Journal Article

Wars over Wildlife: Green Militarisation and Just War Theory

Whetham, David, Cotterill, Alayne, Dickman, Amy, Coals, Peter, Johnson, Paul, Tyrrell, Peter, Somerville, Keith, Harrington, Lauren

2020

Overview

Militarisation of conservation (sometimes known as 'green militarisation') is an issue of growing international interest. Rhino horn is immensely valuable (in 2013 its value exceeded that of gold or cocaine), and its illegal trade has attracted widespread attention. Conservationists have declared a 'war' on poaching, with extensive military resources deployed to combat it. This sometimes includes operations which are referred to, particularly in the media, as 'shoot-to-kill'. These can be tantamount to extra-judicial killings. We scrutinise this issue using 'Just War' principles, to explore whether the 'war' on poaching meets the criteria expected of armed conflict. Our perspective suggests that it fails both ethical and pragmatic examination. This piece encourages conservation scientists, and the public, to consider which actions are justified in protecting wildlife, and how we should rethink conservation policy to achieve ethical, successful outcomes for both people and wildlife.

• Publisher: Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd,Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd,Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd,Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subject: Analysis / anti-poaching / Cocaine / conservation / Deadly force / Defense / Drug abuse / Environmental aspects / Environmental policy / Ethical standards / Ethics / green militarisation / International relations / just war / Just war doctrine / Militarism / Military aspects / Narcotics / National parks / Nature conservation / Parks & recreation areas / Poaching / rhino / Sanctions / Shootings / Traditions / War / Wildlife / Wildlife conservation