2024 EPIC IMPACTS - Black-capped Petrel Conservation Flagship Program
Considering the numerous environmental issues and impacts in the Caribbean, it might seem like nearly a decade of
work focused on an endangered seabird, the Black-capped Petrel, could have limited scope. But Adam Brown, Black-capped Petrel Program Manager at EPIC, has seen it transform an entire community. Brown’s team efforts to protect the Black-capped Petrel—one of the rarest seabirds that nests high in Haiti’s mountains—sparked a movement that has bridged conservation, education, and sustainable farming, showing how environmental work can benefit communities far beyond its ecological impact.
“Conservation without engagement isn’t sustainable, and the support of local people has proven essential to preserving this species and its habitat” says Brown. “Community acceptance was crucial.”
Initially focused on protecting the petrel’s habitat and monitoring the species, EPIC’s approach always includes community engagement. In collaboration with Plant With Purpose, a nonprofit focused on sustainable farming, EPIC encouraged local farmers to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices. This reduced pressure on the forests and provided farmers with more stable income streams, fostering a deeper respect for environmental protection.
Brown has observed that sustainable farming “changes lives by providing resources for an entire village to thrive while safeguarding the mountain forests where the petrels nest.” EPIC also extended its efforts to children’s education, delivering environmental watershed education in schools. Brown recalls the enthusiasm of young students who eagerly learned about sustainability and the petrel’s precarious future, emphasizing that “engaging young minds was a key step for lasting change.”
An additional community engagement was the Black-capped Petrel Festival, which brings the village together to celebrate its role in protecting the seabird, with events ranging from educational activities to a soccer match against a nearby rival village. Over time, the festival’s impact grew so much that EPIC’s presence became unnecessary—locals now organize the event themselves. “The community took full ownership,” Brown says. “They wanted to be in charge of the festival and all its programs, and they were more than capable.” This independence was further tested during the pandemic when travel restrictions limited EPIC’s in-person involvement. A local soccer coach took over as educator, proving that the community’s commitment had deepened. “We’ve reached the point where the Boukan Chat community no longer needs EPIC’s outside funds or staff; they are now implementing these programs independently,” says Brown.
Boukan Chat, Haiti has become a model of environmental stewardship, echoing EPIC’s values. What began as an attempt to save a seabird now demonstrates the power of community-driven change. Sustainable farming is now embedded in local practices, and environmental education is a permanent part of the curriculum. The initial support
from EPIC has fostered a self-sufficient system where conservation aligns with community goals.
Today, the Black-capped Petrel is more secure, and its prospects for survival have improved. Although Brown is cautious about the bird’s future, he is optimistic as local stewardship ultimately bolsters habitat protection over the longterm.
Enjoy the EPIC 2024 Annual Impact Report Here.
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