1. Improving Disaster Response by Reducing Negative Environmental Impacts : Sri Lanka Case Study ProAct Network/CARE International Shelter Centre Meeting 8 May 2009

2. Environment as a Cross-cutting Issue
Environmental conditions can contribute to disaster impacts
Disasters can lead to environmental damage
Relief assistance can have positive or negative impacts on the environment

3. Rapid Assessment Shelter-Environment Issues Manikfarm Site Sri Lanka
Views expressed are those of the presenter.
No official support from any organization or agency is implied.

4. Overview Objective Methodology
Identify critical shelter-related environmental issues at Manikfarm site
Pilot Environment Advisor work
Methodology
“Off-site” assessment using informants and documents
Limitations imposed by security procedures

6. Key Findings
Numerous natural resource demands linked to meeting basic needs (rights)
Problems have become more significant
Issues cross Shelter-WASH sector division
Solutions known
Current operations overstretched
Limited humanitarian space limits quick fix options
23 April 2009 Geneva Briefing

11. Recommendations
Incorporate sustainable resource use into meeting basic needs.
Policy and technical support - Environment Advisor
Demonstrate solutions – managed through local capacities
Proactive engagement of authorities on environmental impacts and solutions
23 April 2009 Geneva Briefing

12. Thank you
Questions?
All pictures thanks to UNOPS