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Ecosystems, fauna, and animals endure silent suffering during war. Areas once full of biodiversity are frequently destroyed for years or permanently. In the beginning, the thunder of bombs shatters the stillness and rhythms of life. Explosives carve scars into the earth, decimate plant life, and pollute waters—the lifelines of many species. The violent reshaping of landscapes through trenching and fortifications disrupts the ancient migratory pathways of wildlife, from the great herds of elephants in Africa to the fleeting movements of birds across contested skies.
The repercussions of conflict echo far beyond the reach of bullets and blasts. Habitats are fragmented, disrupting the delicate balance of food chains and leading to unforeseen consequences such as the overpopulation of some species and the endangerment or extinction of others. The decline of predators can lead to an overabundance of herbivores, which then overgraze and alter the vegetation, affecting the entire ecosystem.
Chemical residues from weapons seep into soils and waters, rendering them toxic to both plant and animal life. In some regions, the land becomes littered with unexploded ordnances, posing a threat to wildlife and hindering conservation efforts, sometimes for generations. Conservation efforts collapse under the strain of conflict. Rangers and researchers, often the unsung guardians of these wild places, are forced to abandon their posts, leaving endangered species and protected areas vulnerable to poachers and unchecked illegal activities.
The international community grapples with the complexities of rebuilding nations in the aftermath of conflict, and restoring natural habitats is frequently an afterthought. Yet, the ripple effects of environmental degradation due to war contribute to a cycle of poverty and further unrest, as local communities depend on these ecosystems for survival.
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict raises awareness of the environmental costs of war and conflict. Forty percent of world conflicts break out over natural resources, including land, oil, water, or minerals.
Declared by the UN General Assembly under A/RES/56/4.
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