| Abstract: |
| Aceh remains one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia despite its rich natural resources. There is much disparity in the poverty of people living in the coastal areas and those living further upland. The December 2004 earthquake and tsunami occurred in a province that was already experiencing political conflict, large-scale disaster, and damage. Most of the aid money from national and international agencies was spent on the narrow strips of coastal areas that were directly affected by the Tsunami waves.
An extensive survey for situational analysis was conducted in June-August 2007 along coastal and upland areas in three locations - accessible East Aceh with strong conflict history, less accessible West Aceh with some conflict history, and the remote island of Nias with no conflict history. Primary data and secondary information were collected through household interviews, group appraisals and expert consultations from sample villages, both in coastal as well as inland areas. Data on deforestation were analyzed and comparisons were made between coastal and upland regions regarding livelihood strategies, land use household income, environmental damage after December 2004.
About 54% of the district populations live inland and nearly 94% of these inland people rely on agriculture compared to 55% in the coastal areas. In the inland average of 76% total income comes from agricultural activities and 21% from off-farm activities. Among the agricultural activities, tree crops (rubber, cocoa, areca nuts, coffee, and coconut) are the most important providing 60 to 78% of total income.
During the ‘construction boom’ following the earthquake and Tsunami of 2004, the high demand for construction materials (sand, stone, timber and brick) has led to intensified logging and sand/rock mining activities throughout Aceh and Nias. Most of this is in the upland areas that had remained relatively intact during the conflict years. The deforestation sharply intensified after the earthquake and Tsunami. The clearance of peat area for human settlements, construction work and oil palm plantations is a major environmental problem.
There is an urgent need for an increased awareness among development and policy professionals of the livelihood-environment links of upland-lowland communities in post-disaster support initiatives. Environmental concerns should be integrated into all aspects of reconstruction activities in order to minimize the negative impacts of reconstruction.
Lack of spatial planning and uncoordinated activities have led to ‘tragedy of commons’. Strong and active participation of local institutions and systems could be promoted for a more sustainable development programs that optimize environmental goods and services as well as development and livelihood opportunities. This should be supported through development of effective local governance and enabling policies. |
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