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

Why in the News?

The **International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict** is observed globally every year on **November 6** to raise awareness about the environmental collateral damage caused by armed conflicts.

Key Features / Major Points:

- History & Establishment:

- Declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) via resolution **A/RES/56/4** on **November 5, 2001**.

- Core Purpose & Vision:

- To ensure that natural resources (water, forests, fertile land, minerals) are not exploited, pillaged, or weaponized during wars, and to protect ecosystems.

- Key UNEP Statistics:

- According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at least **40% of all internal conflicts** over the last 60 years have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources (timber, diamonds, oil, fertile land).

- Conflicts associated with natural resources have double the risk of relapsing.

- Key Environmental Impacts of Warfare:

- Contamination of water sources, poisoned agricultural soils, destruction of forests, and severe loss of wildlife habitats, posing long-term barriers to peacebuilding.

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Static GK Facts:

- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):

- Formed: **June 5, 1972** | Headquarters: **Nairobi, Kenya** | Executive Director: **Inger Andersen**.

- United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):

- Formed: **1945** | Headquarters: **New York, USA**.

- Allied Environment Days:

- World Environment Day: **June 5** | International Day for Biological Diversity: **May 22**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: On which date is the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict observed annually?

A: November 6

Q: According to UNEP, what percentage of internal conflicts over the last 60 years are linked to natural resource exploitation?

A: At least 40%

Q: Where is the global headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) located?

A: Nairobi, Kenya

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