Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development

We at the Public Private Alliance Foundation are happy to announce that we have partnered with a very forward-thinking company, Viridian Energy.  This is a third-party electricity supply company (ESCO) currently operating in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Illinois.  It provides greener electricity at a more affordable price. If you live in one of these states, or know someone who does, click on the Viridian  link to help in our work. Read more…

With great sorrow we report that “Raoul”, one of four composers in the Malagasy music group Mahaleo, whose real name was Raosolosolofo Razafindranoa, died Friday, September 3, 2010, at age 59, in Tamatave, Madagascar.

Raoul of the Mahaleos, New York City, May 2008

 Photo: Scott Wright

The Mahaleo website refers to him as the eldest of the group, the Landmark, the pillar, whom the other members of the group nicknamed the “dinosaur.” He had studied medicine in Romania and returned home with a heightened social awareness.  He wanted to convey to many the importance of land value and common sense farming in Madagascar. He was a doctor at the clinic of the port of Tamatave, a luthier and also built guitars using bike cables.  According to the Mahaleos, “He left us, but his songs are opening avenues of thought and action both pragmatic and poetic….they deserve to be reread and pondered as they are more topical than ever.”  Read more at http://www.mahaleo.com/ ; the siite also has links to the Mahaleos’ musical tributes to Raoul on Youtube. 

The Public-Private Alliance Foundation had collected donations for a solar panel for the school at Ambalarandra, the village where Raoul volunteered his services.  We are waiting to hear about next steps, and will inform donors as soon as we can.

PPAF‘s renewable energy seminars, held in the Dominican Republic in cooperation with the National Energy Commission (CNE) and others in 2009, emphasized the importance of Law 57-07 to make the D.R. a potential leader in the Caribbean in renewable energy, and to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.  Law 57-07 grants numerous incentives and tax exemptions to investors in renewable energy.

PPAF is very happy to learn that the Dominican Corporation of State Electrical Companies (CDEEE) recently signed its first contract, with Grupo Eolico Dominicano, to buy wind energy that will be carried by the Interconnected Electrical System (SENI). The system currently carries only energy from conventional sources.

The energy will come from Grupo Eolico Dominicano’s 34 mega watt wind park, which will join SENI in 2011. 

Speaking to the newspaper Dominican Today, Grupo Eolico Dominicano representative Wilfredo Gonzalez, who participated in PPAF’s 2009 seminars, called the deal “historic.” He said that the group will continue to make renewable energy investments in the Dominican Republic.

The power will be sold to the CDEE according to the price formula found in Law 57-07 on Incentives to the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Special Regimes.

http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/economy/2010/7/5/36209/Dominican-Republics-1st-wind-energy-park-to-operate-in-2011

Two weeks ago I traveled by road to Haiti from Santo Domingo, D.R., with Dominican and American colleagues.  The purpose was to review local conditions, seek opportunities for establishing small and medium enterprises, and to collaborate with Haitian-American colleagues, Haitians, Dominicans and others to help rebuild the devastated infrastructure and livelihoods.   Before traveling I met with people from the World Food Program and the UN High Commission for Refugees.

Map of Haiti

Our focus would be on Jacmel, on the southern coast, in collaboration with the Haitian-American investment group Société Immobilière de Agriculture, Commerce et Tourisme, Inc., (SImACT) .  Our team identified priorities and made initial preparations for a workshop on investment and commerce to revive Southern Haiti.  This is scheduled to take place in Jacmel in late June.      

En route we visited tent camps near the border and encountered the diversity of conditions we would see throughout the trip.   One camp dealing with post-operative care was well-equipped by Harvard University and USAID.   Another, for displaced families, run by the American Refugee Committee and assisted by UNICEF, was more basic.   A third was “do-it-yourself.”  

I wanted to learn how people were faring.   I was interested in how people were cooking their meals, and confirmed charcoal and wood had become more scarce and more expensive since the earthquake. I explained that one of our concerns was to promote better, clean cookstoves and ethanol fuel.  The ARC camp supervisor was delighted and the woman below gave me permission to take this photo of her using a charcoal stove.

Woman cooking on a charcoal stove

We traveled to Port-au-Prince, Leogane and Jacmel.  Many people remained in great distress; others at first sight appeared to be going about their daily lives.   In some cases destroyed and intact buildings were side-by-side.  One could see tents in front of houses and encampments in schoolyards, churchyards and public sites.  There were still people with little shelter from sun and rain – sometimes a bedsheet attached to sticks.  

