On every International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, CIWEM calls for tougher international laws to protect the environment in times of conflict.

Environmental damage to air, water and land continues to be caused by the unregulated exploitation of natural resources, landmines and unexploded munitions, movement of heavy artillery and troops, chemical and oil spills, fires, and displaced people. Detrimental environmental consequences also occur through deliberate acts of sabotage, such as the torching of oilfields, pollution of water supplies and the widespread use of defoliants. The impact on environmental governance is significant, as war can weaken the institutions in charge of environmental management.

Protection of the environment and sustainable resource management are inevitably low priorities compared to accommodating refugees and establishing regional security. However, CIWEM believes that unless we protect the environment during and after war, the chances of returning stability and prosperity to that area are limited.

Since 2001, 6th November has been the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. The UN considers that damage to the environment in times of war impairs ecosystems and natural resources long after the period of conflict is over, often extending beyond the limits of national territories and the present generation. The day highlights the importance of neither exploiting nor heedlessly damaging ecosystems in the pursuit of military objectives.

Nick Reeves, Executive Director of CIWEM, says:

“Long term environmental damage is an inevitable consequence of war. The environment may seem a minor casualty but combined with the destruction of democratic informed decision-making, war prolongs human suffering and undermines the foundation for social progress and economic security. CIWEM demands a convention to examine the establishment of UN protocols for the protection of the environment. We also need to acknowledge that fighting occurs where resources are scarce due to over population, meaning we need sensible population policies. We must treat the environment and each other with more respect.”