Extensive exploitation of natural resources, disregard for the environment and the destruction of ecosystems – the consequences of ecological problems have long been a threat to global peace and security. Comprehensively combining climate, environmental and resource protection is therefore a decisive step in analyzing and dealing with current conflicts.
This is the starting point for the theory and practice of environmental peacebuilding: Environmental problems, resource scarcity and the effects of climate change offer – with regard to the given situation – a field of action in which conflicting parties can approach each other and build mutual trust. Together, they work towards securing peace and livelihoods. In recent decades, numerous institutions have implemented this approach, which has also found its way into key strategic documents of the German federal government.
The 7th study by the Advisory Board on Civilian Crisis Prevention and Peacebuilding examines these different areas of application of environmental peacebuilding. The authors provide a number of policy recommendations for German engagement in civilian crisis prevention and peacebuilding. They identify an integrative, environment-related approach for these areas as well as the problems that its practical implementation faces.
The case studies from various regions, including the Balkans, West Africa and the Middle East, show that instead of applying standardized approaches, actors must develop specific measures, take local circumstances into account and link them with activities at the political level. The study underlines this by shedding light on the topic of gender: in order to create sustainable peace, greater consideration must be given to gender-specific experiences of environmental problems.
The two co-authors Stefan Kroll and Patrick Flamm also put particular emphasis on the Green Recovery of Ukraine. In addition to human suffering, the Russian war of aggression is also causing serious climate and environmental damage. Unlike in other conflicts, however, the environment is not a silent victim, but is being included in the country's Green Recovery plans from various parties.
The Advisory Board for Civilian Crisis Prevention and Peacebuilding brings together civil society and scientific expertise and advises the work of the Federal Government. Further information on the work of the Advisory Board and the full study (currently in German) can be found on its website.