The project follows a phased approach beginning with Phase One - nine-month stock-taking phase. This phase provides a snapshot survey of impacts to coastal environments and communities over large spatial scales, the status of relief and rehabilitation efforts till date and analyses the potential impact of development activities on coastal vulnerability. This phase is marked by 1) the development of a GIS coastal database containing critical socio-ecological data, 2) gap assessments in existing post-tsunami assessments and 3) analysis of key coastal and marine policies. The potential outcomes from this project are important.

• The assessments can provide an overall understanding on the short-term environmental effects of the tsunami and help plan future medium and long-term assessments.
• The coastal database can effectively contribute to national efforts at establishing pre-and post-tsunami ecological, environmental and socio-economic baselines.
• The project will provide a comprehensive assessment of the state of coastal environments in tsunami-impacted districts, an analysis of impacts on ecosystem-derived livelihoods, and an assessment of crucial gaps in knowledge and policy.