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We are pleased to announce that the latest issue of the journal Science of The Total Environment has published an article on the impact of wartime activities on the natural environment. Among the authors of this article is Prof. Dr. Jean Poesen (Department of Geology, Soil Science, and Geoinformatics UMCS):
Hailemariam Meaza, Tesfaalem Ghebreyohannes, Jan Nyssen, Zbelo Tesfamariam, Biadiglign Demissie, Jean Poesen, Misgna Gebrehiwot, Teklehaymanot G. Weldemichel, Seppe Deckers, Desta Gebremichael Gidey, Matthias Vanmaercke, 2024, "Managing the environmental impacts of war: What can be learned from conflict-vulnerable communities?". Science of The Total Environment, 171974, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171974
This study involved the analysis of 193 cases from around the world to explore both the effects of wars on the environment and the methods of mitigating these effects at different stages of conflict. The findings reveal that wartime activities lead to landscape degradation, vegetation destruction, disruptions in soil structure, and threats to soil health. Aerial bombings particularly have a negative impact, destroying environmental conservation efforts. Wars also contribute to the reduction of wildlife populations and the destruction of their habitats, as well as to air and water pollution. The study highlights limited post-conflict reconstruction initiatives and underscores examples of effective environmental management during wartime activities. It also emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and best practices among communities to achieve lasting peace, restore damaged ecosystems, and promote sustainable development.
Publication list of Institute staff
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