Against Conflicts, for Sustainability: The Ecological Peace Corridors

"Nature knows no borders: what humans divide, all other living beings unite." This is the philosophy of Roberto Cazzolla Gatti, a professor in the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Bologna. Inspired by this simple yet profound idea, he conceived the Ecological Peace Corridors: an innovative conservation strategy that could prove essential for preserving biodiversity while promoting peace.

Officially introduced through a paper published in Biological Conservation, the Ecological Peace Corridors offer a unique opportunity to address both conflict resolution and environmental protection in border regions. Examples of potential applications include areas spanning Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Poland; Palestine and Israel; China, India, and Pakistan; the United States and Mexico; and Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Congo.

UniboMagazine spoke with Professor Cazzolla Gatti to explore the concept in more detail.

Professor Cazzolla Gatti, what are the Ecological Peace Corridors?
In a world increasingly shaped by human impacts and warfare, there is an urgent need for protected areas and conflict-free zones. This requires a rethinking of conservation and cooperation strategies The idea of Ecological Peace Corridors was born from this need: they are designated zones along and across international borders that connect currently fragmented protected areas, integrating conservation efforts with the promotion of peace and international cooperation.

Does the idea draw inspiration from humanitarian corridors?
Humanitarian corridors play a critical role in ensuring safe passage for people, delivering food, and providing essential supplies like medicine to war-affected populations. Ecological corridors, on the other hand, are crucial for facilitating wildlife movement and safeguarding biodiversity. The Ecological Peace Corridors combine these functions, acting as natural buffer zones that reduce conflict risks while enhancing ecological connectivity.

Why do you think they are particularly necessary now?
Today, there is global momentum to achieve the goals of the 30x30 Initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. However, conservation efforts can fall short if they focus solely on isolated "islands of conservation." Ecological Peace Corridors could be pivotal: neighbouring countries can collaborate on conservation initiatives while simultaneously promoting peace and minimizing disputes over resources or territorial conflicts.

Are there existing examples of similar initiatives?
Although not explicitly structured as Ecological Peace Corridors, there are relevant examples. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, for instance, unintentionally functions as both a buffer zone between the two nations and a biodiversity hotspot. Another example is the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, spanning Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, which has significantly advanced conservation efforts for elephants, rhinos, and large predators while fostering cooperation among these African nations. Conversely, a negative example is the border wall between the United States and Mexico, which has obstructed the movement of species like jaguars and ocelots, reducing genetic diversity and threatening their populations' viability.

How can these corridors help reduce conflicts?
The corridors are built on the intrinsic link between the environment, wildlife, and human health. They demonstrate that protecting nature can simultaneously promote biodiversity and peaceful coexistence between human populations and wildlife. These corridors could be instrumental in peacebuilding before conflicts escalate or in peacekeeping efforts following conflict resolution. For instance, in areas with existing tensions or war hotspots, task forces composed of scientists, NGOs, policymakers, and diplomats from neighbouring countries and international organizations could develop strategies to create Ecological Peace Corridors. This would act as a preventive measure, fostering cooperation and stability before situations deteriorate.

What would be required to design and implement them?
The proposal for Ecological Peace Corridors includes a methodology leveraging artificial intelligence to identify suitable territories and a zoning system modelled on that used in Italy’s national parks to balance conservation with human needs. In areas affected by conflict, for example, military infrastructure could be dismantled, vegetation restored, and the corridors patrolled to encourage both biodiversity and peace. This integrated approach, by creating neutral spaces, ensures the safety of both people and biodiversity.