Environmental Impact of the Yugoslavia Conflict

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE YUGOSLAVIA CONFLICT

6. Conclusions

6.1. Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia’s environment has experienced very real impacts from the war’s activities. In regard to ecological consequences, the effects of the bombing of Yugoslavia's industrial facilities have uncontrollably released tonnes of toxic chemicals into the environment.

Air:
Air pollutants, caused by high concentration of toxic substances (soot, phosgene) - even carcinogenic compounds (VCMs, PCBs, DU) - were released from destroyed industrial facilities, produced in reactions of incomplete combustion of different materials, or produced as a direct effect of military action, were the most acute (short-term) problems.

Water:
The water pollution from oil and its derivatives, as well as pollution from a variety of harmful chemicals (PCBs, VCM, EDC, HCl, HF, heavy metals, etc.), is evident and will last for a longer period of time. All released substances will undoubtedly become part of further bio-chemical cycles – possibly with unpredictable transformations, which enlarge future risks. Quantities of war waste have increased the country’s soil pollution problems.

Biodiversity:
Biodiversity was threatened by: physical destruction (bombing and land war activities) of habitats and their associated plant and animal populations; by chemical contamination and by physical and noise disturbance of animals in their habitats and migratory paths. The exact evaluation of the present consequences for the ecosystems and diversity is still impossible to make, but it is probable that military activities have increased the threats to scarce populations.

Transboundary:
Regarding transboundary effects, the most affected are neighbouring countries, especially those on the River Danube downstream from FRY. However, the contribution to endangering the ozone layer and therefore of climate change also should be recorded.

Future Threats:
The main anticipated future risks include biodiversity reduction, decrease in efficiency in combating pests (insects, fungi) both in natural (forests) and agricultural (food industry) during the present crop season, harmful consequences for human health and an enormous increase of tree felling during next winter for providing wood for heating.

Polluting substances endanger the population directly through air, water and food, but also accumulate, most often in geological formations or in the biosphere. These can represent a long-term health risk. The argument over the DU issue is bound to be revealed by time. However, the controversy around this issue may distract attention from other issues. More pressing to the Yugoslav population is the destruction of infrastructure (power and water supply systems, central heating stations, the road and railway networks) which could lead to human suffering during the following winter.

6.2. Albania

In Albania, many decisions were taken under time pressures in helping deal with the influx of refugees. As a result, many mistakes are now visible after three months. The environmental impact of this conflict is therefore most evident in the camp locations. This environmental impact might have been much less if consultations with environment specialists had occurred. Poor siting of camps – health problems caused by the pollution where the camp is located – is forcing the government and international organisations to move camps to other safer places.

There has been a positive tendency in cooperation with environmental authorities in the last few weeks, which has resulted in a minimisation of further environmental impact. For example, there are cases where construction of camps within protected areas and reserves has now been avoided.

In general, the environmental impact of the first month was much greater in scale compared to the last weeks of April and May. The more massive camps have caused large environmental impacts in soil fertility, sewage waters, waste and pollution of different kinds. However, the camps and collective centres constructed and managed by NATO’s military forces have caused less environmental impacts in the long run compared with those managed by some international organisations.

Collective centres have also had less environmental impact compared to tented camps due to their smaller number of refugees and because they are permanent constructions and consist of a minimum of facilities and infrastructure.

Other anticipated environmental impacts are related to engineering works for building military bases (Rinas airport, 25km from Tirana), Kukes (In Yugoslavia/Albania border). There is no data available for their environmental impact as yet.

6.3. Bulgaria

So far there have been no measurable effects of the conflict on the Bulgarian environment. Bulgaria’s monitoring system has reacted swiftly to the concerns raised by the population. However, there is still a concern for transboundary pollutants along the Danube River. Monitoring should continue over a period to assess any possible long-term trends. The government could then define any new priorities from this.

During the investigation for the project it was pointed out by the relevant environmental experts that the idea to collect, compare and incorporate the data from all potentially affected parts of the country is very pertinent. This approach should be implemented in the years ahead. It will assist the country in the cases of industrial accidents and other environmental disasters.

6.4. FYR Macedonia

For FYR Macedonia, some calculation of the urgent needs are mentioned in this report, but these are only the most pressing needs. During this short three month period, there is obvious and visible damage in nature, the human environment and the urban environment, as well as an overloading of capacities that cause environmentally negative impacts. The main threats identified are sewage, water and health impacts from the camps. However, it has not yet been possible to reflect on potential transboundary impacts. Measures to address these, and any underlying trends, should be developed by all parties. That work will include not only government and international help, but also the commitment to involve NGOs and local communities.

This preliminary research only shows that more detailed further analyses and studies are needed to get the true picture of the actual situation of environmental damage. This is to enable the preparation of steps for remediation of the damage caused. This further study should also identify the solutions and financial costs for remediation of the damage. In the beginning of the military conflict, the government of FYR Macedonia offered to host a maximum capacity of 20,000 refugees in the country. The refugee population of 273,770, as of June 9, is more than 10 times higher than the offered capacity. This has caused a misbalance in the whole community, including an environmental one. This environmental misbalance will probably be visible for some time after the conflict is over.

6.5. Romania

The environmental impacts measured in Romania so far include a number of days of acid rain. This is to be expected, as the Romanian border with Yugoslavia is the closest among all the neighbouring countries to the main industrial targets. What is still missing, however, is evidence of effects on the transboundary waters and an analysis of what this could mean in the long-term.

Priorities for Romania would seem to be:

Improved monitoring system, and a period of monitoring to assess the long-term risks.
Using the results of monitoring to design plans on ameliorating the pollution impacts on the environment and the public.
International support for assisting in any environmental clean-up.

REC * YUGOSLAVIA REPORT * NEXT SECTION