The Role of the Environment in Peacebuilding in Yemen
Publisher: Center for Applied Research in Partnership with the Orient
Author(s): Bilkis Zabara and Tobias Zumbragel
Date: 2022
Topics: Assessment, Climate Change, Disasters, Dispute Resolution/Mediation, Governance, Humanitarian Assistance, Livelihoods, Renewable Resources
Countries: Yemen
This CARPO Report addresses the relationship between violent conflict and environmental governance in Yemen. It translates the concept of environmental peacebuilding to the case of Yemen, where it has not yet received broader attention in terms of mediation and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. The study compares six different governorates, namely Sana‘a, Dhamar, Ibb, Ta‘iz, Aden and Hadhramawt. It finds that all governorates face specific threats. In addition to well-known problems resulting from water scarcity, the study further shows that waste management and pollution are one of the most pressing issues across Yemen. If these challenges are not addressed adequately and in a sustainable manner, they can accelerate social conflict and ultimately threaten long-term solutions for peace and stability in the country. In light of the myriad of Yemen’s environmental and social challenges, the Report provides some empirical snapshots of environmental initiatives that can offer inspirations for concrete action on environmental peacebuilding strategies.