UPGA Students Launch GenTech Initiative to Reduce Flood Risk Through Plastic Waste Recycling

University students in Haiti’s Grande Anse region are using technology and innovation to transform plastic waste into construction materials while addressing environmental and flooding challenges.

By: Haitian Prime News|January 20, 2026|Jérémie, Grande Anse, Haiti

Students from the Public University of Grande Anse (UPGA) have launched an innovative environmental initiative aimed at reducing flood risks by improving plastic waste management in the region.

The project, known as GenTech, focuses on addressing one of the major contributors to flooding in many Haitian communities: plastic waste blocking drainage systems, canals, and waterways. By collecting and treating discarded plastic, the initiative seeks to mitigate environmental damage while improving public safety.

According to the project’s organizers, the long-term goal is to establish a plastic waste treatment and valuation center in Grande Anse. The proposed facility would transform recycled plastic into useful resources for the construction sector, including materials designed for thermal insulation.

The initiative integrates technology, environmental responsibility, and practical solutions, reflecting a growing movement among Haitian university students to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Through innovation and community engagement, the project aims to create sustainable economic and environmental benefits for the region.

The GenTech initiative also highlights the role of higher education institutions in fostering local solutions to national challenges, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate-related risks such as flooding.

Sources

Public University of Grande Anse (UPGA) GenTech Student Initiative UNESCO-affiliated project materials and student presentations