North Andaman Tsunami Relief
(formerly Golden Buddha Island Relief Fund)

Background
The earthquake and ensuing tsunami on 26th December 2004 brought the world's spotlight onto the countries of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The lack of any tsunami warning system resulted in an enormous death toll and the destruction of many coastal communities and tourist resorts. In Thailand, the North Andaman islands and adjacent coastal area was severely hit, causing widespread devastation of many communities.

One of the largest islands in this area is Koh Phratong. There are three established villages on the island: Tapa Yoi, Bak Jok, and Tung Dap as well as the ecotourism resorts of Golden Buddha Beach and Krathom Moken. Of these, Bak Jok and the two resorts were completely destroyed and Tung Dap severely damaged. Other severely affected villages in the area include Baan Talae Nok, Hat Praphat, Had Sai Kaew, Koh Ra, and the Moken (sea gypsy) village on the Surin Islands. The villagers have lost not only loved ones and homes, but their fishing boats - the main source of food and income for most families. These families rely almost completely on the sea for their survival, there is very little farming, cottage industry, or tourism in the area.

Bak Jok before the tsunami

Bak Jok now...

Purpose
The North Andaman Tsunami Relief will provide assistance to tsunami impacted coastal communities on and near Koh Phratong. In doing so, it will emphasize a community-driven process, and cooperate with other parties involved in the relief effort in working toward long-term community and environmental sustainability.

Goal
Provide (short and mid-range) assistance to ensure that tsunami victims have access to food, housing, education, healthcare, and can rebuild and/or diversify their livelihoods.

Objectives
1. Assessment: Assess which villages are most in need, which governmental and non-governmental groups are working in the area already, and what plans have been made by the communities. Determine priorities by meeting with diverse groups of local villagers.

2. Coordination and Cooperation: Coordinate closely with Thai non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Seub Foundation, TRF, and Thai Federation of Fisherfolk who have been working in the villages for many years. These groups have a very good sense of villager priorities, and rely on a community-driven development process.

Work alongside other stakeholders, including government agencies, UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and research centers, to promote effective, non-redundant aid in the villages. Continually assess what local needs are not being met by other organisations, identify responsible parties, and provide solutions.

3. Differentiated Assistance to Coastal Communities: Focus on the varied needs of different groups, including resort workers, fishermen, the Moken (sea gypsies) women, Burmese immigrants and children.

Implement immediate and longer-term programs to address these needs such as short-term labor programs where community members can play a key role in the reconstruction of their villages. Where gaps exist, provide specific projects that target education, health and housing for community members.

4. Livelihoods: Work with families of those that have lost their livelihoods, including employment at the resorts and fishing. Assist with the procurement of long tail boats and fishing gear. If preliminary reports are correct, fish stocks may be depleted for some time and boats may take several months to be rebuilt, and economic alternatives to fishing may need to be explored by the communities.

The funds from the North Andaman Tsunami Relief fund will be used to invest in the future of these communities, in a way that empowers local people to retain autonomy. Given the diversity of local communities and interests, care must be taken so the fund can help people to help themselves. In cooperation with long-time local residents and local organisations, such as the Hat Praphat Research Station, the on-going needs of the communities will be assessed, with attention to their long term well-being. As such, it is vital that NATR retain a flexibility that will allow it to serve the evolving needs of villagers on an immediate basis, and fill gaps that will be left by the highly-structured efforts of government and large aid groups.