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National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Haiti to the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development
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This country profile has been provided by:
Name of Ministry/Office: Ministry of the Environment
Date: 30 January, 1997
Submitted by: Yves-Andre Wainright, Minister
Mailing address: 181, Haut-de-Turgeau, Port-au-Prince
Telephone: (509) 45-7572
Telefax: (509) 45-7360
E-mail:
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
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| APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
| CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
| CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
| CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
| EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
| ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
| ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
| ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
| ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
| EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
| ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
| ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
| FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
| GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
| GEF | Global Environment Facility |
| GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
| GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
| GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
| GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
| GIS | Geographical Information System |
| GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
| GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
| GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
| GSP | generalized system of preferences |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
| IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
| IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
| ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
| ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
| ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
| ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
| ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
| IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
| IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
| IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
| IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
| IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
| ILO | International Labour Organisation |
| IMF | International Monetary Fund |
| IMO | International Maritime Organization |
| INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
| IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
| IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
| IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
| IPM | integrated pest management |
| IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
| ITC | International Tin Council |
| ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
| IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
| MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
| PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
| PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
| SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
| SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
| UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
| UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
| UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
| UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
| UNU | United Nations University |
| WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
| WFC | World Food Council |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
| WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
| WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
| MOE | Ministry of Environment |
| MOA | Ministry of Agriculture |
| MPH | Ministry of Public Health |
| MAS | Ministry of Social Affairs |
| NEAP | National Environmental Action Plan (French PAE) |
| GOH | Government of Haiti |
| EPPLS | Public Promotion Entreprise for Social Housing |
| TPTC | Transport and Public Works Ministry |
| FAN | Federation des amis de la nature (Friends of Nature Federation) |
| FREN | Federation pour la Regeneration de l'Environment National |
The creation of the Environment Ministry in 1995 has at least brought Haiti closer to the Environmental arena. The next step to be taken is the vote on a legislative instrument or, the Ministry's "Organic Law". The preparation of a National Environmental Action Plan is the key element of the environmental process. It achieves two important objectives: - Integrating Haiti into the environmental mainstream. - Providing the government with a special tool for the sustainable development of the country.
Environmental indicators are being developed, in order to give an idea of the positive or negative changes occurring through the years.
ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTIVES have been tentatively drawn up: - for solid waste management; - for industrial waste treatment; - for air pollution reduction and - for metal scrap disposal.
Codification of environmental legislation is proceeding with the assistance of international institutions.
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1. Name of Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s).
The Ministry of the Environment coordinates sustainable development issues.
Contact point: Agronomist Yves-Andre Wainright, Minister
Telephone: (509) 45-7572
Fax: (509) 45-7360
e-mail:
Mailing address: #181, Haut-de-Turgeau, Port-au-Prince
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson: Carlo Lafond, Ing.-Gest. Tel. 45-0635
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved: - Ministry of the ENVIRONMENT - Ministry of AGRICULTURE - Ministry of TOURISM
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participating of academic and private sector bodies: - Friends of Nature Federation (FAN) - Federation for Regeneration of Nature (FREN) - State University of Haiti (Faculty of Sciences and INAGHE) - Private University: Quisqueya University
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations involved: - Caribbean Housing (CHF) - Pan American Development Foundation (PADF)
3. Mandate/role of above mechanism/council: The mandate is to establish norms, to preapre guidelines for environmental impact assessments (EIA), to establish standards for garbage dumps, for air, water adn soil pollution prevention and abatement, to give advice or formulate opinions on projects affecting the environment.
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries: -Provided
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 2: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND RELATED DOMESTIC
POLICIES (with special emphasis on TRADE)
The creation of the Ministry of Environment in 1995
The preparation of a National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP)
which will be ready by the end of 1997.
The drafting, the final revision and the vote of the
Ministry's Organic Law, which is set as a priority for 1997.
The vote and ratification, after proper lobbying, of four key
conventions: those on Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Hazardous Wastes and Marine Pollution.
The drafting of Environmental Impact Studies criteria for
construction of infrastructure projects.
The implementation of education related to environment
(ERE).
NATIONAL PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
STATUS REPORT: The Haitian Governments, since
the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, have been working toward fulfilling the principles of
RIO. International cooperation has been vital in
realizing these important steps:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The NEAP will outline the
government's policy on trade and environment.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The GOH and the
Ministry of Environment have been looking for human and
technological resources.
3. Major Groups: NGOs, ecological groups and local
communities (so-called "Territorial municipalities") are the major
groups called upon to participate in the NEAP process.
4. Finance: Means of financing will be identified as part
of the definition of specific projects to be funded.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The UNCED, since
1992, has established caribbean and international
cooperation tools for a less developed country like Haiti.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
Focus of national strategy
Since the restoration of democracy in Haiti, creation of jobs
has been a key element.
A number of labor intensive projects have been realized since
October 1994.
Highlight activities aimed at the poor and linkages to the
environment
Through an NGO like PADF, labor intensive projects have been
undertaken (street cleaning, tree planting and erosion
control projects).
The supply of potable water is expanding especially at Cite
Soleil, the largest city slum in Haiti. Construction of
latrines has been realized by other NGOs.
The main institution created especially to implement this
national strategy has been the Central Managing Unit (UCG
in French).
PURE I, a World Bank job creation project has injected more
than 40 million US dollars into the economy through
various construction projects.
PURE II, starting in 1997, has a US$50 million budget for the
coming years.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Besides the Ministry of
Social Affairs which takes care of labor problems in Haiti, the
communities take care of so-called "Communal asylums" where old
people find their retirement home.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Labor intensive
projects have been designed to build up human resources and
low-cost technology resources in Haiti.
3. Major Groups: NGOs are the most important groups in this
field, but their contributions should be coordinated in the
GOH.
4. Finance: IGOs have been very influential in providing
adequate funding. The World Bank has financed the main job
creation projects, called PURE I and PURE II.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Bilateral
(caribbean, latin-american and european agencies), and multilateral
(World Bank and IDB) organizations are the main source of
cooperation in this fight against poverty.
| Latest 1994/5_ | |||||
| Unemployment (%) | 50-80%* | ||||
| Population living in absolute poverty | |||||
| Public spending on social sector % | |||||
| Other data: In Haiti, disguised unemployment
is an emportant element in the informal sector, in street
services.
* In 1990, the Department of Labor put the unemployment level at 80%. The actual range (50% to 80%) accounts for the disguised unemployment which is so prevalent in the informal sector (streeet vendors, etc)
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
1. Promote consumption and production in such a way to lower
environmental pollution and answer the basic needs of
the haitians.
2. Understand the haitian consumption patterns and the new
trends.
