PROTECTING NATURE THROUGH MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENT
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- Category: latest news
- Created on Monday, 30 January 2012 10:24
- 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).
