Identify two ways in which refugees can cause conflict in their host country
Answers
Answer:
Populations are dependent on their surroundings for water, food, shelter and medicine. Refugee influxes intensify normal 'green' environmental problems – those associated with over-exploitation of rural natural resources due to poverty, rising populations, weak property rights and inappropriate management.
Refugee impact on the environment
Refugee settlements often occur in environmentally sensitive areas. In Africa, refugees have therefore usually been settled in semi-arid, agriculturally marginal areas, or (as in the case of the Rwandese in Zaire) near national parks or forest reserves. Refugee camps tend to be large for both logistical and political reasons. These large camps have a more negative impact on the environment than would be the case if several considerably smaller camps, catering for the same total numbers, were set up. Furthermore, refugees often have to stay in their countries of asylum for extended periods, and the impact on the environment around camps may be prolonged. In the case of unique sites, such as the Virunga National Park, Zaire, the environmental impact of refugees may be irreversible.