By Pamela Udejimba
War and armed conflicts do not just destroy communities, they also strip the environment of its natural resources, compromising the ecosystems that people rely on for food, water, and shelter.
Major conflict zones around the world such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Colombia, and the Congo, have suffered severe ecological degradation. In Afghanistan, deforestation has reached alarming levels, with forests gone in some areas. Iraq witnessed toxic chemical clouds polluting the soil and affecting the health of residents. Colombia and the Congo have lost biodiversity hotspots to illegal logging, poaching, and mining, often intensified by displacement and the pressures of war. In the Middle East, water infrastructure in Yemen and Gaza which are critical to survival has been severely damaged, creating severe environmental and public health risks.
Nigeria has also experienced first-hand how conflict can damage the environment. The northeast, for instance, has endured years of insurgency, leading to widespread displacement, deforestation, and degradation of farmland. In areas impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency, forests are exploited for fuel wood, and local communities suffer as ecosystems are gradually stripped of their biodiversity.
Moreover, illegal mining and logging have become common in Nigeria’s conflict zones, further destroying the environment. This is especially true in states like Zamfara and Plateau, where unregulated mining poses risks to both people and ecosystems. In the absence of strong environmental protections, such exploitation damages Nigeria’s biodiversity and weakens the resilience of communities dependent on these natural resources.
Nigeria, as a key player in the African Union and a signatory to various environmental accords, has a vital role in promoting sustainable resource management during conflict. The UN emphasises that environmental protection is essential for peacebuilding, as sustainable management of resources underpins stability and economic resilience.
For Nigeria, integrating environmental protections into policies can strengthen conflict prevention strategies and promote recovery. This means incorporating environmental assessments into conflict management efforts, tracking the environmental impact of armed conflicts, and ensuring that natural resources are protected from exploitation. By prioritising environmental sustainability, Nigeria protects its natural heritage and advances peace and development.
Environmental degradation in conflict zones is a global issue, and Nigeria stands with the international community in calling for immediate action. As we progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, environmental protection must remain at the heart of national and international policies.
Pamela Udejimba is a Programme Officer at the Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre. She actively contributes to climate justice and environmental protection initiatives. Through her work, Pamela is committed to driving positive change and promoting sustainable practices.
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