The December 2004 tsunami brought Aceh and its coastal zone to the forefront of public interest indiscussions on environment and development. Conversion of mangrove forest to shrimp/fish ponds inthe 1980s almost certainly increased the death toll from the tsunami. The devastation wasunprecedented in recorded human history. After the emergency relief phase, when clean water, food andshelter were available and the wounded had received care, the discussion started on sustainablelivelihood options along the coast – but also on the ‘causes’ of the human damage and the role of thefish/ shrimp ponds.