DRC does not undertake any programmes particularly aimed at environmental preservation or awareness, but recognizes that most assistance activities are likely to have an effect, positive or negative, on the environment. A related but important concern of DRC is the potential environmental impact of Climate Change, which may trigger conflicts as population groups contest over resources precipitating conflict-induced displacements. For these reasons, environmental aspects should be considered in programme planning, implementation and evaluation. In this – and reflecting the operational principle of Do No Harm, it is a minimum aim to attempt not to worsen environmental problems when providing assistance.
Below, environmental aspects are discussed in relation to those contexts most relevant to the work of DRC.
In acute crisis situations: in acute crisis situations, DRC focuses on providing relief and saving lives. Such situations often call for the accommodation of large numbers of displaced persons in a limited space, which is bound to cause environmental damage to the local area, with possibly severe consequences for the host population for years to come. Such impacts may be felt whether the displaced are in camps or in other forms of settlements. While DRC is frequently not involved in camp management activities to the same extent as other assistance actors, the organisation should advocate for designing of camps in the least environmentally degrading way. Use of alternative energy sources, environmentally friendly procurements and environmental education are but a few of the necessary steps to be taken to mitigate the effects.
In displacement situations: re-establishing livelihoods and building self-reliant communities in preparation for return, as well as support to host communities are the main tasks of DRC in such situations. In the context of agricultural production activities, DRC considers that using local experience and technology in farming is usually the least degrading to the environment. However, in many countries practices for using pesticides and artificial fertilisers may be more damaging to the environment than necessary. Teaching the correct and minimal use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers through extension services is hence an important positive environmental step. New income generating opportunities for refugees and others in conflict and post-conflict situations may cause damage to the environment due to over-exploitation of natural resources. Income Generating Projects may, on the other hand, provide incentives to preserve and reproduce local natural resources. Projects based on local technology will usually be least damaging to the environment.
In durable solutions scenarios: many of the principles outlined in a displacement context apply in cases of return and reintegration processes. For example, during reconstruction activities, DRC advocates using locally available building materials that are not scarce. In Somaliland, where the little wood available is essential for cooking fuel, DRC reconstructs public buildings (schools, clinics, etc.) in an environmentally careful way, for instance by making windows and doorframes from concrete instead of wood.
Regardless of the context within which DRC is working it is strongly recommended for staff to seek guidance from organisations that are more specialized in the domain and to seek to conform to existing environmental standards.