3. Sensitize consumers regarding the impact of waste
production; encourage recycling through composting or reusing.
4. System of taxation for energy consumption (Kerosene or
better charcoal ovens, etc.)
5. Sensitization of the public at large about the amount of
waste produced by plastic containers.
National targets
1. Reception of international help to focus on environmental
impact of plastic containers.
2. Reduction of waste production.
3. Presentation of the role of haitian women as the pillars
of the haitian economy.
4. To increase the consumption of vegetables, green legumes
and fibers.
5. Action on the rich through waste reduction or through the
diminution of plastic consumption. Action on the poor,
on their demand, on health concerns, lodging, education.
6. Promotion of cooking habits by improving fuel consumption
(wood, charcoal and kerosene) and promoting the use
of energy-efficient cookers.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information
3. Major Groups: No information
4. Finance: No information
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Latest 199_ | |||||
| GDP per capita (current US$) | |||||
| Real GDP growth (%) | |||||
| Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | |||||
| Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | |||||
| Other data
| |||||
Government policies affecting consumption and production.
1. Goals and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with a (X) those agents which your Governments policies are meant most to influence.
| Agents Goals | |||||
| Material efficiency | |||||
| Energy efficiency: | |||||
| Transport | |||||
| Housing | |||||
| Other:Cooking | |||||
| Waste: | |||||
| Reduce | |||||
| Reuse | |||||
| Recycle |
Comments: Since transportation is the main source of energy consumption in Haiti, it should be noted that foreign producers could be influenced through international institutions to increase the octane for better car mileage. The households and the civil society could be influenced through sensitization and incentives toward better automobile care and support to mechanical repair.
As for waste management in Haiti, all phases of production and treatment of solid waste from domestic origin, the main source of urban waste should be studied. Since 15% of the solid wastes are of organic matter, recycling becomes feasible.
Consumption and recycling of plastic waste is also a key ingredient of government policies.
2. Means & Measures and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with an (R) those agents who assume primary responsibility for any of the policy measures indicated; indicate with an (I) the agents for which the impact is expected to be especially significant.
| Agents Means & Measures | |||||
| Improving understanding and analysis | |||||
| Information and education (e.g., radio/TV/press) | |||||
| Research | |||||
| Evaluating environmental claims | |||||
| Form partnerships | |||||
| Applying tools for modifying behaviour | |||||
| Community based strategies | |||||
| Social incentives/disincentives (e.g., ecolabelling) | |||||
| Regulatory instruments | |||||
| Economic incentives/disincentives | |||||
| Voluntary agreements of producer responsibility
for aspects of product life cycle | |||||
| Provision of enabling facilities and
infrastructure (e.g., transportation alternatives, recycling) | |||||
| Procurement policy | |||||
| Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing performance | |||||
| Action campaign | |||||
| Other: Preparation of Environmental Impact Studies |
Comments: Since the MOEs primary duty is a normative one, it will be the responsibility of the GOH to make sure proper enforcement of the Norms taken as Public Laws. The role of the Parliament voting the right enforcement measures, the role of the National Police, and that of the Ministry of Justice will become vital.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
The Government considers that the population growth and
fertility levels are too high. The Governments intervention
in these areas is directed at lowering both the rate of growth and
fertility levels.
Port-au-Prince, as the fastest growing town in the country,
faces the toughest ecological and population problems.
The largest towns are subjects of studies on solid waste,
dumping sites and for cemetery relocations and population
explosion.
The female population is the target of many programs in
health.
Since Haiti's population has reached seven (7) million, not
including the two (2) million living overseas, proper
demographic information shall be gathered. The most dynamic
regions in terms of population should be the object of
official census.
The local population, which has been made a key part of the
environmental planning process, is the target of
demographic measures to lower the fertility rate and reduce the
growth of the haitian population.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Public Health
and Population (MPHP) is in charge of population matters
and family planning.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Institute of
Statistics and Informatics takes care of the Census data and the
population statistics.
3. Major Groups: The Division of Planning within the MPHP
articulates the demographic priorities of the government.
4. Finance: The WHO and PAHO furnish the finances that
supplement the GOHs development budget. Some NGOs also
intervene in population issues.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: PAHO and WHO have
been the cooperating institutions in this domain for the
past 50 years.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Population (Thousands) mid-year estimates | ||||
| Annual rate of increase (1990-1993) | ||||
| Surface area (Km2) | ||||
| Population density (people/Km2) | ||||
| Other data: * The population density for
Port-au-Prince is more than three times the national average with
two (2) million
people crowded in the metropolitan area.
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AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
Haiti, as a poor country is characterized by the lowest
satisfaction of basic needs. Very weak provision of human
health is a key measure of the country's poverty.
The implementation of the "Health for all by the year 2000"
Strategy since 1980 and the National Public Health Plan
of 1996 are new elements for working toward Human Development in
Haiti. Public awareness of the AIDS problem has
been realized through TV sports and radio messages.
Promotion of intersectoral cooperation for preventive health,
improvement of health care services, creation of local
health centers in every commune, management of health care, public
environment through the "territorial municipalities"
are key objectives. While, in rural areas the population depends
on both governmental health care and on the NGOs with
their community health involvement, in the cities, people have
access to State services and private services, for example,
in Port-au-Prince, some NGOs maintain hospitals for children.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Public Health
(MPH) makes the MOE a partner in asking its advice on
the environmental safety of certain new products.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The MOE, as well
as its partners, the MPH and the Ministry of Commerce
have no real human and financial resources for capacity building.
The best available technology comes from the Ministry
of Agriculture's laboratories but it can only perform routine
tests. Most of the tests are sent to Miami laboratories.
3. Major Groups: In the public health field, NGOs from all
over the world are very important.
4. Finance: Although no actual figures on health
expenditure by the NGOs exist, it is believed that they account for
most
of the investment in the health sector.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: PAHO accounts for
most of the international cooperation in the health sector.
WHO and PAHO work together in Haiti, within the same office, but
they have specific fields of intervention.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Life expectancy at birth Male Female |
| |||
| Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) | ||||
| Maternal mortality rate (per 100000 live births) | ||||
| Access to safe drinking water (% of population) | ||||
| Access to sanitation services (% of population) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
The very low percentage of public funds allocated to housing
in Haiti is a sign of the small importance given to this
sector. Consequently a lot of funding is requested from
international organizations for this field.
A public enterprise named EPPLS has the objective of
developing Social Housing. The NEAP under development in
the Ministry will devote some adequate recommendations on this
social matter with so many environmental implications.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Social
Affairs (MSA) is the official entity in charge of the important
social problem of housing. It is supported by other ministries
like the Ministry of Environment given the implications of
slum development and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for
expansion.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Appropriate housing
technologies shall be developed so as to allow the use of
adequate roofing materials, sound proofing, water-heating and
low-cost housing.