Parts of Port-au-Prince were untouched; other parts were devastated.  The image of the demolished Presidential palace has become known worldwide.  Leogâne, with a population of about 150,000, suffered heavily.  Much was destroyed. Jacmel had been cut off by mountain landslides.  The route was reopened but still vulnerable in the coming rainy season.

Maternity Ward at Jacmel Hospital reduced to rubble

The charming port town of Jacmel, with a population of about 50,000, had been damaged.  Its hospital had been destroyed.  Sections of town had been flattened.  But we could also see early possibilities for economic and social reconstruction.  With the national policy focus on decentralization and the international attention coming to Haiti for rebuilding, we felt that Jacmel could be a center for recovery and improvement.   Jacmel has been known as a site for Haitian tourism and the arts.  Its historic district, much of which was slated for demolition after the earthquake, has been spared, at least for now. 

There is great need to strengthen the infrastructure and services people need – from the hospital to the schools to the port.  Then there is room for imagination and creativity.  SImACT and PPAF confirmed their intent to organize the workshop on investment and commerce, with topics that could include infrastructure, renewable energy, ethanol cookstoves, housing, agriculture and agribusiness, social venture capital, health, historic district, tourism and arts and artisans.  The outcomes of this workshop can help Haiti Build Back Better.

Historic building near port of Jacmel

David Stillman, PhD

Executive Director

Public-Private Alliance Foundation

Powering Haiti’s Future

TAMPA, Fla. (March 16, 2010) – International experts involved in the rebuilding of Haiti believe there’s an unprecedented opportunity to incorporate alternative energy sources into the new infrastructure, says David Stillman, the executive director of the Public-Private Alliance Foundation which is working with the United Nations in charting a new path for the earthquake-ravaged nation.

Stillman will brief the USF community on those plans during a talk at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 22, in the Marshall Student Center, Room 2707, on sustainable development and renewable energy in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and other developing nations. The conversation is open to the public.

The Public-Private Alliance Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing poverty in the world by uniting business, governmental, community, academic with efforts through the United Nations. The organization’s goal is to stimulate entrepreneurship, commerce and investment in sustainable development. 

Stillman, a United Nations senior officer for 30 years, said he recently attended a Haiti reconstruction conference where organizations are already taking steps to incorporate alternative energy resources – such as ethanol-powered cook stoves – into relief and rebuilding efforts. Stillman said alternative energy can be built into the Haiti’s new infrastructure, creating jobs and a sustainable economic base for the impoverished nation.

The organization had already been considering opportunities to incorporate alternative energy into development in the Dominican Republic when the Jan. 12 earthquake hit Haiti. The focus had been on a sugarcane-based ethanol – a natural because of the island’s history in sugarcane production, which has waned in recent years leaving fields vacant and workers unemployed. But other alternative forms of clean, sustainable energy could be developed if public, private, academic, non-governmental organizations, private corporations and financiers can coordinate their efforts, he said.

“Renewable energy is needed and is possible in various ways at various levels,” he said.

Stillman’s presentation is part of a continuing focus the Patel Center has on renewable energy projects in the region. The center recently selected two USF students for a six-week business development internship to analyze market potential for alternative energy products in the Dominican Republic and Panama.

Kedwin Dominguez is currently a junior majoring in electrical engineering. His research interests include incorporating alternative energy sources in communities in United States and Dominican Republic. Wilnelly Ortiz is a marketing major in the College of Business Administration with an interest in learning more about businesses in other countries.

The focus of these U.S. Department of Education-funded internships is to help small businesses in Florida involved in alternative energy products and services to develop and expand their export markets.

The University of South Florida is one of the nation’s top 63 public research universities and one of only 25 public research universities nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as community engaged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  USF was awarded $380.4 million in research contracts and grants in FY 2008/2009. The university offers 232 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The USF System has a $1.8 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on institutions/campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

-USF

by

Vickie Chachere
News Manager
University Communications & Marketing
813-974-6251
vchachere@admin.usf.edu

The Organizing Committee of the Workshop “STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DOMINICAN AQUACULTURE 2010-2015″ has reported that its plans are well advanced. Institutions and public and private agencies linked to national and international production and marketing of fish, shrimp and other seafood in our country have been invited to participate in this important event.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 March in the Conference Room of the Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Research (IDIAF), whose Executive Director, Dr. Rafael Perez Duvergé, has expressed the commitment of this institution to strengthen the development of aquaculture through efforts for training, research and evaluation and technology transfer.

