For decades, Colombia has witnessed a long-standing conflict centered around the famous guerrilla movement “FARC,” amidst a biodiversity that is considered among the highest in the world. In recent years, the negative impacts of armed conflicts have increasingly manifested, even beyond the borders of Latin America. As conflicts intensify, questions concerning the impacts of war on biodiversity have come under the microscope of global environmental discussions. This occurs in light of the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Colombia, where environment ministers and activists gather to urge the need to integrate peace with environmental protection. In our article, we will review the impacts of armed conflicts on biodiversity, along with the importance of adopting peace strategies that enhance environmental sustainability, drawing on Colombia’s experiences as a living example of the challenges and opportunities that arise in conflict contexts.
The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Biodiversity
As armed conflicts increase worldwide, the effects of these conflicts on biodiversity emerge as a significant issue worthy of study. Biodiversity is vital for the environment and ensures the balance of ecosystems. The direct destruction of habitats, such as forests and plains, resulting from fighting, leads to the displacement of many living species. Additionally, conflict affects the management of natural resources, as laws regulating hunting and logging diminish during the conflict period, resulting in rampant overfishing and deforestation.
Armed conflicts can cause severe damage that extends for years after the fighting ends. For example, in areas like Colombia, landscapes have suffered significant erosion of their wildlife due to the intensive use of weapons and the illegal trade of animals, contributing to the extinction of many species. Biodiversity-rich areas are often more affected, as these resources are excessively exploited by individuals suffering from instability.
The impacts do not only stem from immediate destruction, but also include the social and economic dimensions of conflicts. When local communities are harmed, this affects their ability to manage natural resources sustainably. Lessons learned from countries that have experienced long-term conflicts suggest that community cooperation in management can be a solution to problems of overfishing and deforestation. Initiatives such as the Peace Forest Project in Burundi, established in 2021, demonstrate how local community efforts can contribute to biodiversity conservation during and after conflicts.
Challenges in Environmental Policies and Armed Conflict
Despite international consensus on the importance of biodiversity conservation, armed conflicts remain unaddressed in many environmental policies. During the sixteenth biodiversity summit in Colombia, there was a focus on how conflicts affect the environment and how fostering peace can contribute to biodiversity protection. However, governments and conservation organizations remain reluctant to explicitly address these issues in policies.
When developing conservation strategies, security or social dimensions are not adequately considered. At a conference held in 2022 in Montreal, armed conflicts were overlooked despite concerning reports regarding their effects on the environment. National biodiversity strategies established by countries to reflect their commitments to international treaties are often insufficient to address the direct impact of conflict on wildlife and habitats.
There is a need for comprehensive policies that integrate the threats posed by armed conflicts with conservation goals. Countries need to include how restoring biodiversity can enhance peace in their national strategies. For instance, countries could benefit from a comprehensive database on conflicts, such as the ACLED Crisis Index, to enhance measurement and understanding of the impacts of conflicts on the environment, supporting sustainable environmental planning and management.
The Pursuit
Toward Sustainable Solutions and Natural Alternatives
In light of the increasing crises caused by armed conflicts on biodiversity, the need to search for sustainable solutions is emerging. Initiatives that adopt a nature-based approach can assist communities affected by conflict. For example, collaborating with local communities to plant trees or rehabilitate habitats helps create job opportunities, thereby enhancing social peace.
The “Peace Forest” project in Burundi is a real example of how to utilize natural resources in a way that supports peace. By engaging the local community, especially women, social cohesion and individual livelihoods have been strengthened, leading to a reduction in conflicts and wildfires. This type of project highlights the importance of involving local communities in biodiversity conservation strategies when working in conflict areas.
Similarly, research indicates that ecosystems managed by local leadership or indigenous peoples are not only more effective in protecting biodiversity but are also more resilient to challenges resulting from conflicts. It is evident that communities managing their resources locally, such as indigenous communities, have a greater capacity to maintain their environments, even in the presence of conflicts. Therefore, promoting these methods requires greater technical and financial support from governments, the United Nations, and other international community stakeholders.
The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Biodiversity
Armed conflicts are considered one of the most significant factors negatively affecting biodiversity in conflict areas. Wars and conflicts lead to the destruction of natural habitats and environmental degradation, resulting in a decline in the populations of endangered species and the destruction of vital ecosystems. For example, in countries like Colombia, ongoing armed conflicts have contributed to the destruction of forests and the erosion of natural habitats. Illegal activities related to natural resources, such as gold mining and logging, often increase during periods of conflict, adding to the pressures on biodiversity. Research shows that wars contribute to the displacement of local communities, subsequently destroying the cultural and economic identity of those communities, which in turn leads to a decline in quality of life.
Addressing the impacts of conflict on biodiversity requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the needs of local communities and enhances their capacity to rebuild the natural environment. By applying “conflict-sensitive” methods, environmental organizations can contribute to improving the environmental outcomes of projects and provide support to affected communities. Such organizations should work in collaboration with communities to ensure that projects are locally supported and achieve mutual benefits.
The Role of International Agreements in Biodiversity Protection
International agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands play a significant role in gathering expertise and mobilizing resources necessary for environmental protection. These agreements can be an effective tool for directing attention and stimulating funding and technical assistance. It is essential to leverage these agreements to protect biodiversity in conflict areas, as these regions often lack the necessary support. Many organizations, such as the Global Environment Facility, discuss ways to improve the effectiveness of programs in countries suffering from conflicts and humanitarian crises.
This includes implementing “conflict-sensitive” strategies, which can enhance the long-term success of environmental projects and also aid in peacebuilding. In conflict situations, risks and failure rates may appear high, causing donors to hesitate in supporting local projects. However, with increased awareness and a focus on local ownership of projects, an environment can be fostered that promotes success.
Collaboration Between Environmental Organizations and Peacebuilding Organizations
The collaboration between environmental organizations and peacebuilding organizations has seen notable progress in recent years. Partnerships between organizations such as “International Environment” and “Peace Nexus” exemplify how efforts in environment and peace can be integrated. Through these partnerships, knowledge and experiences have begun to be exchanged between organizations to develop effective strategies that address the complex relationship between environmental conflict and peace. Such collaboration is vital for securing sustainable resources and protecting biodiversity in conflict-affected areas.
Success
These organizations rely on a comprehensive awareness of the negative impacts of conflicts on the environment. Integrating environmental issues into the implementation of the global biodiversity framework is an important step towards achieving the common good. By raising awareness, international organizations such as the United Nations and humanitarian agencies can play a larger role in helping to reduce the environmental damage caused by conflicts.
Colombia as a Model for Transformations in Biodiversity Policies
Colombia is considered one of the countries suffering from the repercussions of armed conflicts and biodiversity, yet at the same time it stands out as a successful case calling the world’s attention to the importance of environmental preservation during times of conflict. Colombia has experienced decades-long warfare, resulting in widespread destruction of natural resources. However, after the signing of the peace agreement in 2016, the government began to recognize the importance of biodiversity and the impact of conflict on the environment.
By establishing the transitional justice body, which includes environmental issues, the environment has been recognized as a silent victim of conflict. This step represents a radical shift, reinforcing the understanding that environmental protection is not just an environmental issue, but also a human rights issue. Today, Colombia is working to rebuild its environmental conservation experiences while integrating peacebuilding efforts. This contributes to raising awareness about the role of biodiversity in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
Source link: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03341-1
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