Environmental Restoration in Peace Processes and Post-Conflict Recovery: Lessons from Africa, South America, and North America

Mary Hope Schwoebel, Nova Southeastern University / University of Johannesburg (United States)

Wars inflict severe and often deliberate harm on ecosystems—from the use of defoliants like Agent Orange to the burning of oil wells and the bombing of industrial sites. This paper examines how interstate and intrastate peace processes have sought to address environmental destruction and promote ecological restoration and regeneration. Through comparative case studies from Africa, South America, and North America, the analysis assesses the inclusion and effectiveness of environmental provisions in peace agreements and implementation mechanisms. It identifies successes, failures, and lessons related to accountability, restoration mandates, ecosystem guardianships, and long-term monitoring. The paper concludes with recommendations for embedding environmental restoration as a core element of peacebuilding and post-conflict governance, arguing that ecological restoration and regeneration are inseparable from long-term and just peace.