A Conversation with SOIL Board Member: Ingrid Henrys
In a world where access to safe sanitation is a basic human right but millions of people still lack it, Ingrid Henrys stands as a beacon of change. Her life’s journey has taken her from Haiti to the Gambia, as she sought to further the use of sustainable practices while transforming communities. In a recent interview with Desirée Daniels, Ingrid shared insights into her work and her vision for the future.
Growing up in Haiti and later studying agricultural development in France, Ingrid's fascination with composting laid the foundation for her journey into ecological sanitation. During our conversation, she noted that “I think I've been a bit fascinated my entire life about composting, but not toilet composting.” A pivotal moment came during her training period in Burkina Faso, where she was introduced to dry toilets and the concept of ecological sanitation. Initially skeptical, Ingrid's perspective shifted within months, leading her to advocate for sustainable sanitation practices upon her return to Haiti.
Ingrid's path intersected with SOIL through a network focused on sustainable sanitation. Intrigued by SOIL's work in Haiti, she sought to understand its impact. Even before officially joining the board, she emphasized the importance of transparency and quality control in compost production, advocating for the establishment of a laboratory to ensure the safety and efficacy of SOIL's compost.
Ingrid witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of SOIL's work in communities like Shada, where access to safe sanitation was a distant dream. “It was really my first time going inside and seeing how the people were living, [and] how the houses were. There was no space for other options of sanitation,” Ingrid recalls. By providing alternatives to traditional sanitation methods, SOIL empowers individuals to live healthier lives and reclaim their dignity instead of “going in the open and being ashamed or having to hide. Especially for kids and women – it’s still risky,” Ingrid noted.
While visiting the SOIL facilities, Ingrid highlighted the familial atmosphere within the organization, where every member, regardless of their role or level of education, contributed to a shared vision of creating a better future.
Drawing upon her background in agro-development and biodiversity conservation, Ingrid emphasized the interconnectedness of sustainable agriculture and sanitation solutions. “There's really a connection with sustainable agriculture and ecological sanitation in the sense that we are harvesting, we are eating, and what we are excreting we can treat it in a safe way and it can return to the soil, restoring the nutrients” says Ingrid. By returning nutrients to the soil through composting, ecological sanitation closes the loop, fostering a symbiotic relationship between human activities and the environment. Ingrid encourages people and communities to consider sanitation solutions outside of those that are water-based, advocating for a paradigm shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
Reflecting on SOIL's success in Haiti, Ingrid identified several key factors including gradual implementation, disaster resilience, and effective communication with clients. By starting small and building trust within communities, SOIL established itself as a reliable partner in Haiti's sanitation journey. Ingrid emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration with government agencies and grassroots organizations in scaling up sustainable sanitation initiatives.
Looking ahead, Ingrid envisions a Haiti where harmony with nature and one another prevails. She is hopeful for a renewed connection with the environment and a revitalized commitment to sustainability. Ingrid's dream of a shining Haiti, akin to a polished diamond, reflects her unwavering optimism and determination to drive positive change.
As a board member of SOIL for nearly a decade, Ingrid remains committed to advancing the organization's goals and increasing its impact.
Despite geographical distances, she continues to advocate for sustainable sanitation solutions, leveraging her network and expertise to promote SOIL's work globally as an organization that Ingrid now describes as a “living example of hope in action.”
Ingrid's studies and work in agricultural development and ecological sanitation exemplifies the need of sustainable practices in addressing pressing societal challenges. Her unwavering dedication and visionary outlook serve as inspiration for individuals and organizations alike, reminding us that change begins with a single step towards a more sustainable future.