The promise and perils of protected zones

Abstract

The relationship between war and biodiversity loss is now well established. Armed conflicts have been found to lead to both species and habitat loss, and accelerate the depletion of forest cover. In addition, conflicts are linked to the illegal exploitation of natural resources, and help to facilitate poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. Nevertheless, biodiversity hotspots do not enjoy special legal protection beyond that accorded to civilian objects during armed conflicts. Against this background, the present paper investigates the concept of place-based protection (designated protected zones that benefit from increased protection, if not immunity, from targeting) to serve as an important tool to protect vulnerable ecosystems from the harmful effects of armed conflict. It outlines the relevant applicable framework and further explores both the potential and the associated risks of protected zones.