PROTECTING NATURE THROUGH MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENT
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- Published on Monday, 30 January 2012 10:25
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Islamic Relief is committed to maintain the environment in all the activities it undertakes. Especially as the current SSFSS program is closely related to the environment, specifically the maritime environment. This commitment is shown by the implementation of surveys and monitoring of the environment.
Environmental monitoring describes the processes and activities that need to take place to characterize and monitor the quality of the environment. Environmental monitoring is used in the preparation of environmental impact assessments, as well as (monitoring) the activities of people which can cause harmful effects to the natural environment. All monitoring strategies and programs have reasons and justifications which are designed to establish the current status of an environment or to establish trends in environmental parameters. In all cases the results of monitoring will be reviewed, analyzed statistically and published.
Islamic Relief and Aceh Ocean Coral has had environmental surveys done to identify environmental issues associated with the implementation of activities for the Sustainable Sea Fisheries for Simeulue and Singkil (SSFSS) project. These surveys were conducted in Singkil and Simeulue from 23rd Oktober to 1st November 2011 by a consultant team from CV.Ganessa.
According to the initial agreements, the Sustainable Sea Fisheries for Simeulue and Singkil c project was to end in February 2012. A report on the environmental consequences is one of the important requirements required to be done at the beginning of the project to ensure the sustainability of the project. Islamic Relief is dedicated to implementing a project which results in quality of environment for all of our beneficiaries.
Environmental surveys conducted for the environmental effect assessment include various tasks including monitoring of the environment at the site for construction of the wharf including analysis of the quality of sea water, air pollution by dust, noise and vibration also nuisance which could be caused to aquatic biota including disturbance to coral reefs.
As well as that, surveys were also done to test and verify the suitability of locations for floating fish farms (KJA), in order to predict their effect on the water quality (in their vicinity). In connection with these activities the consultants had to take (sea water) samples and do laboratory tests to get accurate results for each of the parameters being tested. Samples were taken at several project locations in Pulau Banyak and in Simeulue. In addition, the survey also analyzed employment and business opportunities and changes in attitudes/perception of the villagers.
The results from these surveys showed that generally there will be no significant effects from Islamic Relief’s activities. However, there are a few minor effects that can be easily prevented. The Consultants have given Islamic Relief the survey data, results and conclusions and have also recommended bi-annual environmental monitoring surveys. Such reports would be intended to help Islamic Relief to take actions to minimize any significant impact to the environment from any project activities (FE).
Jetty Ready for Use
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- Created on Monday, 09 January 2012 03:47
- Published on Monday, 09 January 2012 03:47
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Islamic Relief has completed the construction of the Jetty for Fishing boat wharf at Haloban village, the main village in the Kepulauan Banyak Barat sub-district, as part of the Sustainable Sea Fisheries for Simeleu and Singkil (SSFSS) Program. The Jetty is now ready to be used by the fishermen, says Juli Efendi, Islamic Relief's Construction Coordinator; "The Jetty we have built is now ready for use, as the concrete has had time to cure."
Curing time is the time needed for the concrete to get it's full strength. The construction of the wharf uses reinforced concrete piles and deck which are strong enough and satisfactory to tie up a 25 GT medium size fisherman boat; This strong Jetty tool six month to construct by PT. Zarnita Abadi.
ISLAMIC RELIEF COMMITTED TO CONTINUE SSFSS PROJECT
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- Published on Wednesday, 21 December 2011 09:54
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The District Governments and the Panglima Laot for both Singkil and Simeulue will support Islamic Relief’s program to continue the Sustainable Sea Fisheries project for Simeulue and Singkil (SSFS). This commitment was made during a Coordination Meeting between Islamic Relief and the Departments of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries [Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan (DKP)] from the Province of Aceh and from both Simeulue District and Singkil District plus the Project Management Unit (PMU) for the Economic Development Financing Facility (EDFF), and the District Panglima Laots from both Singkil and Simeulue.
