ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF WAR

DISCLAIMER These slides are part of a training package that includes a Trainers Manual, User Guidelines and a CD-ROM with references and presentations The production of this package was commissioned in 2014 by the Office of the Prime Minister, as part of the Northern Uganda Agriculture Livelihoods Recovery Programme (ALREP) The training package was produced by consultants of the Makerere University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences The contents of the package do not necessary reflect the views and opinions of the Government of Uganda and the European Union

Objectives of the session At the end of our discussion and interaction we should be able to: List the causes of war Outline the consequences of war on the environment Explain the environmental impacts associated with returnees after a war

What is Conflict? A conflict is a natural disagreement between individuals, groups or organizations as a result of differences in their values, interests and beliefs It is an active stage of disagreement between people with opposing opinions, principles and practices manifested in different forms (grievance, conflict and dispute) Resources Power A conflict can lead into war

WHAT IS WAR? Situation in which a person or group is physically fighting for power, influence or control over people and/or resources, by use of violent means Other uses of the term war Economic war – between countries or companies to get an economic advantage Political war – between individuals or parties to gain political advantage Personal wars – between individuals over ideas or resources War on terror – between states and groups who pursue their ideological agenda through indiscriminate violence

When does conflict escalate into armed struggle?

Communication failure Leadership Personality Technology Differences Value differences Cultural differences Ethnic differences Civilization Goal differences Technology Differences Military built-up Lack of cooperation External support Group cohesion Economic competition Military competition Competition over natural resources such as water, forests, oil, gems etc. causes of conflict

Conflict Prevention Respect for divergent cultural values and views Participation in decision making at all levels Fair and equitable sharing of resources and benefits Transparent and honest information provision Conflict sensitive approach to all actions Dialogue and diplomacy Realisation of the cost of conflict

Consequences of Conflict and War Disruption of cultural, social and economic relationships and processes Destruction of life and property Collapse of state authority and the rule of law Undermining of local authority by humanitarian organisations Collapse of production systems: agriculture, industry and services Long-term mistrust between people, regions and countries Traumatisation of groups and individuals Passivity amongst refugees due to handouts Loss of local knowledge, cultural values Displacement of people Refugees Internally displaced persons (IDPs)

The Impact of War on the ENR Destruction of natural resources, wildlife, sometimes purposely to deny the enemy shelter, or provide armies with food Loss of critical management systems and data Maps of critical habitats Data on threatened species Coordinates of protected area boundaries Budgets for infrastructure rehabilitation and maintenance are often lost or become outdated during conflict IDP camps: the high concentration of people leads to Pollution, unhygienic conditions, disease and high mortality High exploitation of NR (trees, water resources, land, bush meat) for construction, food and petty trade Encroachment on protected areas and national parks

DISCUSSION List six environmental impacts that could be associated with war in your District

Post-war impacts of war on ENR High cost of cleaning up, reconstruction and rehabilitation ENR management will be low in priority, due to competing demands Quick reconstruction may be at the expense of environmental considerations Returnees Have lost skills and knowledge to fend for themselves Require land and resources to rebuild their livelihoods Have to deal with trauma and mistrust Returnee areas lack essential services such as health centres and schools, water and sanitation infrastructure

Post-war Opportunities Abandoned areas may have recovered from pre-war overgrazing or over cultivation After the conflict, there is usually a positive momentum at all levels to do a lot, and do them right, including aspects of ENR mangement Rebuilding infrastructure allows for rectifying pre-war planning and management errors Local governments and communities may have learned new skills in terms of planning, organisation and collaboration Development resources may be in abundance from government, humanitarian and development agencies

DISCUSSION List three main activities that your District should put in place so as to minimize environmental degradation by returnees from IDPs