Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi
Port-au-Prince, August 12, 2026.- While Haiti is often associated with crises, instability and social difficulties, another reality in the country attracts international attention. National Geographic Wayfinder Award holder Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi, member of Haiti National Trust, defends another image of Haiti, that of a country with exceptional biodiversity and carried by women and men committed to its protection. Invited this Wednesday, August 12, 2026 to the Magik Panel of radio Magik 9, she presented the work of the organization and stressed the urgency of preserving Haitian ecosystems.
According to Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi, this distinction exceeds his person. It is a recognition of the work of Haiti National Trust, its partners, local communities and researchers working to conserve biodiversity for several years.
A passion born from childhood
His commitment to nature dates back to his childhood. Fascinated by plants, animals and ecosystems, she continued her studies in Canada after her training in Haiti. It began with agronomy before specializing in the conservation of forests, natural resources and ecosystem restoration.
Its return to Haitian biodiversity is gradually becoming a vocation. She describes her work as a true passion, fuelled by exchanges with local communities, Haitian and foreign researchers and public actors.
However, it stresses the need to adapt solutions to local realities. A method that works in an African or Asian country cannot be automatically replicated in Haiti. Similarly, an approach adapted to the south of the country may require changes in the North.
Conservation as a collective responsibility
For Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi, the protection of biodiversity cannot be based on a single organization. It requires the participation of Governments, scientists, youth, local communities and international partners.
It recalls that ecosystems provide essential services to the population. Forests contribute in particular to soil protection, water regulation, agriculture, pollination, reducing the risk of flooding and landslides, and climate regulation.
« La nature n’est pas un luxe « , souligne-t-elle préconisant une action immédiate en faveur de la biodiversité.
A major financial challenge
Haiti National Trust relies heavily on funding from projects and donors. However, resources dedicated specifically to biodiversity conservation remain limited, while the needs are significant.
For Bonifassi, the international recognition obtained through the National Geographic Wayfinder Award must also be used to draw more attention to these needs. It believes that Haiti cannot wait any longer to protect its endangered species, forests and ecosystems.
Created in 2015, Haiti National Trust's mission is to help safeguard the environment and biodiversity for future generations. The organisation works in scientific research, the creation of protected areas, ecosystem restoration and community mobilization.
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