Pezeshkian at COP17: Sanctioned or invaded countries must not pay environmental costs alone
Tehran - BORNA - Speaking on Friday at the summit of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) held in Yerevan, Masoud Pezeshkian described war not only as a threat to humans and infrastructure but also as a direct cause of nature's destruction. "War burns forests, destroys wetlands, pollutes soil and water, and displaces animal species," he said.
The president considered environmental cooperation a bridge between nations, stating: "We believe that protecting biodiversity can be one of the important arenas of 'peace diplomacy.' In a region facing security crises caused by the illegal and expansionist presence of powers, climate change, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation, cooperation in the field of the environment can create a bridge among nations. A bridge that paves the way for achieving peace and security for all, peace with nature, and a future with a life aligned and in harmony with nature."
The full text of Dr. Pezeshkian's speech at the summit is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Mr. Pashinyan, Mr. Secretary-General; Excellencies; Honorable Heads of State and Delegations; Honorable Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity; Ladies and Gentlemen;
First, I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the government, and the people of the friendly and neighboring country, the Republic of Armenia, for hosting this important event and for the invitation extended.
It is a pleasure for me to be present among the global family of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which considers the protection of nature as the protection of humanity's future. Today, we stand at a point in history where biodiversity is no longer merely a scientific or environmental issue; rather, it is an issue linked to peace and security, health, food and water security, and intergenerational justice for all inhabitants of the Earth.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is among the first countries to recognize the legal and international significance of this issue and join the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, Iran's relationship with biodiversity is not limited to the date of our membership in an international convention.
Iran, with an ancient history of living in alignment and harmony with nature and boasting a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources, is the heir to a valuable and irreplaceable wealth; a wealth resulting from millions of years of evolution, dynamism, and adaptation of nature, which is also reflected in the culture, traditions, livelihoods, indigenous knowledge, and historical identity of the people of this land.
Due to its exceptional geographical location, Iran is situated at the crossroads of various biogeographical zones. From the Hyrcanian and Arasbaran forests to the Zagros mountains, from arid and desert regions to the shores of the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Caspian Sea, which are sanctuaries for thousands of plant and animal species and valuable genetic resources; these are the foundation of the land's sustainability and a solid backing for providing water, food, health, biosecurity, resilience against natural hazards, and guarantors of the country's sustainable development.
In Iran, biodiversity, alongside climatic and geographical diversity, is intertwined with human history and civilization. Friendship, respect, and protection of nature are parts of the cultural, religious, and ritualistic identity of Iranians and have always been considered a part of human life and a trust for future generations. Many ways of life, agriculture, animal husbandry, the use of medicinal plants, and the indigenous knowledge of the Iranian people have been formed throughout history based on understanding and adapting to nature, being the result of thousands of years of human-nature interaction.
Therefore, protecting biodiversity for Iran is not just about protecting species and their habitats; it is protecting a natural, cultural, and civilizational heritage.
In my country, relying on the long-standing culture of respect for nature and in line with national and global goals and commitments, the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan has been drafted and approved. The Department of Environment has been designated as the national coordinator; and a mechanism for non-governmental participation, prioritizing local communities, has also been approved by the government. Protecting threatened species and restoring vulnerable populations, including expanding protected areas and monitoring flagship wildlife species, are among the fundamental priorities.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Today, I find it necessary to speak of an issue that cannot be ignored in the global discourse on biodiversity.
War.
War does not solely target human beings and economic infrastructure. War also damages nature; it burns forests; destroys wetlands; pollutes the soil; threatens water resources; wipes out habitats; displaces animal species; and introduces chemicals and heavy metals into natural cycles. The environmental impacts of war can persist for years after the end of hostilities.
Today, the international community is well aware that environmental destruction in armed conflicts is not a trivial or secondary consequence of war. These damages are directly linked to the security and well-being of future generations.
In our region, and including in Iran, the environmental impacts of military conflicts must be considered more seriously by the global community. The aggressive war launched by the United States and the Zionist regime in our region, through damage to industrial and energy facilities, fires, the release of pollutants, and soil and water contamination, has threatened natural ecosystems and destroyed the protective infrastructure that was established through years of effort to preserve biodiversity.
This is not merely a domestic issue or one confined to the political borders of a single country. Nature knows no political boundaries; the spread of water, soil, and air pollution does not stop at borders. Therefore, the damages caused by war are also issues of a global nature and require international solutions.
The effects of war on ecosystems can remain for years and even generations, impacting areas miles beyond. A prime example is the scale of destruction inflicted upon oppressed Gaza, where, according to experts, parts of its soil will not be able to host natural ecological and plant life cycles for hundreds of years to come. What has occurred in our region due to aggressive wars is "ecocide or environmental genocide," which must be condemned.
The international community is expected to establish effective, transparent, and actionable mechanisms to protect natural heritage and biodiversity. No country should consider nature as a silent and defenseless victim during times of war.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
The Islamic Republic of Iran considers itself committed to implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity and the global goals of nature conservation. In Iran, we pursue the protection of natural areas, wetlands, forests, rangelands, wildlife habitats, and genetic resources alongside sustainable development. However, one must be realistic and fair. A country that simultaneously faces pressures from climate change, drought, water scarcity, desertification, and natural resource depletion on the one hand, and the impacts of economic sanctions and restricted access to technology and financial resources on the other—and which for two consecutive years has been the target of criminal wars involving the extensive use of destructive and prohibited weapons, often with the deliberate aim of environmental destruction, such as attacks on fuel reservoirs in the capital—requires the genuine cooperation of the international community to implement environmental programs and compensate for the inflicted damages.
Protecting biodiversity without securing adequate financial resources, and without equitable access to knowledge, technology, and capacity building, will remain limited to holding negotiations, issuing resolutions, and setting targets.
If we expect developing countries to protect their forests, wetlands, species, and genetic resources, we must also provide them with the conditions to access the necessary tools to fulfill this responsibility. This is the true meaning of environmental justice.
We believe that biodiversity financial resources must be more accessible, more equitable, and tailored to the actual needs of developing countries.
Furthermore, the transfer of modern technologies, capacity building, the development of indigenous knowledge, and the participation of local communities must be placed at the center of attention in implementing the Convention's commitments.
The international community must accept that countries under economic sanctions or subjected to military aggressions should not solely bear the environmental costs of sanctions or wars they did not start.
Therefore, we call upon UN agencies, international financial institutions, and relevant organizations and bodies in the fields of environment and sustainable development to: strengthen mechanisms for mobilizing financial resources, assessing environmental damages, restoring degraded ecosystems, and supporting affected countries in countering the environmental consequences of armed conflicts.
Distinguished audience;
Saving the planet and protecting the environment requires a shared understanding and comprehension among all of us regarding the challenges facing humanity and the responsible use of diverse solutions; solutions that consider the different national circumstances, priorities, capacities, and pathways, and do not place an additional burden on developing countries, but rather provide them with the necessary facilities and opportunities to protect nature while achieving sustainable development.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to constructively cooperate with the global community in this joint endeavor by sharing its scientific and academic capacities and experiences with other countries.
We believe that protecting biodiversity can be one of the important arenas of "peace diplomacy."
In a region facing security crises caused by the illegal and expansionist presence of powers, climate change, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation, cooperation in the field of the environment can create a bridge among nations. A bridge that paves the way for achieving peace and security for all, peace with nature, and a future with a life aligned and in harmony with nature.
A future free from war, slaughter, and destruction, in which biodiversity serves as a shared foundation for the prosperity and flourishing of present and future generations.
Thank you for your attention.
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