Zoï and the conflict

Conflicts are a regular part of daily life. Some conflicts are inevitable, and when resolved peacefully, they can lead to growth. However, others create tensions and may last for years. In some cases, violent conflicts can escalate into wars. Many types of conflicts have an environmental dimension, where the environment can be a source of the problem, a solution to bring opposing parties together to work jointly, or a silent victim.

Maybe because we are based in Geneva, the cradle of humanitarianism, but also as an environmental organization, Zoï is fundamentally opposed to violence and wars. However, we cannot ignore the fact that they exist, especially in and around Europe, which is our geographic focus. Since the early days of the Environment and Security Initiative, then known as ENVSEC, Zoï has played an essential role in assessing and mapping potential problems and in implementing solutions at the environment-security interface.

Currently, the war in Ukraine is devastating people's lives, livelihoods, and the country's economy, and is taking a heavy toll on the environment. Ukraine's land, rivers, and forests have all become victims of this war. However, these victims are no longer silent, thanks to the strong voices of many Ukrainian and international organizations and activists. The environmental impact of the war in Ukraine has become one of the most visible among many recent conflicts worldwide.

We take pride in being part of these efforts and are gratified by the vivid interest of the worldwide media. We have achieved this through our Ecodozor.org platform and our analysis and mapping of the environmental damage from the war, as well as our continuous interaction with the international community and the media. For instance, we have provided data to one of Switzerland's most influential newspapers, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, and raised interest with National Geographic. As the war hopefully comes to an end, we aspire to contribute tangibly to Ukraine's green and environmental reconstruction, as do many others.

Beyond Ukraine, we continue to monitor the environmental agenda and opportunities in post-conflict Afghanistan, and support Palestine in building environmental awareness and modern environmental governance. Our long-term presence in Central Asia has allowed us to help the countries of the region revisit the security implications of their rapidly changing climate. Overall, the environment-conflict-security nexus remains among Zoï's interests, competencies, and focus areas, and with our experience and track record, we hope to continue making a difference in this challenging field.