GEO Haiti 2010

168
GEO HAITI • 2010
3. Priority and Future Actions
« Face the future »
Jerry Tardieu
The Future Ahead. The Challenges of
Globalization
and the Defeatism of Haitian Elites
The degradation of the Haitian environment
is largely linked to the extreme poverty of the
majority of its population. As such, it is undeniable
that the restoration of the Haitian environment
is highly dependent on an equitable economic
development, where both rich and poor have
access to its benefits, and respectful of the
environment. Some would call this “sustainable
development”.
However, the components of such a scenario have
proven difficult to master. Does this mean that the
Haitian environment must inexorably continue to
suffer according to the economic tribulations of
the country? The evidence suggests so.
Nonetheless, it is also true that although things
cannot quickly and radically be changed, it would
however be possible to curb the degradation
and even improve the situation through effective
environmental management. This is the logic
underlining the measures proposed below,
without being exhaustive.
1. Declare an environmental state of emergency
The average Haitian seems to be more interested in
the environment since the devastating and deadly
floods of 2004 and 2008. However despite their
importance, it seems that the rigours of daily life
tend to overshadow the necessity of immediate,
wide-ranging actions.
Nevertheless, it remains essential to declare an
environmental state of emergency in Haiti.
2. Explore and mobilise possible sources
of funding to restore and protect the
environment
Environmental restoration and protection
programmes risk failure without the appropriate
financial support. These cannot rely solely on public
funds, which are already inadequate, in order to
meet the plethora of needs. Therefore, the entire
country should commit itself to fulfil the financial
requirements of environmental management.
In this perspective, it is vital to seek additional
funding sources. For example, it would be wise
to think of the use of environmental services in
such a way that these could yield funds to be
reinvested in the restoration and protection of the
environment and as such implement the FREH as
established by law.
3. Develop public-private Haitian collaboration on
environmental management, within a formal
framework of public/private partnership
Until now, the private sector has hardly been
involved in environmental management. It is
evident, however, that it should remain a key player
in the solution of the Haitian environmental crisis,
in part through its significant financial means.
It would be to the country’s interests to request a
major participation on its part, much more than in
the past.
4. Involve local government in environmental
management
Until now, most local governments have only
been ascribed secondary roles in environmental
matters. As such they have not been able to
demonstrate the full extent of their capabilities.
It goes without saying that these play an
important role in environmental management,
an undeniably daily and ongoing task.
5. Create synergy among the main organisations
working in the field of environmental
management
It is important to coordinate activities among the
main environmental organisations, as synergies