Ecological Restoration

general principles

The ecological restoration process after a natural disaster requires collaboration among the state, city and private sector. The constant threat of hazardous materials, erosion and water contamination require immediate action. Preventing erosion and assessing the level of water contamination are necessary. By using case studies as references, new alternative forms of ecological restoration can be practiced.

Certain vegetation can be used to decrease the level of salinity in the floodwaters that inundate low-lying land after a tsunami or other flood event. As proven in many of these case studies, shoreline restoration can enhance local eco-systems. Mangroves, coral reefs, sea grass beds, and peat lands create natural buffer zones from tropical storms and disasters. Many reports from the latest tsunami indicate that the areas with the most intact mangroves, such as in Pichavaram and Muthupet, suffered the least amount of damage. With the growth of the hotel industry, tourism, shrimp aquaculture, and urban expansion, mangroves and coral reefs have disappeared rapidly. Mangroves have been termed "the coastal greenbelts of protection" which lower the amount of sedimentation and shoreline erosion.

Perhaps, with the resources provided alternative restoration processes can be implemented for the restoration of these devestated nations. The inital process of restoration requires debris removal and hazardous material clean -up. The California Integrated Waste Management District Plan provides resourceful information on the course of action they have undertaken following natural disasters. The case studies provide insightful, detailed accounts on their experiences, and what they learned from them. The case studies also provide useful information on household hazardous waste programs, debris management, curbside collection programs, and recycling programs

Case Studies:

Maiden Island Antigua Mangrove Habitat Restoration Project was founded in Florida by the Stanford Development, Reef Ball Foundation and Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. The restoration project focused on increasing the mangrove population on Maiden Island. The restoration project is part of the largest coral reef restoration being undertaken to date.

Pilot Project: Participatory Mangement Of Mangrove Habitat in Puttlam District, Sri Lanka focuses on the forest managment of Mangroves. It is a collaboration among local fisherman, scientists and the local government.

Ecological Importance expresses the vital significance of habitat.

Barrier Systems, Lagoons, Tidal Inlets- provides information on costal mitigation

Intergrated Waste management Diaster Plan Chapter 17 -Case Studies provides useful information on debris management and how to deal with hazardous waste. The case studies also provide a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of each plan.