Environmental dimensions during and after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict of 2020.

Abstract

The 44-day war between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 resulted in significant environmental damage. This brief communication presents two aspects of harm to the region's biodiverse-rich primary forests-(1) hundreds of conflict-linked landscape fires during and (2) widespread development postconflict, without a due environmental assessment. The use of novel mixed methods research, including satellite remote sensing, has allowed an independent and open response to some of the environmental narratives, which were weaponized by both conflict parties.IntegrEnviron Assess Manag 2023;19:360-365. © 2022 SETAC.