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Environment and Security
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In the debate on what role the environment plays in caus-
ing or resolving conflict, the partnership of international
organizations working on the ‘Environment and Security’
initiative takes a pragmatic position. In focusing on par-
ticipatory assessments and targeted follow-up activities
in conflict-prone areas, we believe that we can promote
environmentally sustainable development and peace on
the ground.
In this context, we are very happy to present an in-depth
assessment of the situation in the Ferghana Valley – a
region where environment and security linkages are both
evident and challenging. Recent political developments in
Kyrgyzstan and tragic events in Uzbekistan have once again
put the Ferghana Valley in the centre of global attention.
The landslide that in spring 2005 threatened radioactive
waste dumps at Mailuu-Suu in Kyrgyzstan in the upper
part of the Ferghana Valley offered fresh reminders of how
environmental problems can easily acquire regional and
security dimensions. Environmental degradation can ag-
gravate social tensions or awaken otherwise dormant con-
flict-generating forces. At the same time, cooperation for
better environmental governance in complex socio-political
settings can help build confidence and improve relations
between communities that share common resources.
This assessment has been produced upon the request of
the countries of the Ferghana Valley – Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
and Uzbekistan – and has widely benefited from their in-
puts. It shows how the ‘Environment and Security’ initiative
has helped identify both environmental threats to regional
security and opportunities for cross-border dialogue. We
hope that this assessment will contribute to a better under-
standing of linkages between environment and security, as
well as strengthen the environmental dimension of conflict
prevention efforts in this crucial part of Central Asia.
Preface
Frits Schlingemann
Ben Slay
Marcin Swiecicki
Chris DeWispelaere
Director and Regional Representative, UNEP Regional Office for Europe
Director, UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre
Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
Director, NATO Security Through Science Programme