How to Tackle Pollution in Venezuela: Lessons From Community-based Projects

Pollution is a major environmental and public health problem in Venezuela, affecting its air, land, and water resources.

The country faces multiple challenges, such as a collapsing oil industry, deforestation, mining, and a lack of clean water in areas with degraded watersheds.The government has been largely absent or ineffective in addressing these issues, leaving many communities vulnerable and exposed to the harmful effects of pollution.

However, there are also examples of small-scale, community-driven initiatives that are making a difference in improving the quality of the environment and the wellbeing of the people. These projects demonstrate that holistic solutions to pollution management are possible and necessary, involving the participation and empowerment of individuals, business entities and local governments. They also show that global and local efforts are needed, but how?

In this article, we will explore some of these initiatives that have been supported by the UN-backed Global Environment Facility (GEF) through its Small Grants Program (SGP), which provides grants of up to $50,000 directly to local communities investing in projects related to healing our planet. We will focus on specific instances within Venezuela or its neighboring countries in South America.

Solar energy for rural villages

One of the projects funded by the SGP is led by three Mayan women solar engineers who are installing solar energy systems in rural villages in Southern Belize. These villages lie far away from the national electricity grid, making it hard and costly to electrify their communities. The lack of electricity also limits their access to education, health care and communication.

The three women were trained by the Barefoot College in India to build and repair small household solar systems as part of a South-South cooperation exchange. They have installed over 200 solar units in 11 villages, benefiting more than 1,000 people. The project has also created income-generating opportunities for the women and their families, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

This project illustrates how renewable energy can be a viable and sustainable solution for rural electrification, as well as empowering women and Indigenous communities. It also shows how international cooperation and knowledge exchange can foster innovation and capacity building at the local level.

Ecological restoration for water security

Another project funded by the SGP is aimed at restoring the ecological functions of the Caroní River basin in Venezuela. The Caroní River is the main source of water and electricity for the country, but it has been severely degraded by deforestation, mining, agriculture and urbanization. The loss of forest cover and soil erosion have reduced the water quality and quantity, affecting millions of people and threatening biodiversity.

The project is implemented by a local NGO called Fundación Tierra Viva, which works with Indigenous communities, farmers, schools and other stakeholders to promote ecological restoration practices. These include reforestation with native species, agroforestry systems, soil conservation techniques, environmental education and monitoring. The project has restored over 300 hectares of land, planted over 100,000 trees, improved the livelihoods of more than 500 families, and increased the awareness and participation of the local population.

This project demonstrates how ecological restoration can enhance water security and resilience in a critical watershed, as well as improving the living conditions and empowerment of the local communities. It also shows how civil society organizations can play a key role in mobilizing and coordinating multi-stakeholder actions for environmental protection.

Waste management for marine conservation

A third project funded by the SGP is focused on improving waste management and marine conservation in Trinidad and Tobago. The country is home to rich marine ecosystems that support diverse wildlife and livelihoods, such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and fisheries. However, these ecosystems are threatened by pollution from land-based sources, especially plastic waste that ends up in the ocean.

The project is implemented by a local NGO called Environment Tobago (ET), which works with coastal communities, schools, businesses, and government agencies to reduce plastic waste generation and disposal. The project has established waste collection points, recycling centers, composting facilities and awareness campaigns. It has also trained community members on waste management practices and marine conservation issues. The project has reduced plastic waste by over 50%, improved waste management infrastructure and services, enhanced marine biodiversity and ecosystem health, and increased environmental stewardship among the local population.

This project shows how waste management can be a key strategy for marine conservation and sustainable development. It also shows how community-based organizations can engage and educate different sectors of society on the importance and benefits of reducing pollution.

Conclusion

These are just some examples of community-based projects that are tackling pollution in Venezuela and its neighboring countries. They show that holistic solutions to pollution management are possible and necessary, involving the participation and empowerment of individuals, business entities and local governments. They also show that global and local efforts are needed, but how?

One way is to support and scale up these kinds of initiatives, by providing financial, technical and institutional assistance. Another way is to learn from their experiences and best practices, by sharing and disseminating their knowledge and results. A third way is to replicate and adapt their approaches and methods, by applying them to other contexts and challenges.

By doing so, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations.

References:

UN News. Small solutions, big impacts: 5 community-based projects tackling climate change [Internet]. UN News. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 22]. Available from: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1117122

Radwin M. New report pieces together toll of environmental damage in Venezuela in 2021 [Internet]. Mongabay Environmental News. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 22]. Available from: https://news.mongabay.com/2022/04/new-report-pieces-together-toll-of-environmental-damage-in-venezuela-in-2021/

Pan American Health Organization. Air pollution management and control in Latin America and the Caribbean [Internet]. PAHO IRIS. 2019 [cited 2023 Jun 22]. Available from: https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/31229