Scientific and Technical Symposium on Sustainable Mangrove ...

Post-Tsunami Sustainable Coastal Environmental <strong>and</strong> Livelihoods rehabilitation-A case studyBart, A., AIT, Associate ProfessorThe Post-Tsunami Sustainable Livelihoods Program in Ranong (funded by USAID <strong>and</strong>implemented by Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), University of Rhode Isl<strong>and</strong>, CoastalResource Center ( URI CRC) <strong>and</strong> University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) was set up after theDecember, 2004, tsunami. The programme was designed as a field demonstration. Theholistic approach involved an inclusive <strong>and</strong> on-going process with communities <strong>and</strong> localauthorities to strengthen ecosystem stewardship, livelihood development, <strong>and</strong> disaster riskmanagement. Recognizing that marine fisheries are overexploited, the project resisted thedonor drive to recapitalize the fishery with boats, gear <strong>and</strong> engines. One of the headlines forcoastal management after the disaster is that an opportunity to alter the path of overfishingwas missed. The programme established a demonstration “green” Learning Center inSuksamran District that now serves as an excellent venue for demonstration of ecologicallysound practices to local communities. Moreover, the programme provided intensive trainingto Lamson Marine National Park authorities <strong>and</strong> local community leaders on ecosystemmanagement. Opportunity was provided to the community members also to learn about theirecosystem through h<strong>and</strong>s-on training on habitat <strong>and</strong> importance of mangrove ecology whilepaying people to plant thous<strong>and</strong>s of mangrove seedlings in areas denuded by the tsunami.The paper describes how the Ranong coastal communities learned the value of healthyecosystem in post-disaster context <strong>and</strong> took matters in their own h<strong>and</strong>s to become involvedin its rehabilitation efforts.Key words: post-tsunami reconstruction, community learning, mangrove management14