The Foundation for the Development of Alternative Tourism in Haiti (FONDTAH) and "Sant Pon Ayiti" Foundation provided an update on the preparations of the organization of the 5th edition of the Binational Fair eco-tourism and production which will run this year from November 30 to December 15, 2013, in the town of Savanette [Central Department / Bas Plateau Central] on the theme "For a binational eco-tourist route". Like the 4 previous editions, this 5th edition aims to strengthen economic and cultural exchanges between Haiti and the Dominican Republic and encourage twinning of two neighboring towns around specific development goals.

At a press conference in Sant Pon Ayiti, organizers denounced the delays recorded in the implementation of various infrastructure projects (roads, electricity, water, public places...) in the town of Savanette to facilitate the smooth running of the fair. To this end, they ask the President Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe to sensitize and mobilize the various Ministries concerned, to assume their responsibilities for the smooth running of this great event binational "The Binational Fair is a factor of local development, an opportunity for the development of border cities, to develop eco-tourism in the country, to protect the environment and the natural, cultural, and historical wealth at the level of two countries to strengthen solidarity, peace and harmony between the two peoples," stressed Father Yves Edmond, Coordinator of "Sant Pon Ayiti".

According to agronomist Jean Camille Bissereth, General Coordinator of the FONDTAH, this Binational Fair has the dual purpose of raising awareness and mobilizing communities on "the possibility to preserve and develop their natural heritage and cultural identity, as well as to increase their productive capacity and employment and income through eco-tourism."

"The theme of the 5th Binational Fair will turn to the construction of a bi-national eco-tourist route, whose front door is San Juan de la Maguana and intersection door is Savanette, which whould be lead on the Boucle Central Artibonite and even the North," said Jean Camille Bissereth who says expect great economic impact of this event and hope the visit of about 50,000 people per year in the town of Savanette and the Central Plateau.

SL/ HaïtiLibre