Country approaches for rehabilitation, current activities and needs
Mr Appanah (FAO) introduced the members of the panel, composed of national representatives from seven tsunami-affected countries. This was followed by a brief introduction by national representatives of the first reactions to the tsunami in each country.
Recognizing the importance of integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to coastal area management, the panel discussed the role played by communities in managing coastal vegetation in an integrated manner. Various schemes of community-based forest and coastal area management were introduced by national representatives. Some countries shared their experiences in working with institutions in different sectors, in some cases with the support from international assistance agencies.
Most countries expressed their appreciation for the assistance provided by donors and international and regional agencies. However, some countries suggested that more assistance should be allocated to such areas as eco-engineering and other forestry-related rehabilitation activities (e.g. Sri Lanka needs US$500 000 for forestry-related rehabilitation activities). A request was made specifically for FAO to provide information on species as well as technical guidelines for planting and managing greenbelts.
The panel discussed how natural resource legislation relating to coastal ecosystems is designed to empower local participation in natural resource management. Land titling, relocation of coastal communities and conflicting uses of coastal areas by different stakeholders were noted as challenges encountered in rehabilitation efforts. An effective way to reconcile the needs for sustainable livelihoods and coastal area management was also discussed.
Suggestions were made to efficiently channel financial resources to rehabilitation efforts by governments. In India, a joint rehabilitation effort has been made by the Government and NGOs. In Indonesia, Conservation International and other NGOs have provided financial assistance for reconstruction of Sumatra and Aceh.
Important technical problems preventing effective rehabilitation of coastal areas were discussed. Thailand emphasized the importance of choosing appropriate species for planting coastal areas. Indonesia referred to the problem of limited human resources and capacities for implementing planned rehabilitation activities, while Sri Lanka mentioned problems of water scarcity, animal grazing and species selection, especially for arid areas. Malaysia highlighted issues of land security and demarcation.
The panel reiterated the importance of community involvement in forest and coastal management to integrate cultural and livelihood aspects in rehabilitation efforts. Ways of sharing benefits of forest management with communities was discussed. Thailand raised a concern about communities traditionally living in coastal areas who are vulnerable to tidal surges.
A question was raised about appropriate models of integrated coastal area management. Thailand described mangrove management in Southern Thailand, which has adopted an integrated approach. India also introduced an example of integrated coastal management in Chennai.
Open discussion forum
Mr Appanah and Ms Braatz opened the forum by encouraging participants to discuss any issues of importance in the rehabilitation of tsunami-affected forest ecosystems, including the suggested coordination mechanism for rehabilitation in the region.
Many organizations, as well as some national representatives, expressed their support to the idea of establishing a regional coordination mechanism. Various suggestions were made with regard to the structure (e.g. open-ended networks; a formal mechanism with a secretariat and a steering committee) and functions (e.g. a neutral forum; exchange of information and technical expertise; scientific research) of such a coordination mechanism.
It was proposed that interested parties identify key issues for regional cooperation (e.g. scientific guidelines for selecting suitable species for planting in coastal zones) and establish an appropriate cooperation mechanism that can produce products and services needed to address such issues. A possibility of extending the scope of the mechanism to look beyond tsunami to include cooperation in other areas (e.g. disaster management) was also suggested. Representatives from Sri Lanka and Indonesia pointed out the importance of bringing national-level coordination down to local levels within countries. The role of national focal points in bringing about coordination at local levels was highlighted.
Ms Braatz reviewed the discussions on a proposed coordination mechanism and outlined the following five areas as issues of regional importance:
The exchange of ideas about a proposed coordination mechanism was followed by general discussion on tsunami rehabilitation efforts. Ramsar Convention Center suggested that tsunami-affected countries make the best use of Japan's technical expertise in rehabilitation of tsunami-affected areas as well as financial assistance. ITTO suggested countries utilize the Global Mangrove Database and Information System (GLOMIS), an information database developed by the International Society for Mangrove and Environment (ISME) and ITTO.
WWF Thailand proposed that that the workshop discuss and share examples of policy frameworks, institutional arrangements, and research for effective management of mangroves and other coastal vegetation.
