Environmental Recovery Programme

In order to build back better - stronger and less vulnerable societies - environmental dimensions must be integrated into reconstruction plans. Based on the results of the UNEP Asian Tsunami Disaster Task Force during January – August 2005, strong partnership between the national authorities and UNEP, and the requests of the governments of Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka, UNEP will continue its work in Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and has established the UNEP Post-Tsunami Environmental Recovery Programme (ERP) to:

• Integrate environmental considerations in the reconstruction agenda and mechanisms for coordination, funding and implementation.
• Strengthen environmental institutions in the affected countries and help them to guide the national aims and procedures for reconstruction.
• Mitigate the environmental and health threats from continuing problems in waste management sector.
• Strengthen the national platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning
• Promote and advise on environmental disaster risk reduction measures in all affected countries.
• Improve capacities for integrated coastal zone management.
• Promote the use of environmentally sound technologies in reconstruction.

More information:
UNEP Disaster Management Branch-
Environmental Recovery Programme
15, Chemin des Anémones
CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva

Tel: +41 (0)22 917 8615
Fax: +41 (0)22 917 89 88