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Environmental issues are never considered during this phase. Barring rapid environmental assessments that are carried out in the aftermath of a disaster, at best, the role of biologists is minimal; at worst, non-existent during this period. At this stage, environmental concerns are seen as an unwanted luxury. This view is held even by many biologists concerned with environmental issues.

However, it can not be over-emphasised that during this phase, much environmental damage can be caused, endangering the sustainability of recovery and, in turn, rebuilding. During this phase, there can be a great deal of over-exploitation (for example, of timber) and much habitat destruction (for example, clear-felling forests to make temporary shelters) because the immediate goal is to get roofs over people’s heads, at whatever cost. Also during this phase, the rush to get food and other emergency supplies also results in much environmental damage. Often, these supplies have to be packed in non-degradable packing such as plastic. Irresponsible disposal of large quantities of such waste can create enormous ecological and health problems. Debris created by the hazard is often cleared into ecologically sensitive habitats - such as lagoons and wetlands - that sustain livelihoods, or protected areas - that provide other ecosystem services - causing further damage.

EXPERT OPINION

Interview opportunities with experts in ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s Pakistan and Head Office:

Shah Murad Aliani, Country Representative, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Pakistan
Email: [email protected]


TO BOOK INTERVIEWS FOR RADIO, TV AND PRINT PLEASE CONTACT:

Michael Dougherty, Regional Communications Coordinator, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Asia Regional Office, t +66 2 662 4029 (ext 142), m +66 81 371 4687; e [email protected]

Borjana Pervan, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Media Relations Officer, t +41 22 999 0115, e [email protected]



Following guidelines were produced by ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� after the devastating earthquake in 2005 and cyclone in 2010.