The Organizing Committee is composed of a representative from each of the following institutions and agencies: IDIAF, CONAPROPE, ADOA, CODOPESCA, FAO-RD, University ISA and the TAIWAN Mission.

This unique event will bring together more than 45 professionals from government institutions, local and international universities, international cooperation agencies, consultants, importers and exporters, in hotel and restaurants, supermarkets, congressmen and producers, who will debate the way forward for the next five years, and update the 2007 Plan.

Kentucky State University (KSU) has confirmed the participation of Dr. James Tidwell, Director of the Department of Aquaculture and past president of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS).  He will give a lecture on global aquaculture and strategies for success.  Also Dr. Darryl Jory, a professional with the American Soybean Society (ASA-IM) will give a lecture.  ASA-IM has concluded support arrangements for 2010 with the Dominican Association of aquaculturists, Inc. (ADOA).  

Agriculture Minister Salvador Jimenez is scheduled to give the keynote address, and a paper will be presented by the Deputy Minister of Planning.

Dr. David Stillman, Executive Director of the Public-Private Alliance Foundation (PPAF), will also participate.  PPAF is linked to the United Nations.  Since 2007 PPAF has supported numerous events and activities of  ADOA and the aquaculture sub-sector in the Dominican Republic.  Through the efforts of PPAF, Mr. Aurelio Monreal will make a presentation on alternative energy use in aquaculture.

Discussion and debate will begin in mid-afternoon the first day and continue on the final day of the event, concluding with the presentation of the draft new strategies for 2010-2015.

PARTE DE PRENSA

La Comisión Organizadora del Taller “ESTRATEGIAS PARA EL DESARROLLO DE LA ACUICULTURA DOMINICANA 2010-2015”, informó, que los trabajos para la realización del mismo se encuentran muy avanzados. A este relevante evento han sido invitados a participar, instituciones y organismos públicos y privados nacionales e internacionales vinculados a la producción y comercialización de pescados, camarones y otros mariscos en nuestro país.

 El Taller se realizará los días miércoles 24 y jueves 25 de este mes de marzo, en el Salón de Conferencias del Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales (IDIAF), cuyo Director Ejecutivo, el Dr. Rafael Pérez Duvergé, ha expresado el compromiso de esa institución con el desarrollo acuícola, a través del esfuerzo que se realiza en la capacitación, las investigaciones y validaciones y la transferencia tecnológica para consolidar el mismo.

 La  Comisión Organizadora está compuesta por un representante de cada una de las siguientes instituciones y organismos: IDIAF, CONAPROPE, ADOA, CODOPESCA, FAO-RD, Universidad ISA y MISION TAIWAN.

 Este evento único, reúne a más de 45 profesionales de instituciones del gobierno, universidades locales e internacionales, organismos de cooperación internacional, consultores, importadores y exportadores, sector hotelero y restaurantes, supermercados, congresistas y productores, quienes debatirán sobre el camino a seguir durante los próximos cinco años, y la actualización del Plan 2007.

De la Universidad del Estado de Kentucky (KSU), ha confirmado su participación, el Dr. James Tidwell, Director del Departamento de Acuicultura y pasado Presidente de la Sociedad Mundial de Acuicultura (WAS), quien dictará una conferencia sobre la acuicultura mundial y estrategias para el éxito. También el Dr. Darryl Jory,  profesional de la Sociedad Americana de Soya (ASA-IM), como parte de los acuerdos de apoyo para este año, concertados con la Asociación Dominicana de Acuacultores, Inc. (ADOA). El Dr. Jory tendrá a su cargo una Conferencia Magistral.

Se ha programado un discurso principal que realizaría el Ministro de Agricultura Salvador Jiménez, así como una ponencia la cual estaría a cargo del Viceministro de Planificación.

En adición, participará en el Taller, el Dr. David Stillman, Presidente de la Fundación para la Alianza Pública-Privada (PPAF), enlazada a la ONU, quien desde el año 2007 ha apoyado en numerosos eventos y actividades a la ADOA y a todo el sub-sector acuicultura en la República Dominicana. Por gestiones de la PPAF el profesional Aurelio Monreal hará una presentación sobre la utilización de energía alternativa en la acuicultura.

Las discusiones y debates se iniciarán a media tarde del primer día y continuarán en el día final del evento, concluyendo con la presentación del borrador de las nuevas estrategias 2010-2015.

