The intersection of Environmental Law and International Humanitarian Law in protecting ecosystems during warfare

Armed conflicts increasingly generate profound and lasting environmental harm, compounding humanitarian crises and intensifying climate-related risks. This paper examines how international humanitarian law regulates the protection of the natural environment during armed hostilities, tracing the evolution of treaty norms, customary principles, and complementary international frameworks. It analysesthe responsibilities of states and non-state armed groups to prevent, mitigate, and remedy ecological damage, as well as the emerging role of international criminal law and post-conflict restoration mechanisms. The discussion highlights key legal gaps - particularly the high thresholds of Additional Protocol I and limited rules for non-international armed conflicts - while assessing recent developments such as the ILC Draft Principles and updated ICRC Guidelines. By evaluating both preventive and remedial obligations, the paper underscores the growing recognition that safeguarding the environment is integral to the protection of civilian populations and the rights of future generations.