Cross-border environmental conservation is a critical environmental and sustainability crisis. Air pollution is transferrable and does not adhere to political borders. It shows the interconnectedness of the ecosystem, where environmental crises are transmissible. Countries cannot and should not hone resources, in order to rightfully manage and preserve natural resources and minimize the transfer of polluted air through borders, countries are required to humanely cooperate.
Manufacturing industries are considered one of the main damaging parameters of the environment. The persistence of development with disregard for the environmental considerations resulting from using non-renewable forms of energy has a lasting and unpleasant effect on the ecosystem. With one country overlooking the environmental impact of its industry, the natural elements and forces transmit pollutants through running water, wind velocity, atmospheric movements, and ocean currents. The dismissal of one country results in the regression of cross-border environmental conservation.
Eco-system Regression
Eco-system regression refers to the deterioration, decline, and degradation of an ecosystem. Despite the dynamism of ecosystems and the possibility of change due to natural forces, human activities, including deforestation, urbanization, and pollution, can have catastrophic consequences on ecosystems. These activities can disrupt the balance of natural processes and increase the regressive process. Eco-systems are not an individualistic concern, they are a shared environment and a shared life that should be a collective responsibility. They provide essential services like clean air water, and habitats.
Ecosystem regression is a severe threat to the environment and the well-being of both natural systems and human societies. It results from various human activities and natural forces and leads to numerous ecological, economic, and social consequences.
Collective Cooperation of Neighboring Countries
International cooperation should encompass transboundary ecosystems, biodiversity protection, water resources, climate change mitigation, and wildlife migration. The necessary interventions should be collectively implemented with the agreement of all included parties. Countries that share borders should adhere to the legislation and agreements of international treaties. Rivers, forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats are a common responsibility, not just with ethics as a motivation for change, but also in order to preserve and conserve sustainable practices. Water resources should be equally distributed while considering the quantity and quality between neighboring countries.
The inclusion of local communities that are directly affected by cross-border environmental conservation would increase the chances of implementing the laws and legislation due to their direct involvement. They can help raise awareness about ecological interdependence through environmental education, and they can also monitor the implementation of the agreed-upon laws where they can foster support for their conservation efforts.
Despite the belief that the inhumane and environmentally catastrophic manufacturing process would benefit the economy due to the massive profits, the sustainable management of resources can result in an economic boost. It can support ecotourism, fisheries, and agriculture while ensuring long-term resource availability. It opens the door for different development projects. Projects like dams that can withstand the high velocity of floods that result from heavy rain.
Challenges of Enforcing Cross-Border Environmental Conservation
Political Differences: Countries may have different levels of political hold and capacity to address environmental challenges. Wealthier nations may have more resources to tackle crises, while less developed countries may struggle to meet their environmental obligations.
Resource Conflicts: Disputes over shared resources, can lead to diplomatic tensions and even conflict.
Enforcement and Accountability: It can be challenging to enforce international environmental agreements. Holding countries accountable for their actions and ensuring compliance with shared commitments is an ongoing challenge.
Results of Cross-Border Environmental Conservation
Enhanced Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health:
Cross-border conservation efforts often result in the preservation and restoration of ecosystems that support diverse species. As habitats are protected across borders, species have larger, interconnected areas to thrive and move, enhancing overall biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Preservation of Endangered Species:
Many endangered and threatened species have ranges that extend across national boundaries. Cross-border conservation can create a coordinated effort to protect and recover these species, reducing the risk of extinction.
Improved Water Quality:
Transboundary rivers are common subjects of cross-border conservation. Collaborative management can ensure better water quality and the sustainable use of shared water resources, benefiting both human populations and aquatic ecosystems.
Sustainable Resource Management
Climate Change Mitigation
Ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon decrease. Cross-border conservation can protect forests and other carbon-rich environments, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Enhanced Ecotourism Opportunities:
Preserved and well-managed natural areas can become attractive destinations for ecotourism, providing economic benefits to local communities and promoting the importance of conservation.
Cross-border environmental conservation reflects the recognition that environmental challenges are global and do not respect political boundaries. To address these challenges effectively, nations must collaborate, set aside differences, and work together to ensure the sustainable management of shared natural resources and the preservation of ecosystems that benefit not only the present but also future generations.
References:
Guo, R. (2015). Cross-Border Environmental and Ecological Protection. In: Cross-Border Management. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45156-4_16
Miller, M. A. (2021). B/ordering the environmental commons. Progress in Human Geography, 45(3), 473-491. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132519837814
Countries need to strengthen cross-border environmental diplomacy (2023) Arab News. Available at: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2344786 (Accessed: 16 October 2023).
Jaana E. Korhonen, Atte Koskivaara, Teemu Makkonen, Natalya Yakusheva & Arttu Malkamäki (2021) Resilient cross-border regional innovation systems for sustainability? A systematic review of drivers and constraints, Innovation: The European Journal of Social Science Research, 34:2, 202-221, DOI: 10.1080/13511610.2020.1867518
