End of Commitment Report – Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés.

Name of Evaluator

Gregorio Manuel Coello Pineda

Email

[email protected]

Member Name

Villanueva Cortés, Honduras

Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... Title

Action plan – Villanueva Cortés, Honduras, 2025 – 2025

CommitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action...

Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés.

Title

Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés.

Action

Commitment: Develop a comprehensive and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés.Brief description: This commitment aims to implement an efficient and sustainable model for solid waste management, with a participatory approach that integrates citizens at each stage of the process. This includes environmental educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ..., the promotion of sustainable practices such as recycling, and strengthening the collection and final disposal chain.Likewise, it seeks to eliminate clandestine dumps through coordinated strategies, promote citizen co-responsibility and establish effective communications mechanisms.Through strategic alliances and the strengthening of municipal management, the aim is to reduce environmental and health impacts, elimination of child laborTransparent workforce data and increased representation of workers in labor policy-making lead to policies that better protect workers’ rights and remove barriers for underrepresented groups in the ..., promoting a community that is more aware, informed and committed to the sustainable management of its environment.Finally, through the different digital tools that the municipality of Villanueva, Cortés will develop, it is planned to provide clear, timely and updated information on the implementation of the comprehensive and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste that will be implemented.

Problem

In Villanueva, Cortés, respiratory, dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases are a significant problem, due to limited solid waste management. Although there is a collection service, its capacity is insufficient, which increases contamination and favors the proliferation of infections. The lack of clear information about routes, schedules and collection points, along with ineffective communication channels, makes it difficult for citizens to report problems or suggest improvements. This limits citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More and reduces trust in municipal management, generating a disconnection between the authorities and the population.The commitment to develop a comprehensive and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva seeks to address these critical problems, such as clandestine dumps, the lack of recycling culture and inadequate waste disposal, also children working on solid waste collection trucks. Through inclusive strategies, this commitment aims to solve immediate problems, promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life of the municipality’s inhabitants.

1.1 What was the overall level of progress in the commitment implementation at the time of this assessment?

Complete

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

Commitment 2 was successfully completed, showing strong progress across all milestones. Milestone 1 strengthened the Municipal Environmental Directorate of Villanueva by creating the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Unit (UGIRRSS), consolidating its institutional foundation. Milestone 2 promoted environmental awareness through the Environmental Guardians Program in two communities and 14 schools, reaching over 1,000 children and adolescents. Milestone 3 improved access to information via campaigns on official social media. Milestone 4 eliminated illegal dumps and restored public spaces with community participation. Milestone 5 expanded waste collection coverage by restructuring routes and adding two units. Milestone 6 was completed with a soil study to identify a suitable site for waste disposal.

1.2 Describe the main external or internal factors that impacted implementation of this commitment and how they were addressed (or not).

The main factors affecting the implementation of Commitment 2 were internal, mainly related to financial constraints, citizen participation, and regulatory compliance. First, low municipal revenue collection led to budgetary constraints that affected the availability of resources to strengthen infrastructure, expand collection service coverage, and sustain broader awareness campaigns. This limitation was addressed by optimizing existing resources, restructuring collection routes, prioritizing strategic actions, and gradually contracting services and support units, allowing progress to be made in meeting the established milestones.
Second, a low level of interest was identified among citizens in joining review boards, community committees, and other participatory spaces, which hindered social co-responsibility in solid waste management. To address this challenge, the municipality promoted awareness-raising processes, community workshops, meetings with local leaders, and educational campaigns aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and promoting active participation by the population.
Finally, apathy in complying with municipal ordinances related to proper solid waste management represented an obstacle to the sustainability of the actions implemented. This situation was addressed through communication campaigns, educational signage in recovered spaces, dissemination of regulations, and strengthening of oversight mechanisms, seeking to foster a culture of compliance and citizen responsibility. Although these factors represented significant challenges, the strategies adopted mitigated their impact and allowed for progressive advancement in the implementation of the commitment.

1.3 Was the commitment implemented as originally planned?

Most of the commitment milestones were implemented as planned

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

Most of the milestones of the commitment were implemented as originally planned, as each one was addressed and executed in accordance with the objectives set out in the Action Plan. However, some specific activities could not be fully developed due to financial constraints resulting from low municipal revenue collection, which mainly affected the speed of implementation and the scope of certain operational actions. Despite these constraints, the municipality made strategic adjustments and prioritized the activities with the greatest impact, which allowed it to meet the essential milestones of the commitment and make significant progress in improving the comprehensive management of solid waste in the municipality.

2.1.1. – Did the government disclose more information; improve the quality of the information (new or existing); improve the value of the information; improve the channels to disclose or request information or improve accessibility to information?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The municipal government achieved a substantial impact on the dissemination, quality, and accessibility of information related to comprehensive solid waste management. Direct communication with citizens was strengthened through community discussions and training processes focused on the proper management of solid waste, which improved understanding of the regulations, responsibilities, and benefits of the municipal service. In addition, information campaigns were developed and disseminated through the municipality’s official social media channels, expanding the reach of the information and facilitating timely access to clear and understandable content.

