International Day for Preventing the Exploitation
of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
6 November

Transboundary pollution, such as from mining operations, can negatively affect the relations between neighbouring states. UNDP, UNECE and UNEP are among the partners in the ENVSEC initiative which is contributing to the reduction of environment and security risks in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Southern Caucasus and South-Eastern Europe. Copper Smelter in Alaverdi, Armenia.

Gorillas have fallen victim to the Democratic Republic of Congo's violent conflicts. Elephants and mountain gorillas are among the species now under threat.

Illegal and uncontrolled exploitation of mineral resources has been associated with funding and perpetuating conflict in the DRC. Diamond mining in Mbuji - Mayi in Kasai Oriental.

UNEP's assessment focused on the linkages between natural resources and peacebuilding in rural regions, where 70 percent of the population resides.

UNEP undertook an Environment, Conflict and Peacebuilding Analysis in the Central African Republic. (Picture: Bangui, Central African Republic).

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) forms a key pillar of UNEP’s environmental recovery programme in Sudan.

UNEP experts taking wastewater samples at Beit Lahia wastewater treatment plant.

UNEP field mission - interviewing women in Darfur.

UNEP expert samples radioactivity at a military base on the outskirts of Beirut.

UNEP team with Ministry of Environment counterparts inspect glass factory for radiation

UNEP experts collecting samples of sunken oil.

UNEP - assessment of sunken vessels in the port of Monrovia.

UNEP assessment team and local guides descending from pistachio forest towards Farkhar village.

UNEP DU sampling - detecting alpha and gamma radiation.

UNEP DU sampling - collecting groundwater samples.