Today, on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, the world is reminded that protecting nature is not a luxury — it is essential for lasting peace. To mark the occasion, the Security Council held an open briefing focused on how wars leave deep wounds not just on people, but on the planet itself. Slovenia called for full respect for international humanitarian law and stronger efforts to prevent environmental destruction during conflicts.

Ambassador Samuel Žbogar painted a stark picture of war’s hidden toll and emphasized that environmental harm hurts the most vulnerable the most. He noted that, in conflict, water is often among the first victims: “Lakes are poisoned, rivers diverted, water infrastructure dismantled. Freshwater reserves become contaminated and wetlands are destroyed.” To fight back against this devastation, Slovenia, together with partners, launched the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts — an initiative focused on protecting water systems that sustain life and peace.

The Alliance, recognized as an example of good practice in the Secretary-General’s Report on the Protection of Civilians, has undertaken extensive awareness-raising efforts, including an Arria-formula meeting of the Council in May this year.

Slovenia also stressed that the link between environment and peace goes beyond prevention — it is about climate action and human rights. Access to clean drinking water and the right to a healthy, sustainable environment are fundamental to human dignity and security. When these rights are protected, societies are more resilient — and peace can endure. The UN Security Council must thus do better in responding to the environmental impact of armed conflicts.

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