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The International Day for preventing environmental exploitation during the war and armed conflict is observed on November 6. The day aims to ensure that the environment is not destroyed during incidents of armed confrontations. The environment has often remained a silent victim of wars and armed conflicts, as war casualties are usually counted in terms of the dead or wounded or the destruction caused to livelihoods and cities.
Though humanity has always counted its war casualties in terms of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities and livelihoods, the environment has often remained the unpublicized victim of war. Water wells have been polluted, crops torched, forests cut down, soils poisoned, and animals killed to gain military advantage.
Background for International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2021 – 6th November
The World Day for preventing environmental exploitation during the war and armed conflict was established by the United Nations General Assembly on November 5, 2001, during Kofi Annan’s term as UN Secretary-General.
The UN Environment Assembly adopted a resolution in May 2016, which highlighted the significant role of healthy ecosystems and sustainable resources in reducing the chances of armed conflict. On the occasion, the UN body also reaffirmed its strong commitment to the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Keep reading to know bout the international day for preventing the exploitation of the environment in war and armed conflict 2021 theme!
When was the day established?
The UN General Assembly on November 5, 2001, established November 6 as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. The day is observed annually across the world to spread awareness regarding the same and ensure the protection of the environment and ecosystem under any circumstance.
Why was this day established?
The United Nations Environment Programme revealed that in the last 60 years, almost 40 per cent of the internal conflicts were linked with the exploitation of scarce and high-value natural resources such as fertile land, water, timber, diamond, gold and oil. The UN programme found that conflicts over natural resources were twice more likely to relapse in comparison to other conflicts.
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The Theme for International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2021
International day for preventing the exploitation of the environment in war and armed conflict 2021 date is 6th of November. Every year UN sets a new theme for International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War. For this year that is, 2021 the theme is World Day to Protect the Environment in War.
What do People do on this Day?
Many people around the world, including government officials, scientists, journalists, educators, and business people, observe the UN’s International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. Those who take part in the day spend time discussing how the effects of war are damaging to the natural environment. They also work together to find ways to limit environmental destruction caused by armed conflict and war.
Seminars, speeches, lectures, news articles, radio talks, and classroom activities in schools that focus on the topic are some of the events that take place on this day. People learn and share information about the dangers of new technologies in war such as depleted uranium ammunition, which poses unknown threats to the environment. People around the world are also made aware that all efforts must be taken to limit environmental destruction caused by conflict.
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Significance of this Day
According to the UN, ensuring the protection of the environment is a part of conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peace-building strategies, as there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that support and sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed.
Quotes for International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2021
There are many quotes that are circulated throughout the globe via internet. People share and discuss about the issues and how it can be minimized. The most common target during the conflicts has been the environment, as forests have been cut down, water wells polluted, crops burned, soil poisoned and animals killed. At the time of war, it affects the ecosystem such as water supply being poisoned, the forest being burnt, animals killed, etc.
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