BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY FOR SOUTH ASIA: AN ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH

Author: Narottam Gaan

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/ BIISSj1999v20n2a1

ABSTRACT

The Causes of intra or inter-state conflicts are largely embedded in environmental degradation or scarcity of renewable resources. When the conflicts are addressed by resorting (0 force. the very purpose or cause of halting the slide in environment is lost. War itself is also a cause of environmental degradation. Thus. environmental degradation generates a self-perpetuating process. What is needed is a comprehensive framework of security for the entire region. achievement of which is contingent on cooperation and understanding among the countries of the region affected. Environmental cooperation could be promoted among the states within a region for the purpose of achieving greater comprehensive regional security as an end in itself. Moreover. regional cooperation on environmental protection and natural resource utilization serves as confidence building measures for the purpose of heralding comprehensive international security. In the context of South Asia. the focus may be on whether the SAARC countries. following the example of the European Union. can bring about an environmental integration. so that armed conflicts between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. and other conflicts between India and other South Asian countries. can be resolved.