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Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA and WALHI-Friends of the Earth Indonesia
In Indonesia, one of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA’s partner organisations is WALHI Friends of the Earth Indonesia. It is a group of non government and community organisations which stands up for and protects Indonesia’s local communities and natural environment from injustice which occurs as a result of economic development. It promotes social transformation, people’s sovereignty, socially just environmental management, sustainability of life and livelihoods.
WALHI has been involved in the process of reconstruction in Aceh after the tsunami on 26 December 2004. WALHI expressed concerns about the impact of reconstruction upon Aceh's natural environment, particularly its remaining forests.
WALHI has been involved in a broad and comprehensive reconstruction programme in Aceh involving the provision of sanitation, water, housing, employment, training and community empowerment to those in resettlement camps. It has studied the broader environment to consider the environmental impacts upon the health and welfare of the population in Aceh. For example, as a result of the tsunami, the physical environment was effected in many ways. Surface and ground water were polluted, and were potentially threatened by further pollution by pathogenic (disease causing) micro organisms. Damage to both natural environments (mangroves and coral reefs) and man made environments (farms) was extensive as floods caused much erosion and had left behind debris, further exacerbating previous pollution.
WALHI studied the remaining land to ascertain how much is in an arable condition. They also considered a variety of livelihoods for the local population so people could diversity their skills and not rely on one primary livelihood. Skills training was provided to enable the community to grow secondary crops, make compost fertiliser and other skills which provide alternative potential sources of income for the displaced population. More specific conservation and environmental activities have included reforestation programmes in both areas that were and were not effected by the tsunami. These programmes included mangrove planting in estuarine environments, relevant training (at both formal and informal levels) and implementation of activities such as nursery management and reforestation.
In addition WALHI carried out advocacy activities for natural resource management and assisting with other long term management programmes which promote the importance of environmental protection to the local community have occurred. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA supported WALHI immediately after the tsunami and continues providing assistance for the above mentioned tasks as well as other tasks required for the reconstruction of Aceh.
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