November 6th marks 15 years since the first celebration of the
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and
Armed Conflict. The environment is the “unpublicized victim of war.” According
to the United Nations Environment Programme, over the last 60 years 40% or more
of internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of valuable
resources or the scramble for scarce ones. Resolution 15 of this year’s
UN Environment Assembly highlights the fact that healthy ecosystems and
sustainably managed resources reduce the risk of armed conflict. Therefore, in
order to work towards peace in our world, we must not discount the needs of the
planet on which we live.
"On
this International Day, I urge governments, businesses and citizens around the
world to prioritize environmental care and the sustainable management of
natural resources for preventing conflict, building peace and promoting lasting
prosperity."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
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