Building a Green Refugee Camp with UNHCR
- Minawao Camp
- Northern Cameroon
- 2017
TREES PLANTED
40K
LOCAL JOBS CREATED
175
HECTARES REFORESTED
100
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.
Meet the Site
Video
REFORESTATION FOR BETTER LIVING
Together with refugees and local communities, we have reforested more than 100 hectares of severely degraded land. This project provides jobs, shade, health, and food for hundreds of refugees and local families.
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Beyond Carbon
Restoring Minawao's Forest: Mitigating Climate Change
By increasing biomass through consistent reforestation efforts, trees provide shade for refugees in Minawao, protecting soil quality and decreasing temperatures.
Revitalizing Nature and Supporting Greener Living
We go beyond planting trees. Wood is being replaced as a fuel source with eco-friendly cooking alternatives produced in the camp. Sustainable, locally sourced shelters replace plastic tents.
Helping local communities thrive in Minawao Refugee Camp
Providing green alternatives for food, shelter, and work, we are proud to have helped cultivate a welcoming, eco-friendly sanctuary for some of our Earth’s most vulnerable people.
Who did we work with?
Partner- UNHCR United Nations Refugee Agency
UNHCR United Nations Refugee Agency
Partner
DUTCH NATIONAL POSTCODE LOTTERY
Other Land Types
