Once known as "The Pearl of the Antilles," Haiti has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most environmentally degraded and poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. As a result of a long history of unsustainable land use practices and a continuing dependence on trees for fuel wood and charcoal, less than 2% of the country's original forests remain This is primarily due to people's dependence on fuel wood and charcoal for their cooking and heating needs. Deforestation is causing a decline in soil fertility, extensive flooding, and depleted groundwater supplies. Recent hurricanes have caused major destruction, not only from their winds, but from raging currents of water racing down the bare slopes. Forested mountains are now bald and lush landscapes are being overtaken by desertification. Much of the land can no longer support human life.
Sadly, over 80% of the Haitian population lives in poverty and over 50% in abject poverty. The majority of people are unemployed and two-thirds of the population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. With the degrading environment, their livelihoods continue to be threatened with little relief in sight. Ineffectual and corrupt governments have made development slow and stagnant. Social instability has plagued the country for decades. Since 2006, the UN peacekeeping force has been able to bring relative peace to the troubled country, despite occasional flare ups. However, Haiti still requires strong support from international organizations and donors in order to maintain stability and strive towards development.
http://www.plant-trees.org/projects/haiti.htm#update