3. Major Groups: Within the MSA, a division exists --the
EPPLS or Social Housing Promotion and Planning Institute-which is
the key institution dedicated to housing problems and particularly
to slum regeneration.
4. Finance: Finances for an organizational division like
EPPLS are obtained through UNDP, HABITAT and other
bilateral funding.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The UNDP and HABITAT
are the main institutions for cooperation on this
matter.
| Urban population in % of total population | |||
| Annual rate of growth of urban population (%) | |||
| Largest city population (in % of total population) | |||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
The integration of environment concerns in Haiti's development
planning is a key element in the NEAP being prepared
in the Ministry of the Environment. Since the appropriate theme is
still in its primary stage, only the general outlines are
adapted to the specific haitian socio-cultural situation:
a. Establish national strategies whereby social, economic and
environmental consideration due importance in Haiti.
b. Improve the Global Imaging Systems (GIS) in Haiti.
c. Develop socio-economic indicators for measuring social,
economic and environmental changes.
d. Strengthen broad educational and professional curricula
for a national environment-related-education (ERE).
Extend these basic principles to the public-at-large.
e. Establish a legal and institutional framework which
incorporates international conventions into the national juridic
spectrum.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure (please also refer to the fact
sheet): The Ministry of the Environment is the main
structure for making decisions on this topic.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The MOEs limited
governmental resources make the Ministry dependent on
international support for capacity building.
3. Major Groups: The new "local communitities" sanctioned
by recent legislation will play a key role.
4. Finance: No special finance is foreseen in the current
budget. However, the municipalities and the collectives will
make do. In the meantime, most of the financial facilities of the
MOE come from international funding.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The GOH cooperates
with the Dominican Republic and with all the caribbean
countries. Regional cooperation includes Venezuela and Peru. The
cooperation includes exchange of information,
technical assistance and provision of equipment.
Aside from this, Haiti receives cooperation from OLADE and
from the European Economic Commission.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
The Montreal Protocol and its Amendments has not been
signed.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has
not been signed.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Although the biggest atmospheric offense is air pollution by
non-stationary sources, the Ministry of Environment
(MOE) shall act within its limited resources. It will implement
the NEAP with protection of the atmosphere as its main
theme and it will fight for the integration of Haiti into the
international framework for climate change. It will lobby for
the signing and ratification of the appropriate convention and its
application.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The MOE is in charge of
atmospheric protection. But since, in Haiti, this problem is
mainly due to pollution from vehicles, it is likely that some
enforcement will be needed from the National Police Force
through the Ministry of Justice.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Government of
Haiti does not have neither the means to establish early or
current detection systems, nor the capacity for developing research
or observations/assessment on atmospheric pollution.
The MOE policy for building appropriate capacity is threefold:
a. Strengthening the institution through hiring of competent
technicians and consultants.
b. Taking advantage of all specialization opportunities
overseas.
c. Adapting some less sophisticated but safe technology to
the country's limited resources.
In order to receive the Best Available Technology that would
fit the financial resources (recurring costs) of a LDC,
Haiti has to rely on international cooperation.
3. Major Groups: The ecological groups like FAN, FREN and
COHPEDA, etc are getting involved in public
sensitization regarding atmospheric pollution.
4. Finance: Very small amounts of funding are available
from national sources. Mostly NGOs and UNEP (through the
GEF fund) are available. Haiti has financial problems to cope with
the dues for International Organizations.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The MOE has
realized the depth of international cooperation on matters related
to the protection of the atmosphere. The MOE keeps lobbying within
the Parliament so that Haiti will ratify the
Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| CO2 emissions (eq. million tons) | ||||
| SOx " | ||||
| NOx " | ||||
| CH4 " | ||||
| Consumption of ozone depleting substances (Tons) | ||||
| Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
The NEAP process under way in the Environment Ministry defines
the haitian policies to insure the best land resource
allocation for its sustainable management.
At different local and regional levels, the public
participation through the use of the MARP process is guaranteed.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Organic Law of the
Ministry is being reviewed to integrate the latest official
guidelines on the ministry's role. The intersectoral relations of
the Environment Ministry with other haitian institutions
are being investigated. The Organic Law will then be submitted to
the Parliament for its vote.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Meanwhile the NEAP
process in its final phase will integrate various
objectives directly or indirectly related to the management and
protection of natural resources in Haiti. Since land tenure
is the most important element in the sustainable development of
land resources, agrarian reform will play a key role in
Haiti.
3. Major Groups: The local collectives will be the major
groups participating in the planning and management of local
resources. The National Institute for Agrarian Reform (INARA) will
be consulted.
4. Finance: Local resources will be added to the funds
provided by the Government.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: International
cooperation in the area of land planning and management shall be
investigated.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
One way to deal with desertification in Haiti is to protect
its limited forestry reserves and one such project financed by
the World Bank is the Technical Support for Park and Forest
Protection (ATPPF in French).
Actions to increase forest productivity could be undertaken.
Land use surveys to identify land tenure and Agrarian Reform
are two elements or facets of this institutional fight.
Land classification to be used in sensitizing the population
should also be updated. In addition the ecological
classification by Hkoldridge could be updated.
Information exchange is a key factor in this fight; new
processes should be investigated.
Peoples participation is very relevant, due to the
implementation of the law on "local collectives" dealing with
decentralization.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture
has been the key structure to make decisions on any forest
protection related matters. Since Rio, guidelines related to
forest management have been switched over to the
environment sector. In Haiti, for the first time, this situation
happened in the 1996 management of the forest ecosystem.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The focus of the
sector includes both wood production and new projects like
ATPFF which calls for the technical support of parks and forests in
Haiti. Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, the
MOE will set proper guidelines for forest protection.
3. Major Groups: In 1996, the private sector, local
communities ("collectivites locales"), non-governmental
organizations, and local youth and women were the most active
groups in environmental issues.
4. Finance: Governmental funding of the forestry sector and
international aid from the World Bank and USAID have
become the best sources of financing.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The GOH supports the
effective implementation of the non-legally binding
authoritative statement of principles for a global consensus of the
management, and sustainable development of all types of
forest adopted by UNCED. Haiti has been proving though the MOE its
willingness to promote the implementation of the
commitments made at the Rio Conference.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Forest Area (Km2) | ||||
| Protected forest area | ||||
| Roundwood production (solid volume of roundwood without bark in mill m3) | ||||
| Deforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Reforestation rate (Km2/annum) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND
DROUGHT
International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries
Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification
Particularly in Africa was ratified in 1996.
