ZSL EDGE Fellow urges us to help Haiti

Thankfully Osé Pauléus, ZSL’s Edge of Existence Fellow in Haiti, is currently studying in Puerto Rico and was therefore not in the earthquake zone.

The EDGE team spoke to Osé, who works on a project to help conserve the endangered solenodon, to find out his views on this tragedy and what everyone can do to help.

Osé said “Haiti, Land of Mountains, has been devastated by a terrible earthquake of magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale that caused more than 170,000 deaths.

“This happened at a very crucial moment when the country had not yet recovered from the recent cyclones and hurricanes that hit the island, including Tropical Storm Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike, all in the summer of 2008 causing about 800 deaths. A generous amount of emotion and emergency response was provided to meet that insuppressible need. What a great act of unity!

“However, what about the caring for long-term needs? Usually two to three months after those events the international community just forgets about Haiti like nothing happened.

“For those of you who have been involved in helping this country to go forward, Haitians are thankful to you; but want to let you know that the bigger challenge is coming.

"It is a heavy and multi-layered problem that follows natural disasters; and it requires collaborative efforts of every kind to help surmount the challenge of recovering from such a disaster. Despite all the differences we have in this world, human is human. Thank you to those of you who want to make a difference.

“Personally, when I look at that act of unity toward Haiti, I asked myself these questions: what if the world was really united always as one? What if we did not create all those differences in our world? What would happen if we simply used that love for one another that is inside every one of us?

“It means a lot to me as Haitian and to all Haitians to see all those nations helping us in our most difficult times. The needs are greater now; as the emergency response is to end, we, as a nation, will feel comforted to see that you continue to help us in these terrible circumstances.

“A good deed is never lost because the children of your children will benefit from your blessings. It is more than a blessing to have you helping us to stand in this situation. Know that your donation will have an effect on many families; it will help thousands of people to survive.”

There are many charities you can support to help Haiti recover from this terrible earthquake, but one recommendation would be the Disasters Emergency Committee Haiti Earthquake Appeal or you could give directly to the British Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Appeal .