Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and community resilience in Haiti: a cost-benefit and equity analysis

This study evaluates the economic efficiency of the Haiti project using a Cost-Benefit Analysis to compare implementation costs with observed and future benefits. It also performs an equity assessment, examining the distribution of benefits among the people affected by the intervention with a particular focus on women, children and vulnerable socio-economic groups. Although there is some evidence that strengthening ecosystem services is a cost-efficient approach to address certain natural hazards, more research is needed to assess the economic efficiency and equity of Eco-DRR activities in strengthening community resilience. The aim of this study is to contribute to this growing literature.

The portfolio of Eco-DRR and resilience enhancement activities in Haiti focuses on strengthening the integrated risk management approach in three municipalities in the Sud Department: Les Chardonnières,
Les Anglais, and Tiburon through community-based forest ecosystem restoration and management; improved flood and landslide hazards response preparedness; and training and support for sustainable livelihood development. The project target is to make 70,000 people resilient to disasters and climate change, chronic food insecurity, and land degradation through the teaching of sustainable agricultural practices, support of 43 community-based organizations with Eco-DRR activities, and restoration and preservation of 56 hectares of ecosystems.