ICRWG had held a workshop entitled “ Joint Initiatives for Caring Aceh and North Sumatra Coral Reefs ” on 22 February 2005 in Tea Addict Cafe, Jakarta. Fifty-one participants attended the workshop which are representatives of research institutions, NGOs, governmental institutions, the press, universities and donor agencies. The involvement of each participants is the initial stage of partnership and long term planning to support the government and local community in rebuilding Aceh and North Sumatra.

Several papers were presented, which are:

1. Genesis, Extent and Impact of The Tsunami on 26 December 2004 (Jan H. Steffen, UNESCO)
2. Expedition Zooxanthellae VII in Sabang (Ryan Prasetya, FDC – IPB)
3. Post Tsunami Visual Monitoring and Observation of Pulau Weh Coastal Area by Frank Momberg (Flora Fauna Indonesia)
4. Post Tsunami Visual Underwater Observation of Simuelue Island and Lhok Ngah, NAD by Cipto A. Gunawan
5. Change Detection of Coral Reef Habitat Using Remotely Sensed Imageries (Marlina Purwadi)
6. Guidelines for Tsunami Damage to Coral Reef Assessment (Jan H. Steffen, UNESCO)

Beside the presentation, discussion and a joint work plan were made. The discussion had identified institution which had already done resarch before the tsunami with methodology and result. All of the above is summarized in a matrix. Several methods in assessing tsunami impact to coral reefs were also disscussed, and Rapid Resource Assessment (ICRI/ISRS 2005) is considered the most appropriate method. Several sites were also appointed as priority sites. Priority sites includes Calang, Simeuleu, Banyak Island, Aceh Island, Weh Island, and Nias Island.

Participants also discussing for future research. And in order to avoid overlapping and wasting resources, participants also discussed parties which have plans for research in the tsunami affected areas. A joint workplan was also been made.

Finally, the disscussion was closed with a joint commitment to care and to share information about Aceh and North Sumatra Coral Reefs.