GEO Haiti 2010

State of the Environment Report 2010
Table 36: Scenario “Hope emerges”
Driving Forces
Population Growth
Descriptions
The population growth rate is appropriate and its effects on the urban and rural
environment subside. Demographic rate is reduced considerably compared to
previous years. All the other priority areas show exemplary progress, namely a
fall in urban migration linked to improved basic services in rural areas, increased
national agricultural output due to job creation. Facilities and infrastructure are
upgraded even in the most remote areas. The quality of life improves as life
expectancy moves from 60 to 76 years by the year 2050.
The State controls the growth rate by implementing information and familyplanning
programmes.
- Food
Haiti embarks on the transformation of the raw materials it produces thereby
reducing wastage as well as food insecurity. Adding value to some products
extends the life of the product for the market.
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Energy Needs
State of the
Environment
Current trends, marked by rising consumption and heavy reliance on fossil fuels
(oil and charcoal), must be reduced in the future. This step will be evidenced by
the development of renewable energies (wind, biogas, solar, hydropower) over
fossil fuels, enabling Haiti to lower CO 2
emissions and improve air quality.
Haiti must plan to establish agencies to promote renewable energies as well as
enact revised laws with a view to achieving sound, sustainable management
of the energy sector. This will require a population aware of the importance of
energy conservation.
The existing environmental legislation is developed and becomes an effective tool
in the management of the country’s natural resources. The relevant government
agencies uncompromisingly carry out their duties, performing quality control of
businesses involved in harvesting natural resources.
- Marine and Coastal Environments
A network of protected marine areas will be established in order to ensure
protection of the coast. Plans are also made for the implementation of
programmes on the regular cleaning of beaches, that people made aware of the
importance of protecting the beaches, that coastal areas be developed while
preserving the environment’s natural condition and that natural resources be
used in a controlled manner in order to provide employment for people in the
areas concerned.
- Water Resources
The State commits itself to the managing of water resources. Vegetative cover
above rivers is considerably restored which will entail less anthropic stress on
environmental resources. This will help replenish underground water reserves
and improve the country’s hydroelectric power. Wastewater is treated before it is
discharged into watercourses. More effective waste management is adopted and
water catchment areas are protected from the effects of urbanization.