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Wageningen puts knowledge into action for long term tasks after tsunami disaster

January 07, 2005

Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands wishes to offer its knowledge and expertise to the governments and organizations which will be working on the long-term task of rehabilitation in the disaster zones. Over the next few weeks, a working group led by Dr. Bram Huijsman will inventory the sorts of expertise that Wageningen can offer, and where it can make a real contribution. Various Wageningen disciplines are represented in the working group, including Professor of Disaster Relief, Georg Frerks, and the author of the UN report on Disaster relief in Africa, Professor Rudy Rabbinge. On the basis of the working group's recommendations, the Executive Board will offer help in the form of advice.

Knowledge about food production, food security, health, water management and rural development is crucial to the recovery of the affected regions. Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR) knowledge about siltation, for example, could be applied in tackling the problem of contamination of agricultural land with seawater in Atjeh (Aceh). This problem must be solved as quickly as possible, as the next harvest season is approaching.

A number of Wageningen University students come from areas affected by the disaster. Those who wish to interrupt their studies to go home and support their families or help with reconstruction will be given the opportunity to do so. The university will pay their travel and accommodation expenses.

Wageningen UR will also offer ten scholarships to students from countries hit by the tsunami, to enable them to contribute knowledge and expertise gained from a Wageningen Masters course to the long-term rehabilitation of the affected regions.

On 26th January, students will form a circle around Wageningen town centre, symbolizing their solidarity with the disaster victims in Asia. At least 3,000 participants are needed for this 'living heart', which is the focal point of fundraising campaigns by student societies over the next few weeks.

Indonesian students in Wageningen are carrying out a number of fundraising activities for the victims in Atjeh, such as repairing bicycles at student flats and holding a fundraising day in a University building on 20th January, which will include an auction of Indonesian articles.


Wageningen University and Research Centre