Environment and Security: A Framework for Cooperation in Europe

with comments received from OSCE, UNEP, UNDP and members of the project steering committee. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of UNEP, UNDP or OSCE.ABSTRACT Consensus is emerging that cooperative and effective management of natural resources, and national, regional, and international security, are closely linked. For this reason, UNEP, UNDP and OSCE have initiated a process to better integrate environment into peace building and multilateral action in the regions of SouthEastern Europe and Central Asia. These regions are in the midst of tectonic political and economic shifts, with substantial environmental and social consequences. Managing these transitions peacefully is a goal high on the priorities of decision makers, both in the region and internationally. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development, in September 2002, the world's leaders urged " dialogue and cooperation among…civilizations and peoples " [para. 17] " to save our planet, promote human development and achieve universal prosperity and peace " [para. 38]. In their Plan of Implementation, they affirmed that " peace, security, stability and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms…are essential for achieving sustainable development " [para. 5] 1. This project seeks to further the implementation of this fundamental principle, by catalyzing action around the priority links between environment and security. More sustainable and equitable management of the environment can be a cost-effective means for building social cohesion, reinforcing mechanisms for collaboration across social and political boundaries, and reducing vulnerability to crises. The plunder of natural resources, the degradation of critical natural systems and the emergence of related public health threats can increase insecurity – through interstate or inter-community tensions-and in some cases trigger violence. Efforts to reduce these risk factors will therefore have benefits both for the environment and for national security. But which of the links between environment and security are most relevant and urgent in these regions ? To what extent are these links being addressed ? If indeed 'a picture is worth a thousand words', can maps be used to clarify, in a highly-condensed yet visually compelling manner, the environment and security priorities in these regions ? And can these maps help policymakers take action on these links? This initiative aims to facilitate a process to integrate the links between natural resources and social stability into foreign and development policy. Seeking a non-partisan perspective, it brings together key public officials, researchers and representatives of civil society in South Eastern Europe …