The loss of the mangroves was one of the reasons for the tsunami having had such a devastating effect; the lack of these protective coastal ecosystems meant the tsunami hit the coast much harder and left very much greater devastation in it's wake. It is our appetite for shrimps that is partly responsible for the loss of over 35% of the world's mangroves in the last 20 years.

One study found shrimp farming accounted for over a third of the mangrove destruction and there are other well documented serious ecological problems associated with shrimp farming. In the light of these facts we have written to the supermarkets to see if they have reviewed their practices since the tsunami. We have asked a series of questions about the standards used in prawn farming and about the need for Fair trade standards.

We must not forget our role in abetting disasters like the tsunami. Shrimp farming is one aspect another is the commercial coastal development, while climate change and rising sea levels also play a part.

We need a different approach. Our current economic system and ever more globalisation and unfair world trade is failing us, failing poor communities and failing the Earth. Policies that protect and rebuild all local economies rather than gearing economies to ruthlessly out-compete each other internationally. Policies that take climate change seriously. Policies that lead to restoring mangroves, coral reefs and other natural coastal ecosystems while restricting coastal development. In short policies that put people and planet before profit.


Reconstruction still going on

The force of the Sumatran quake was so powerful that the Earth wobbled on its axis and shifted small islets as much as twenty metres, according to one American expert. Oxfam say that the challenge presented by the disaster is the equivalent of reconstructing the cities of Glasgow and Birmingham completely from scratch, only staggering these lots around all the damaged shorelines of one of the world’s most populous regions.

People responded with exceptional generosity to the tsunami: some $12 billion dollars pledged by governments and individuals in 90 different nations for relief and reconstruction. In the South West our papers were full of stories of people giving money and time to help.

Yet 80% of the 1.8 million made homeless by the tsunami are still in temporary shelters miles away from their flattened communities. Many of the agencies working in the field admit there are lessons to be learnt. It is certainly clear that Africa has been given short shrift in what was perceived to be wholly an Asian tragedy by many. Some have also suggested that the response to the tsunami led to less contributions to the highland Guatemalan mudslides and flash floods and the Kashmir earthquake which left 73,000 dead and made 3.5 million people homeless in October.

Scientists are suggesting that another massive tsunami is likely within our lifetimes and possibly sooner. It is vital early-warning systems are put in place, but it is also vital we understand our roles in these disasters and how we can considerably lesson their effects. Getting serious about cutting greenhouse gas emissions would be a useful start.

Read more at: www.glosgreenparty.org.uk