How the USGBC is Helping Haiti Emerge Stronger: Establishing a Sustainable Future

by Kirsten Nelson-Johnson

Since 1994, there have been five major  natural catastrophes that have hit the major population centers in Haiti. Worst of all, these disasters have only punctuated instability and long-term downward drift in the country. The earthquake on January 11^th and subsequent aftershocks have cause devastation on a massive scale. Restoration is the key. No longer will reconstruction and relief alone bring Haitians real hope of change.

In this spirit, the USGBC has pledged to help, and is in a unique position to do so. The reconstruction will encompass the rebuilding of homes, schools, government buildings, homes, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure demolished or rendered unsound due to this recent and intense seismic activity. Last spring, USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi traveled to Haiti with a UN Special Envoy lead by former President Bill Clinton and a small UN working group. This group has now begun developing plans that will boost the rebuilding effort and provide immediate as well as long term assistance. The USGBC will be informed by previous reconstruction efforts they have undertaken in both New Orleans and Greensberg following natural disasters, and put that knowlege to work in Haiti.

“We’re beginning to envision government buildings that are more to the scale of the community and more widely distributed throughout Haiti; housing that offers basic human comforts and connects to jobs and resources that build in an infrastructure that is sustainable; support services that are embedded in the community not apart from it.”- www.usgbc.org, January 25^th, 2010

This means creating jobs in urban centers that are less vulnerable to floods, seismic activity, and severe storms. In the past year Haiti has shown real economic potential in the areas of light manufacturing, biodiesel, agriculture, and tourism. Strategic investment in these areas in addition to infrastructure will ensure that Haitians can better help themselves after most humanitarian assistance has left. The key is going to be communication and the involvement of Haitians as well as long-standing commitments and support beyond what has been devoted to past reconstruction efforts. The Haitian government is in need of financial support to build its own capacity to partner with aid and donor groups, instead of international organizations dictating what Haiti needs most.

Currently, efforts are being made to distribute portable solar-LED lanterns, along with drinking water, food, emergency medical supplies. Addressing the issue of electricity access is just one of many technological challenges. The reconstruction must be framed to build a resilient, sustainable environment. There is a chance for long-term changes, one that will make Haiti a model of redevelopment and sustainability.

How can you help to create sustained recovery in Haiti?

• Help reforest Haiti: Help support a number of reforestation programs underway. Operation Green Leaves and Trees for the Future are two organizations to get you started.

• Help rebuild a stronger, sustainable Haiti: Help to ensure the seismic soundness and sustainability of Haiti's reconstruction. Architecture for Humanity is one organization that is going to be there for the long-haul. Another organization with a strong presence is MercyCorps. Their current efforts include hauling away debris, clearing streets, cleaning wells, and  launching a program to help comfort children suffering from trauma.

• Help ring renewable energy to Haiti and end energy poverty to places without any source of energy, renewable or otherwise. The Solar Electric Light Fund has teamed up with Partners in Health and has been working to bring solar power to health centers around Haiti. Help these and other organizations expand access to electricity.

• Help guarantee access to clean drinking water: Clean drinking water was already a scarce resource in Haiti before the earthquake. The need for improved water sanitation has only become that much more urgent because of the disaster. charity:water has begun projects in Haiti as well as Partners in Health and Concern Worldwide. The last two organizations listed are great providers of immediate assistance, but the efforts of charity:water should become increasingly effective, so keep you eye out.