During the 10th edition of "Territories Thursday" dedicated to the contribution of land-use planning to urban security, the main presentations were given by agronomist David Telcy, Coordinator of the Quality and Methodology Unit at the National Center for Geospatial Information (CNIGS), and Professor Wadelène Coriolan, computer engineer and Deputy Mayor of Gressier. Participants also benefited from presentations by Christine Stephenson, Executive Technical Secretary of the Interministerial Committee for Land-Use Planning (CIAT), and Denoil Anténor, a graduate of the École Normale Supérieure and a lawyer, President of the National Federation of Haitian Mayors (FENAMH).

The analyses of anthropologist and sociologist Derinx Petit Jean and Juan Marquez, Deputy Country Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), provided scientific and technical insights into urban dynamics and the security challenges facing the country.

Using statistical data and maps, the panelists highlighted the risks associated with poorly planned urbanization. They also drew attention to the use of national territory by criminal actors linked to transnational networks operating in the region. According to them, these activities contribute to increased instability, weaken territorial governance, hinder local development, and fuel various illicit markets.

Also speaking at the event, Ms. Sharina Lochard, the Secretary of State for Local Government, commended the collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT) and the International Council for Territorial Development (CIAT), which made this initiative a success. She emphasized the complexity of the work of local authorities in the current context. She reiterated that they are on the front lines of territorial control, management, and organization.

The Secretary of State also reiterated the Government's priorities regarding security, stability, economic recovery, and the organization of elections. She emphasized the need to strengthen local governance to ensure better land management and build safer, more resilient, and better-organized cities.

Through this 10th edition, the organizing institutions intend to continue the collective reflection on the mechanisms necessary for building better-planned territories and more secure cities.

"Land-use planning is a key lever for strengthening local governance and sustainably improving the living conditions of our people," concluded Secretary of State Lochard.

HL/ HaitiLibre