Bangladesh: Caritas Marks World Environment Day with Tree-Planting Drive in Rohingya Refugee Camp

Caritas Bangladesh's Emergency Response Programme (CB-ERP) commemorated World Environment Day with a tree-planting campaign and environmental awareness activities at Camp 17 in Cox's Bazar, a southeastern coastal district of Bangladesh that hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees.

The June 8 observance aimed to promote environmental conservation and climate resilience among the refugee community.

The event was organized by the Caritas Bangladesh Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Sector in collaboration with BRAC, Community Partners International (CPI), Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), and Save the Children, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

This year's celebration adopted the global theme, "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future," highlighting the urgent need for collective action to address climate change and protect natural ecosystems.

Among those attending were Ms. Tapti Chakma, Camp In-Charge of Camp 17; Mr. Liton Gomes, Project Director of the Emergency Response Programme; and Mr. Md. Masud Parvez, Camp Management Officer. Representatives of partner organizations, Caritas staff, and more than 500 Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) also participated in the program.

Activities included an awareness rally, educational sessions on environmental protection, and a large-scale tree-planting campaign. Hundreds of saplings, including lemon, amla, neem, and arjun trees, were distributed and planted throughout the camp to increase green cover and improve the local environment.

Speakers stressed the importance of protecting nature, reducing environmental degradation, and strengthening community resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. They encouraged refugees and aid workers alike to take an active role in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The celebration concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to environmental awareness, expanding green initiatives, and supporting climate action at the grassroots level. Organizers said such efforts are essential for building sustainable and resilient communities in one of the world's largest refugee settlements.