There is a UN day for almost every development issue, but we want to bring your attention to one that doesn’t seem to get that much attention but is increasingly important in today’s world. 

✨ International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. ✨ 

Everyone is becoming increasingly aware of the environmental effects of any action, but in recent years, more and more studies have shown just how much warfare is having a detrimental effect on the environment. 

Luckily there are some organisations and charities that are working to change that, one of which is The HALO Trust. 

What does the HALO Trust do?

The scope of work that The HALO Trust conducts is truly aspirational. They are known widely for their work in safely clearing landmines, but their work actually goes beyond this. 

Having worked in more than 40 countries since 1988, they are now spending time to equip local people with the skills needed to safely navigate the risk of living near explosives. This opportunity uplifts the communities they work in and transforms their lives for the better. 

How do they protect the environment?

Well, a quote from Emily Chrystie, HALO’s Global Environment Manager, says it best:

“In the short term, conflict disrupts food supply chains, displaces farming communities, and damages natural systems essential for livelihoods. This leads to food shortages, market shocks, and humanitarian need. 

Contamination from landmines and explosive remnants of war can then delay recovery, while environmental degradation – such as deforestation or soil damage – reduces productivity and resilience. 

HALO plays a critical role in breaking this cycle, by addressing issues holistically – clearing land for safe use, and then supporting environmental restoration, enabling communities to rebuild.”

What projects do they do?

• In Ukraine HALO is working with WWF and local communities to restore previously mined protective shelterbelts which have sustained further damage by shelling and wildfire, thereby helping prevent erosion of agricultural field systems and improve land usability post-clearance. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ff2617b807554263a1c3674a358910cb/print 
• In the Horn of Africa HALO collaborates with local communities to deliver rangeland restoration to regenerate vegetation on land cleared of landmines, enhancing drought resilience and productivity. 
• In Angola we are supporting vital scientific studies and ecological restoration in biodiverse zones impacted by war and ERW.
• In Sri Lanka we are supporting mangrove recovery alongside landmine clearance in conflict-affected coastal zones. 

Charity check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

The HALO Trust. This charity strives to help people and the earth that have been affected by conflicts and emergencies around the world. Find out more.

The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC). This organisation is a coalition of UK charities that coordinates responses to major international humanitarian crises, mobilising resources and support for affected communities. Learn more here. 

Save the Children. This is a global humanitarian organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children through education, health care, and protection from harm. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Life on Land, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.