The MOE has not filed a report as yet, but with the
ratification of the Convention in 1996 such a report will be
forthcoming. The MOE has been preparing request for proper
assistance in this regard.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Haiti, as the poorest country in the hemisphere, has known
some ecological disaster. Being a mountainous country,
Haiti is a typical case of a fragile ecosystem, subject to both
desertification and drought. Only 2% of wooded areas are
left from land that was completely wooded 500 years ago.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environment
(MOE) is the new partner along with the Ministry of
Agriculture which has been, for the last 60 years since its
founding, in charge of regenerating haitian agriculture.
In dividing the responsibilities, the MOE will take on the
duties of setting up norms for combating desertification as
outlined under chapter 12 of Agenda 21.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The MOE is in a
strong position for capacity building because of the
international support created by the Agenda 21 framework. After
surviving the Parliament's ordeal, the MOE has been
working toward the partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture as
well as its own Agenda 21 guidelines.
3. Major Groups: NGOs are the most important groups dealing
with desertification problems in Haiti.
4. Finance: Funding in this area can only come from either
national NGOs or international organizations.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Combating
desertification is one of the areas where most cooperation exists,
either regionally or internationally. More precisely, the signing
and ratification of the "International Convention to
Combat Desertification" will open the way to many institutional
advantages as well as funding.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Land affected by desertification (Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
Fragile ecosystems seem to be the rule in a country as
mountainous as Haiti. Mountain agriculture becomes vital so
that future generations can inherit a rehabilitated ecosystem.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The MOE and the MOA remain
the proper decision making structure, until the Organic
Law of the MOE is passed.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The MOE and MOA are
developing new relations through technical
commissions and also through official agreements between the two
ministers.
3. Major Groups: The NGOs, private and religious
institutions and the local collectives remain the key partners in
this
area.
4. Finance: International funding compensates for the low
level of governmental funding. NGOs also contribute
significantly.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Funding from
regional International Organizations has been requested for
managing fragile ecosystems like Haiti's.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Haitian officials including the Prime Minister and the
President have consistently promoted sustainable agriculture and
rural development.
The NEAP process has also included this issues as one
requiring a thematic consultant. The appropriate report has not
yet been drafted, but the MOE has placed high expectations on the
recommendations on the matter.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture
is the ministry primarily responsible for agriculture and
rural development in Haiti. The national legislation covering
agriculture and rural development includes laws that are
under revision. The Ministry of Environment is working on norms
for agricultural waste recycling and on sustainable
mountain agriculture.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: The NGOs--private, youth and women's
organizations--are very engaged in this field and literally
flood the MOE with project proposals.
4. Finance: Most financing come from caribbean and
international organizations.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: All funding sources,
either from Latin America, North America or Europe as
well as multilateral funding (World Bank, IDB, FAO, etc) have been
considered.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Agricultural land (Km2) | ||||
| Agricultural land as % of total land area | ||||
| Agricultural land per capita | ||||
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Consumption of fertilizers per Km2 of agricultural land as of 1990 | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Convention on Biological Diversity has been ratified.
The MOE has made biological diversity an important theme
within the NEAP, first by ratifying the convention and
second with the designation of a special biological diversity theme
within the NEAP. A third step is the Organic Law
which proposes a Division of Biological Diversity.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
The island of Haiti possesses one of the highest biodiversity
indices in the tropics and thus is known to have a great
variety of genes, species and ecosystem, both flora and fauna:
a. the Pic Macaya, for example, has been designated as a "Reserve
of the Biosphere". The MOE has encouraged the
creation of a botanical garden there.
b. the pine tree called "Pinus haitianus" is found mostly in the
Dominican Republic.
c. the "Haitian crocodiles" are found now only in four tiny places
at la Gonave, in the south at the dominican border.
d. a rare variety of palm tree "Carossier or Petit Coco--Attalea
crassispatha" is found in the south peninsula.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The NEAP proposes that such
a theme be developed by a thematic consultant. The
MOE will have the final responsibility to implement the NEAP which
is the result of the national process.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The capacity
building and technology issues will be a function of the
requirements of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
3. Major Groups: The ecological groups and the NGOs make
their own environmental orientation. They will need
proper guidance by the MOE, after publication of the NEAP.
4. Finance: Financing will be obtained from the convention
sources once it is ratified. The NEAP will also identify
other sources of funding for key projects.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The CITES is the
controlling convention for all regional and international
action.
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Protected area as % of total land area | |||
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Number of threatened species | |||
| Other data Number of bird species threatened: 13
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Although biotechnology is not a priority item in the country
as yet and although its management is not included in the
NEAP's themes, the MOE will realize on an as-needed basis a study
of the potential or feasibility of the use of
biotechnology, within the safety norms already existing elsewhere.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No university is as yet
involved in such research. Risk assessment and future research
shall be considered by the Ministry.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: It is more than likely that some private
funding will be available to the public and private universities
for
small biotechnology research.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Regional and mostly
international cooperation will eventually be required.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea has been signed.
See also the attached tables on the next pages.
Marine pollution is watched carefully by the MOE. So far
three cases have been documented in the last two years.
The MARPOL convention was the subject of a well-publicized
seminar organized by the MOE in collaboration with
the National Port Authority (APN in french). Proper lobbying has
been undertaken for the ratification of the MARPOL
convention by the parliament. An insular coastal area management
programme has been considered with the Dominican
Republic, with which Haiti share the island. But no fully
integrated coastal management exists.
Financial incentives, as well as tax breaks, have been
considered for encouraging the recycling of plastics.
The MOE has drafted guidelines for prior assessment of
activities susceptible to having some impact on marine and
coastal environment. The Ministry has been developing
socio-economic and environmental indicators, updated on a yearly
basis.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The MOE is in charge of any
coastal area planning. Some responsibility is being shared
with the Ministry of Agriculture in the absence of a formal Organic
Law defining the exact role of the MOE.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Haiti does not
dispose of any real technology to allow scientific evaluation of
marine pollution. Standard procedures in case of obvious sea
pollution has been to send seawater samples and fish
specimens to Miami-based labs.
3. Major Groups: Most NGOs grouped under an organization
named HAVA, are active in the area of coastal pollution
prevention.
