The role of coconut plants in relation to disaster management in the tropical coastal regions

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of coconut plants growing in the tropical coastal regions in relation to disaster management. The presence of coconut trees on the beach is not solely as a part of landscape architecture but it can also be used as an option in emergency rescue in the occurrence of disaster or tsunami. For this purpose, the investigation was carried out through literature studies and documentation in data collection methods. Video documentation on the attacks of tsunami taking place in some parts of the world were important sources in collecting data. The results of the data collection were then analyzed into qualitative descriptive for verifying the roles of coconut plants in the emergency rescue. Although their roles may not be effective for children, elder and disable people, they are very useful for protection along the coast. The installation of the trees must not only be in public areas but also in private areas along the coast. Since the improvement of disaster management has to cover safety in all aspects, the result of this paper, therefore, may be useful for coastal planning and design guidelines.