NATURE IN WARNATURE IN WAR

Biodiversity conservation during Biodiversity conservation during conflictsconflicts

Esther BlomEsther Blom

Netherlands Working Group on Ecology and Netherlands Working Group on Ecology and DevelopmentDevelopment

Aims of the presentationAims of the presentation

To give an overview of the impact of armed To give an overview of the impact of armed conflicts on biodiversityconflicts on biodiversity

Focus on the role of environmental NGOsFocus on the role of environmental NGOs

Special recommendations on how to support Special recommendations on how to support the NGOs in times of conflictsthe NGOs in times of conflicts

Where possible with concrete examples from Where possible with concrete examples from the fieldthe field

Links between biodiversity and Links between biodiversity and conflictsconflicts

Environmental degradation Environmental degradation leading to conflictsleading to conflicts

Conflicts over natural Conflicts over natural resourcesresources

(Positive) and negative impact (Positive) and negative impact of armed conflicts on nature / of armed conflicts on nature / biodiversitybiodiversity

Positive impactsPositive impacts

No-go areasNo-go areas

Isolation policiesIsolation policies

Lower population levelsLower population levels

Negative impactsNegative impacts

War economiesWar economies

Habitat destruction and pollutionHabitat destruction and pollution

Stop on conservation activitiesStop on conservation activities

Reduction of fundingReduction of funding

• species species extinctionextinction• productive habitats destroyedproductive habitats destroyed• decrease in agrobiodiversitydecrease in agrobiodiversity

The value of ENGOs in times of The value of ENGOs in times of conflictsconflicts

Remain in the conflict zoneRemain in the conflict zone Neutral subject & positionsNeutral subject & positions WatchdogWatchdog

Local Local NGOsNGOs Capable of working with little meansCapable of working with little means Not only in hotspots, also in other areasNot only in hotspots, also in other areas Developed according to local traditionsDeveloped according to local traditions

www.nciucn.nlwww.nciucn.nl

RecommendationsRecommendations

For governments and donorsFor governments and donors Do not stop funding when conflicts breaks Do not stop funding when conflicts breaks

out, but change strategy out, but change strategy Not only humanitarian aidNot only humanitarian aid Involve ENGOs in humanitarian work and Involve ENGOs in humanitarian work and

rehabilitationrehabilitation Critically address own role in conflictsCritically address own role in conflicts Also establish development cooperation in Also establish development cooperation in

less stable areasless stable areas

Recommendations (cont.)Recommendations (cont.)

For the NGOsFor the NGOs Diversify funding sourcesDiversify funding sources Be flexibleBe flexible Find partnerships (all parties, cross-boundary Find partnerships (all parties, cross-boundary

etc)etc) Stay neutralStay neutral Do not start when conflict has startedDo not start when conflict has started Invest in education and support for nature Invest in education and support for nature

conservation, training programmes, local staffconservation, training programmes, local staff