The United League of Arakan (ULA) has launched a large-scale environmental initiative aimed at restoring forest cover and promoting climate resilience across Arakan, with hundreds of thousands of shade trees being planted under its “Green Arakkha” campaign during the current rainy season.
According to local sources, the campaign began in early June as part of a broader effort to enhance environmental sustainability, improve ecological balance, and address the long-term impacts of deforestation and climate change in the region.
The initiative has mobilized broad community participation, bringing together ULA members, youth volunteers, local administrative officials from the Arakan People's Revolutionary Government (APRG), staff of the Humanitarian and Development Cooperation Office (HDCO), firefighters, community-based organizations, and residents from across Arakan.
Local sources noted that previous tree-planting efforts conducted by various non-governmental and community organizations often faced challenges due to limited post-planting care and long-term maintenance, resulting in low survival rates among newly planted trees.
To address these shortcomings, the Green Arakkha campaign has adopted a sustainability-focused approach that emphasizes both tree planting and long-term stewardship. Under the initiative, individuals and groups participating in the campaign are encouraged to take responsibility for the continued care and monitoring of planted trees to ensure their healthy growth and survival.
The campaign comes amid growing environmental concerns in Arakan, where deforestation, forest fires, and environmental degradation have increasingly contributed to the effects of global warming and changing weather patterns affecting local communities.
Organizers describe the initiative as part of a broader reforestation and ecosystem restoration strategy designed to mitigate environmental risks, rehabilitate degraded landscapes, and strengthen the region’s resilience to climate-related challenges.
Participants and community members expressed hope that the campaign will contribute not only to environmental conservation but also to raising public awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.
The Green Arakkha initiative is expected to continue throughout the rainy season as part of ongoing efforts to build a greener and more sustainable future for Arakan.
