World Wildlife Fund

The impetus for the partnership between the American Red Cross and WWF is a shared conviction: The only way to ensure a healthy future for disaster survivors, of all species, is through the protection and sustainable restoration of the natural systems upon which we all depend. In the wake of the 2004 tsunami, WWF was asked to provide technical support on green reconstruction to the American Red Cross in their rebuilding of devastated communities.

Since the partnership began, over $60 million dollars of Red Cross reconstruction projects have been reviewed by WWF to ensure they are environmentally sound. Together, we are putting in place long-term solutions for rebuilding shattered infrastructure and local economies. This includes creating programs for the restoration of clean water and nonpolluting sanitation systems; managing fisheries and agriculture sustainably; sourcing building materials that do not deplete local forests, species or habitats; and minimizing other environmental impacts of reconstruction.

WWF's Green Reconstruction Guidelines
These guidelines, initially developed by WWF in Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, now form the basis for economic and environmental reconstruction across WWF's global network.

1. Mainstream environmental concerns into all aspects of reconstruction.
2. Build strong, legitimate local institutions that are self-reliant.
3. Develop an overall spatial plan for environmental goods and services as well as development.
4. Create good governance that is transparent and accountable and that includes local communities.