Environmentally responsible disaster recovery and reconstruction recommendations

This guidance highlights key environmental issues throughout the recovery and reconstruction process and is designed for humanitarian agencies, government officials, and community groups involved in supporting affected populations for recovery and longer-term reconstruction.

International, national, and local laws require compliance with environmental policy and regulatory frameworks. At the international level, the Sphere Handbook, the Code of Conduct for The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction address the need to prevent over-exploitation, pollution, and degradation of the environment and encourage sustainable use and management of ecosystems.