Wilson Center | Environmental Change and Security Program’s Post

🌍 On this International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, I'm reminded of the critical importance of protecting our planet in times of conflict. As an environmental engineer from Iran, a country where I've witnessed the severe environmental impacts of conflicts, this day holds a special place in my heart. 💔 Conflict can have devastating consequences on the environment. It's not just about the destruction we see on the surface, but the long-lasting, hidden scars beneath. From polluted water sources to deforestation, the toll on nature is immense, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and the livelihoods of those who depend on these resources. 🌱 The good news is that there's growing awareness and action towards mitigating these impacts. Researchers and organizations are coming together to address the environmental fallout of conflicts. Some latest findings in this realm are truly fascinating: 1️⃣ Ecological Resilience: Nature's ability to recover is astounding. Research shows that, given the chance, many ecosystems can bounce back surprisingly quickly. Understanding this resilience can guide post-conflict recovery efforts. 2️⃣ Technology for Good: Innovations like remote sensing and artificial intelligence are being used to monitor and assess environmental damage in conflict zones, aiding in targeted restoration efforts. 3️⃣ International Cooperation: Initiatives such as the Geneva Conventions recognize the need to protect the environment during times of war. It's heartening to see global collaboration for this cause. 🌏 So, as we reflect on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, let's commit to raising awareness about this often-overlooked issue. Our planet deserves our protection, especially during the darkest of times. Together, we can be a part of the solution, ensuring that even in the midst of conflict, we strive to safeguard our environment for future generations. Let's spread the word and support the organizations and individuals working tirelessly for environmental peace. #EnvironmentalPeace #ConflictResolution #EnvironmentalEngineering #ProtectOurPlanet #AwarenessMatters

Ten days ago we visited the spectacular Parc national des Calanques of Marseille, during our participation in the European Commission’s Natura 2000 Mediterranean and Black Sea marine seminar. There was hope in the air, following the European Parliament’s approval just a few days before, of the EU Nature Restoration Law. Our discussions included the role of #marineprotectedareas in supporting #marinerestoration, with consensus that these areas, if strictly protected and well managed, provide an important contribution to the new law’s proposed restoration targets. MPAs create the optimal conditions for #restoration to be successful and demonstrate what good condition looks like. We also heard about some of the great outcomes from marine restoration projects underway for the region, including REEForest LIFE project, LIFE ECOREST and other programmes supported by the EU LIFE programme. Meanwhile a representative from the European Environment Agency highlighted an important finding from their first ever European Climate Risk Assessment. Among #climaterisks related to ecosystems, risks to coastal and #marineecosystems are the most severe in the current period and entail the highest urgency to act 👇 https://lnkd.in/dNWXN-Et And according to ProtectedSeas, only 0.14% of Europe's waters are highly protected from fishing 👇 https://lnkd.in/g_HSJ46V So Europe has a long way to go to reach #30by30, with 10% of marine areas strictly protected. The new restoration law is the perfect opportunity to supercharge strictly protected marine areas. Now is not the time to be faint-hearted about #marineprotection. Thriving marine life and vibrant oceans underpin a sustainable #blueeconomy. We look forward to MEPs from all Member States standing by their commitment made earlier this month to protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, so that we can quickly build marine #resilience through effective networks of marine protected areas for the benefit of current and future generations. #sdg13 #sdg14 #sdg15 #sdg17

𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡-𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 The Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC), hosted at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), in Apia Samoa, and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) have enhanced their collaboration to foster more cooperation and collaboration between the two regions. This follows a three-day information and knowledge sharing exchange held in Belmopan, Belize, from 3 – 5 June 2024. As part of strengthening collaboration, the parties formulated a Strategic Framework for Enhanced Cooperation which highlights opportunities to build on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two entities in 2019. SPREP’s Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, said: “SPREP and the CCCCC have mutual interests in relation to climate change resilience, protection of the environment and developing and strengthening systems, institutions, organisations, and individuals concerned with climate change and environmental protection. We would like to see how we can collaborate and operationalise the MoU moving forward.” Read more: ⬇⬇⬇ https://lnkd.in/g4xQt83Z

#November6th - International Day for Preserving Our Planet During Conflict 🌍🕊️ Today, we recognize the environmental impact of warfare and the pressing call for #sustainable solutions. The #CircularEconomy plays a pivotal role in reducing #EnvironmentalDamage during conflicts. Let's commit to fostering peace, safeguarding our environment and forging a more sustainable future 🌟 Together, we can drive positive change. #UNDay #EnvironmentProtection #CircularEconomy #Peace #Sustainability #ProtectOurPlanet https://lnkd.in/dWRM67R

