In Cox’s Bazar, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has received funding from the Bangladesh Humanitarian Fund to implement urgent interventions aimed at protecting Rohingya refugees from life-threatening landslides ahead of the monsoon season. The initiative focuses on stabilizing vulnerable slopes and strengthening community preparedness to reduce risks for tens of thousands of people living in high-risk areas.
The project will target multiple refugee camps in Ukhia and Teknaf, where fragile and deforested hillsides combined with heavy rainfall significantly increase landslide risks. Planned activities include stabilizing slopes using nature-based methods such as planting deep-rooted vegetation and applying bioengineering techniques, alongside providing cash-for-work opportunities to local beneficiaries. These measures aim to safeguard shelters, evacuation routes, and access to essential services, directly protecting over 45,000 Rohingya refugees.
The intervention emphasizes cost-effective and sustainable solutions, particularly nature-based approaches that not only reduce disaster risks but also generate economic benefits for communities. FAO’s experience in the region, including previous large-scale slope stabilization efforts under its SAFE+ programme, positions it to deliver effective and timely support in this high-risk environment.
Since the influx of Rohingya refugees in 2017, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has maintained a strong operational presence in Cox’s Bazar, working closely with local coordination platforms and community leaders. By engaging structures such as community representatives, religious leaders, and youth groups, the project aims to ensure local ownership, long-term sustainability, and better alignment with broader humanitarian efforts.
The funding highlights the importance of rapid and flexible humanitarian financing in addressing predictable climate-related hazards before they escalate into disasters. As climate risks and food insecurity continue to rise globally, FAO is expanding the use of ecosystem-based approaches to protect vulnerable populations and reduce future humanitarian needs.
Overall, the initiative demonstrates how timely investment in disaster risk reduction and nature-based solutions can save lives, prevent displacement, and strengthen resilience among some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
