Working for People and the Environment



The majority of the world’s refugees are found in marginal regions of poor, developing countries. Here, the "footprint" or environmental impact of their activities is often of great magnitude and long duration. Collecting shelter materials and firewood can cause serious deforestation and soil erosion. Natural resources are threatened by the sudden arrival of large numbers of people. In extreme cases, this can happen almost overnight.

Although environmental concerns have taken a back seat to humanitarian needs at such times of crises, the close links between the well-being of human populations and a healthy environment are being increasingly recognised.

Working with refugee populations and local communities, UNHCR and partner organisations seek to minimise the environmental impacts of refugee operations. Innovative, alternative solutions are being developed through which refugee populations become more closely involved with environmental management and rehabilitation. Valuable lessons are constantly being learned and applied to UNHCR’s operations worldwide.