GEO Haiti 2010

GEO HAITI • 2010
164
State of the
Environment
Urban Growth in
Coastal Areas
- Forest Cover and Biodiversity
A number of protected green areas are created or enhanced. Forests are better managed
and energy resources are subsidised throughout the country. Neglected spaces are
restored with vegetation and the landscape seems renewed in many areas.
A national system of protected sites is established which results in the reduced
loss of the habitats of vulnerable animal and plant life. Measures on the saving
endangered species and the protecting of migratory species are emphasized.
Importance is given to the developing of a biological corridor. These measures will
be accompanied by public information campaigns to promote the participation
of the population.
The pressure on the country seems to be noticeably relieved and Haiti is on
its way to sustainable development. Small, scattered, very short-term projects
are replaced with ones lasting several years which are likely to produce more
viable results in the short, medium and long term. With the demographic
parameters decreasing, the possibilities are endless in terms of strengthening
the socio-economic parameters boosted by good political and environmental
governance.
- Air Quality
The government promotes initiatives to monitor and control the sources of
industrial emissions as well as open dumps.
- Waste
Selective waste collection, as well as the treatment and reprocessing of waste
(compost) are important objectives. The government could also consider the
production of methane gas as well as encourage the reduction of the amount of
waste produced through public awareness programmes.
- Infrastructure and Services
Housing should be equipped with basic services (water, electricity, telephone and
internet). The construction of a first-rate transport infrastructure (roads, highways,
railways) will be essential in the future not only for the improvement of public
transport but also for the reorganisation of the sector.
The reform of the system of excreta management including the installation of
modern sanitary facilities is another important area of focus. The government
commits to increase availability to these facilities to the most vulnerable
population thereby reducing the number of persons without access to sanitary
disposal of excreta.
- Wastewater Management
The setting up of water treatment and water purifying plants will enable the
preservation of the quality of bodies of water where wastewater is generally
discharged.
The sanitation coverage of the population is greatly improved: sewage systems
are upgraded in both urban and rural areas; the State adopts a strict approach to
the quality of drinking water and to the protection of water sources especially in
terms of human settlements nearby.