Chapter 8 - Multidisciplinary Integrated Development

Abstract

Thus far, no project better depicts Maurice Ile Durable (MID) than the subsidy program on solar water heaters. Yet, there is a dark side to it as there has been abuse by a few suppliers. The second most successful MID-funded project is probably the compact fluorescent lamp project. It has changed customer attitudes to the extent that buying incandescent lighting is no more the obvious reflex. But who dares launch the scheme again in the shadow of the scandal of counterfeit lamps? Wind farms should have long been a reality had it not been for an invisible hand that procrastinates their advent. Even in the private sector, the few MID initiatives are proving difficult to sustain. The civil society response is all but proactive. The consultants appointed by the government to define the MID policy, strategy, and action plan are faced with a herculean task. Yet, we have no other choice but to move ahead. MID is here to stay—it’s much bigger than all the things that have gone wrong. What is at stake is our future. Either we believe in it or not. MID is for people of faith, but there is no room for blind faith. We have to be critical about the process, rational about our expectations, and intelligent in our effort. Strategies must evolve, but our vision must not falter. Learning from our mistakes, particularly from those of others, is an enriching and necessary experience. Let us be modest and sincere above all, and recognize our weaknesses. This chapter aims at focusing on what is going wrong according to the author’s humble opinion. More importantly, it introduces constructive proposals toward turning hope into progress. The reference to energy and engineering issues reflects the author’s own bias and in no way limits MID to the latter dimensions. The key message indeed is about making multidisciplinary integrated development a reality.