2.1.2. – Did the government create new opportunities to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation inform or influence decisions; improve existing channels or spaces to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation/ inform or influence decisions; create or improve capabilities in the government or the public aimed to improve how the government seeks feedback from citizens/enables participation/ or allows for the public to inform or influence decisions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The municipal government achieved a substantial impact on the dissemination, quality, and accessibility of information related to comprehensive solid waste management. Direct communication with citizens was strengthened through community discussions and training processes focused on the proper management of solid waste, which improved understanding of the regulations, responsibilities, and benefits of the municipal service. Likewise, information campaigns were developed and disseminated through the Municipality’s official social media accounts, expanding the reach of information and facilitating timely access to clear and understandable content.
In addition, the municipality actively participated in the TransparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More and Open Government Fair, where information was provided to the public through the distribution of leaflets and the installation of information stands, allowing direct contact between authorities and citizens. These actions contributed to improving the value of public information by making it more useful, accessible, and oriented toward citizens’ everyday decision-making. As a result, transparency practices were strengthened, greater environmental awareness was promoted, and favorable conditions were created for more informed citizen participation in the municipality’s solid waste management.

2.1.3 Did the government create or improve channels, opportunities or capabilities to hold officials answerable to their actions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

Yes, the municipal government created and strengthened channels and opportunities for officials to be accountable for their actions, generating a substantial impact on transparency and citizen oversight practices. Digital communication channels were improved through the institutional website, where the Villanueva Municipal Environmental Directorate (DIMAVI) and Open Government tabs publish relevant information on the progress of the Action Plan, operational plans, and economic and management reports, facilitating timely access to public information by citizens.
Likewise, face-to-face accountability spaces were strengthened through the holding of accountability and Open Government fairs, in which all municipal agencies directly presented information on their activities, services, and benefits. These spaces allowed for direct dialogue between officials and citizens, promoting a culture of transparency, improving institutional trust, and strengthening the population’s ability to demand explanations and follow up on municipal management. As a result, more open and participatory practices in accountability at the local level were consolidated.

2.1.4 Other Results

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

Yes, the commitment generated additional transformative results that were not captured in the previous options, especially in the area of protecting the rights of children and adolescents. As part of the implementation of the commitment, children were expressly prohibited from entering the solid waste disposal site, and the hiring of minors on solid waste collection trucks was completely eliminated. These measures marked a significant change in the municipality’s historical practices, contributing to the eradication of child labor in activities that pose a high risk to health and safety.
The impact of this action has been profound at both the institutional and community levels, as it strengthened the enforcement of child protection regulations, raised awareness among families and service operators about the rights of children and adolescents, and promoted more responsible and ethical waste management. This transformative result not only improved working conditions and safety in the collection service but also set a precedent for incorporating a human rightsAn essential part of open government includes protecting the sacred freedoms and rights of all citizens, including the most vulnerable groups, and holding those who violate human rights accountable. T... approach into municipal environmental management, generating sustainable changes in practice and institutional culture.

2.2 Did the commitment address the public policy problem that it intended to address as described in the action plan?

Yes

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

Yes, the commitment effectively addressed the public policy problem identified in the Action Plan. Six illegal dumpsites were eliminated, improving environmental and public health conditions. Environmental education initiatives reached children, adolescents, community groups, and the general public through the Environmental Guardians Program, strengthening civic responsibility in waste management.

A suitable site for final waste disposal was identified, supporting long-term sustainability. Access to information improved through better communication of collection routes and schedules. The commitment also integrated a human rights approach by ending child labor in waste collection and prohibiting children from staying at disposal sites, ensuring a comprehensive response to the issue.

3. Provide at least one lesson or reflection relating to the implementation of this commitment. It can be the identification of key barriers to implementation, an unexpected help/hindrance, recommendations for future commitments, or if the commitment should be taken forward to the next action plan.

One of the main lessons learned during the implementation of this commitment is that strengthening comprehensive solid waste management does not depend solely on the technical or institutional capacity of local government, but also on citizen co-responsibility and the financial sustainability of the municipality. Budgetary constraints resulting from low municipal revenue collection represented a significant barrier to the full implementation of some activities, highlighting the need to link future commitments to strategies for strengthening taxPlacing transparency, accountability, and participation at the center of tax policy can ensure that burdens are distributed equitably across society. Technical specifications: Commitments related to c... culture and alternative financing mechanisms.
It was also identified that citizen participation does not happen automatically; it requires constant awareness-raising, education, and communication processes tailored to different sectors of the population. The experience of the Environmental Guardians Program showed that investing in environmental education from childhood produces positive and sustainable results, so this approach should be strengthened and expanded in future action plans.
Another relevant consideration is the importance of integrating cross-cutting approaches, such as the protection of children’s rights and transparency, into environmental commitments. The elimination of child labor in solid waste collection and disposal showed that environmental policies can generate transformative social impacts when implemented in a comprehensive manner.
As a recommendation, it is suggested that this commitment be continued in the next Action Plan, deepening actions related to waste disposal, expanding service coverage, and strengthening accountability and citizen participation mechanisms, ensuring clear indicators, sustainable financing, and ongoing monitoring.