West Vancouver resident returns home after a one year mission to the Maldives
Jonn Braman and the island chief (or Katheeb) on Gaadhiffushi island in Thaa atoll.
Jonn Braman, a West Vancouver resident, recently returned home after a one year mission in the Maldives, where he assisted in the Tsunami Debris and Waste Management Project for over 77 islands in the area.
The Republic of the Maldives consists of a long chain of islands on the south-west tip of India. Although these islands are far away from the epicentre of the earthquake and tsunami of 2004, the Maldives had the greatest per capita impact than any other country in the region. Over 1,200 islands comprise the nation and 75 of the 200 inhabited islands were affected because the highest point of the islands is only 1 - 2 metres above sea level.
As a result of the powerful tsunami wash, sewage systems and homes were damaged, drinking water was contaminated, and garbage and debris were spread on the islands. Working as the Waste Management Delegate, Jonn’s project focused on cleaning up of the debris and household waste on the islands, construction of waste management centres (WMC), education on best practices for waste management for the communities, and working with the government to build sustainable waste management practices.
Under Jonn’s guidance, the Canadian Red Cross was able to successfully remove 36,000 cubic metres of waste that washed ashore on 77 islands in the Maldives after the tsunami – the equivalent of clearing 6 football fields of waste. As well, 79 WMCs for recycling were built, directly benefiting over 100,000 residents – nearly one-third of the population.
When asked why he wanted to be part of this project, Jonn humbly answers, “the tsunami had an effect on all of us. I really wanted to use my skills to help those devastated by this natural disaster.”
A Waste Management Centre
Jonn worked very closely with the Australian Red Cross and the communities in successfully completing this project. He says the communities really took an active role in helping them locate the waste, consulting in where the WMCs should be built, and developing training and operations plans for the new facility. The concept of reducing and reusing is not new to the Maldives, however, recycling became a new terminology in the language.
Jonn’s contribution to this project will be remembered by those he worked with in the Maldives, but more importantly by those he has helped recover from a devastating natural disaster. His urge to help has resulted in rebuilding many lives and building a sustainable community for the future. Jonn anticipates he will continue to work overseas in the future but will take some time with his family in Vancouver before his next mission with the Red Cross.
To learn more about Jonn’s experience in the Maldives, check out his blog or to learn more about Canadian Red Cross’ tsunami operations, click here.
