Mosul
Iraq

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There can be few cities in modern history, that have been crushed in almost every way, as was the City of Mosul, Iraq during ISIS occupation.


Since the cessation of war in 2017 resulting in the defeat or ISIS in Iraq, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts have concentrated necessarily, on human welfare, re-establishing the local economy, establishing functioning institutions and effective local Government.


'Environmental conservation' here can interestingly take on a different meaning - the conservation of national man-made heritage sites and monuments ref UNESCO's project 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul'.


There is a lot of work and rehabilitation to be carried out it seems before focus and funding can include the conservation of nature.


In 2022 reparations promised by the international community are hampered by complicated bureaucracy and corruption. Unfortunately, it is the common people that suffer most.


Effective post-conflict rehabilitation of a city (and country) need to first find a way through various difficult stages of the process. There are many barriers including ongoing uncertainty arising from lack of confidence in any system, lack of commercial and physical security, shortage of essentials for life including food, clean water and heating.


Once some of these essential life needs are met, people will more readily be able to focus on broader environmental issues.