Environmental Impact of Sudden Population Displacements - Expert Consultation on Priority Policy Issues and Humanitarian Aid (European Commission Humanitarian Office, 1995, 28 p.): 6. AN APPEAL FOR URGENT POLICY ATTENTION: 6.3. Urgent policy concerns: i. Energy

Environmental Impact of Sudden Population Displacements - Expert Consultation on Priority Policy Issues and Humanitarian Aid (European Commission Humanitarian Office, 1995, 28 p.)

6. AN APPEAL FOR URGENT POLICY ATTENTION

6.3. Urgent policy concerns

		i. Energy
		ii. Shelter
		iii. Agriculture
		iv. Site and size of settlements
		v. Indigenous knowledge
		vi. Research and impact assessment

i. Energy

- Energy needs should be given the same status and priority as other basic needs such as food, water, health and shelter;
- Relevant agencies should have responsibility that fuel needs are met with minimum negative impact on the environment; take measures to reduce need for fuel and manage demand. Possible measures include less energy-demanding foods, milling and preparation, training and store distribution; ensure supplies of blankets and clothes to reduce need for fuel for heating;
- Where appropriate, relevant agencies should evaluate if they are the best organisations to collect, transport and distribute fuel;
- The emergency team should propose early how fuel needs will be met through the optimum mix of local and other sources;
- Where appropriate, the agencies should engage in replacement planting of vegetation in collaboration with local populations.