Introduction

In post-conflict environmental assessments, researchers employ investigative technical procedures in a specific geographical area to identify and evaluate the biophysical, social, and other environmental impacts that occurred as the result of a conflict, and to identify needs and the opportunities available to remediate these impacts and restore environmental health. Increasingly, environmental assessments are also investigating how natural resources contributed to the outbreak or perpetuation of conflict, as well as how they can be used to positively transform peacebuilding outcomes without creating new sources of conflict or major environmental impacts. With comprehensive environmental assessments, practitioners are better able to integrate environmental and natural resource considerations into post-conflict planning processes and longer-term decision making.