Who We Are
SRDH began in 2020, with the dream of restoring Haiti’s forests. As of November, 2023 over 10,000 seedlings have been planted in 10 community forests, on private farms, and in gardens.
Our Mission
The mission of Sosyete pou Rebwaze Duchity, Haiti (SRDH) is to create economic and environmental stability by making reforestation, agroforestry, education, and conservation accessible to communities across Haiti, starting in Duchity. This is accomplished through community-led projects and initiatives.
Why Trees?
“In general, trees are life.” - Jean-fenel Dorvilier, Executive Director
Trees are important in Haiti for a number of reasons: they can be used for food production, medicine, crop protection, sold as lumber and charcoal, and add nutrients to the soil. Trees provide oxygen and support all life. They are one of the few consistent sources of income in many rural communities. Trees increase protection against tropical storms—preventing erosion, flooding, and mudslides, which can save lives during hurricanes. Additionally, Haiti is one of the most biodiverse nations in the Caribbean, with many species endemic, meaning that they are only found in Haiti. Reforesting Haiti increases the populations of endangered plant and tree species, and creates habitat for birds, amphibians, and mammals!
Our History
Jean-fenel (SRDH Executive Director) and Julia (SRDH Vice President) met in Duchity, Haiti in 2017 while doing construction work on storm-resistant structures for a group they both volunteered for. During this time, they began talking about Jean-fenel’s dream to start a large-scale reforestation project in his hometown of Duchity. His interest in reforestation began when he was young; he grew up planting trees with his community on his birthday, which coincides with Haiti’s national Arbor Day. Jean-fenel and Julia quickly realized that they shared a deep passion for reforestation and had both spent years learning about trees. In February 2020, Jean-fenel and Julia decided to begin the process of forming their own organization to focus on community-based reforestation in Duchity. Since then, the SRDH core team has grown to 15 members, with many more community volunteers and participants.
Jean-fenel Dorvilier completed school at the Duchity Vocational School and is currently pursuing further education in agroforestry. He has a strong background in agriculture, agroforestry, and TEK (traditional ecological knowledge), and works in agroforestry and construction, among other professions. Julia has a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Vermont and has held positions in environmental consulting, forest health monitoring, and as a community science outreach naturalist.