13.4.1 Barriers
In recent years, attention has focused on the limitations of past waste management
investments and the identification of more effective means of technology transfer.
The principal barriers to technology transfer in the waste management sector
have been discussed more fully elsewhere (see, for example, IPCC, 1996b WGII,
TP1; Bartone, 1997; Serageldin, 1994). Briefly, the principal barriers within
countries include:
- Limited financing: Developing basic infrastructure to collect and treat
solid waste and wastewater can be extremely expensive. Frequently, those regions
where the lack of waste management is felt most severely are also some of
the poorest and fastest growing. Local governments often find that they cannot
generate the investment required, and availability of private financing for
these types of projects can be limited, particularly if the recipient governments
are not considered "credit-worthy." Case Study
19, in Section III, gives an example of a financial
barrier.
- Limited Institutional Capabilities: Waste management systems require well
developed institutional frameworks to ensure that waste is collected as expected,
disposal and treatment facilities are operated and maintained effectively,
and revenues collected.
- Jurisdictional complexity: Effective waste management involves different
levels of government (local, state or provincial, and national), as well as
different departments within a jurisdiction. Conflicting and competing priorities
can impede the efficient development and implementation of systems.
- Need for Community Involvement: Ultimately, the success of a waste management
system depends upon the willingness of the public to use it. Unfortunately,
many waste management projects have historically focused on large, centralised
infrastructure investments and have either ignored the role of the community
or included it too late in the process. The results of such investments have
been poorly designed or ill-suited projects lacking public support. Indeed,
reviews of waste management projects have indicated that sustainability and
performance improve to the degree that end-users are involved in the design
and financing of the project (Serageldin, 1994).
Mitigation projects can be successfully integrated into larger waste management
efforts provided they are able to meet the needs and priorities of end-users,
decision-makers, and financial supporters. However, mitigation projects may
confront additional barriers, including:
- Lack of familiarity with the potential to reduce methane generation or
capture the methane emissions associated with waste management;
- Unwillingness or inability to commit additional human or financial resources
to investigating and addressing the climactic implications of the waste management
project; and
- Additional institutional complexity when new groups, representing issues
such as energy generation or byproduct marketing, are incorporated into the
project.
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