2026-09-14T19:47:46-07:00 2026-07-31 990 2025-08-01 320509625 BUC TECHNOLOGIES FOUNDATION INC BUCT 8505082127 PO Box 3711 Tallahassee FL 32315 Tawainga Katsvairo Director 8505082127 2026-09-13 2025 Better Universe and Citizens Inc Tawainga Katsvairo PO Box 3711 Tallahassee FL 32315 8627 0 X https://www.betteruniverseandcitizens.org X 2016 FL Plant trees and grass in Haiti for erosion control and provide education on conservation. To educate on environmental conservation in the US. 4 4 0 155 0 0 1060 8627 0 0 0 1060 8627 0 0 0 0 0 5553 7429 5553 7429 -4493 1198 -585 613 0 0 -585 613 The mission of the organization is to promote sustainable use of natural resources to ensure minimal disruption of natural ecosystems. We conduct on-the-ground restorative projects to reduce soil erosion and land reclamation for sustainability. Our main project is planting grass and trees in Haiti for erosion control. In the US we provide education and awareness to high schools, colleges and the public on environmental sustainability. 0 0 7070 0 0 Introduction: Soil erosion and associated land degradation are significant environmental and economic challenges in Haiti. The loss of fertile topsoil reduces agricultural productivity, contributes to land degradation, and undermines the livelihoods of communities that depend on agriculture. Soil erosion is also associated with broader environmental and climate-related impacts. Deforestation, particularly the cutting of trees for charcoal, is a major contributor to Haiti's environmental degradation. Farming on steep and vulnerable slopes further accelerates soil erosion. The demand for charcoal is likely to continue until viable alternative sources of household fuel are developed. Similarly, farming on steep slopes will remain a reality for many Haitian communities. These circumstances require practical, sustainable approaches to erosion control that work within the realities faced by local communities. To help address these challenges, the organization is planting perennial grasses on eroded and vulnerable slopes for land reclamation, erosion control, and restoration of vegetation. This approach is a gamechanger because perennial grasses remain in place year after year and do not need to be replanted annually. Unlike trees that may be cut for charcoal, perennial grasses provide a sustainable form of ground cover that helps protect soil without creating the same incentive for harvesting. The grasses establish relatively quickly and are selected for their ability to tolerate drought and heat and recover following fire. The organization also plants trees, including species capable of regrowing after cutting, as well as fruit trees that can provide long-term environmental and economic benefits to local communities. In the US we provide education and awareness environmental conservation. Environmental Restoration and Erosion Control in Haiti Program: During the year, the organization supported grass- and tree-planting activities in Haiti focused on erosion control, land restoration, and environmental conservation. Communities planted vegetation in vulnerable areas with the goals of stabilizing soil, reducing erosion, improving land productivity, and supporting the long-term environmental health and resilience of local communities. The organization also planted fruit trees as part of its environmental restoration efforts. An estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people in Haiti participated in the project, either through hands-on planting activities or through education and environmental awareness activities. The organization provided environmental education and hands-on learning opportunities to 12 schools, where students and communities participated in planting grass and trees and learned about conservation and the importance of protecting Haiti's natural resources. The project also planted flowering plants to support pollinators, including bees and butterflies. One of the principal species planted was Hibiscus, the national flower of Haiti. To help conserve agricultural land and reduce erosion on farmland, strips of grass were planted across slopes to slow water runoff and help retain soil. The importance of erosion control is often overlooked, yet the impact of these conservation efforts is substantial. The impact we achieved includes: * Reduced the severity and impact of mudslides during hurricanes and other extreme weather events. Proactive disaster-risk reduction measures can help reduce losses and allow families to preserve resources for essential needs such as medicine, food, clothing, and other necessities. * Improved water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in rural communities. * Reduced the permanent loss of Haiti's valuable topsoil and improve soil health in agricultural communities, where approximately 60% of the population relies on agriculture. * Enabled local communities to participate in efforts to address climate change through practical conservation activities. * Provided education on climate change, environmental stewardship, and natural-resource conservation. * Restored vegetation and provide habitat for wildlife, helping conserve biodiversity in Haiti, including species that are endemic to the country. * Helped protect critical infrastructure, including hydroelectric dams, irrigation canals, and roads, from sedimentation and erosion. * Increased groundwater recharge in communities where residents rely on groundwater for their water supply. * Helped protect fisheries and marine ecosystems by reducing soil and sediment runoff into waterways and coastal areas. More than 400 villages in Haiti rely on fisheries for their livelihoods and food security. * Built sustainable and resilient communities through practical environmental restoration, one acre at a time. Although the program's budget may appear modest by U.S. standards, the funding has significant purchasing power in Haiti and supports activities involving thousands of Haitian participants. The combination of hands-on conservation, community participation, and environmental education allowed a relatively small investment to generate a broad community impact. The program has ambitious long-term goals to significantly reduce soil erosion and contribute to a more productive, sustainable, and prosperous Haiti. Achieving these goals will require additional funding, technical assistance, and partnerships. The organization seeks to expand the program to additional communities and ultimately reach the millions of acres in Haiti that could benefit from practical conservation and land-restoration measures. 