17 July 2018: Destruction and overexploitation of natural resources and ecosystems can increase the risk of violent conflict, according to a brief titled, ‘Fragility and Conflict,’ published by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) Climate Change and Environment Network.

Highlighting the environment-climate change-fragility-conflict nexus, the publication underscores that: competition over declining natural resources, such as freshwater, fertile soils, fisheries and forests, may affect livelihoods and indirectly increase the risk for conflict; climate change may exacerbate existing challenges; and the risk of conflict is greater in fragile contexts than where governments or society have the capacity to cope with challenges.

The brief provides an overview of the interlinkages, and highlights that violent conflicts, the result of complex interactions among multiple factors, are increasing in number and intensity, mainly in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. It notes that, while environmental degradation does not automatically lead to conflict, it can affect conflict drivers, such as low rural incomes and food insecurity.

Inclusion of resource management in peace agreements can lead to lasting peace.

The study underscores that a preventive approach is critical to reducing conflict. For example, managing shared water resources can increase confidence across borders, prevent conflicts and promote peace, while development cooperation can support local and national measures for sustainable agriculture, land restitution and democratic institutions.

The brief highlights that: environmental factors must be adequately addressed in conflict resolution and relevant peace agreements when they are the main cause of the outbreak of armed conflict; jointly addressing environmental problems can improve dialogue and strengthen trust; the environment is often a victim of collateral damage in armed conflicts.

Regarding policy development and responses, the publication explains that many international actors, including the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the UN Security Council, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the EU, the African Union (AU) and the Group of Seven (G7), have recognized the interlinkages between environment and security. It points to UN Security Council discussions and actions on the issue, including a resolution recognizing the negative impacts of climate change on the stability in the Lake Chad region, and a 2016 high-level briefing on preventive diplomacy and transboundary waters. The brief notes that the UNGA, in its discussions on the SDGs, recognized the interlinkages between SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 15 (life on land).

The brief concludes by highlighting the following key issues: environmental degradation is a threat multiplier; closing the knowledge gaps in the causal chains requires more research; common management of water resources may prevent conflicts and promote peace; inclusion of resource management in peace agreements can lead to lasting peace; a preventive approach increases the capacity to address challenges; and an international process on the nexus may help identify common priority areas and improve understanding of the dynamics at work. [Fragility and Conflict: Climate Change & Environment Nexus Brief] [WeADAPT News Story]