Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian stated that the destruction of ecosystems caused by 'wars of aggression' constitutes an act of 'ecocide'. He called on the international community to develop effective and implementable mechanisms to protect biodiversity during armed conflicts.
Speaking at the Summit of Leaders of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Yerevan (Armenia) on Friday, Pejeshkian noted that the war between the US and Israel has led to damage to industrial and energy facilities, the outbreak of fires, and the emission of pollutants, resulting in soil and water contamination and threatening natural ecosystems, according to a report by the Iranian agency Tasnim News Agency.
Pejeshkian characterized the ecological devastation caused by conflicts in the region, including Gaza, as 'ecocide,' which requires condemnation. He added that environmental damage and pollution do not recognize national borders, as reported by Tasnim.
He emphasized that war not only leads to loss of life and destruction of economic infrastructure but also causes forest burnout, damage to wetlands, soil contamination, threats to water resources, and the destruction of wildlife habitats. Pejeshkian warned that such damage can persist for years or even generations after hostilities cease.