Building a Green Refugee Camp with UNHCR

Restoring Land and Communities: Rebuilding Greener Refugee Camps

In 2022, we launched a collaborative reforestation initiative in partnership with the UNHCR, Lutheran World Federation, and Dutch National Postcode Lottery, creating a Green Refugee Camp in Far North Cameroon. Successfully restoring 100 hectares around Minawao Refugee Camp, home to 63,000 refugees escaping violence from Nigeria, the project provides employment, shade, health benefits, and sustenance for hundreds of refugee and local families.

Beyond tree planting, the project replaces wood with locally produced eco-friendly cooking alternatives and swaps plastic tents with sustainable, regionally sourced shelters. Over 32,000 thriving trees in just over a year have revitalized Minawao's ecological balance, turning it green once again.

Nature restoration for better living in Minawao

This initiative not only improves conditions, but also provides support for the future. We empower local communities with the skills necessary for ongoing planting and maintenance through training and job opportunities in the tree nursery. In return, refugees receive regular income and training certificates for their skills. With their help, we have reforested over 100 hectares of severely degraded land.