Sustainable Management Plan and reconstruction of the fishing industry for the Tsunami and Earthquake-Affected Banyak Islands (Pulau Banyak) in Aceh - Sumatra - Indonesia

Introduction

The project will provide sustainable development of the Banyak Island's natural resources (Aceh, Indonesia). The project will rehabilitate the fishing industry in order to ensure income for the remaining population at the islands. During the project period development plans will be made for sustainable coastal management and implementation will be commenced, the fishing industry will be boosted by facilitating fishing gear and related monitoring of resources by instalment of a fisheries patrol.

Description

The Banyak Islands were very hard hit during the December 2004 tsunami and March 2005 earthquake.

The islands have a population of 6000 people and an economy based entirely on fishing. The location of the Banyaks is in the south of Banda Aceh, one of the hardest hit areas. The islands have a very remote location and can only be reached by an 8-9 hour boat trip from Sumatra. Since these islands are very difficult to access the aid effort has been very limited.
Due to the earthquake in March 2005 the situation of the island has become even worse. Two of the inhabited islands sank approximately 1 meter after the earthquake and has made the islands very sensitive. The local economy has gone bankrupt, since most fishing activities are halted due to lack of equipment, and living resources are very scarce. This has resulted in the use of unsustainable fishing methods.

Since severe damage to the coastal area has taken place the coastal zone management and preservation of the remaining coral reefs is of crucial importance. The coastal zones are particularly rich in resources.

The Danish and the Indonesian partners are cooperating on rebuilding the fishing economy and saving the coastal

The project deals with improvement of coastal environment. The project focuses solely on the coastal environment and the fishing industry by enhancing both the environmental situation as well as building up the business environment. The overall keyword is that the development will take place in a sustainable way.

The project will involve the local population in several ways. The majority of the communities on the islands are dependent on fishing industry. By launching training programs on safe and sustainable fishing and building up the foundation for future business structure the project will involve the larger part of the population.

• The project will have the following benefits for the area:
• Reconstruction of the fishing industry - improved economy
• Sustainable management - responsible solutions for the environment
• Development of skill - processing of fish, seaweed etc.
• Monitoring of fishing and other activities in order to protect the environment

The project will provide tangible and direct relief to the population by providing simple but highly required equipment for building up the industry. The reconstruction of harbour facilities, fish processing facilities, boats and fishing equipment will help kick-start the life on the Banyaks.