The work of PPAF in renewable energy, in the Dominican Republic and elsewhere,  has become even more critical because of the earthquake in Haiti.  The Dominican involvement in relief and reconstruction and the Haitian and international concern to “build back better” have put renewable energy into the forefront.  PPAF has established an Advisory Group on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development to guide its strategy and program, with a major focus on the island of Hispaniola.     

Members of the Advisory Group have a breadth of knowledge and experience, in government, business, academia, finance and non-profit management.  The broad work of PPAF aims toward achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, especially those aimed toward poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and building global partnerships.

Members of the Group may work together on areas of common interest, and also provide guidance individually. 

The first two topics the Group will address are:

(1)  Renewable Energy in the Dominican Response to the Haiti Earthquake Crisis;  

(2)  Renewable Energy in Haitian Post-Earthquake Reconstruction and Development

Members of the group are: 

Philippe Barjon, MS EE, Product Manager Energy Solutions at OpenLink Financial; Energy Director of BioTek Solutions, Inc.

Antonio Bento, PhD, Associate Professor, Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University

Marty Borruso, BS Forensic Chemistry; Chief Executive Officer, Fuel Bio Holdings, LLC

Gerónimo A. Chotin, BS Finance, Manager of Operations and Finance, Dominican Renewables, Inc.

Johanna Mendelson Forman, JD, PhD, Senior Associate, Center for Strategic & International Studies and Executive Director, Jatropha Foundation

Virgilio Malagon, PhD, Adviser to the President, National Energy Commission of the Dominican.Republic

Pablo Reyes, MA, International Policy; Director, Centro de Estudios Estratégicos Latinoamericanos

Robin van Puyenbroeck,  Master of Law/ Lic. Jur.; LLM International Law; Treasurer, UN Association of New York; Member, Carnegie New Leaders Program; international banker

Jean-Marie Wolff, MBA, MA Real Estate; President, SImACT Mining Holding, Inc.; CFO, SImACT, Inc. (Société Immobilière d’Agriculture, de Commerce, et de Tourisme)

Ex-Officio members of the Advisory Group are:

V. Judith Bowman, MBA, PPAF Senior Fellow.  Consultant in finance

Nazia Habib-Mintz, PPAF Fellow, Renewable Energy Program.  Doctoral candidate, Cambridge University. Consultant in renewable energy

Herb Oringel, MBA, PPAF Board Member.  Chair, Energy Advisory Panel, Town of Somers, NY

Amar Shibli, MBA (2011) - Dartmouth, PPAF Associate.

PPAF has uploaded a video of Dr. Virgilio Malagon, adviser to the president of the National Energy Commission (CNE), interviewed by Dr. David Stillman, PPAF Executive Director.  On January 15, 2010, they discussed results of the two seminars held in October and December 2009, of which PPAF was a co-sponsor.  The CNE President has declared 2010 to be the “Year of Renewable Energy” and aims to put into service at least 50-75 megawatts from wind power, solar panel and some thermal generation of electricity.   The link for the video is Renewable Energy in the Dominican Republic.

The CNE is formulating a national energy program involving perspectives from government, economic, financial and religious sectors.   Three main points are resources for the CNE, pilot projects and public education.   Malagon and Stillman agreed that PPAF should continue and strengthen its involvement with CNE in these matters.

Renewable Energy – Dr. Virgilio Malagon, CNE Adviser

Dr. Virgilio Malagon, Adviser to the President of the National Energy Commission of the Dominican Republic (Comision Nacional de Energia), discusses (en espanol) the recent October and December conferences on renewable energy.  Dr. David Stillman, PPAF Executive Director, also provides comments (in English).  The interviewer is Enriquillo Rivas, host of Sabado Agropecuario, Revista 110 TV.   The interview took place on 5 December 2009.

 Bioenergy, RJS Group and Ethanol in the D.R.

Lic. Rafael Fernandez, Chairman/CEO, RJS Group Republica Dominicana, S.A., describes his company’s investment and pilot project for ethanol production.  The interviewer is Manuel Gonzalez Tejera, co-host, Sabado Agropecuario, Revista 110 TV.  The interview took place on 21 November 2009.

You can watch these and other videos on PPAF’s YouTube Channel, and subscribe to receive updates automatically.

To support the work of the Public-Private Alliance Foundation, go to the Donate page on the PPAF website.