United Nations launches strategy to minimise environmental footprint of its peace operations

United Nations launches strategy to minimise environmental footprint of its peace operations , 

The United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) on 29 November 2016 launched a new strategy to maximize its peace operations' efficiency in the use of natural resources. The strategy will also help in minimizing peace operations' risk to people, societies and ecosystems. The step was taken to highlight the significance of environmental protection and management in the work of peacekeeping

missions.

Key highlights of the strategy

• The strategy's aim is to reduce overall demand through increased efficiency, increase the proportion of energy from renewable sources such as solar arrays and reduce the level of pollution.

• Also, the scheme aims at conserving water and reducing the level of risk to personnel, local communities and ecosystems from wastewater management practices.

• The six-year long strategy is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• It identifies challenges and objectives based on five pillars. These pillars are energy, water and wastewater, solid waste, wider impact and environmental management systems. It also includes key performance indicators for these areas.

• The first phase of the strategy will be implemented through July 2020. It will focus on improving environmental analytics to effectively monitor progress. The five pillars of the strategy will then be reviewed. Thereafter, specific targets will be set for the second phase of strategy implementation to conclude in June 2023.

About Department of Field Support

• The United Nations Department of Field Support is dedicated to the support of peacekeeping field missions and political field missions.

• The aim of the DFS is “Protecting and nurturing a fragile peace is a critical role of the United Nations”.

• The DFS has been headed by Atul Khare since 2 March 2015.