Learning and Using Lessons: environmental impacts during the Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster

 A broad range of national and international actors were involved in environmental issues in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster that hit several countries in south-east Asia at the end of 2004.
In particular, the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit (hereafter “Joint Unit”) conducted, in collaboration with UNDAC Teams, Rapid Environmental Assessments in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives to identify any acute environmental impacts with immediate relevance to human life and response efforts. During the response phase, various agencies and mechanisms (UNDAC, Joint Unit, UNDP, UNEP) contributed to the development of specific pilot projects to manage emergency waste. UNEP engaged in assessments and follow- up activities related to the medium-longer term environmental impacts through their internal ad hoc Tsunami Task Force. The national authorities in all affected countries, for their part, also conducted a range of environmental activities, for some of which they requested international assistance.