Rohingya refugee flooding and changes of the physical and social landscape in Ukhiya, Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh has been dealing with one of the world's largest refugee emergencies along its border with Myanmar (especially in the rough wooded zone of Ukhiya sub-district, Cox's Bazar) due to a massive influx of Rohingya refugees, particularly since 25 August 2017. Resulting high impacts threaten the viability of local plantation as well as natural forests (societal and ecological assets). This research aims to evaluate the impact of the influx on the physical landscape in the Ukhiya sub-district as well as changes of socio-cultural landscape. The study was relied on both geo-spatial and survey data analysis. We argue that Rohingya flooding has a significant impact on changes of physical and socio-cultural landscape of the area in and around Rohingya camps. Results from the normalized difference vegetation index analysis identified that during 2015-2018 the forestry adjacent to the Kutupalong camps (Ukhiya sub-district) declined by 11.23 km 2 . Forestry cover fell from approximately 68.9% of all land to 2.72%; the decline representing about 15.2% of the entire forested area. Furthermore, the highest elevated area of Kutupalong camps (estimated to be 41 m) is likewise affected by anthropogenic activities, for instance, wholesale cutting into the slope, and street and stair construction which is gradually rising the potentiality of landslide and inland flood in several camps. Out of which 27.76% settlements, 0.35% and 9.61% settlements are at risk of landslide and flood, respectively, in the Kutupalong RC and Kutupalong extension campsite. A large proportion of Rohingyas also used wood for fuel; wood used originates from the adjacent forest and is the primary explanation for forestry consumption in Ukhiya sub-district. Its forests and elevation will never return to their original condition if the consumption of forestry assets proceeds unabated. It is argued, that these research findings may inspire locals, national, and global aid agencies to contribute to the introduction of forestry management and environmental protection.

Socioeconomic Status Changes of the Host Communities after the Rohingya Refugee Influx in the Southern Coastal Area of Bangladesh

“…In order to manage the Rohingya refugees and mitigate their impact on the host community, it is important to understand the host community's burden and suffering. In the case of hosting the Rohingya refugees, several empirical studies regarding different environmental degradation issues have been published, but there is a lack of empirical research regarding the impact on the host community [15][16][17][18]. This study aims to contribute to this knowledge gap by exploring the socioeconomic change on the host community after the Rohingya refugee influx.…”

“…Halbania,5 Jahajpura,6 Hajam Para,7 Mathabhanga,8 Marishbania,9 Baradail, 10 Kacchapia,11 Noakhali,12 Razarchhara,13 Habibchhara,14 Dargachhara,15 Mitta Panirchhara,16 Hatiarghona,17 Lambori,18 Tulatali,19 Lengurbil,20 Mahishkhalia Para,21 Khonkar Para,22 Hajam Para,23 Kachubania,24 Bara Habib Para,25 Moulvi Para,26 Choto Habib Para,27 Nazir Para,28 Hankar Para,29 Shilbania Para,30 Dail Para,31 Goder Bil,32 Natun Pallan Para,33 Jahalia Para,34 Kerantali,35 Baraitali.…”

Analysis of residential satisfaction: An empirical evidence from neighbouring communities of Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

“…Again, Rohingya camps’ construction has exhausted more than 2,000 hectares of forest and croplands. Study shows that around 700 ton/day firewood has been collected and it causes the disappearance of the forest [ 3 ], thus affecting the livelihood conditions of the local communities and environment [ 4 ]. The host communities are usually facing problems in getting timely public services and facilities.…”

Spatiotemporal pattern of forest degradation and loss of ecosystem function associated with Rohingya influx: A geospatial approach

“…Several works have determined forest loss during pre‐ and post‐influx using satellite and field data (Ahmed, Islam, Hasan, Motahar, & Sujauddin, 2019; Braun, Fakhri, & Hochschild, 2019; Hassan et al, 2018; Quader, Dey, Malak, & Sajib, 2020; Rashid, Hoque, Esha, Rahman, & Paul, 2020). The normalized difference vegetation index was used to determine the association between this forest loss and increased landslides.…”