Nature for Peace: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Post-Conflict Rehabilitation, Carpathian National Nature Park in Ukraine
摘要
This chapter explores the Nature for Peace (N4P) concept, which aims to address the dual challenges of ecosystem degradation and human suffering caused by armed conflicts. The research focuses on the role of nature in fostering physical and mental recovery for populations affected by war, while simultaneously contributing to ecosystem restoration. The aim of the chapter is to examine how protected areas can be leveraged as healing spaces that offer both environmental and social rehabilitation. The chapter utilizes a combination of literature review and insights from a workshop held at the 2023 symposium on Climate Change, Health, and Resilience at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. The research was conducted in conflict-affected regions, where protected areas provide crucial support for both ecosystems and local communities. Key findings reveal that nature-based solutions can effectively mitigate the ecological impacts of armed conflict while improving mental health and social resilience. The integration of local knowledge and participation enhances the success of these initiatives, emphasizing that sustainable recovery requires the involvement of affected populations. The relevance of this concept to the local context underscores its adaptability, making it a viable model for regions facing environmental and social crises due to war and climate change. This chapter advances understanding of how holistic, transdisciplinary approaches—incorporating ecological, psychological, and social perspectives—can contribute to long-term peacebuilding and ecosystem restoration in conflict zones.