Checklist For A Camp Management Agency

Roles and Responsibilities

  • An initial rapid environmental assessment (REA) is conducted prior to site selection. This should include an initial biomass survey.
  • Environmental national authorities' guidelines, or any approved available guidelines, are taken into consideration for assessment, plans and implementation of activities and initiatives related to environmental protection.
  • Further surveys or plans are established for a more thorough environmental assessment once the emergency phase has passed.
  • The person or team of people to carry out the assessments are selected.
  • Environmentally sensitive or protected areas around the camp are known and mapped.
  • The main environmental management issues and priorities are identified in and around the camp.
  • National authorities and lead Cluster/Sector agencies are consulted to verify that the camp site and environmental priorities are those endorsed by their department/agency.
  • Environmental requirements and resources to be protected are verified with neighbouring or host communities.
  • Information is communicated to all key stakeholders.
  • Relocation plans are prepared for those who need to be moved in order to protect critical natural resources.
  • Camp layout designers consider land contours to minimise erosion.
  • The camp layout considers maintaining as much existing vegetation cover as possible to reduce risks of erosion.
  • A CEAP covering the camp and surrounding communities is developed and implemented.
  • Standards and indicators for environmental monitoring are discussed and established as part of the CEAP.
  • All relevant programmes initiated in the camp contain an environmental awareness-raising component.
  • The camp staff, host community, community leaders and committees are trained in, or otherwise informed of, matters related to environmental protection and the negative effects of poor environmental planning.
  • Environmental committees are formed.

Shelter

  • Shelter materials, especially timber, including those brought from other areas, are from sustainable sources.
  • The collection of materials required for construction of shelter is managed to ensure sustainable use of local resources.
  • The implications of mass production of shelter materials are considered, such as water requirements for manufacture of mud bricks/concrete.
  • Natural materials are harvested at the right time of the year to ensure sustainability of future harvests.

Water and Sanitation

  • Existing water sources and ground water are protected from contamination from livestock, latrines, clothes washing, bathing areas, rubbish pits and burial grounds.
  • Four guidelines (Reduce water consumption! Rainwater harvesting! Recycling water! Restore the natural water cycle!) are adopted.
  • Groundwater sources are used appropriately/sustainably to prevent long-term damage such as salinisation or aquifer depletion.
  • Latrines are appropriately sited and constructed to ensure that they do not pollute groundwater or the surrounding area.
  • Mechanisms are in place to empty latrines and dispose waste appropriately, away from the site.
  • Latrine and waste facilities are safely decommissioned once full.
  • A solid waste management system and strategy are in place, which includes recycling and composting.
  • Composting is promoted as a means to improve the fertility of garden/agricultural plots.
  • Solid waste, including medical waste, is disposed of properly both on and off-site.
  • Solid waste pits are appropriately sited and constructed to ensure that they do not pollute groundwater or the surrounding area.
  • Clearly demarcated burial sites are sited to ensure that they do not pollute groundwater or the surrounding area.
  • Appropriate drainage/bunds are constructed to reduce surface water runoff and erosion.
  • Non-chemical physical methods of vector control are considered.

Livelihoods

  • If livestock are present, there is sufficient grazing and fodder available to feed them locally.
  • Surrounding areas are accessible and appropriate for grazing.
  • Grazing rights are arranged with the host community.
  • Separate watering points are established for livestock.
  • Organic farming practices are encouraged for cultivation in and around the camp.
  • Locally appropriate crop species are encouraged.
  • Composting and crop rotation are encouraged to maintain soil fertility.

Energy

  • Periodic household assessments are conducted of the amount of fuelwood (or other energy sources) needed and being harvested.
  • Alternative sources of domestic energy are identified and promoted.
  • Fuel-efficient cooking methods are promoted.
  • Protection concerns related to fuelwood collection are identified and dealt with.
  • Alternative strategies are developed to ensure both protection of camp residents and natural resource conservation.
  • Lighting systems, either at the household level or around priority facilities such as latrines or washing blocks, should be provided and maintained.
  • Plans are established for programmes to reduce environmental impacts, such as nurseries for future provision of fuelwood.

Environmental Rehabilitation

  • Projects are put in place to rehabilitate the camp once people return home.
  • Implementing agencies and national authorities have funds available for the clearing/decommissioning of the camp.
  • Plans are drawn up, and agreed in advance, regarding any intended future use of the camp site and existing infrastructure.
  • Reputable organisations and institutions are identified to rehabilitate the site and remove potential contaminants and physical dangers.
  • The host community is consulted about rehabilitation of the camp area and site.
  • Tree planting schemes are appropriately funded for an adequate time period.
  • There is emphasis on using native trees.