Project profile — Improving Gender Equality, Waste Management and Clean Energy in Haiti

The project aims to improve the well-being of the population of the commune of Gonaïves in Haiti. The project aims to incorporate waste management by allowing the sale of carbon credits and the production of green energy through the recovery of biogas produced by decomposing waste. Ultimately, this allows waste management operations to be self-funded. Project activities include: (1) completing technical studies and installing the first biomethanation plant; (2) closing the current informal landfill site and reintegrating disadvantaged people and women into society through recycling and waste-collection activities; (3) establishing a contract for the sale of electricity and carbon credits; (4) implementing an extensive program to raise awareness about sanitation and the sound management of waste and the environment; (5) implementing vocational training in waste collection and landfill management; and (6) establishing a team of waste collection and recycling operators. Biothermica works in partnership with BioEnergie Haïti and Terres des Jeunes Internationales to implement waste management activities and advocacy and awareness campaigns. It also planned for the project to call on external investors to fund the construction of the biocells and alternative energy sources to ensure long-term viability.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) empowering women within BioÉnergie Haïti and its local partners; (2) improving waste management in a financially viable manner by the people of Gonaïves through BioÉnergie Haïti (the project will create a new landfill site and generate income from the biogas produced in the form of credits and electricity); and (3) increasing the equitable participation of the people of Gonaïves in the waste collection system.

Results achieved at the end of the project (December, 2023) include: (1) established collection routes covering a perimeter of 13. 6 km across Gonaïves, with a theoretical waste collection rate of 95% achieved (actual rate following construction of the new site and bio-cells); (2) acquired land ownership enabling completion of the environmental assessment; (3) hired 3 women in permanent management and decision-making positions within BioÉnergie Haïti; (4) trained and temporarily employed by BioÉnergie Haïti, to carry out the awareness and clean-up campaigns, 302 precarious people, including 230 women and 72 men; (5) 140,000 members of the Gonaïves community participated in the various awareness and clean-up campaigns; and (6) Biothermica and BioÉnergie Haïti updated and adopted the following new internal policies and procedures: prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, fight against fraud and corruption, code of conduct and professional ethics (updated), prevention of psychological or sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, and gender equality, inclusion and diversity. Due to difficulties in obtaining additional investment for the construction of the bio-cells and the new waste treatment plant, the project was unable to go ahead with the closure of the illegal landfill. In addition, the difficulty of obtaining external funding led to an early and responsible closure of the project.