November 6 : Global Day to Prevent Environment Damage During War and Conflict

"War's devastation extends beyond lives and cities, leaving the environment to bear the scars of polluted waters, scorched earth, and lost ecosystems. Protecting the planet from the ravages of conflict is essential for our shared future."

On November 6, the world observes the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, a day set by the United Nations to spotlight an often-overlooked casualty of warfare: the environment. Established in 2001 through UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/56/4, this day urges the global community to recognize and prevent the environmental devastation that accompanies armed conflicts. As humanity has historically counted its war casualties in terms of lost lives and ruined cities, the environment—polluted water wells, torched crops, deforested land, poisoned soils, and decimated wildlife—often goes unmentioned, despite its profound long-term impacts. General Assembly Resolution A/RES/56/4

The Environmental Toll of Modern Conflicts

Across the globe, warfare has left scars on the natural world that may take decades to heal. Water wells have been polluted, forests razed, and animals killed, not just as incidental damage but sometimes as deliberate tactics to gain a military advantage. The legacy of war lingers long after the guns go silent, with contaminated lands and water sources continuing to impact public health, food security, and economic stability for generations.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has found that over the last 60 years, at least 40 percent of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources, whether they are high-value assets like timber, diamonds, oil, and gold, or vital necessities such as fertile land and water. UNEP’s research also shows that conflicts involving natural resources are twice as likely to relapse. These statistics highlight the inextricable link between environmental stewardship and long-lasting peace.

The Role of Natural Resources in Fueling Conflicts

Natural resources have long been both a source of wealth and a cause of tension. In places like the Sahel in Africa, where climate change is exacerbating the scarcity of water and arable land, competition over these resources has intensified conflicts. Armed groups often exploit these resources to fund their operations, deepening cycles of violence. The United Nations recognizes that protecting these resources is essential for sustaining peace and preventing conflicts, noting that "there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed." In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for instance, armed groups have exploited valuable minerals like coltan and gold, causing severe environmental damage and prolonged conflict. These minerals are extracted with little regard for the environmental toll, leading to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. Addressing these resource-based conflicts requires international collaboration and governance structures to manage resources sustainably and equitably.

Legal Frameworks and International Commitment

The United Nations Environment Assembly reinforced the importance of environmental protection in conflict with its Resolution UNEP/EA.2/Res.15, adopted on May 27, 2016. This resolution recognized the role of healthy ecosystems and sustainably managed resources in reducing the risk of armed conflict. It reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing that environmental conservation is crucial for a peaceful future.

In this spirit, the International Law Commission has been working to strengthen legal frameworks that hold parties accountable for environmental damage during warfare. Legal recognition of the environment as a "silent victim" of conflict is an important step toward accountability. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also begun exploring the possibility of prosecuting environmental crimes in the context of armed conflict, signaling a growing global commitment to environmental justice.

Environmental Protection in Times of Conflict

Protecting the environment during conflict is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic necessity for post-conflict recovery. UNEP has been leading the charge in conducting environmental assessments in war-affected regions, helping governments understand the damage and develop strategies for sustainable rebuilding. For example, in Syria, years of conflict have led to widespread deforestation and soil contamination, threatening both local biodiversity and public health. UNEP’s work in such areas provides a foundation for rehabilitating damaged ecosystems and building resilience for future peace.

The United Nations also attaches great importance to integrating environmental action into conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding strategies. In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict has led to the contamination of industrial sites, releasing pollutants into the soil and water that pose serious risks to agricultural productivity and public health. In Yemen, damaged water infrastructure has created a humanitarian crisis, with millions lacking access to clean water, fueling disease outbreaks. Addressing these environmental consequences is crucial for a stable and lasting recovery.

Examples of Environmental Devastation in Conflict Zones

Several modern conflicts, such as those in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Sudan, and other in current situations, have underscored the environmental toll of warfare. In Iraq, the destruction of oil infrastructure has polluted the air, impacting respiratory health and contaminating nearby water sources. Afghanistan’s war-driven deforestation and land degradation have exacerbated the effects of climate change, making the country more vulnerable to floods and droughts. South Sudan’s fragile ecosystems, heavily impacted by years of civil war, struggle with damaged water resources and reduced agricultural productivity, putting immense strain on local communities.

These examples emphasize that environmental protection must be central to peace building efforts. Without healthy ecosystems and sustainable resource management, communities face continuous cycles of conflict and vulnerability.

A Global Call to Action

The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict serves as a reminder that the consequences of war reach far beyond the immediate suffering of human lives. Environmental protection is not just about preserving ecosystems—it is about building a more resilient and peaceful future for all. The United Nations has taken proactive steps to integrate environmental conservation into peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, highlighting that communities cannot recover or sustain long-term peace without healthy ecosystems. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further solidify the global commitment to safeguarding the environment, aiming to reduce environmental harm through international collaboration, promote sustainable economies, and enhance resilience in post-conflict recovery.

The UN urges nations, organizations, and individuals to advocate for stronger legal protections, sustainable military practices, and responsible resource management. As global citizens, we each have a role to play. By supporting policies that prioritize environmental preservation and peacebuilding, we can help break the cycle of resource-driven conflicts and create a world where both humanity and nature can flourish. This November 6, let us renew our commitment to shielding the planet from the destructive impacts of war and work toward a just, sustainable, and peaceful future.