Scoping Conflict-Linked Environmental Harm in Southern Lebanon
Publisher: Conflict and Environment Observatory
Author(s): Rob Watson and Jay Lindle
Date: 2025
Topics: Humanitarian Assistance, Weapons, Waste, and Pollution
Countries: Israel, Lebanon
Alongside its civilian impact, the intensification of the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict after October 2023 had grave consequences for the environment. This post by Rob Watson and Jay Lindle details preliminary CEOBS research undertaken on behalf of Norwegian People’s Aid and which provided examples of conflict-linked environmental harm in Lebanon.
Following October 2023, the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict led to devastating humanitarian and environmental consequences in southern Lebanon and the wider region. According to the World Bank, it is estimated that $221 million of damage has been caused to Lebanon’s environment alone through natural resource degradation and the impact on solid waste management. Agricultural losses are estimated at more than $1 billion due to the destruction of crops and livestock and the displacement of farmers. Some of these direct consequences were evident in media reports showing extensive fires across agricultural land and widespread damage to buildings and essential infrastructure. However, there are also longer term reverberating consequences for the environment that require further research to evaluate their full impacts. Identifying and conducting further research in these areas is essential for Lebanon’s recovery.
CEOBS undertook a preliminary scoping study of environmental harm in southern Lebanon in collaboration with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA). Incidents and damage that occurred between the 7th October 2023 and the 5th December 2024 were examined. This was done to help inform future on-the-ground monitoring, as well as considerations for non-technical surveys and operational and potential environmental risks linked to field and clearance mine action activities.