ISAF’s Environmental Legacy in Afghanistan Requires Greater Scrutiny

Sep 1, 2014 | Toxic Remnants of War
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Since 2001, Afghanistan has seen intensive military activities from a number of countries that have contributed to the ISAF stabilisation force. With the drawdown of ISAF forces and a number of base closures under way, Aneaka Kellay investigates the toxic remnants of ISAF’s operations and who is currently liable for the clean-up.

Introduction

ISAF has been deployed in Afghanistan since 2001. In August 2003, NATO assumed command of the operation and its mandate has been repeatedly extended by the UN Security Council. During the 2010 Lisbon Summit, NATO agreed to begin a process of transitioning full responsibility for national security to Afghanistan. The transition is due to end in 2014 and has involved a significant reduction in troop numbers.

More than 1200 ISAF-occupied properties are expected to be closed and handed back by the end of 2014[1] and military bases are known to leave a toxic footprint. This has been a significant issue in both home states[2] and in countries hosting military bases such as South Korea[3], the Philippines[4] and Panama.[5] While contingency operations differ slightly, there is a strong indication that military pollution will be left in Afghanistan placing people and the environment at risk and it is therefore essential that ISAF takes steps to avoid this legacy.