Land Disputes, Climate Change, and Forest Protection Challenges in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

Protecting forests in the Chittagong Hill Tracts requires the active participation and resources of indigenous communities. However, these communities are unable to access global forest protection funds due to the lack of formal land rights. This situation creates a significant barrier to effective forest conservation efforts in the region. The interconnected issues of land disputes, the impacts of climate change, and the obstacles to forest protection are complex and deeply intertwined. Addressing these challenges is crucial for both the well-being of the local populations and the preservation of vital forest ecosystems. Without recognizing and securing the land rights of the indigenous peoples, efforts to combat deforestation and climate change will remain severely hampered. The article highlights the urgent need for policy reforms that acknowledge the customary land tenure systems of the hill tribes. This recognition is a prerequisite for unlocking international funding and fostering sustainable forest management practices. The current framework inadvertently excludes the very people who are the most effective stewards of these natural resources, creating a paradox in conservation goals.