Description

Lake Azuei is located in the town of Thomazeau, 39 kilometers from Port-au-Prince. Also called the Saumâtre Pond (Etang Saumâtre) for its brackish water, it is the largest natural lake in Haiti. Bordering the Dominican Republic, it is located at the foot of the Matheux chain and the water well. Lake Azuei has an area of about 170 square kilometers and is 15 meters above sea level, its maximum depth is 30 meters. Fed by several rivers, in particular the White River (rivière Blanche), the brackish pond bears witness to a geological era in which the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac formed an arm of the sea, the retreat of which was due to the filling of the isthmus by fluvial deposits of the Yaque del Sur river in the Dominican Republic. 

Biodiversity

The Saumatre Pond is home to a very diverse biodiversity, as it is populated by many aquatic and semi-aquatic species ranging from molluscs to crabs, as well as different species of birds, such as flamingos. Its invertebrate fauna includes four species of gastropods, two of which are abundant (one rather littoral, the other very small that lives in aquatic meadows), and three species of crabs, according to available data. Scientists reveal the presence of about forty species of birds, the existence of alligators, and mammals. In addition to one species of turtle and three species of amphibians, eels, ducks and tilapia. Its bird life is rich, especially in times of migration. 

Ecotourism potential

Lake Azuei has enormous touristic potential. With an enchanting landscape, this lake is a true space to observe and appreciate nature, particularly through the pink flamingos and boat excursions. During the Easter period, thousands of people come from all over to take advantage of the atmosphere created by the charm of the lake. It is worth remembering the great binational ecotourism and production fair, held in Fonds-parisien in 2004 where thousands of Haitian and Dominican citizens enjoyed the resplendent beauty of the lake.