Thailand Post-Tsunami Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods Program

Coastal Public Infrastructure and Disaster Preparedness

The Post-Tsunami Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods Program worked in partnership with communities, local organizations and government authorities in the rehabilitation of coastal physical infrastructure and community-based disaster preparedness. Activities included construction of a multi-purpose Learning and Community Center, co-financing of infrastructure reconstruction and repair, community-based waste management, disaster preparedness training and planning, and environmental impact assessment. The Learning and Community Center provided a venue for large community meetings, training, seminars, meetings and material resources on sustainable microenterprise development. The Center was equipped with computer and internet information technologies and constructed with green design features such as solar power, rain water collection, waste management, minimal air conditioning requirements, and green landscape. The University of Hawaii and Asian Disaster Preparedness Center were key partners in demonstrating a model for the wider region on effective disaster preparedness approaches at the community level. Actions included such items as hazard assessment, risk awareness and training, development of early warning system, evacuation and response procedures following the impact of a hazard, and First Aid training. This activity was carried out in collaboration with the USAID Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System program.