International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2013, 6 November

The United Nations attaches great importance to ensuring that action on the environment is part of conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding strategies - because there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed.

POST-CONFLICT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

KEY COMPONENTS OF MANAGING HIGH-VALUE RESOURCES FOR PEACEBUILDING.

KEY APPROACHES TO POST-CONFLICT  LAND MANAGEMENT.

  Join the Forum : International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, 6 November.

 

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for  the International Day for preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Confict 2013.

A growing body of knowledge exists on the importance of the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Yet natural resources such as forests, wildlife, water sources and agricultural lands continue to be exploited and degraded during armed conflict, threatening long-term peace and security.
In Central and East Africa today, illegal trafficking in minerals, wildlife, timber, charcoal and narcotics is financing illicit activities and supporting armed groups and criminal networks. In Somalia, for example, it is estimated that the illegal trade in charcoal represents annual revenues of up to $384 million for insurgents and terrorist groups.
Strengthening natural resource governance and improving monitoring in conflict-affected states can help prevent resources from fuelling conflict, direct much-needed revenue towards economic revitalization and contribute to more lasting peace. Conversely, failing to protect and manage these resources in an equitable way only exacerbates the vulnerability of those who depend on them the most, especially the poor.
The safe disposal of weapons of war is also of critical concern. This is one of the challenges that the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons currently face in Syria, where the destruction of chemical weapons and production facilities must include strict environmental safeguards to prevent chemical contamination, new environmental “hotspots” and public health risks. Environmental contamination also includes land mines and unexploded ordnance, which pose a particular threat to women and children who are often more vulnerable due to their daily activities.
On this International Day, we stress the critical importance of protecting the environment in times of armed conflict and restoring the good governance of natural resources during post-conflict reconstruction. We also recognize the important role that natural resources play in supporting the livelihoods and resilience of all members of society, especially women, and the implications of sustainable natural resource management for conflict prevention and peace.  

Ban Ki moon

 Día Internacional para la Prevención de la Explotación del Medio Ambiente en la Guerra y los Conflictos Armados, 6 de noviembre.
Международный день предотвращения эксплуатации окружающей среды во время войны и вооруженных конфликтов, 6 ноября
Journée internationale pour la prévention de l’exploitation de l’environnement en temps de guerre et de conflit armé, 6 novembre
防止战争和武装冲突糟蹋环境国际日 - 11月6日
رسالة بمناسبة اليوم الدولي لمنع استغلال البيئة في الحروب والنزاعات المسلحة الأربعاء 6 تشرين الثاني/نوفمبر 2013