0 0 0 Environmental Education and Community Outreach in the United States: The organization conducted environmental education and community outreach programs throughout the United States to increase public awareness and understanding of environmental conservation, soil erosion, land restoration, and sustainable approaches to protecting natural resources. Educational presentations and outreach activities were provided to high school students, college students, and community groups. During the year, the organization conducted approximately18 educational presentations, events, and community outreach activities. Program topics included the causes and effects of soil erosion; the importance of vegetation and grass cover in preventing erosion; environmental stewardship; and practical approaches to land conservation and restoration. The organization participated in community events in four states including Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Activities included Springtime Tallahassee, where it participated in both the parade and an exhibit booth, as well as the Science and History Festivals and engaging Rotarians across the country. These events provided opportunities to engage directly with members of the public and share information about environmental conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources, and also bringing awareness to the need for conservation in Haiti. In addition to in-person activities, the organization maintains an active social media presence to extend its environmental education and outreach efforts. Through its presentations, workshops, community events, and social media activities, the organization reached a broad audience estimated at over 115,000 people. Springtime Tallahassee estimates that approximately 100,000 people attend its events, providing the organization with a significant opportunity to promote environmental awareness and conservation to the general public. The organization is run primarily by volunteers, with no paid staff. The organization's long-term objective is to increase public understanding of environmental conservation and encourage individuals, organizations, and communities to adopt environmentally responsible practices that protect and preserve natural resources for future generations. 0 0 0 7070 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 FL X X Tawainga Katsvairo 8505082127 PO Box 3711 Tallahassee FL 32315 X Tawainga Katsvairo Dr. 15 X 0 0 0 Christopher Weider Mr 3 X 0 0 0 Anne Phipps Ms 1 X 0 0 0 Thomas Cellucci Dr. 1 X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8627 0 8627 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8627 0 0 0 359 359 335 335 Planting grass and trees in Haiti 6735 6735 0 0 7429 7070 359 0 -585 613 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -585 613 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X -585 613 0 0 -585 613 -585 613 1198 0 0 0 0 0 X 1 X 0 1 0 X 4681 9850 1060 8627 24218 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4681 9850 1060 8627 24218 0 24218 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24218 0 1 1 X Funding was provided to assist individuals in villages in Haiti to plant grass, trees that regrow when cut and fruit trees as part of our mission for erosion control and to reclaim eroded lands. Central America and the Caribbean 10200 6735 wire transfer 0 0 0 0 0 0 Schedule F, Part I, Line 1 The criteria for selecting individuals who receive funding is based on several factors to include, 1) identified eroded regions that need to be reclaimed, 2) identified villagers who live or own the eroded lands. The organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of its financial assistance, and the selection criteria used to award financial assistance. Schedule F, Part I, Line 3 The organization does not have offices in Haiti. Likewise we do not have employees in Haiti, The activities include planting grass and trees. The activities are program activities. The total expenditure is S6735.13 Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 11b The form was created by an independent accountant and provided to the board for review. Form 990, Part VI, Section B, Line 12c The organization regularly and consistently monitored and enforced compliance with its Conflict of Interest Policy through an annual review and disclosure process. The four directors subject to the policy were required to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. The disclosures were reviewed collectively by the governing body. During the reporting period, no actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest were identified among the directors. The organization's mission is to provide assistance to Haiti, and no conflicts of interest arose in connection with the organization's activities. Had a conflict of interest been identified, the individual involved would have been expected to refrain from participating in discussions or decisions relating to the matter, consistent with the organization's policy. The organization's leadership and Board of Directors maintained oversight of the process and promoted ongoing compliance with the Conflict of Interest Policy. Form 990, Part VI, Section C, Line 19 Posted on the organization website and available upon request.