HR: 14:10h
AN: U53B-02    [Abstracts]
TI: The Impacts Of The Indian Ocean Tsunami On Coastal Ecosystems And Resultant Effects On The Human Communities Of Sri Lanka
AU: * Ingram, J
EM: jci2102@columbia.edu
AF: Earth Institute at Columbia University, 405 Low Library, MC 4335 535 West 116th Street , New York, NY 10027
AU: Rumbaitis-del Rio, C
EM: rumbaiti@ldeo.columbia.edu
AF: Earth Institute at Columbia University, 405 Low Library, MC 4335 535 West 116th Street , New York, NY 10027
AU: Franco, G
EM: gf135@columbia.edu
AF: Earth Institute at Columbia University, 405 Low Library, MC 4335 535 West 116th Street , New York, NY 10027
AU: Khazai, B
EM: khazai@ldeo.columbia.edu
AF: Earth Institute at Columbia University, 405 Low Library, MC 4335 535 West 116th Street , New York, NY 10027
AB: The devastating tsunami that hit Sri Lanka on December 26, 2004 has demonstrated vividly the inter-connections between social and ecological resilience. Before the tsunami, the coastal zone of Sri Lanka was inhabited by predominantly poor populations, most of whom were directly dependent upon coastal natural resources, such as fisheries and coconut trees, for supporting their livelihoods. Many of these people have now lost their livelihoods through the destruction of their boats and nets for fishing, the contamination of drinking sources, homes, family members and assets. This presentation focuses on observations of the tsunami impacts on both social and ecological communities made along the affected coastline of Sri Lanka in April-May 2005. This assessment recorded patterns of ecological resistance and damage resulting from the tsunami in relation to damage on the human environment, with an exploration of the physical factors that may have contributed to vulnerability or resistance. This work also involved a preliminary assessment of the resilience and recovery of different natural resource based livelihood strategies following the disaster and an exploration of livelihood possibilities in proposed resettlement sites. From observations made in this and other recent studies, it is apparent that intact ecosystems played a vital role in protection from the impact of the tsunami and are vital for supporting people as they seek to rebuild their livelihoods. However, certain structural and biological characteristics appear to offer certain tree species, such as coconut (Cocos nucifera), an advantage in surviving such events and have been important for providing food and drink to people in the days after the tsunami. Areas where significant environmental damage had occurred prior to the tsunami or where there were few natural defenses present to protect human communities, devastation of homes and lives was extremely high. Although, there is evidence that many previously intact ecological systems were little affected or will recover from this large disturbance, major impacts on the natural environment may come in the aftermath of the tsunami during the rebuilding and reconstruction phase. The ability of communities to recover from disasters and to rebuild their lives is dependent on both an intact natural resource base and the maintenance of social networks for learning, adapting and managing resources. The potential impacts of rebuilding on the natural environment combined with policies on resettlement may influence the ability to learn, cope and manage such events and resources in the future.
UR: http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/news/2005/report_fellowstsunami05.html
DE: 0410 Biodiversity
DE: 0439 Ecosystems, structure and dynamics (4815)
DE: 0468 Natural hazards
DE: 0485 Science policy (6620)
SC: Union [U]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005