The Role of International Organisations in Environmental Security Issues

Abstract

The status of the environment is influenced by a variety of factors, the most important of which are water, land, climate and human interventions. The degradation of the environment has important consequences at all levels, including the well-being of populations. This is mainly caused by the diminution of services and resources provided by an ecosystem while it is degraded. Under these circumstances, the environmental degradation has a direct effect on the stability of populations and might trigger tensions and conflicts; this is the reason for which the concept of environmental security is becoming a subject of analysis and discussions. Such a concept goes beyond the competences of the traditional organisations and institutions which normally deal with environmental issues, and it is now taken into consideration by organisations which have their missions in other fields, like security, politics, economy and sociology. The implementation of collaborative programmes and projects between these organisations together with the traditional environmental agencies and institutions, is an innovative and multidisciplinary approach which can broaden the perspective for improving the conditions of the environment and of the populations living in it.