LET’S face it – the world is in serious trouble and appears to have been caught flatfooted.

The challenges are many, impacting the economic and social fabric of our planet. Challenge: Climate Change has resulted in environmental maladies impacting livelihoods in north and south alike.

Challenge: We are experiencing a global recession.

Challenge: Food security and food sovereignty are at risk.

Challenge: Sustainable energy is easier said than achieved.

Challenge: Water is rapidly becoming the next endangered resource.

And all of this is taking place mid-way on our road to sustainable development through the Millennium Development Goals! You will recall that the MDGs were set to chiefly eradicate poverty and hunger, reduce the gap between the rich and the poor… level the playing field, so to speak. It initially appeared that the economic recession currently facing us, while providing serious problems for the once sturdy industrialised countries, may have less impact on the developing countries that are seemingly more resilient having been accustomed to hardships of one kind or another.

Not so. Although small countries such as our own do have some advantages associated with size, the truth is that we all are seriously affected by the myriad of challenges. This may be a vestige of globalisation, but the bottom line is that we need to find creative means to paddle our own canoe as the big ships are floundering.

Jamaica land we love

It is times such as these when we witness previous migrants returning to Jamaica, even without the promise of a job, that we realise that indeed we have much for which to give thanks. The mild and agreeable climate, the relative ease of finding food to eat, the social network and extended family, the slower, less stressful pace – all are appealing until the harsh reality of the crime, the lack of care for the environment, the redtape involved in doing business, the inadequacies associated with the service industries, hit home.

Jamaica seems like paradise. Some of us feel that with a concerted effort, we can reclaim that paradise lost. The issues are many but not insurmountable.

We see what has been achieved, for example, with Kingston Harbour – quietly a change is in the making. To be sustainable, though, there is much to be addressed.

The disposal of our waste (waste water) is a case in point. As the density of the Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) continues to increase, so does the pressure on our waterways. This adversely impacts our marine resources due to the “rich” organic content of the waste. Additionally, inadequate disposal of sewage can pose a serious health risk as seen in spikes of gastro-related illnesses from time to time. The Soapberry Wastewater Treatment facility is one attempt to assist with the discharge of poorly treated effluent to the Kingston Harbour. Is there anything else that could be done? Most certainly!

Waste water

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), National Water Commission (NWC), Ministry of Health and the Water Resource Authority all have a role and responsibilities for the implementation of legislation and regulations pertaining to waste water. It is significant to note that in an effort to prevent further pollution and public health risks, there are restrictions placed on construction in areas of the KMA with a (vulnerable and) high water table. In light of recent events which have seen many people displaced, it is likely that urban drift will increase. Urgent solutions are needed to avoid the exacerbation of an already compromised environment.

SRC providing practical solutions

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) has honed its expertise in the treatment of waste water in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. Utilising anaerobic (meaning no air) technology, the process generates (a) treated waste water for irrigation purposes or its return to water bodies without polluting them; (b) organic fertiliser; and (c) biogas, an alternative source of fuel, by allowing naturally occurring bacteria to break down solid waste, in a closed system.

The implications of this should not be underestimated. This means that with the requisite approvals, we can safely utilise areas which previously were off limits. This means that with some planning we could reduce our dependence on the grid for energy. This means that no longer would we have to be “drawing” sewage from septic tanks for disposal. This means that we could utilise the treated discharge water for irrigation and other such applications. This means reduction in the use of potable water for irrigation.

The patented Biodigester Septic Tank is just one of the cost-effective waste management systems that the SRC offers for use. It is characterised by relatively low capital cost, low operating cost, low maintenance cost, short payback period, and can provide useful byproduct(s).

It is imperative that we understand and appreciate the inter-connectivity of ecosystems, and the inter-dependence of nations. Remember always that what we do now will impact our future and that of generations to come. What will be our legacy?

Dr Audia Barnett is executive director of the Scientific Research Council.