Amid the armed conflict, the environment is a silent but significant casualty, bearing scars that may last far longer than the conflicts themselves. November 6, the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, draws attention to the often-overlooked devastation inflicted on ecosystems, natural resources, and communities who depend on them. As war disrupts environmental governance and devastates landscapes, forests are razed, rivers polluted, and wildlife threatened—impacts that reverberate long after peace is restored.
Nature as Both Weapon and Victim: The Urgent Need for Environmental Protections in Conflict Zones
Historically, nature has been both a weapon and a victim in warfare, from the deforestation tactics of past conflicts to the recent targeting of water and farmland in war zones. When ecosystems are compromised, vulnerable populations suffer not only in the immediate aftermath but also as they try to rebuild without clean water, arable land, or access to critical resources. Climate change further compounds these challenges, making it essential that environmental protection becomes a priority in conflict and post-conflict policies.
Global Efforts to Safeguard Ecosystems: UNEP and International Law Push for Environmental Protections in Conflict Zones
International organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), are stepping up efforts to address this issue, assessing war-torn environments and proposing protective frameworks. The International Law Commission’s draft principles on environmental protection in armed conflict represent a step forward in holding accountable those who inflict deliberate harm on ecosystems. These principles advocate for more robust international protections, encouraging nations to prioritize sustainable practices even amid the strains of war.