4. Finance: A small amount of funding has been made
available through UNDP. USAID had financed the start of NEAP
to be completed in 1997-98. Larger projects are in the planning
phase.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: International
cooperation is available under the CARIFORUM established by
the Lome Convention.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Catches of marine species (metric tons) | ||||
| Population in coastal areas | ||||
| Population served by waste water treatment (% of
country's total population) | ||||
| Discharges of oil into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of phosphate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of nitrate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
Chapter 17 (Oceans) Continued:
| Check the boxes in the column below left: | Check the boxes in the column below right: |
| For level of importance use: | For level of implementation use: |
| *** = very important | *** = fully covered |
| ** = important | ** = well covered- gaps being addressed |
| * = not important | * = poorly covered |
| N = not relevant | O = not covered; N = not relevant |
TABLE I. THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE APPROPRIATE COORDINATING MECHANISM FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS AND THEIR RESOURCES.
| a. Preparation and implementation of land and water use and siting policies. | ||
| b. Implementation of integrated coastal and marine management and sustainable development plans and programmes at appropriate levels. | ||
| c. Preparation of coastal profiles identifying critical areas including eroded zones, physical processes, development patterns, user conflicts and specific priorities for management. | ||
| d. Prior environmental impact assessment, systematic observation and follow-up of major projects, including systematic incorporation of results in decision-making. | ||
| e. Contingency plans for human induced and natural disasters. | ||
| f. Improvement of coastal human settlements, especially in housing, drinking water and treatment and disposal of sewage, solid wastes and industrial effluents. | ||
| g. Periodic assessment of the impacts of external factors and phenomena to ensure that the objectives of integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas and marine environment are met. | ||
| h. Conservation and restoration of altered critical habitats. | |
| I. Integration of sectoral programmes on sustainable development for settlements, agriculture, tourism, fishing, ports and industries affecting the coastal areas. | ||
| J. Infrastructure adaptation and alternative employment. | ||
| K. Human resource development and training. | ||
| L. Public education, awareness and information programmes. | ||
| M. Promoting environmentally sound technology and sustainable practices. | ||
| N. Development and simultaneous implementation of environmental quality criteria. |
TABLE II. TECHNOLOGY (MARINE ENVIRONMENT)
| A. Apply preventive, precautionary and anticipatory approaches so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment, as well as to reduce the risk of long-term or irreversible adverse effects upon it. | ||
| B. Ensure prior assessment of activities that may have significant adverse impacts upon the marine environment. | ||
| C. Integrate protection of the marine environment into relevant general environmental, social and economic development policies. | ||
| D. Develop economic incentives, where appropriate, to apply clean technologies and other means consistent with the internalization of environmental costs, such as the polluter pays principle, so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| E. Improve the living standards of coastal populations, particularly in developing countries, so as to contribute to reducing the degradation of the coastal and marine environment. | ||
| *** | F. Effective monitoring and surveillance within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of fish harvesting and transportation of toxic and other hazardous materials. |
TABLE III. SEWAGE RELATED ISSUES
| A. Sewage related problems are considered when formulating or reviewing coastal development plans, including human development plans. | ||
| B. Sewage treatment facilities are built in accordance with national policies. | ||
| C. Coastal outfalls are located so as to maintain acceptable level of environmental quality and to avoid exposing shell fisheries, water intakes and bathing areas to pathogens. | ||
| D. The Government promotes primary treatment of municipal sewage discharged to rivers, estuaries and the sea, or other solutions appropriate to specific sites. | ||
| E. The Government supports the establishment and improvement of local, national, subregional and regional, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control effluent discharge. Minimum sewage effluent guidelines and water quality criteria are in use. |
TABLE IV. OTHER SOURCES OF MARINE POLLUTION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS:
| A. Established or improved upon, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control emissions, including recycling technologies. | ||
| B. Promoted risk and environmental impact assessments to help ensure an acceptable level of environmental quality. | ||
| C. Promoted assessment and cooperation at the regional level, where appropriate, with respect to the input of point source pollutants from the marine environment. | ||
| D. Taken steps to eliminate emissions or discharges of organohalogen compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| E. Taken steps to eliminate/reduce emissions or discharges or other synthetic organic compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| F. Promoted controls over anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen and phosphorous that enter coastal waters where such problems as eutrophication threaten the marine environment or its resources. | ||
| G. Taken steps to develop and implement environmentally sound land-use techniques and practices to reduce run-off to water courses and estuaries which would cause pollution or degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| H. Promoted the use of environmentally less harmful pesticides and fertilizers and alternative methods for pest control, and considered the prohibition of those found to be environmentally unsound. | ||
| I. Adopted new initiatives at national, subregional and regional levels for controlling the input of non-point source pollutants which require broad changes in sewage and waste management, agricultural practices, mining, construction and transportation. | ||
| J. Taken steps to control and prevent coastal erosion and siltation due to anthropogenic factors related to, inter alia, land-use and construction techniques and practices. |
TABLE V. ADDRESSING CRITICAL UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE. IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROGRAMME AREA THE GOVERNMENT IS CARRYING OUT THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
| A. Coordinating national and regional observation programmes for coastal and near-shore phenomena related to climate change and for research parameters essential for marine and coastal management in all regions. | ||
| B. Providing improved forecasts of marine conditions for the safety of inhabitants of coastal areas and for the efficiency of marine operations. | ||
| C. Adopting special measures to cope with and adapt to potential climate change and sea-level rise. | ||
| D. Participating in coastal vulnerability assessment, modelling and response strategies particularly for priority areas, such as small islands and low-lying and critical coastal areas. | ||
| E. Identifying ongoing and planned programmes of systematic observation of the marine environment, with a view to integrating activities and establishing priorities to address critical uncertainties for oceans and all seas. | ||
| F. Research to determine the marine biological effects of increased levels of ultraviolet rays due to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. | ||
| G. Carrying out analysis, assessments and systematic observation of the role of oceans as a carbon sink. |
TABLE VI. RATING OF ACTIVITIES IN THE AIR AND MARITIME TRANSPORT SECTORS IN THE SMALL ISLANDS DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS)
| 1. Frequency (external flights) | 1. Frequency (external shipping) | ||
| 2. Frequency (in-country flights) | 2. Frequency (in-country shipping) | ||
| 3. Cooperation at regional level in air transport and civil aviation | 3. Cooperation at regional level in shipping | ||
| 4. Cooperation at international level | 4. Cooperation at international level | ||
| 5. Economic viability of national air line | 5. Economic viability of national shipping line(s) | ||
| 6. Economic viability of regional air line | 6. Economic viability of regional shipping line (s) | ||
| 7. national level training in skills for air transport sector | 7. National level training in skills for maritime transport sector | ||
| 8. Access to training in skills for air transport sector within the region | 8. Regional level training in skills for maritime transport sector | ||
| 9. Access to international training for air transport sector | 9. Access to international training for maritime transport sector | ||
| 10. Supportive of ICAO |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 18: PROTECTION OF THE
QUALITY AND SUPPLY OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
APPLICATION OF INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES
Only 20% of the haitian population were served by public
waterworks in 1995. The percentages are higher in the
cities, about 30%. In Port-au-Prince, with a population of almost
2 million, 25% of the population use public fountains or
wells only.
The MOEs proposed Organic Law contains provision for a
National Service for Water Resources.
