Challenges for Biodiversity Protection Stemming from Border Walls in Slovenia and Korea

Abstract

The proliferation of border walls around the world, including in European Union territory, is a fact. Their construction can have harmful and irreparable consequences for biodiversity and ecosystems. This paper analyses the construction of the border fence between Slovenia and Croatia, paying special attention to the violations of European and international law and to the harm caused to the biodiversity of the Dinaric Alps region. It will also look at the singular case of the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, which, because it has been free of human interference for more than sixty years, has enabled wildlife to thrive and the establishment of a unique ecosystem in the world. The challenge for international law is thus twofold: to ensure the conservation and protection of biodiversity without compromising the peace process or a hypothetical reunification.