The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has developed guidelines for integrating environmental safeguards into flood relief, response and recovery processes. The practical guidelines are aimed at planners, development workers and policy makers. They are aimed to ensure that human and environmental health is safeguarded in the immediate relief efforts and long term recovery.
To ensure that relief efforts do not cause further harm to the people and the environment, the guidelines address immediate issues such as debris removal, solid waste management and habitat destruction, said an IUCN press release issued here on Saturday. They also address legislative measures, reconstruction design standards and post-disaster assessments.
In any natural disaster, saving lives, alleviating suffering and reducing economic loss are the priorities. Emergency needs, water supplies and sanitation, food aid, setting up shelters, health care must be provided in the shortest possible time, IUCN says.
However, during this critical phase, significant environmental damage is often caused that hampers immediate recovery and long-term health of the natural environment upon which societies depend on to thrive, it added. Environmental considerations can be integrated into relief efforts that will help secure both short and long-term welfare of people and the society.