Ujung Pancu refers to the forested highlands, wetland & coastal areas, including protected forest at the end of Bukit Barisan mountain range from West Sumatra to Aceh, severely impacted by tsunami in 2004 and conflict in the preceding years. This area of outstanding beauty with a great variety of flora and fauna with off shore reefs is being undermined as returning communities, due to lack of viable alternatives are engaging in destructive livelihood practices in the forest and on the reefs.

They are destroying the very environment that protects them from further disasters and provides them with food, water and livelihoods. Villagers are experiencing increased periods of drought, disturbed wildlife habitats means animals come into villages and harm crops on the lowlands. Some villagers are catching & selling birds and other wildlife.

35 local youth/ young adults have set up their own environment group (REPALA) and will be at the forefront of implementing this project within their own communities with support from Yayasan Lamjabat (YL). REPALA will engage local communities, schools, other environmental & community groups, forestry and conservation department and academics to assist in mapping the bio-diversity in this area. This will highlight the beauty, diversity and importance of protecting Ujung Pancu for generations to come to a greater audience. REPALA will be compiling data, photos and a film documentary of their progress which will be shared with their own communities and with other villages in the sub-district, district and city of Banda Aceh. This should ensure that debates on the environmental impact of livelihood practices and waste management will be on the agenda for the foreseeable future not only for the local communities but also for government, academics concerned with climate change, forest, wetland and coastal management and protection.

YL and REPALA to work with children local community members to identify & document (film, photo, bulletins):

(1a) current and past biodiversity & environmental changes in forest, wetlands and coastal area;

(1b) conflicts between villagers and local wildlife that impact on local biodiversity, natural habitats & environmental protection.

Use documentation to:

(2a) increase awareness of importance of bio-diversity, protecting environment for sustainable living and minimising risks / impacts of natural disasters by environmental degradation;

(2b) to encourage action at local level to protect the environment.