The Role of Multilateral Environmental Agreements in Armed Conflict: ‘Green-keeping’ in Virunga Park. Applying the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in the Armed Conflict of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A unique 'green-keeping' approach, combining the efforts of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee and UN peacekeeping forces, has emerged as an effective strategy to address both security and conservation challenges during armed conflicts. This study highlights how multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), particularly the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention (WHC), can provide substantive obligations that transcend vague principles, even in conflict zones like Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While the WHC's detailed decisions and recommendations may sometimes clash with military necessity, they offer a practical framework for harmonizing legal regimes. This cooperative effort demonstrates the potential for MEAs to bridge gaps between environmental protection and security concerns, offering a model for future conflict resolution strategies.

Sjöstedt, B. (2013). The Role of Multilateral Environmental Agreements in Armed Conflict: ‘Green-keeping’ in Virunga Park. Applying the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in the Armed Conflict of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nordic Journal of International Law, 82(1), 129–153. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718107-08201007