Tsunami

The Tsunami in the Indian Ocean has left in its wake the appalling deaths of over 200,000 people, and devastation of coastal areas.

The toll of the disaster was magnified by two human failures: firstly the lack of an early warning system, and secondly, the destruction, during the past 50 years, of the defences that nature provided against catastrophes from the sea. Until recent years, the Indian Ocean shores were protected by double barriers of solid coral reefs and thick dense mangrove swamps that served to absorb energy from tidal waves. In Asia more than half the mangrove forests have been removed to make way for tourist resorts and beaches, towns, and shrimp farms. In the south of India, coastal areas such as Pichavaram and Muthaupet that retain dense mangrove suffered far fewer casualties and less damage. Coastal areas of Burma - where much mangrove remains in place - suffered far less than Thailand, where most mangroves have been cleared.

Mangrove forest: nature's speed breakers, giving coastal areas protection against storms, cyclones and Tsunami. For coastal communities mangrove provides habitat for marine life, as well as medicines, fruit, wood for fuel, and water filtration systems. Mangrove is an excellent source of nectar for honey and bees are mangrove's pollinators, ensuring regeneration of this vital habitat. Mangrove forests are also very efficient carbon sinks, helping to reduce the imbalance between carbon emission and absorption.

To quote the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, "Medium and long-term rehabilitation demands firstly strengthening the ecological foundations of human security, and secondly rehabilitating sustainable livelihoods". India's ecological programme will involve the creation of coastal bio-shields, requiring reforestation with mangrove.

The Tsunami has left behind the need for alternative employment for people affected, some of whom were already displaced and are now faced again with resettlement. Clearly beekeeping will play a useful role in helping people to re-create livelihoods in the coastal areas of these countries.

Readers in Tsunami affected areas are welcome to contact Bees for Development Trust for assistance at: trust@beesfordevelopment.org, via our website, or by post c/o BfD.

BEES FOR DEVELOPMENT TRUST TSUNAMI APPEAL

Areas affected by the December 2004 Tsunami are parts of the world where Bees for Development has enjoyed good links with partner organisations. It is possible for us to use established local networks for making equipment and distributing aid to beekeepers and their families. Helping beekeepers to get started again can quickly help them towards recovering their livelihood. It seems that even the fruit trees are being killed by the salt overdose, and assistance with reforestation will be appropriate.

Please help by donating to this

special Appeal:

Account: BfDTrust

Name: Tsunami Appeal

Account No: 00012703

Bank Name: CafCash Ltd

Bank Code: 40-52-40