Biodiversity of Cox’s Bazar at risk due to Rohingya influx: UN

Ecological biodiversity of Cox’s Bazar is under threat as some 4300 acres of hills and forests were cut down to make temporary shelters for Rohingyas and ensure facilities and cooking fuel for them in Ukhia and Teknaf, said the United Nations  

Some of the key impacts are likely to become irreversible if measures are not taken immediately, said the UN in a new report unveiled at a high-level discussion in the city on Tuesday, according to UNB.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women with the support from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change jointly carried out the study titled 'Environmental Impact of Rohingya Influx.

The report highlighted the critical impacts of one of the world's biggest influx of above 700,000 Rohingyas on the environment of Cox's Bazar and recommended measures for migration, restoration and conversation.

Since the influx in August 2017, coupled with the host community and Rohingyas from past influxes, the crisis-hit population is now almost 1.5 million in Cox's Bazar, creating a massive pressure on the already dilapidated environment there which still remains significantly underfunded, according to the report.

Of the total 1502 hectares of forests, about 793 hectares have been encroached. Around 3000-4000 acres (1200-1600 ha) of hilly land in Teknaf-Ukhia Himchari watershed area have been cleared of vegetation.

Environment and Forests Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud attended the launching ceremony as the chief guest.

UNDP Bangladesh Sudipto Mukerjee and Country Representative, UN Women, Bangladesh Shoko Ishikawa were, among others, present.