International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
The
United Nations’ (UN) International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the
Environment in War and Armed Conflict is annually held on November 6. It aims
to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the
environment.
Many
people around the world, including government officials, scientists,
journalists, educators, and business people, observe the UN’s International Day
for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
Those who take part in the day spend time discussing about how the effects of
war are damaging to the natural environment. They also work together to find
ways to limit environmental destruction caused by armed conflict and war.
Seminars, speeches, lectures, news articles,
radio talks, and classroom activities in schools that focus on the topic are
some of the events that take place on this day. People learn and share
information about the dangers of new technologies in war such as depleted
uranium ammunition, which poses unknown threats to the environment. People
around the world are also made aware that all efforts must be taken to limit
environmental destruction caused by conflict.
Symbols
The UN emblem is often found in online and
print material used to promote events such as the United Nations’ (UN)
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and
Armed Conflict. The emblem consists of a projection of the globe centered on
the North Pole. It depicts all continents except Antarctica and four concentric
circles representing degrees of latitude. The projection is surrounded by images
of olive branches, representing peace. The emblem is often blue, although it is
printed in white on a blue background on the UN flag.
Background of International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
ReplyDeleteWar and armed conflict has many damaging effects on the natural environment. For example, crops are destroyed, water supplies are poisoned and forests are burnt. New technology that is used for war means that the destruction and damage of the environment is more serious and the long-term consequences can be worse.
On November 5, 2001, the UN General Assembly declared November 6 of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (resolution 56/4). The assembly considered that that any environmental damage in times of armed conflict impairs ecosystems and natural resources long after the period of conflict. This damage can often extend beyond the limits of national territories and today’s generation. The assembly also recalled the United Nations Millennium Declaration, which emphasized the necessity of working to protect the environment.
This UN International Day draws attention to the fact that the environment continues to be among the casualties of warfare. It highlights how damage to the environment in times of armed conflict and war impairs natural resources long after the period of conflict.
ReplyDeleteImportantly, it recognizes that the negative environmental impacts often extend beyond the limits of national territories and can create a legacy which affects future generations.
A significant fact that was discovered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was that since the end of World War II, 40% of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources. These range from high value resources such as timber, gold, diamonds and oil, to scarce resources such as fertile land and water.
This is of particular concern to the UN and great importance is attached to ensuring that action on the environment is an important part of conflict prevention, and building strategies to ensure an enduring peace. There is little hope of any durable peace in a region if there has been destruction of the natural resources that sustain its ecosystems and the livelihoods of its people.