Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection in Syria’s Post-Conflict Recovery

Abstract

This study examines the challenges and opportunities for environmental recovery and sustainable development in post-conflict Syria. Drawing on academic literature and comparative case studies from Lebanon, Iraq, and Sudan, it identifies critical obstacles, including governance fragmentation, ecological degradation, and social vulnerability. At the same time, it highlights opportunities in community-led initiatives, regional cooperation, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings emphasise the need for a holistic approach that integrates ecological, institutional, and social dimensions into Syria’s reconstruction. Recommendations focus on strengthening legal frameworks, promoting community participation, mobilising transboundary cooperation, and embedding sustainability in national recovery strategies. The chapter concludes by reaffirming that environmentally sustainable development is vital for long-term environmental protection and resilience in Syria.