Our New Visiting Fellow: Stavros Pantazopoulos

I was inspired to pursue a visiting fellowship at the Geneva Academy because of its unrivalled reputation as a centre for excellence in international humanitarian law and human rights. The Geneva Academy's commitment to fostering a deep understanding of these critical fields, coupled together with its lively academic environment, made it an obvious option for me. I was particularly intrigued by the Geneva Academy's dedication to bringing together academics, policymakers, and practitioners, which is ideally aligned with my academic and professional objectives.

I will be generally focusing on the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflicts (PERAC). Specifically, the first line of my research will address the initiative to criminalize conflict-related environmental harm, placing the emphasis on the crime of ecocide. At the same time, I would like to explore the international fora that have recently started to deal with various aspects of PERAC, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

The environmental consequences of armed conflicts can have devastating and long-lasting effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of communities. The deliberate destruction of the environment during armed conflict not only exacerbates humanitarian crises but also poses a threat to the sustainable development of affected regions. Accordingly, the issues surrounding PERAC may have far-reaching implications for both human well-being and the planet's ecological balance.

By focusing on the criminalization of conflict-related environmental harm, particularly through the lens of ecocide, and exploring PERAC-related initiatives at international fora, my research aims to address critical gaps in the current legal and policy frameworks and raise awareness around PERAC. Through this research, I hope to advance the understanding of the legal and policy dimensions surrounding PERAC, fostering discussions that may contribute to more effective preventive measures, accountability mechanisms, and international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges in relation to armed conflicts.