“We support Islamic Relief to continue the implementation of the SSFSS project, because this affects the welfare of (our) people”, said Mr. Riswan, the Panglima Laot for the District of Simeulue, on Thursday (8/12/2011).
The co-ordination meeting was held in the Grand Nanggroe Hotel to discuss the continuity of the SSFSS Project following the withdrawal of AOC as the local partner with Islamic Relief for the implementation of the SSFSS Program. As you should know, SSFSS is a program that is funded through the EDFF Project.
Meanwhile, the head of the DKP for Aceh Province, Mr A R Razali, who also attended the meeting, stated that coordination and communication between all related stakeholders, especially with the district governments, is crucial for the success of the project.
The District governments for each of the two project locations will actively participate in the implementation of the project in the future, also in monitoring the project. Up till now, communications between IR-AOC and the two governments has been lacking. “Islamic Relief and the District Governments will sit down together to determine the program priorities. “Because there is only a few months time left (to complete) the program”. he said.
Similarly, the head of the PMU for the EDFF, Prof. DR. Amhar Abubakar, M.Sc also stated: “After the EDFF program finishes, the district government is expected to continue the program that we have started. Therefore, it is important to coordinate with district level stakeholders” he said.
Islamic Relief admitted weaknesses in program implementation, both in management and in the field. However, project continuation is Islamic Reliefs’ main responsibility. “We are committed to continue this project until it is completed,” said Ali Noor, Country Director of Islamic Relief. Islamic Relief promised to work closely with the district governments. “We do not want to disappoint the people,” he added.
The SSFSS program aims to improve the economy of coastal communities, both direct and indirect beneficiaries through infrastructure assistance, capital investment, training programs and capacity building, as well as building networks and market access for (the) fishermen.
As you know the EDFF project is funded by grants from the MDF with a budget mechanism from the Treasury Department. The fund is allocated through the Ministry for Development of Neglected Areas [Kementerian Pem-bangunan Daerah Tertinggal (KPDT)], following the National Budget [APBN] mechanism. While the World Bank has been appointed as a (program) partner as well as a project supervisor.
WASH RESPONSE TO MERAPI VOLCANO ERUPTION
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- Created on Monday, 02 January 2012 11:34
- Published on Monday, 02 January 2012 11:34
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Mount Merapi volcano eruption occurring during October and November 2010 has affected 10 districts in Central Java and Yogyakarta province causing huge loss and displacement of human being beside massive destruction of infrastructure; mainly water resources (spring and water collection point) which fully ruined and heavily covered by stone and sand of the volcano and followed cold lava flood.
As a result of that, the people living around had faced big problem in accessing water for their daily needs (drinking, bathing, and washing) including for their livestock need.
Responding to this catastrophe, Islamic Relief Indonesia had dug and constructed 18 deep well in six villages benefiting 6374 inhabitants in 5 months. Beside wells construction IRI has conducted awareness training for community and Water Management Committee (WMC), on hygiene promotion and how to use and maintain these facilities. The project is mostly funded by UNOCHA and implemented under supervision and monitoring of UNICEF & UNDP (co-funders).
End of Islamic Relief Aceh Ocean Coral Partnership
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- Published on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 16:49
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Since December 2011, AOC is no longer working as Islamic Relief’s local partner to implement the Sustainable Sea Fisheries for Simeulue and Singkil (SSFSS) program. The partnership ended as a result of discussions and a mutual decision taken by Islamic Relief and AOC.
This decision has which has been agreed to by Islamic Relief (Worldwide), [ by the PMU] and by the Local Governments of both Simeulue and Singkil Districts.
The end of the partnership between AOC and IRI was marked by handover ceremonies both at the village level and at the district level held at the end of December. Islamic Relief expresses our thanks to AOC for all the work done together up till now and wishes AOC good luck and success for their projects in the future.
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