Background and Objectives:
The recent tsunami has affected six southern provinces along the Andaman coastline, namely Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang and Satun. The report from the Royal Thai Government indicates that 24 districts, 78 sub-districts and 292 villages have been seriously affected.
The tsunami not only affected hotels, resorts and commercial operations, but has also had a severe impact on residential fishing villages and traditional communities living along the shoreline who depend on fishing and the tourist industry for their livelihood.
This project aims to: (1) Support the rehabilitation and recovery needs of traditional and sea gypsy communities by strengthening their existing support networks, providing technical assistance and resources and ensuring sustainable recovery and long-term development; (2) Promote indigenous cultures and the participation of indigenous communities in conservation planning; (3) Build the capacity of local government organizations in participatory rehabilitation planning with the added aim of ensuring that the vulnerability against future disasters of affected communities is reduced.
Activities:
The main activities include:
Strengthening partnerships between tsunami-affected traditional communities and relevant government organizations to create viable social, economic and cultural space, hence promoting inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Building capacity of Local Governments Units to work together with affected communities for development and implementation of rehabilitation and a long-term strategic plan.
Disseminating best practices from the project experience and creating a platform for discussion on where policy changes can be made in post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery.
Results:
Effective relationships/partnerships brokered between traditional communities and local and provincial authorities, and mechanisms put in place for participatory planning and implementation.
Capacity of urban local government entities in participatory planning enhanced.
Best practices disseminated in post-tsunami rehabilitation efforts and platform created for discussion on policy changes.
Cultural identity of traditional communities enhanced.
