Tsunami recovery impact assessment and monitoring system: TRIAMS workshop, Bangkok, 3-5 May 2006

The concept for a Tsunami Recovery Impact Assessment and Monitoring System (TRIAMS) was discussed and endorsed by the Global Consortium for Tsunami-Affected Countries at meetings in June and September 2005. The process was taken forward by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, with the support of the United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery (OSE) led by former US President Bill Clinton. Between mid-2005 and early 2006, the concept of TRIAMS was further fleshed out in consultation with the governments and their key implementing partners in the five most-affected countries - India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand. A workshop was held to refine the TRIAMS concept and achieve consensus among the countries concerned and other partners on the process to assess the impact of the response and monitor ongoing recovery efforts. The purpose of the TRIAMS initiative is to assist governments, aid agencies and affected populations in assessing and monitoring the rate and direction of recovery over the next four to five years. The system is also designed to help governments, aid agencies and donors be accountable for the end results of their efforts. The core indicators discussed and agreed on by the workshop participants cover four key areas of recovery: vital needs, basic social services, infrastructure and livelihoods.