The overall use of latrines and septic tanks sets up some
underground water pollution problems since no sanitary
sewers exist in Haiti.
The NEAP process will suggest the implementation of an
appropriate integrated solution to the development,
management and use of water resources.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: HIGH
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure:The MOE, created in 1995, does
not as yet have the authority for national water
management. The MOE will deal mostly with the drafting and
implementation of water production and management
norms. Meanwhile, existing water agencies dealing with water
supply in Port-au-Prince (CAMEP) all other towns
(SNEP) and rural areas (POCHEP) use their own monitoring and
statistical systems. With the implementation of
Territorial Municipalities law, it is foreseen that duties related
to this sector will be taken over by the local communities
called CASECS.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The MOE will
implement proposals for education in the sustainable use of
water resources as part of the Environmentally Related Education
Programme (ERE). The proposed MOE's organic law
prescribes the integration of a National Water Resources Service
originating from the Agriculture Ministry.
3. Major Groups: Most NGOs are involved in supplying water
to the rural population while taking care of
environmental or sanitation problems.
4. Finance: Financial costs are supported by the local NGOs
and by international organizations dealing with the water
sector.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The MOE has been
using all available sources of cooperation from the
caribbean, including the Dominican Republic.
| Latest 1995 | ||||
| Fresh water availability (total domestic/external in million m3) | ||||
| Annual withdrawal of freshwater as % of available water | ||||
| Other data /Water Use in Millions of Cubic Metres: Port-au-Prince: 36,0. Other Towns: 26,0 Rural Areas: 1818,0
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 19: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS, INCLUDING
PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN TOXIC AND DANGEROUS
PRODUCTS
Haiti has tried to live by the Agenda 21 recommendations by
starting on the right foot. As a result, the MOE since its
creation in 1995 with the return of the democratic process, has
tried to manage toxic chemicals in the country and to set
up criteria for the import of dangerous products. It has
participated in the follow-up of the site cleanup at the Gonaives
harbor where industrial wastes from Pennsylvania were dumped in
1988.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the
Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Public
Health have been transmitting to the MOE for official advice all
communication involving new chemicals that would be
imported into Haiti.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The MOE has been, since its
creation in 1995, the key agency dealing with hazardous
waste problems in Haiti. The historical experience of 1987 with
the toxic chemical wastes dumped in Gonaives harbor
made the haitian public very weary of illegal dumping of wastes.
One recent case, that of a boat carrying thousands of
used tires, was watched carefully by the MOE which called upon the
national police and the UN military force to stop the
unloading.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: A special Service
for Control of Pollution and Waste Management has been
established under the Division of Quality of Life and Pollution
Management. Some institutional strengthening is foreseen
for such a technical service. Technological issues involve the use
of "best available technology" to handle air, water and
land pollution.
3. Major Groups: In the area of hazardous wastes some NGOs
have been very active in addition to the ecological
groups. Some popular organizations are involved in the overall
management of plastic containers. The burning of plastic,
for example, has been targeted with street posters by an
organization named COHPEDA.
4. Finance: Financing by the government is very limited;
the most important source of financing remains international
funding.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Haiti has ratified
the Basel Convention and will take advantage of the
international provisions of this convention. Regional and
international funding has been researched for the MOE, in order
to deal with the institutional gap in human resources.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 20: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN HAZARDOUS
WASTES
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was
ratified in 1996.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Most of the hazardous wastes in Haiti come from the plastic
materials which litter the streets, clog the stormwater
drains and pollute the seas, reaching even the coasts of Cuba.
Norms are being written and legislation drafted to handle
this crisis. Rules like "Polluter Pays" are being considered.
The latest proposals by local recyclers called for confection
of plastic equipment used in erosion control and plant protection
and watering. Some international funding is required to
deal with the plastics problem.
The overall aim is to promote sustainable development through
rational use of natural resources and by preventing and
abating such dangers and inconveniences that waste may cause to
human health and the environment. The waste generated
shall be recycled or properly treated and disposed of. Recovery
and recycling should be the first action, a second
alternative is conversion to energy.
Waste management should be based on the best economically
available techniques and on sound practices for abating
environmental and health problems.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Since 1997, the local
governments and the mayoral institutions are the bodies primarily
responsible for waste management. The Ministry of Environment will
only prepare guidelines for collection, disposal and
treatment. The MOE is preparing, as priority, the following
guidelines:
Directive on emissions from incineration of municipal
waste
Directive on the use of sewage sludge in agriculture
Directive on landfill requirements
Directive on arrangements concerning packaging and packing
waste
Directive on compost preparation
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information
3. Major Groups: Local municipalities are taking over
garbage collection since the beginning of 1997.
4. Finance: No information
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Generation of hazardous waste (t) | ||||
| Import of hazardous wastes (t)** | ||||
| Export of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Area of land contaminated by hazardous waste (km2) | ||||
| Expenditure on hazardous waste treatment (US$) | ||||
| Other data ** This is a case of
international pollution of industrial ashes deposited in the
harbour of Gonaives (see
Chapter 19).
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 21: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTES AND SEWAGE-RELATED ISSUES
The Haitian Ministry of the Environment has estimated that
approximately 1,600 tons of waste are produced daily in
Port-au-Prince. The average recovery rate of material or energy is
about 12%.
The main disposal method for municipal waste is landfills. In
1995 there were a total of 10 active landfills for
municipal solid waste in the country. Municipal solid waste from
urban areas is collected by compacting trucks covering
specific dumping collection. The system serves most of the
population, including the slums.
According to the MOE the implementation of waste legislation
will ensure that most of the requirements set in Chapter
21 can be fulfilled in Haiti by the year 2004.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: See chapter 20
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No Information
3. Major Groups: Local municipalities are taking over
garbage collection.
4. Finance: No information
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information
| Latest 1996 | ||||
| Generation of industrial and municipal waste (t) (1600 T/day) | ||||
| Waste disposed(Kg/capita) | ||||
| Expenditure on waste collection and treatment (US$) Port-au-Prince monthly | ||||
| Waste recycling rates (%) | ||||
| Municipal waste disposal (Kg/capita) | ||||
| Waste reduction rates per unit of GDP (t/year) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 22: SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES
No real involvement in the radioactive or nuclear field can be
foreseen in haiti except for preventive measures against
the introduction of such materials or waste in the country.
Article 281 of the constitution prohibits the introduction of any
toxic materials into Haiti.
A recent survey of the disposal of hospital wastes did not
reveal specific pollution by radioactive equipment, like X-ray
machines. The users of such equipment are protected as required.
