In February 2010, Haiti, particularly the capital Port-au-Prince was hit by an earthquake that caused extensive damage and loss. In 2008-2009, prior to the earthquake, UN-Habitat undertook an urban planning assessment of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, which hosts more than 40% of the Haitian population. A key finding is that Port-au-Prince is at the epicentre of several challenges and stresses facing Haiti. These include not only earthquakes but also other natural disasters, poverty, weak governance, and the absence of urban planning. In this context, communities and civil society organisations are key players. Similarly, coordinating multiple urban actors becomes essential.
UN-Habitat’s situational analysis of metropolitan Port-au-Prince provides a thorough background to the city’s situation in terms of urban development and planning and presents a way forward for future planning of the metropolitan area.
