Key Biodiversity Areas of Haiti

This comprehensive study identifies 31 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Haiti that cover approximately 9,340 km² or about one-third of the country's land area. The KBAs represent internationally important areas essential for conserving biodiversity, particularly globally and regionally threatened species. The identification process began in 2009 through local expert consultation led by BirdLife International, building upon previously identified Important Bird Areas.

The study was funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund through support to BirdLife International, Société Audubon Haïti, and Rezo Ekolo. The research involved collaboration with multiple organizations including FoProBim, Reef Check, DAI, Pennsylvania State University, and the UNDP-GEF funded Système Nationale des Aires Protégées through the Ministry of Environment.

The KBAs vary widely in size, from the smallest at Picmi (1.6 km²) to the two largest, Massif de la Hotte (1,981 km²) and Massif de la Selle (1,934 km²). The selection criteria focused on areas containing one or more globally threatened species, endemic species restricted to specific regions, significant species concentrations, and unique habitat types.

The study addresses critical conservation needs in Haiti, which has the least amount of protected area among Caribbean countries, with only 0.3% benefiting from some degree of protection despite a nominal 6% often being cited. The report includes technical data sheets for each KBA and provides comprehensive databases of threatened species, serving as an important tool for policy makers, researchers, and conservation planners.