Exploring the environment as a common ground in Yemen
24/02/2025
In December 2024, the European Institute of Peace concluded a series of unilateral meetings to discuss the status of environmental governance in Yemen and explore potential pathways for environmental dialogue and cooperation with technical and political representatives of the Ministry of Water and Environment (MOWE) and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The “Technical Meetings on Climate and Environmental Peacemaking in Yemen” served to discuss approaches to addressing environmental issues in a way that contributes to conflict resolution and prevention. Together with the Institute, the delegations identified critical issues and geographic areas of priority to enhance environmental governance and cooperation within the Internationally Recognized Government of Yemen (IRGY).
Delegates representing the Internationally Recognized Government of Yemen through the Ministry of Water and Environment at the First Technical Meeting on Climate and Environmental Peacemaking in Yemen, Amman, August 2024
Environmental impact of the conflict
Over the last decade, political crises in Yemen have escalated into full-scale, internationalized war. The conflict has become increasingly complex and intractable. It has had profound humanitarian, economic, and societal impacts, which also have harmed the country’s natural environment. Military activity has caused direct environmental damage, while other pressures such as the over-extraction of groundwater, challenges in public environmental management, and the escalating effects of climate change, have further intensified environmental issues. Coupled with a rapid population growth, these factors have led to large-scale environmental degradation, including the depletion of water resources, desertification of agricultural land, deforestation, and land and water pollution.
While the environmental consequences of the conflict are often overlooked in high-level discussions about peace and security, they leave a crucial imprint on the country’s social fabric. As natural resources become increasingly scarce, competition over water, land, fuel, and other essential resources intensifies. This affects individual livelihoods and community resilience to conflict and climate, undermining efforts to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation. In an extensive consultation conducted by the Institute across nine governorates in 2023, more than half of respondents reported tensions and disputes linked to environmental issues in their area.
Delegates representing the Southern Transitional Council at the First Technical Meeting on Climate and Environmental Peacemaking in Yemen, Amman, August 2024
Environment and peace
Addressing environmental risks as part of conflict resolution and prevention efforts is not only key to reducing resource-related or degradation-driven tensions but can also serve as an entry point for enhanced collaboration, improved governance, and trust-building. Responding to these environmental risks through technical collaboration, data sharing, institutional capacity-building, and joint policy development can provide opportunities to foster dialogue and mutual understanding. The Institute’s engagement at the national level seeks to leverage shared environmental concerns as a new avenue for peace, framing discussions around common interests.
The first two rounds of unilateral meetings evolved from broad exchanges on environmental concerns and priorities into in-depth discussions on the technical, political, and administrative dimensions of environmental governance in Yemen. The delegates explored prevailing grievances and challenges related to natural resources management, risks arising from climatic change and demographic shifts, as well as structural, political, and financial constraints that obstruct effective responses. The discussions concluded with reflections on strengthening governmental cooperation, improving environmental governance, and fostering trust through collaborative environmental initiatives.
About the project
The Environmental Pathways for Reconciliation (EPfR) project aims to contribute to sustainable peace in Yemen by engaging different strata of the Yemeni society in environmental dialogue and cooperation. Through its bottom-up and inclusive approach, the project amplifies Yemeni voices in political and peace discussions, using environmental issues as entry points and elements for peace. By conducting consultations and facilitating dialogues at the community, governorate, and national levels, the project supports Yemenis to identify solutions to environmental and climate security risks with a peacemaking approach. The EPfR project is implemented by the Institute with support from the German Federal Foreign Office and is part of the Weathering Risk Peace Pillar led by adelphi.