Convened by Fergus O'Leary Simpson and Marijke Verpoorten, University of Antwerp

In conflict-ridden regions, striking a delicate balance between wildlife preservation and addressing the needs of violence-affected communities poses an urgent challenge. In such ‘violent environments’, conservation efforts often resort to coercive or militarized approaches to prevent illegal resource uses. A substantial body of literature highlights the potential for armed park guards to commit human rights abuses and even yield outcomes counterproductive to environmental protection (Duffy et al., 2019). Yet, there are instances where protected areas and armed park guards have been viewed as providers of stability and security in violent regions (Simpson and Pellegrini, 2023; Titeca et al., 2020). Park authorities can also function as sources of development opportunities and employment in areas where state presence is otherwise feeble or absent. In short, the impact of nature conservation projects on development and security outcomes varies significantly, depending on the approach and the local context. This panel on 'War Zones, Wildlife, and Development' seeks to navigate the intricacies of environmental conservation in violent environments, by shedding light on the multifaceted challenges, ethical quandaries, and possible (G)local solutions where conservation and armed conflict collide.