Kamis, 17 November 2011 11:59
Population regains control of natural resources
Indonesia has a lot of natural resources, such as oil, gas and wood. The exploitation of these resources is one of the indications of economic development. However, it accompanies large ecological problems. Walhi, the oldest environmental organisation of Indonesia focuses on sustainable management of the environment. They do so from local branches, which are spread throughout the country. Walhi is a member of the international network Friends of the Earth.
Conflict
The population of Aceh did not receive any revenue or investment from their natural sources of wealth in the past. That is seen to be one of the main causes of the conflict between the GAM movement, that wants Aceh to be independent and the Indonesian government. The GAM and the Indonesian army both indulged in illegal wood chopping for years, to finance their armed conflict. That caused enormous floods and landslides in the south and middle parts of Aceh, on an annual basis. Walhi Aceh wants the population to regain control of their natural resources and to be responsible and sustainable while exploiting them.
Aware
Walhi Aceh ensures the local population is aware of several themes, such as the policies of city councils when it comes to garbage disposal, illegal wood chopping and the expansion of oil rigs. With ICCO partner Hivos, Walhi Aceh is working on a Community Based Disaster Reduction programme. Walhi Aceh collects and distributes information on environmental crimes and is organising the population to take action. It also maps out the most urgent areas at risk.
Criticism
Walhi Aceh is an important source of information for other organisations. Walhi criticises the government and companies. But it also seeks their cooperation, to improve policies and handle problems which are in urgent need of solutions.
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