Sustainability science and education in Haiti and Puerto Rico

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of a workshop in Haiti and Puerto Rico to capture what priorities may be important to build sustainability sciences and education. In 2015, approximately 35 individuals attended all or part of the workshop at each location. Participants included academic leaders, university faculty, secondary school teachers, representatives of non-profit organizations, and university and high school students. Haitian participants called attention to the need for reforestation training, systemic solutions for waste management, and sustainable marine resources management. In Puerto Rico, participants called for more training to link civic engagement with sustainable development, social determinants of health, and programming on tsunami preparation and recovery. Members of both workshops asked for sustainability science and education advances in renewable and alternative energy development, general disaster and climate change impact preparedness (e.g. drought), and sustainable agriculture. Haitian and Puerto Rican participants also shared the view that engaging sustainability requires higher educational institutions to partner with communities, primary and secondary school teachers, policy-makers, and especially young persons, to reinforce the values of sustainability, and collectively work across sectors to learn through trial and error together.