The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iran, Christine Weigand, highlighted the extensive and enduring environmental impacts of armed conflict during a conference in Tehran on Sunday, emphasizing the critical role of environmental protection in both immediate emergency responses and long-term recovery efforts.
Speaking at the event focused on the environmental consequences of war and human rights, Weigand underscored that environmental degradation resulting from conflict exacerbates human suffering by damaging ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security, thereby complicating reconstruction and sustainable development. She noted that wars cause not only the loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure but also inflict harm on natural resources that can persist for generations.
Weigand drew attention to the United Nations’ designation of November 6 as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, established in 2001. She explained that the environmental repercussions of war—such as contamination of water supplies, degradation of agricultural land, and damage to ecosystems—extend well beyond the immediate aftermath, hindering communities’ capacity to recover and rebuild.
Citing examples from ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the UN official referenced recent attacks in Iran that caused environmental damage. She reported that assaults on oil facilities near Tehran had released hazardous smoke into the city’s atmosphere, while damage to a desalination plant on Qeshm Island disrupted water access for over 25 villages. Weigand also warned of potential oil pollution threatening the mangrove forests along Qeshm's coast, which could imperil fragile Persian Gulf ecosystems.
Reflecting on her personal experience of air pollution following the attacks on oil infrastructure, Weigand emphasized that the hazards persist beyond visible smoke. Burning oil emits toxic compounds that contaminate soil, water sources, and agricultural products, posing long-term health risks, particularly to children and future generations.
The UN official stressed that protecting the environment is fundamentally about safeguarding human health, livelihoods, and resilience. She advocated for robust, evidence-based environmental assessments, enhanced national management capacities, intersectoral cooperation, and investment in climate change adaptation to address the environmental challenges in conflict-affected areas.
Weigand also highlighted ongoing collaboration between the UN Country Team in Iran and national partners on climate resilience, sustainable water management, biodiversity conservation, and pollution reduction. She reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Iran’s environmental efforts in light of emerging challenges.
Concluding her remarks, Weigand called for ongoing, resolute action to protect and restore nature amid global environmental challenges. “Our shared responsibility is to protect what remains, restore what has been damaged, and invest in building a more sustainable and peaceful future for all,” she said.