Haiti is recognized as the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has one of the world 's highest rates of deforestation . Since its discovery by Columbus , over 98 % of Haiti ’s tree coverage has been cut down , with the majority of the deforestation taking place in the last 100 years . As a result , Haiti experiences an increasing number of tragic consequences such as desertification , flooding , soil erosion , water table depletion , local climate change and crop failure . The country is still recovering following a magnitude-7.0 earthquake in 2010 , which devastated the country and has contributed to the country ’s ongoing deforestation problems . Eden began working in Haiti in 2009 by growing fruit , fodder , and construction wood trees . Eden plants approximately 90 % agroforestry species ( trees for human use ) and 10 % native reforestation trees . This provides Eden ’s employees with an additional layer of income from the sale of their harvest
magnitude-7.0 earthquake in 2010
2010 Haiti earthquake
Eden Reforestation Projects