NACO supports ISOCARP’s initiative to help Haiti

On 12 January 2010, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 Mw struck Haiti and caused major damage to the capital Port-au-Prince and the surrounding region. Many countries and organizations responded to the appeal for humanitarian aid and funds.

ISOCARP, the International Society of City and Regional Planners, is an example of an organization initiating supportive activities. A special working group under the name UPAT (Urban Planners Advisory Team) will focus on the urban redevelopment of the devastated region. NACO has been asked to study the Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport in relation to its direct surrounding, i.e. city centre, commercial/industrial areas, harbor, available infrastructure. Key questions were related to connectivity of the airport and the present and future capacity.

The Working Group is composed of an international network of urban planners. In March, a sub-group of eight to ten team members will travel to Haiti to develop a plan for the reconstruction of Haiti. This plan will be presented to UN-HABITAT.