It is estimated that fully 80 % of all fuel energy consumed in Haiti is wood or charcoal. The demand of over eight million people for adequate fuel creates an extraordinary stress on an already depleted forest resource. Charcoal is the preferred fuel for laundries, bakeries, restaurants, and homes. The reasons for this are partly cultural and partly economic. Several projects have promoted propane or kerosene as alternative sources of fuel. Other types of cooking fuel such as briquettes, peat, solar power, methane, coal, bio-farmed fuel and others have been suggested as possible alternatives in various small scale studies.

One Village Planet believes in the need to find alternative fuels. For this reason, we are promoting various studies. At Labidee, near Cap Haitien we are working with RCCL and the Cap Haitien Sister City Committee, in cooperation with Father John and his affiliate Friends of Haiti, to conduct a study of alternative fuels as they compare to traditional charcoal. This particular study focuses on women in the community and gauges the ease of use of alternative fuel sources. Part of the study includes involving women in a tree nursery and providing cooperative environmental education.  A similar study is underway at our newest site in Durac, thanks to a generous grant from The Whole Systems Foundation. The Durac study has introduced methane production to the community and catalyzed the use of solar power as well.

Another study is located at Turtle Island off the north coast of Haiti. This island is one of the least spoiled areas of Haiti. The Mayor of Turtle Island has requested that Village Planette begin work on alternative fuels and reforestation on the island before it is ravaged like other areas of Haiti. Turtle Island is a potential eco tour destination and the people of the area are anxious to protect and preserve the island.

Fort Liberty is located near the border of Dominican Republic. This arid area is subject to drought and flood. Here we will be conducting a study of solar ovens, fuel wood farming and a comparative analysis of propane vs. kerosene. We are organizing with a local welding school to design and make alternative style stoves to be used in the study.

In each area where we conduct an alternative fuel study we will seek corporate sponsorship. The corporate sponsor with the most experience in this area and the most global perspective is Citrix Systems of Fort Lauderdale Fla. Traver Gruen-Kennedy of Citrix Systems has promoted similar projects in Africa and Asia and we are proud to have his sponsorship in Haiti. The issues of fuel are complex in Haiti and real solutions will require the support of both the private and public sectors.

As with erosion control and reforestation, an integrated approach to sustainable development is needed. It is likely that no one, single alternative is suited for all needs and all users. We will use a community-based approach and seek input from all stakeholders.

  
     
     

 
   
     
 

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