Evaluating the reality of the green economy under the war in Syria

Abstract

As all countries and global organizations make efforts to preserve the environment and establish an economic model that ensures sustainable development, the concept of the green economy becomes clear. The United Nations has defined it as an economy that leads to the improvement of human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Like other countries, Syria sought to transition to this economic model at the beginning of the third millennium. However, the war in Syria imposed many challenges that obstructed this transition and caused significant losses across various sectors, leading to a trade balance deficit.

Therefore, this research addresses an analysis of these challenges and an assessment of the state of the green economy in Syria across all sectors. It was found that most sectors of the green economy in Syria need development and rehabilitation and face several obstacles, the most significant of which are climate changes, the scarcity of natural resources, and the war, which played the largest role in tightening the noose and imposing sanctions on Syria's economy.

Using SWOT analysis, the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the green economy in Syria were identified. The research also reviewed the most important international studies and experiences in the green economy that can be leveraged. It concluded with several proposals to exploit strengths and turn weaknesses into areas of growth to advance the economy in Syria while ensuring sustainable development and environmental preservation.