Livelihoods of Rohingyas and Their Impacts on Deforestation

Abstract

This chapter focused primarily to reveal a comprehensive picture of the livelihood mechanisms of undocumented Rohingyas and their possible impacts on the forest and other natural resources, including the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS). A cluster of Rohingyas with this status were selected for the study. This group lives along the Bay of Bengal coastline in the village of Shamlapur in Teknaf Upazila, which falls within the district of Cox’s Bazar. A sample of 125 household heads was randomly selected from a total of 980 households. Additionally, data were collected from 65 Rohingya household heads of Kerontoli village of Teknaf, which is located alongside the Naf River and the TWS. The Rohingya of this area lives among the local community. Data were primarily generated from interviews and focus group discussions. The livelihood status of most of the Rohingyas was found to be very low, with their occupations resulting in the destruction of natural resources. Status of livelihoods regarding all the capitals was very low for Rohingyas of both the study sites. Illegal migration of Rohingya to Bangladesh and their immediate job opportunities in the vicinity of deweling places dertmined their livelihood patterns. Random fishing in water bodies (sea and river) and cutting woods from hills exerted enormous negative impacts on sea and TWS. Moreover, the exhaustive livelihoods created bad competitions with local dwellers. The analysis indicated that issues of concern for the Rohingyas could only be mitigated or effectively resolved through cordial talks held between Bangladesh and Myanmar on these issues.