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Published on our website: Field Guide on Sound Environmental Practices for Field Practitioners in Humanitarian and Relief Operations.

Listening to people and understanding their needs and aspirations in relation to their environment is a fundamental first stage of developing community-based projects.

The emergency phase of a humanitarian operation often places great stress on the environment as trees are cut for fuel and to support shelters, and foliage is collected to serve as a roof.

A considerable amount of “waste” is generated during a conflict or following a natural disaster, much of which can be recovered and recycled, with benefits to local communities.

When refugees first settled in Bonga refugee camp, western Ethiopia, the area was heavily forested and hosted diverse wildlife. Fifteen years later, at the closure of the camp, the environmental footprint of the refugee operation extended up to 40 kilometres from the camp, with serious deforestation evident.

Providing people with access to safe drinking water is often a challenge in emergency situations, Lac Vert IDP Camp, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Almost 20 years after this site in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo was "closed", an abandoned pit latrine - one of many - remains, posing a serious hazard to people, livestock and wildlife in the region. Responsible clean-up and closure of camps is required.

Focus Group Discussion taking place in Gihinga refugee camp, where discussions focused heavily on the amount of fuelwood being consumed by households.

Field level data was gathered as part of the review through a range of tools that included key informant and household surveys, as well as focus groups discussions. Here an introductory meeting is being held with Sheikhs and Omdas in Ardamata IDP Camp in Geneina, West Darfur.