Indian Ocean tsunami and aftermath: Need for environment-disaster synergy in the reconstruction process

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to provide an overview on two specific issues of reconstruction process: environment disaster linkage, and cross-learning among affected countries. The paper also demonstrates a unique community-based reconstruction program in three affected countries. Design/methodology/approach – Two approaches are adopted in the paper: one, description of salient features of past reconstruction process, roles of different stakeholders, and vulnerability reduction – human security context. The other part is description of a specific program highlighting its goal, objective, scope and activities. Focus is given on the community-based reconstruction process with in-depth analysis, followed by the dissemination of the results to wider communities. Findings – The major finding of the paper is that the reconstruction process should be considered as development opportunity, and should be linked to vulnerability reduction measures of the community, which, in long term, will lead to enhancement of human security. Research limitations/implications – The long-term impact of the reconstruction process is yet to be verified. It will remain as future challenge how the community-based initiatives are linked to policy and plans of the government. Practical implications – The paper describes field-based reconstruction process in three countries, which are implemented in cooperation with local communities and local non-government organizations. Thus, the findings of the paper are directly related to its practical implications. Originality/value – The original part of the paper is that it highlights two very important issues of the reconstruction process. The paper also provides detail description of the innovative community-based reconstruction process. It gives a unique analysis to link reconstruction process with vulnerability reduction and enhancement of human security.