When war and disaster create unexpected wildlife sanctuaries: the rise of “involuntary parks”

Across the globe, some of the most unlikely places have become thriving wildlife refuges — not through careful conservation planning, but as unintended consequences of human conflict and environmental disasters. These locations, dubbed “involuntary parks” by science fiction author Bruce Sterling, represent one of nature’s most paradoxical victories.

From the radioactive exclusion zone around Chernobyl to minefields left behind by decades-old wars, these areas share a common thread: they’re too dangerous or contaminated for human habitation, yet wildlife has moved in to fill the void. Former nuclear facilities, abandoned military zones, disaster sites, and border regions scarred by conflict have all transformed into accidental sanctuaries where animals roam freely in humanity’s absence.

Countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Bosnia still harbor vast areas rendered off-limits by unexploded ordnance and landmines — deadly reminders of past conflicts that now serve as inadvertent wildlife corridors. Despite international treaties banning landmines, these dangerous landscapes continue to provide refuge for species that might otherwise face habitat loss from development and human encroachment.

While the narrative of nature reclaiming damaged land offers hope, scientists caution against oversimplifying this “passive rewilding” process. The recovery isn’t always guaranteed or complete, and the long-term effects of contamination remain unclear. Nevertheless, some involuntary parks have gained official protection status, transforming from accidental refuges into recognized conservation areas — proving that even humanity’s darkest chapters can yield unexpected environmental benefits.