What are you excited about learning in your tropical ecology class?

I am excited to learn about the diversity of Tropical Climates and  Ecosystems. Also the basic processes of Rainforest Structure and Function. It is also great because everything I learn in this class I can apply in my country. I am looking forward to learning more about deforestation, as Haiti is in the middle of a massive environmental crisis.  Up to 98% of the forests have been clear cut for the timber industry and for making charcoal. To tackle this issue, it will take help from the government, foreign investors, as well as the local people. The more I can learn about this issue, the more I hope to bring to Haiti to help solve this issue.

What is one of the main environmental issues your community experiences?

Garbage is a major issue in Cap-Haitien (northern region). The municipality does not provide a garbage facility or landfill, nor collect the waste in any systematic way. Throwing trash in the street has become habitual for residents because they grew up with this as a norm. Most of this refuse  is organic matter--which means it is compostable! Some burn the trash and the sight smell of the garbage burning affect residents physically, psychologically, and socially. Also, when it rains, the excess water flows into the river, to the sea, carrying the trash with it, causing pollution. Standing water in discarded containers provides places for mosquitoes to breed, for this reason, people suffer malaria, and the wildlife suffers too. Forty families in Cap-Haitien are the target population because I believe that is a minimum number needed to create change and benefit from it.

What things have you learned thus far to help improve the environmental conditions of your community? ( Think about all the classes you have taken, and experiences in the field)

I have learned the process of Forest Measurement how I can measure the trees and determine the age, and as well as the different uses material. Then, I have learned about Forest soil, however to determine the pH and so on. In Chemistry, the concept can help me improve  my community by preventing the different plastics uses.

Post a youtube video related to the ecology of your country (less than 5 min video

This video is about the ecological sanitation where the people got training to develop a composting program.

Post a link of a website that hos information of  the flora and fauna of your country

http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/flora-fauna-of-belle-vue-vivy-mitchel-tabarre-area-port-au-prince-haiti