News

Jean Wiener wins Haiti’s first environmental award

The Government of Haiti presented its first ever environmental award to Jean Wiener, Director of FoProBim, for his dedication to marine conservation and improving the lives and livelihoods of Haiti’s coastal communities. The Erick Eckman Award recognises innovative projects that aim to alleviate poverty through environmental management.

Minister of Environmnet Jean-Francois Thomas, HE President Michael Martelly, and FoProBiM Director, Jean Wiener
Jean Wiener (right) holds his award alongside Haitian President, Michel Martelly (centre) and Haiti’s Minister of Environment, Jean-Francois Thomas

 

 

The President of Haiti, Michel Martelly presented the award on World Environment Day to honour Jean for his long-term commitment to addressing Haiti’s environmental issues. The President highlighted the need to raise awareness about the degradation of Haiti’s environment and engage the nation in its protection; promising to increase the government’s commitment to tackling environmental issues and to make it a national priority.

The President, accompanied by the Minister of Environment, Dr. Jean-Francois Thomas also congratulated Jean on his recent Whitley Gold Award, with which Jean aims to provide more local communities with the means to earn sustainable livelihoods and manage protected coastal resources. Jean will also continue to work with stakeholders and officials to establish two additional Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) after his successful work that led to the creation of Haiti’s first two MPAs in 2013.