advance sustainability in Haiti, here, and elsewhere.”

The visit took place at a critical time for the environment in Haiti. Deforestation there hovers around 95 percent as people are forced to burn charcoal for fuel or income. Haitian rivers and streams are choked by trash and runoff, motor vehicles are largely unregulated, and the public health system is overwhelmed. Haiti also still suffers from the introduction of cholera in October 2010, which has resulted in more than 9,000 deaths.

The delegation met with many of Haiti’s leading policymakers, thinkers and advocates, including former President Jean Bertrand Aristide and his wife Mildred Aristide, Fabrice Fievre, co-dean of UNIFA Law School and representatives of leading Haitian law firms and businesses.

The delegation also enjoyed various cultural opportunities, including in Port Au Prince, Petionville, and Cite Soleil. Members visited SAKALA, a leading community center serving some of Haiti’s poorest children, and the 'uncommon' artists’ community of Noailles, Haiti.