Impact of war on conservation: Rwandan environment and wildlife in agony

Abstract

Among the crucial problems that affect conservation in less developed countries are the high human pressure on natural habitats, poverty, low conservation education and lack of integration of local population. However, political and ethnic conflicts, which occur around the world and particularly in African countries, significantly affect all sectors of human society, the environment and wildlife. In this paper, we discuss the consequences of the Rwandan civil war of 1990-1994, recognized as one of the major tragedies of the 20th century, with a particular focus on protected areas and conservation bodies in the country.