Message to Supporters
12 Jan 2005
Dear WWF supporters,
The Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami that tragically devastated so many Indian Ocean communities have profoundly affected us all. You, like me, are probably wondering what you can do to help at a time like this. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to donate, as I have done, to one of the many organisations working on the ground in very difficult conditions.
With the world rallying to help the millions of people affected by this natural tragedy, WWF is lending its knowledge and expertise when and wherever it can.
Local WWF officers in tsunami-affected Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia are currently involved in emergency relief operations.
WWF's field office in Banda Aceh is now functioning as a coordination post for emergency relief and many staff members have foregone pay in order to donate to the relief efforts.
As the humanitarian requirements for immediate food and shelter continue to be met, WWF is well-placed to assist in the sustainable reconstruction of these devastated communities.
In the short-term, WWF is supporting the responsible reconstruction of many local industries so that devastated communities can get back on their feet and livelihoods can be protected.
Director General of WWF International, Dr Claude Martin, has established an emergency fund with the purpose of helping communities rebuild infrastructure, re-establish operations, undertake environmental assessments, and revive industries.
In Jakarta, several WWF staff members have met with the Indonesian Minister of Environment to discuss ways of assisting in the medium and long-term recovery process.
WWF is also providing its knowledge and expertise to support the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which has been tasked with undertaking a full environmental assessment of this natural disaster.
Appropriate coastal zone planning, rehabilitation of habitats, and the restoration of sustainable livelihoods are all crucial goals of the long-term recovery process that WWF will be working hard to achieve.
The Indian Ocean tsunami is a reminder of the vulnerability of coastal communities in the face of unexpected natural disasters and of the tragic human costs of such events.
However, there may be ways to minimise the threat such disasters pose to coastal communities. The WWF international network will strive to facilitate effective reconstruction, and to mitigate the social and ecological vulnerability of high-risk areas.
Kind regards,
Greg Bourne
CEO, WWF-Australia
