Satellite analysis of the environmental impacts of armed-conflict in Rakhine, Myanmar

The impacts of armed conflict on the environment are extremely complex and difficult to investigate, given impossibility accessing affected area reliable data limitation. Very-high-resolution satellite imageries highly machine learning algorithms become very useful in studying direct indirect war ecosystem, addition connected effects human lives. Rohingya is described as one worst humanitarian crises human-made disasters 21st Century. Quantification damage due suitability resettlement has been lacking despite ongoing agreements repatriate refugees importance ecosystem services for communities' survival. In this work, investigation environmental conditions pre-, during, post-conflict zone was carried out using data. Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-based computing platform with a widely applied algorithm, Random Forest (RF) classifier implemented experienced. Striking near-complete demolition inhabited regions, dramatic significant increase burning areas, substantial deforestation were found. study discusses reasons behind such findings from Rakhine case debates some general conservation lessons applicable other countries undergoing transitions.