Basic Information
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is observed on November 6 to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.
Observed on: 6 November
Organized by: UN, UNEP
Introduced in: 2001 (UN Resolution)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
On November 5, 2001, the UN General Assembly with the resolution 56/4 declared that November 6 of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) found that at least 40 percent of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources in last 60 years. This includes timber, diamonds, gold, oil, fertile land and water. Also, UN identifies that there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed. So, this observance becomes more important.
United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a resolution on 27 May 2016, which recognizes the role of healthy ecosystems and sustainably managed resources in reducing the risk of armed conflict.
The day is observed with the aim to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.
Many wars in the history show that how much it can destroy environment. The environmental destruction include pollution to land, air and water, crops and land burnt or destroyed, cut down or destruction to forests, destruction of natural resources etc.
Activities and Programs on Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
This day is observed with different programs like seminars, speeches, discussions, lectures, radio talks, classroom activities in schools and colleges, news articles etc. focus on the topic.
Many scientists, journalists, educators, and business people are taking part in the observance and they give more information about the dangers of new technologies in war to the environment. They also work and discuss to find ways to limit and control environmental destruction caused by armed conflict and war.