The environment: victim and initiator of armed conflict
The Third International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding is set to take place between 19 and 21 June at the Wijnhaven building in The Hague. During the conference, over 400 participants from across the globe will come together to discuss the relationship between the environment and armed conflict.
A silent victim of conflict
Environmental peacebuilding is an interdisciplinary topic that affects many of Leiden's research themes, including conflict studies, social geography, anthropology, law and environmental science.
But what’s the importance and relevance of this conference in particular? Daniëlla Dam-de Jong, Professor of International Sustainable Development Law and co-organiser of the conference, explains:
‘The environment is often referred to as a silent victim of armed conflict. Take the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, for example, where the environment is suffering enormously. Last year’s bombing of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine resulted in major floods that destroyed fragile wildlife, and the water became contaminated with all sorts of toxins. That all has a major impact on the environment and public health. In Gaza, countless bombings have damaged water infrastructure, which has led to contaminated drinking water.’
These are just a few examples of environmental damage caused by conflict. The damage often has long-term implications and a negative impact on post-war reconstruction. That’s why it’s important to prevent and reduce damage where possible.
A focus area for conflict prevention
Not only is the environment a victim – it can actually be a cause of conflict. The environment is increasingly fuelling conflicts due to the effects of climate change. Professor Dam-de Jong continues: ‘Water and agricultural land are becoming scarcer and scarcer, which can amplify tensions between population groups. The environment is therefore a key focus area for conflict prevention.’
Preventing these situations requires collaboration and discussion: ‘Collaboration between groups and states on sharing rivers, for example, could actually be a good starting point for promoting peace. Environmental peacebuilding involves studying those relationships. The conference will bring together scientists and practical experts to share information and ideas and to develop best practices that can be used for conflict prevention and reconstruction.’
Programme
The conference programme will focus on five themes and their links to environmental peacebuilding:
- Climate change
- Water
- Peace, justice and accountability
- Natural resources and conservation
- Data and digital technologies
The programme comprises both plenary sessions featuring distinguished speakers and parallel sessions. More information about the themes is available here. The programme is available here.
Keynote speakers
The programme includes three keynote speeches from experts in environmental peacebuilding:
- Odette Melono: Deputy Director-General at the Office for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Ms Melono will discuss the OPCW's work on chemical disarmament.
- Sherri Goodman, Senior Fellow at the Wilson Center and Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate & Security. Ms Goodman will talk about the relationship between climate change and security.
- Margot Wallström, Co-Chair of the High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War in Ukraine and former Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ms Wallström will discuss the environmental implications of the war in Ukraine.
Photo: Emad El Byed through Unsplash