The United League of Arakan (ULA) has launched an extensive tree-planting and environmental conservation campaign across Arakan State under the Green Arakkha initiative, aiming to restore ecosystems and promote a greener environment.
As part of the program, the rainy season has been designated as the main tree-planting period. ULA youth groups have been actively planting trees while also implementing long-term care and protection measures for newly planted forests.
Environmental degradation in Arakan has worsened due to years of inadequate forest resource management, resulting in widespread deforestation. Local communities have increasingly faced the consequences, including changing weather patterns, extreme heat, and shortages of clean drinking water.
The Arakkha People’s Revolutionary Government (APRG) said the current restoration efforts are intended to address environmental damage and rebuild ecological balance through large-scale reforestation initiatives.
In previous years, NGOs and various civil society organizations also carried out tree-planting campaigns across Arakan. However, residents said many of those efforts failed to achieve long-term results because newly planted trees were not properly maintained or protected after planting.
The new initiative aims to address this issue by combining tree planting with continuous conservation. Under the program, individuals and groups who plant trees are expected to take responsibility for nurturing and protecting them to ensure long-term survival.
The campaign began in early June, with participation from ULA youth members, local administrative officials under the Arakkha People’s Revolutionary Government, staff from the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), DLEPS personnel, fire service members, local youth organizations, and communities across Arakan.
Participants have been planting shade trees and supporting environmental protection efforts throughout the region as part of a broader push toward ecological restoration.
Photo - ABN
