In 2017, a large influx of Rohingya refugees took shelter in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, resulting in significant deforestation of the area, which was once a habitat for elephants. To address this, both government and private sector initiatives have been launched to restore the forest land.
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, the commissioner of the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), discussed these efforts in an interview.
How has the influx of Rohingya refugees impacted the forests in Cox's Bazar?
The deforestation has been severe. The refugees have cleared areas equivalent to ten football fields for firewood alone.
What is being done to mitigate this damage?
The RRRC has initiated a tree plantation drive, which, although not part of any formal social forestry program, involves substantial private sector participation.
Each year, we plant three to four lakh saplings with the support of local and international NGOs and various UN offices. Notably, NGOs like BRAC and Caritas, as well as corporate entities like British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BAT Bangladesh), have provided seedlings since 2018.
How do you ensure the survival of the planted saplings?
Planting is just the beginning. Ensuring the saplings' survival is crucial, and we can't rely on the refugees for this. The responsibility is shared with the organizations that supply the seedlings. NGOs and corporations like BAT Bangladesh also help maintain the saplings.
We have recruited volunteers who take care of the seedlings for six months, including watering them and monitoring them during the monsoon season.
Considering the monsoon season and the risk of landslides, how is the forestry work proceeding?
Rohingya shelters occupy around eight thousand acres of hilly land. We are trying to plant seedlings in as many remaining areas as possible. While most areas are occupied by shelters, we aim to fill the gaps with saplings.
So far, we have replanted about one-third of the trees that were cut down.
Are private companies planting saplings in specific areas?
It's a collective effort. UN agencies and NGOs plant saplings in open areas, while corporate organizations handle afforestation along roads within the camps. This organised collaboration between NGOs and corporate entities is crucial for the success of the reforestation efforts.
How are you addressing the need for cooking fuel to prevent further tree cutting?
We have urged relevant UN agencies to provide Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) as an alternative energy source for the Rohingya. They agreed, and now a consortium supplies LPG gas. Recognising that local residents also depend on hill trees, we have extended this LPG supply to 25,000 local families.
What is your overall outlook on the reforestation efforts?
The return of forests in Cox's Bazar relies on the combined efforts of public and private initiatives. Through the ongoing collaboration of UN agencies, NGOs, and corporate entities, we are optimistic about restoring the forest land.
Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman's insights highlight the multifaceted approach required to address the environmental impact of the Rohingya refugee crisis while emphasising the importance of sustained and collaborative efforts in forest restoration.
