On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, as part of the Initiative for Nature and the Optimization of Ecological and Economic Values ​​(INOVEE) project, the Swiss international NGO HELVETAS, in consortium with the Haitian Association for Agricultural, Medical, Educational, and Social Assistance (AHAAMES) and with funding from the European Union through the Office of the National Authorizing Officer of the European Development Fund (BONFED) of the Global Alliance on Climate Change (GCCA+) program, officially handed over 10 Yamaha 40-hp outboard motors to fishermen in the commune of Belle-Anse (Southeast Department), whose economy relies primarily on fishing.

These 10 outboard motors were handed over to 10 member associations of the "Inyon Kominal Asosyasyon Pechè Bèlans" (INKAPEB). This ceremony, which took place in the presence of departmental and local authorities, marked a new milestone in efforts to modernize and professionalize fishing in the municipality.

This donation is part of a series of activities carried out by HELVETAS : training, raising awareness of sustainable fishing, promoting good fishing practices, and installing Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).

Denoil Antenor, Mayor of Belle-Anse, welcomed this initiative, which he said "strengthens the skills of fishermen while stimulating the local economy."

Agr. Adler Lafleur, Departmental Director of Agriculture for the Southeast, emphasized "the importance of this equipment in increasing the productivity and safety of deep-sea fishermen" and urged proper management of these engines by fishermen.

Dominique Moïse, President of the Belle-Anse Fishermen's Development Association (INKAPEB), expressed the gratitude of the beneficiary fishing organizations to HELVETAS and its partners, emphasizing that this support "will have positive repercussions not only for the fishermen, but also for the entire population of Belle-Anse."

According to fishermen's testimonies, the installation of FADs has already significantly increased fishing; this helps fishermen catch bigger fish, and with these 40-horsepower engines, they will be able to easily go deep-sea fishing.

To ensure the sound and sustainable management of the donated equipment, a donation contract has been signed between the various stakeholders : the lessor, the South-East Departmental Agricultural Directorate, the INKAPEB federation, and the beneficiary associations. Each organization will be required to regularly report on the use, management, and maintenance of the engines.

According to agronomist Nathan Jean Pierre, INOVEE project coordinator for HELVETAS, several complementary actions have been carried out to support the fishing federation and restore terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These include : the treatment of the Pichon and Bel-Air watersheds, coastal protection, and awareness-raising training on environmental preservation and sustainable fishing. Technical training has also been provided on FAD maintenance and installation, with interventions at the Oyster Lagoon Park.

Soon, a training in the management, maintenance, and repair of fishing engines will be provided, a critical need expressed by fishermen.

The 10 associations benefiting from these engines :

Belle-Anse Oyster Scene Amateurs Association (AASDB); Anse-à-Boeuf Fatima Fishermen's Association (APAF-75B); Belle-Anse Fishermen's Association (APB); Fishermen's Association for the Development of Rivière Salée (APDRS); Belle-Anse Integrated Fishermen's Association (APIB); Kalimèt Fishermen's Association (APK); Kagawo/Orange Bay Fishermen's Association (APKB); Progressive Fishermen's Association for the Advancement of Belle-Anse (APPAB); Belle-Anse Fishermen's Solidarity Action Group (GASPEB-CV) and the Prechet-Mouillage Fishermen's Organization (OPPM).

HL/ HaitiLibre