UN: Nov.6 Marks Int'l Day for Preventing Exploitation of Environment in War

Nov.6 marks the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, according to UN.

The day aims to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.

It also highlights the dangers of new technologies in war such as depleted uranium ammunition, which poses unknown threats to the environment.

To observe the day, group discussions are held to better understand the negative effects of war on the environment. Radio talks, lectures, seminars, and classroom activities also focus on how war affects the environment.

In 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.

In May 2016, the United Nations Environment Assembly adopted resolution UNEP/EA.2/Res.15, which recognized the role of healthy ecosystems and sustainably managed resources in reducing the risk of armed conflict, and reaffirmed its strong commitment to the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals listed in General Assembly resolution 70/1, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

Later, six United Nations agencies and departments (UNEP, UNDP, UNHABITAT, PBSO, DPA and DESA), coordinated by the UN Framework Team for Preventive Action, have partnered with the European Union (EU) to help countries identify, prevent and transform tensions over natural resource as part of conflict prevention and peacebuilding programs.