The State University of Haiti (UEH), through the Geosciences Research Unit (URGéo) of the Faculty of Sciences and the Swiss Embassy in Haiti are engaged in a process of transfer of skills in matters of integrated management of natural risks. 22 students and professionals, including 5 women, from different universities and institutions received training in Risk and Disaster Management (DRM). The training ended with the ceremony of handing over the certificates issued by URGéo in the presence of the Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Swiss Embassy Fabrizio Poretti and the Rector of the UEH, Fritz Deshommes.

This GRD training articulated around 6 modules took place over four weeks including a theoretical part which took place at the National Building and Public Works Laboratory and a practical part at the Massif de la Selle level in the Kenscoff-Furcy area and in the Rivière Grise valley.

Recall that in November 2020, a five-week training of trainers had already been carried out. URGéo took over the elements of the first training course by adapting it to develop, organize and carry out this new version focused on integrated risk management, analysis of hazards and challenges, the establishment of action plans for risk reduction, sizing of protection works and social engineering. The courses were given in full by the trainers trained in the first edition last year. The Swiss Embassy in Haiti provided technical support at the steering committee level and financial support.

Through this initiative, the Swiss Embassy not only actively participates in the transfer of skills in the field of DRM, but also supports the UEH in carrying out and institutionalizing a continuing training course necessary for national managers and actors in GRD. Fabrizio Poretti said "The Embassy of Switzerland in Haiti has made local governance a priority through its cooperation strategy. Success is not possible without developing the expertise of national and local executives on the one hand, and ensuring the delivery of training to the country's institutions on the other hand. This is an evolutionary process.

Fritz Deshommes said "given the importance of the risk issue in our country, a mobilization of all higher education institutions is essential. The UEH intends to contribute fully to the national effort in this area. In this sense, it is open to partnerships at national and international level. The creation within the UEH of an International Joint Laboratory led by URGéo will provide an appropriate institutional framework and a scientific environment up to these challenges.

HL/ HaitiLibre