Disposal of X-ray equipment is not generally
contemplated due to their cost and proper maintenance and repair
are still done on site.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure:The MOE takes care of the management of radioactive materials. No involvement with nuclear materials is predicted. As prescribed by the Constitution, no nuclear waste can be introduced into the country.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Not applicable
3. Major Groups: Not applicable
4. Finance: Not applicable
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The MOE votes against the proliferation of nuclear materials or weapons in international fora.
|
| Ch. 24: GLOBAL ACTION FOR WOMEN TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was ratified on October 8, 1982
24.a Increasing the proportion of women decision makers.
The percentage of women in government rose from 20% in 1992 to 33% in 1996; at the local government level it went from 25% to 37% in the same period while in parliament the percentage stayed at 3%.
24.b assessing, reviewing, revising and implementing curricula and other educational material with a view to promoting dissemination of gender-relevant knowledge. Curricula and educational material are being revised.
24.c and 24.d formulating and implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and plans for achievement of equality in all aspects of society including issuing a strategy by year 2000 to eliminate obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development. Policies/strategies etc. are being drawn up.
24.e establishing mechanisms by 1995 to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women Mechanisms are being developed.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
An additional convention, that of Belem Dopara in Brazil, dealing with violence against women has been ratified on April 3, 1996. A Ministry of Women's Affairs and Women's Rights was established on 10 November, 1995. A 5 Year plan called "Offensive 2001" has been drawn up. The Ministry has faced financial constraints due to a lean budget allocation and problems with the Parliament calling for its elimination. Should it survive, the Ministry would still face strong societal misunderstanding, which is deeply rooted in haitian culture and requires intersectoral dialogue for its elimination.
| |
| Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT. 25.a establishing processes that promote dialogue between the youth and government at all levels and mechanisms that permit youth access to information and opportunity to present their views on implementing A21. Name relevant youth fora: 1. National Forum with private and public institutions (December 1996) 2. Departmental Forum for Synthesizing basic youth priorities. 3. Communal Forum to identify 3 most important national and local problems. 4. Youth workshop for World Youth Day
Describe their role in the national process: Ad hoc.
25.b reducing youth unemployment: No Information
25.c ensuring that by year 2000 more than 50% of youth -- gender balanced -- have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training. The goal in Agenda 21 will be reached by the year 2004.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
Children and Youth have become so important in the haitian sustainable development process that a full Secretary of State has been devoted to them. Called the "Youth and Sports Secretary of State", it has catalyzed many programs dedicated to this sector of society. Besides receiving its full share of the education sector within the Ministry of Education, haitian youth is the object of the important forums mentioned above, in sport, tourism, in education in health protection and in child abuse protection.
| |
| Ch. 26: RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR
COMMUNITIES.
26.a establishing a process to empower indigenous people and their communities -- through policies and legal instruments: No information.
26.b strengthening arrangements for active participation in national policies
No information.
26.c involving indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at the national and local level.
No information
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information
| |
| Ch. 27: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 27.a developing mechanisms that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively. 27.b reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. 27.c promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation.
Mechanisms are planned and NGO inputs are ad hoc.
27.d establishing a mutually productive dialogue by 1995 at the national level between NGOs and governments. The goal is set for 1998.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 28: LOCAL AUTHORITIES' INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF
AGENDA 21.
28.a encouraging local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.
The Government plans to support local Agenda 21 initiatives.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
The MOE maintains special relations with: 1. Ecological groups with more than 10 years in existence like FAN (Friends of Nature Federation), and FREN (Federation for the Restoration of Nature). 2. New ecological associations are growing out of the popular movement of the 1990s. At a 1996 ecolocial forum more than 50 ecological associations were present.
| |
| Ch. 29: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND
THEIR TRADE UNIONS. 29.a full participation of workers in implementation and evaluation of A21. 29.b (By year 2000, (a) promoting ratification of ILO conventions; (b) establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanism on safety, health and sustainable development; (c) increasing number of environmental collective agreements; (d) reducing occupational accidents and injuries; (e) increasing workers' education and training efforts. The ILO Conventions will be ratified by the year 2000 and workers do take some part in National Agenda 21 discussions/implementation.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): With the preparation of the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) some workers took part in the MARP process.
| |
| 30: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS
AND INDUSTRY. | 30.a increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output. No information.
30.b encouraging the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs.
List any actions taken in this area:
30.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies.
2 big enterprises and 38 small and medium sized enterprises have adopted sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
40 Construction Enterprises have been participating in a travelling or mobile seminar on the Impact of Construction on the Environment. These enterprises (small and medium) by haitian standards have been exposed to sustainable development policies and they have seemed willing to adopt such principles on an as-needed basis and in relation to the suggested norms from the Ministry of Environment.
| ||
| Ch. 31: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY. 31.a improving exchange of knowledge and concerns between s&t community and the general public.
There is some effort in this direction.
31.b developing, improving and promoting international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development.
Brief comments on this chapter not already described in chapter 35 (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
The MOE has been studying guidelines for Environmental Impact Evaluations (EIE). With regard to new products being imported into Haiti, the MOE has considered the technological research done, published and adopted by developed countries.
| |
| Ch. 32: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
FARMERS. 32.a promoting and encouraging sustainable farming practices and technologies.
For example, mountain agriculture receives adequate publicity and governmental support.
32.b developing a policy framework that provides incentives and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices.
The territorial municipalities act will more than likely promote decentralization and the importance of local farmers, with their practices, their land problems and their mountainous agriculture.
32.c enhancing participation of organizations of farmers in design and implementation of sustainable development policies.
The GOH has developed an appropriate agrarian reform in order to encourage land maintenance and to fight erosion. This reform will concern lands belonging to the State that have been the object of constant disputes through the years.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
| |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES
AND MECHANISMS
Financial resources and mechanisms are also covered under each
sectoral chapter of Agenda 21 where
relevant. This summary highlights broader national financial
policies, domestic and external
(including ODA)
The MOE's Organic Law will be presented to the Parliament in
1997. The GOH supports either bilaterally or
multilaterally various basic needs programmes implemented jointly
with the local population in fields involving
ecologically sustainable production methods, water supply and
sanitation, education, agriculture and forestry.
With the financial help from the international community, the
GOH has implemented basic needs programmes with
local population support. The NGO's have been mostly involved in
fields dealing with ecologically sustainable production
methods like potable water supply and sanitation, education,
agriculture and forestry.
CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT:
The creation of the Ministry of Environment, in 1994, was a
change in the Government. The budget of the MOE was
meager but it was nevertheless targeted for elimination by certain
members of the Parliament.
In 1984, a study prepared at the faculty of Economic Sciences
in Port-au-Prince revealed that the percentage of the
"so-called" operating budget dealing-even remotely-with
environmental protection was estimated at 2.5% of the 1982-1983
budget. The same ratio in the development budget dedicated to
environmental problems was estimated at 7.5%. It can
be surmised that there is a higher percentage of funds allocated to
environmental issues but distributed through various
ministries.
NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS:
ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES:
NATIONAL PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
STATUS REPORT:
| ODA policy issues
No information
|
| ODA funding provided or received (Total US$million) | ||||||
| Net flow of external capital from all sources as % of GDP | ||||||
| Other data
| ||||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 34: TRANSFER OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION AND
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and
capacity-building is also covered under each sectoral
chapter of Agenda 21 where relevant. This summary highlights
broader national policies and actions relating to chapter
34.
The NEAP will clarify these issues.
MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION:
The NEAP will identify this question.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON LINKS BETWEEN NATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
NETWORKS/SYSTEMS:
| Describe any work being undertaken at the national or
local level regarding efforts to promote clean production
processes and/or the concepts of eco-efficiency. These processes
may include training, preferential financial
arrangements, information dissemination and changes in legal or
regulatory frameworks.
With the final revision of the Organic Law of the MOE, the ministry would have to define its relation with other ministries, like in the case of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry.
The MOE is in touch with international entities for development of a GIS; although the MOE remains open to any other environmental management system.
List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial resources and other transfer strategies.
The transfer of ESTs will be considered at a national workshop to be held with more than forty construction companies.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 35: SCIENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The issue of human resources development is being prepared by
a consultant to the NEAP process.
STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG
TERM SCIENTIFIC
ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:
The NEAP is one important step in this direction.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE,
RESEARCH NEEDS AND PRIORITIES:
| Year | |||
| Number of scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in research and experimental development | # | 19-- | |
| Total expenditure for research and experimental development (US$eq.) | $ | 19-- | |
| Other data
Although some faculties, like Quisqueya and INAGHEI, give courses on the Environment, no four-year colleges offer a specific curriculum in Environment and Development. By the same token no research scientists and engineers work full time in this field. The US Census of 1990 however revealed the presence of such haitian scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in research and experimental sciences in the US. A certain number of full time research scientists in development and a number of graduates in the sciences in general have been found in the US. It is believed that a UNDP or TOKTEN project aimed at the repatriation of haitian expatriates will entice a few of these scientists to come help their country of origin. The NEAP will address this under the appropriate issue theme.
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 36: PROMOTING EDUCATION,
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING
The MOE is charged with developing a programme of Education
Related to Environment (ERE) for the public at large
and for school age children in particular.
a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable
development
b) Increasing public awareness
c) Promoting training
ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:
FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES:
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
| Latest 1995 | ||||
| Adult literacy rate (%) Male | ||||
| Adult literacy rate (%) Female | ||||
| % of primary school children reaching grade 5 (1986-97) | ||||
| Mean number of years of schooling | ||||
| % of GNP spent on education | ||||
| Females per 100 males in secondary school | ||||
| Women per 100 men in the labour force | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 37: NATIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
National capacity building is also covered under sectoral
chapters.
Donors: You may wish to describe here how Agenda 21 has
influenced your ODA policies in this area.
Developing countries: You may wish to describe any new
national mechanisms for capacity building - and any changes
in technical cooperation.
Description of any new national mechanism for
capacity-building in the MOE will be realized under the NEAP.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL ENDOGENOUS CAPACITY
BUILDING:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 38: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
| Ch. 38: Brief summary of any particular UN System
response affecting this country/state:
1. The Environmental Country Monitoring Unit (ECMU) is one project where the UNDP has helped and can continue to help Haiti: a. Through the financing of micro-projects identified by the communities themselves and recommended by the MOE; b. Through the human resources made available to the MOE on a case-by-case basis; c. Through the support furnished to the MOE, after specific request by the MOE for preparation of studies and reports.
2. The GEF is available to the MOE for project support. This will be specified in detail in the NEAP, under the project identification phase. The preparation of GIS maps or the feasibility of environmental maps are a few examples. 3. UNEP has been a helpful entity for the MOE and has become very adapted to the Haitian environmental sector. |
| Ch. 39: International Legal Instruments are covered
under the relevant sectoral chapters. This is a listing of major
agreements/conventions (not already covered) entered into and
relevant to Agenda 21:
NONE.
|
| 2. | International cooperation and trade | |||||
| 3. | Combating poverty | |||||
| 4. | Changing consumption patterns | |||||
| 5. | Demographic dynamics and sustainability | |||||
| 6. | Human health | |||||
| 7. | Human settlements | |||||
| 8. | Integrating E & D in decision-making | |||||
| 9. | Protection of the atmosphere | |||||
| 10. | Integrated planning and management of land resources | |||||
| 11. | Combating deforestation | |||||
| 12. | Combating desertification and drought | |||||
| 13. | Sustainable mountain development | |||||
| 14. | Sustainable agriculture and rural development | |||||
| 15. | Conservation of biological diversity | |||||
| 16. | Biotechnology | |||||
| 17. | Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources | |||||
| 18. | Freshwater resources | |||||
| 19. | Toxic chemicals | |||||
| 20. | Hazardous wastes | |||||
| 21. | Solid wastes | |||||
| 22. | Radioactive wastes | |||||
| 24. | Women in sustainable development | |||||
| 25. | Children and youth | |||||
| 26. | Indigenous people | |||||
| 27. | Non-governmental organizations | |||||
| 28. | Local authorities | |||||
| 29. | Workers and trade unions | |||||
| 30. | Business and industry | |||||
| 31. | Scientific and technological community | |||||
| 32. | Farmers | |||||
| 33. | Financial resources and mechanisms | |||||
| 34. | Technology, cooperation and capacity-building | |||||
| 35. | Science for sustainable development | |||||
| 36. | Education, public awareness and training | |||||
| 37. | International cooperation for capacity-building | |||||
| 38. | International institutional arrangements | |||||
| 39. | International legal instruments | |||||
| 40. | Information for decision-making | |||||
As defined by the head of the Government himself, the
Ministry's mandate essentially consists in:
defining, promoting, implementing and following-up of norms
aimed at environmental protection and rehabilitation,
in collaboration with competent authorities.
elaborating national policy to protect the environment
(drafting of the NEAP);
management of protected areas in collaboration with the
appropriate "territorial municipalities" or the local entities;
developing a program of Education Related to Environment
(ERE) for the public at large and for school-age
children in particular;
preparing an organic law to be discussed with the other
ministries.
| Latest 1995-6 | ||||
| Number of telephones in use per 100 inhabitants | less than 1 | |||
| Other data
Most phones are in towns. In the rural areas the GOH is trying to install public services for interurban and international calls.
| ||||
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
Last updated 1 November 1997