1. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF WAR

2. 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 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. When does conflict escalate into armed struggle?

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

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