Programmatic Environmental Assessment - Support for Agricultural Potential Development in the North for Economic and Environmental Security (AVANSE)

This Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) was conducted for the AVANSE project, implemented by DAI under USAID funding in northern Haiti. The project focuses on four intermediate results: increasing agricultural productivity, improving watershed stability, strengthening agricultural markets, and building capacity among implementing partners. The assessment evaluates the environmental consequences of various alternatives including the original proposed action, a focused activity package alternative, and a no-action alternative. The document provides comprehensive analysis of the affected environment in northern Haiti, including physical, biological, and socio-economic conditions. Key areas of focus include the Jassa watershed and various Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) such as Cotes du Nord and Lagons du Nord-Est. The assessment examines topography, geology, soils, climate, water resources, vegetation, demographics, land tenure, and economic activities in the target region. The environmental analysis identifies both positive and negative impacts of the proposed activities. Positive impacts include improved agricultural productivity, enhanced watershed management, and strengthened local capacity. Potential negative impacts relate to soil erosion, water quality, biodiversity effects, and infrastructure development pressures. The document outlines comprehensive mitigation measures and provides threshold recommendations for different types of environmental determinations. The preferred alternative is the Focused Activity Package, which balances development objectives with environmental protection. The assessment concludes with detailed recommendations for environmental compliance, monitoring procedures, and site-specific environmental management plans to ensure sustainable implementation of agricultural development activities in northern Haiti.