Axed & Burned: How Conflict-Caused Deforestation Impacts Environmental, Socio-Economic and Climate Resilience in Syria


Publisher: PAX

Author(s): Tara Najim, Wim Zwijnenburg, Noor Nahas, and Roberto Jaramillo Vasquez

Date: 2023

Topics: Assessment, Livelihoods, Renewable Resources

Countries: Syrian Arab Republic

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The war in Syria has now entered its 12th year, leaving a long-lasting humanitarian impact on the country as hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced. Beyond these direct impacts on the Syrian people, the severe destruction of cities, towns, agriculture and infrastructure and the collapse of governance pose serious public-health and socio-economic challenges for communities across the country. In particular, the destruction of natural resources and damage to ecosystems has potentially severe consequences for the lives, livelihoods and future of Syrian citizens, as well as for the country’s climate resilience.

The report, titled ‘Axed and Burned,’ is the most in-depth scientific study conducted on the many causes and consequences of tree-cover loss throughout the conflict-affected country.