Science and Spatial Security: Building Peace through Environmental Conservation in Southeastern Europe
Publisher: University of Vermont
Author(s): Saleem H. Ali and Mary C. Watzin
Date: 2011
Topics: Cooperation, Governance, Renewable Resources
Countries: Albania, North Macedonia
The fall of the iron curtain and subsequent political tumoil in the Balkans led to a redefinition of borders and a realignment of security in spatial terms. Ecological systems defy political borders and this shifting of power led to the development of novel governance regimes to manage these shared ecosystems. Within this region, the transboundary politics surrounding Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa in the Balkan peninsula were studied to test our research question about how natural resource scarcity, environmental impairment, and environmental security interact. This study suggests that even in highly acrimonious post-conflict settings, there is clear potential for ecological cooperation. However, we cannot assume that science will be objectively used as an arbiter of decision-making and to achieve regional cooperation, external spheres of governance are essential for success. Fortunately, there has been interest from external agents to consider environmental factors and new nations aspiring towards linkages with regional governance structures such as the European Union and the United Nations Environment Programme. With the involvement of such agents and a mechanism for continued monitoring and enforcement, it is indeed possible to redefine environmental security in spatial terms beyond conventional political borders.