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 Media Centre
Rolls-Royce Adds Power to UNDP Thailand
Tsunami Effort 24 June 2005
Bangkok: Rolls-Royce is putting jet engine power behind the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in helping to revitalize
communities hard-hit by the tsunami in southern Thailand. More than 1,200 coastal families in 10 communities in Phang Nga Bay stand to benefit from this unprecedented collaboration between UNDP and Rolls-Royce. The partnership will help to create livelihood opportunities, assist in the repair of fishing boats, boat engines, nets and tackle for the affected communities. "Rolls-Royce has a long history with the Kingdom of Thailand and we are deeply saddened by the tragic effects of the tsunami. We are very pleased to help those left destitute as a result of the disaster," said Dan Pedley, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce (Thailand) Ltd. "In partnership with the UNDP we can make these funds work for the communities that really need them and will benefit from them the most. This will ensure long-term rehabilitation and recovery." "This alliance reflects a new way of doing business for UNDP Thailand," said Hakan Bjorkman, Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Thailand. "Combining forces with a high-profile private corporation such as Rolls-Royce gives our efforts to help Thailand in the longer-term tsunami recovery a powerful boost" Included in the project will be the reconstruction of the all-important wooden pier marketplace used by the communities for trading and selling goods and marine products. The initiative will support the rehabilitation and clean up of important coastal areas such as mangrove forests. Villagers will be trained to prepare for possible future natural disasters, and will learn how to create trade links with other communities and the private sector. Rolls-Royce has agreed to provide a cash contribution of USD 50,000 to UNDP's overall USD 6 million tsunami recovery programme in Thailand. Communities on the go Beyond the partnership with Rolls-Royce, UNDP's larger role is to support the Royal Thai Government's longer term tsunami recovery and rehabilitation efforts as well as helping Thailand strengthen its preparedness for future disasters. A top priority for UNDP's overall tsunami effort is to help communities along the Andaman Coast get back on their feet after the devastating tsunami. "Priority is given to the more vulnerable Sea Gypsy and Muslim communities affected by the disaster in a manner that protects and promotes their cultural heritage" says Hakan Bjorkman, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Thailand. "This terrible tsunami has turned into an opportunity for these communities to 'build back better', strengthen their cultural identity, and get a stronger political say in local politics" Government figures put the number of people who have lost their livelihoods because of the tsunami at 120,000, most of them in the fishing and tourism sectors. UNDP is spending a total of USD 6 million (TB 240 million) in support of Thailand's tsunami recovery effort in 2005, focusing on three priority areas: community livelihood recovery; environmental rehabilitation; and disaster preparedness. Out of this budget, nearly USD 3.5 million (TB 140 million) is supporting community recovery plans that will benefit 20,000 households, creating community-managed revolving funds to recoups lost assets, forming local community groups to improve local participation in local-government decision making, and supporting small-scale enterprises in the tourism sector. UNDP has also committed over USD 1.5 million (TB 60 million) in technical assistance to support the environmental rehabilitation of tsunami-affected areas in Thailand. A UNDP-funded coral reef clean up and rehabilitation operation has cleared hundreds of tons of debris from reef washed out to sea by the tsunami, helped rehabilitate 17 prime diving sites, and is now supporting longer-term public awareness and protection initiatives. In addition, UNDP has also allocated over USD 1 million (TB 40 million) to support the Thai Government in coordinating international assistance to the tsunami, as well as supporting the development of disaster preparedness plans and early warning systems. For more information: Dennis Duncan Communications Officer UNDP Thailand www.undp.or.th Office: +66 (0) 2288 2646 Mobile: +66 (0) 6022 7443 Fax: +66 (0) 2280 1414 |
© 2005 United Nations Thailand
