The signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998 undoubtedly marked a new chapter in the history of the island of Ireland. Yet, the natural environment has remained a forgotten victim, not only of the violent conflict known as ‘the Troubles,’ but also as a marginalised aspect of the peace process. While the agreement established a framework for political settlement and social reintegration, the environmental degradation stemming from centuries of colonial occupation and decades of conflict continues to pose significant challenges to both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Consequently, neglecting the environmental dimensions of violence and peace has obscured the potential for sustainable development and reconciliation.

Peace that opened a new door for polluters?

The Good Friday Agreement was primarily established to settle the ‘constitutional question’ of Northern Ireland and to reduce sectarian violence and political terrorism by creating a power-sharing government between what are broadly defined as ‘British communities’ and ‘Irish communities.’ However, while the peace deal focused largely on the equal recognition of civil and political rights, it barely addressed arrangements for tackling the socio-environmental harms that had been caused, which were often overlooked or left unaddressed. Rather, both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland paved the way for their own path towards economic development, continuing predatory policies and practices that destroy the natural environment.

The prominent patterns of ‘environmental violence’ in the history of Ireland are extensive and encompass a range of issues, including land appropriation, corruption, deregulation, biodiversity loss, environmental crimes committed by criminal gangs and paramilitary groups, among others. Adding to this landscape, large-scale development projects have emerged in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; However, environmental safeguards have not kept pace with this growth. For instance, the Irish Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss highlighted in 2019 that the island of Ireland is experiencing a significant decline in biodiversity and inadequate climate protection measures.

The ramifications of historical environmental mistreatment from both sides of the island of Ireland are more evident than ever. The algal bloom in Lough Neagh, the largest waterbody on the island, poses a hazard to aquatic ecosystems and threatens the livelihoods and health of local communities, such as eel fishing families, who depend on these waters and value their relationship with nature. The Mobuoy illegal dump, known to the public as one of the largest illegal dumpsites in Western Europe, is situated alongside the River Faughan. Its location consistently raises concerns about the potential for contaminants to flow into Lough Foyle, a shared body of water between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Gold mining in the Sperrins has been promoted by politicians in Northern Ireland but has since been paused and evolved into a cross-border issue due to its detrimental impacts on the natural environment. Data centres are mushrooming across the island of Ireland, consuming up to 21% of the total electricity produced in the island as of 2023. Ancient woodlands, like Prehen Wood, and peatlands are being lost to massive industrial development.

Peacebuilding through environmental cooperation: Ups and downs 

Once again, these practices of environmental violence signify a continued legacy of the past and present obstacles to sustainable peace. However, if these challenges are addressed through robust transboundary cooperation at multiple levels, there is an opportunity to lay the groundwork for mutual trust and sustainable peace in light of the planetary challenges people commonly face. As the island of Ireland operates as one ecological entity, there is not only room for manoeuvre for both governments but also an imperative for them to engage in peacebuilding through environmental cooperation, often referred to as ‘environmental peacebuilding’. Communities have already forged new social relationships through grassroots environmental activism that transcends the traditional sectarian divide.

One noteworthy ‘success’ story in the realm of environmental peacebuilding is the ongoing restoration of the Ulster Canal. Originally constructed between 1825 and 1842, the canal was abandoned by the UK government in 1931 following the Irish Partition. The restoration of the Ulster Canal has been undertaken by Waterways Ireland (Uiscebhealaí Éireann), which was established as one of the cross-border implementation bodies under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1999. Connecting different counties and waterways across the Irish border, politicians praised the Ulster Canal as a symbol of ‘peace and reconciliation’ on the island of Ireland. The project concluded its second phase in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2029, currently serving as a space for leisure and community development. 

Seeing environmental peacebuilding like a state, however, may replicate the fragile architecture of peace. While the idea of reconnecting divided communities through nature is commendable, it must be practised by empowering and protecting the communities that have defended the natural environment and fostered shared identities at the grassroots level. Communities that have long been separated alongside their ethno-religious background have stood up together to fight for climate action, the protection of Lough Neagh, natural heritages, public health, and the recognition of rights of nature, and so on. Although environmental issues have seldom been incorporated into the peace agenda on the island of Ireland, grassroots environmental activism has demonstrated the potential for bottom-up reconciliation, in stark contrast to the stalemate observed in mainstream politics.

Certainly, positive stories do not emerge without their challenges. Brexit has fuelled debates about the meaning of ‘peace,’ particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions surrounding a border poll. Persisting violence against nature and communities remains a significant issue in Ireland, with environmental defenders in regions such as the Sperrins, who have experienced various forms of intimidation including cyberbullying and even death threats. While predatory development projects are being approved by both governments, these struggles are exacerbated by a lack of trust and accountability in public institutions, along with political resistance and negligence concerning North-South cooperation, particularly from the unionist bloc in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, a ‘green’ approach to social reconciliation has been already practised on the ground, gradually creating a wave for socially and ecologically sustainable peace.

Keywords: Ireland, Northern Ireland, The Troubles, peace, green peace, environmental peacebuilding, peacebuilding, Irish, conflict, conflict resolution, green reconciliation, reconciliation