Three agencies of the United Nations (UN) have expanded distribution of gas stoves and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the host community of Cox’s Bazar, jointly targeting the most vulnerable people in the region.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) distributed the LPG to 14,000 people who are also participating in the World Food Program (WFP) livelihood program.
The distributions are part of the comprehensive SAFE Plus program, a joint initiative between IOM, WFP, and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) which has been running since 2018. SAFE Plus aims to curb deforestation in the region whilst simultaneously restoring deforested areas, a joint media release said on Thursday.
“The LPG distribution is an exciting program that reduces fuel costs for Bangladeshis while reducing deforestation,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Manuel Pereira.
“Thousands of Bangladeshis have benefitted from LPG and we continue to build on its successes. IOM is in Bangladesh for the long haul, and we look forward to reaching more host community members through this initiative,” he added.
Apart from distribution of LPG almost 80 hectares of land has been reforested around Cox’s Bazar so far. The initiative is to stop trees being cut down for firewood.
Plants of indigenous species are being planted to help restore the damaged environment and help conserve the endangered species in the region. A mixed vegetation approach will be used in this restoration initiative which includes planting of long rooted grass, leguminous seeds, tree seedlings and bamboo.
“The LPG initiative and the reforestation program are linked and were developed in coordination to benefit all of the people in the area,” said FAO Emergency Response Coordinator in Cox’s Bazar Peter Agnew.
