A delegation from the Organization of American States (OAS), led by Department of Sustainable Development Director Mark Lambrides, conducted a technical mission in Haiti this week to assess waste-management challenges, identify existing local solutions and determine how the OAS can support the country's priorities.
The mission followed a commitment made by OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin during his August 16-19 visit to Haiti, in response to priorities identified by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.
In Haiti's North and Northeast Departments, the delegation visited communities affected by solid waste and plastic pollution, as well as the new landfills at Morne Casse and Mouchinette, a composting center, a government tree nursery and a protected mangrove area. The delegation also met with local authorities and entrepreneurs working to develop environmental solutions.
In Port-au-Prince, Lambrides and OAS Representative in Haiti Catherine Pognat met on October 8 with Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and Minister of the Environment Valéry Fils-Aimé. The discussions focused on OAS support for Haiti's proposed "Clean, Safe, and Resilient Territories" initiative, which seeks to address pollution while generating jobs and income opportunities, particularly for young people.
The OAS will work with Haitian authorities to develop the initiative into a concrete program and explore financing opportunities with international partners.
Reference: FNE-145118
