why are forests affected by wars

Forests can be affected by wars for several reasons:

Deforestation: Wars can result in large-scale deforestation, as military operations often require the clearing of forests for various purposes such as building military installations, setting up camps, or creating firebreaks. In some cases, forests may also be deliberately burned down by combatants to deny the enemy cover and resources.

Illegal logging: Wars can create lawless environments where illegal activities such as logging can thrive. In such situations, armed groups may take advantage of the chaos to exploit forest resources illegally, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation.

Displacement of people: Wars often lead to the displacement of large numbers of people, who may seek refuge in forested areas. The influx of people into forested areas can result in increased pressure on the forest ecosystem, as people clear land for agriculture, gather firewood, hunt wildlife, and engage in other activities to meet their basic needs.

Fragmentation of forests: Wars can lead to the fragmentation of forests as borders are redrawn, and new roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure are built. Such fragmentation can disrupt wildlife habitats, alter ecosystem processes, and increase the vulnerability of forest ecosystems to other threats such as invasive species and natural disasters.