Ecocide and the Effects of War

The term "Ecocide" first gained media attention after the Vietnam War when it became obvious that mans willful destruction of the IndoChinese ecosystems by means of chemical warfare had a serious impact on all that relied on this land for survival.

Approximately 20% of South Vietnam was destroyed by Agent Orange and its partner defoliants. Not only does the inherent herbicide, dioxin destroy the environment with immediate effect, but has a serious impact upon all species which are still being monitored 30 years later, as they potentially hurtle towards untimely extinction, such as the Giant Ibis and wild Asian Elephant. Other means of mass eco destruction included the bulldozing of jungles and Napalm induced forest fires.

Despite the horrendous implications of these acts of war against nature, very few countries include it in their penal law, Chenobyl being the first case in the Ukraine, where individuals responsible could face imprisonment for 8-15 years.

Princess Diana amongst others campaigned hard for more resolutions and common knowledge on landmines because of their effects on the human race but what of the wanton destruction of nature without which none of us could survive?

This is of course not a modern phenomenum, and cases of ecocide can be tracked throughout history. The most startling and evocative must surely be Easter Island located in the southeastern Pacific, where the original inhabitants deforested their island in the construction of enormous Y frames for the erection of their giant head statues. The reasons behind these monuments is another story entirely, but suffice to say their convictions created destitution for generations to come, as lack of forests led to lack of topsoil, and hence a lack of crops.

My interest in ecocide was ignited by an invitation to offer advice on ways to counteract the effects of ecocide within the Marshes of Iraq. This is the latest region to have suffered at the hands of war. An area that once supported people, their farm animals and an entire way of life was dislocated and cannot return until the foundations of this delicate aquatic ecosystem are found to be clean and chemical free. With the re-introduction of many species of particular grasses and reeds we can assist in redressing this devastation but the earth has been harmed and will take time to heal.

I only hope that as we become more aware to ecological issues and the demands we are putting on Mother Nature we can also find alternative ways to support our increasing populations as opposed to the slash and burn approach mankind has hitherto adopted.