The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, commemorated annually on November 6th, stands as a poignant reminder of the often overlooked intersection between armed conflicts and environmental degradation. In the midst of warfare, the environment frequently bears the brunt of human conflict, enduring profound and lasting consequences that transcend the cessation of hostilities. This day serves as a global call to action, urging governments, organizations, and individuals to recognize and address the detrimental impacts of war on the natural world, as well as to promote the critical role of environmental protection in fostering sustainable peace and rebuilding war-torn societies. Amidst the chaos of armed conflict, various forms of environmental exploitation and degradation emerge, ranging from the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity to the contamination of water sources and the release of hazardous pollutants. The indiscriminate use of weapons, including explosives and chemical agents, can lead to long-term environmental damage, affecting not only the immediate conflict zone but also neighboring regions and communities. Moreover, the targeting of natural resources, such as forests, minerals, and water reservoirs, for strategic or economic gain exacerbates the environmental toll, contributing to the perpetuation of conflict and undermining prospects for post-war rehabilitation and reconciliation. Recognizing the intricate linkages between environmental sustainability, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding, the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict serves as a catalyst for promoting global cooperation and policy initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems and natural resources during times of strife. By highlighting the significance of preserving the environment as a fundamental pillar of peace and security, this day underscores the imperative of integrating environmental considerations into conflict resolution strategies and post-conflict reconstruction efforts, fostering resilient and sustainable societies for generations to come.

🔍 Exploring the complex interplay between climate change, environmental degradation, and insecurity, our latest report dives into the critical issues facing the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):   ✔The urgent need for deeper understanding of how climate impacts conflict dynamics in the region. ✔The importance of collaborative, inclusive, and locally tailored approaches to address negative impacts of climate change. ✔Advocacy for conflict-sensitive, rights-based conservation strategies. ✔The necessity of reforming land tenure systems for fair natural resource distribution and enhanced environmental protection.   The report, authored by Jenny Andersson, Senior Desk Officer at FBA, sheds light on these pressing issues but also suggests actionable pathways for conflict prevention, resolution, and building resilience among local communities.   Developed in collaboration with Reseau CREF (Network for the Conservation and Restoration of Forest Ecosystems) and Strong Roots Congo.   🔗Access the report here:   #climatechange #conflictresolution #environmentalprotection #DRC #sustainabledevelopment #peacebuilding

Are you joining the Environmental Peacebuilding Conference next week? https://lnkd.in/evMJ9rai If you have already registered to attend the conference, you are welcome to participate in the workshop that Rozemarijn ter Horst and I will facilitate on June 18th, 13.30-15.00. Together with Salman Khairalla and Juliane Schillinger, we will first reflect on our experience in the Middle East. Then we will discuss with all participants how to deal with the cascading effects of conflict during the design, knowledge production, evaluation and uptake phases of international cooperation and research. Join us to share your insights and explore ways forward towards reflexive and impactful practices in conflict-affected settings! Please also get in touch with us, if you are interested in the topic but cannot join the conference. #EnvironmentalPeacebuilding #ConflictAffectedSettings #MiddleEast #Cooperation #Research

The "30 by 30" project, aiming to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, showcases the blend of intentional planning and serendipity in environmental policy. Originating with the rewilding of the American West, this initiative, propelled by groups like Resolve ([https://lnkd.in/gXMCuFsd)), gained global traction with the commitment of 50 countries at the 2021 One Planet Summit. President Biden's "America the Beautiful" executive order furthered this vision, aligning the U.S. with international conservation efforts. However, it presents challenges, especially in the western states, impacting sectors like agriculture and real estate. This initiative highlights the dynamic interplay between environmental preservation and economic development, emphasizing the importance of both strategic planning and unexpected developments in shaping impactful environmental policies. Check out my full post with sources here. https://lnkd.in/gFzKZwhw

Read our latest Research Brief by Principal Investigator Erin discussing the opportunities and risks of incorporating formerly armed actors (FAAs) as key stakeholders in environmental peacebuilding (EPB), interventions addressing environmental challenges and resource-related conflicts through trust and cooperation. https://lnkd.in/gSH_3gan #formerlyarmedactors #reintegration #environmentalpeacebuilding #climatechange #climatechangeadaptation #globalwarming #environmentaldegradation #peacebuilding #development #climatesecurity #resourcemanagement #ecosystems

Rolling out the ReMI Flagship programme dubbed Climate and Environmental Literacy Programme in Rural Africa, the theme for this year is "Demystifying Climate Education in Africa". Our overarching mission is to demystify the intricate aspects of Climate Change (The basic Science, Causes, Effects, Adaptation, and Mitigation) for the local population across the rural/indigenous communities of Africa. Our approach involves employing relatable daily life examples, particularly in the indigenous dialect, to foster a deep understanding. Since the initiative is anchored on SDGs 1, 2, 12, and 13 it aims to empower smallholder farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies to enhance their productivity. Rescue Mission International (ReMI)