Security Council Press Statement on the

Environmental management of peacekeeping operations

The members of the Security Council recalled Security Council resolutions 2100 (2013) of 25
April 2013, 2113 (2013) of 30 July 2013, 2245 (2015) of 9 November 2015, 2348 (2017) of 31
March 2017, 2387 (2017) of 15 November 2017, whereby the importance of considering and
managing the environmental impact of peacekeeping operations mandated by the Security
Council was recognized. They also recalled Security Council Presidential statement
S/PRST/2011/15 of 20 July 2011;

The members of the Security Council were mindful of the purposes and principles of the Charter
of the United Nations and of the primary responsibility of the Security Council under the Charter
for the maintenance of international peace and security;

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the basic principles of peacekeeping, including
consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force, except in self-defence and defence of
the mandate, and recognized that the mandate of each peacekeeping mission is specific to the
need and the situation of the country concerned, and that the Security Council expects full
delivery of the mandates it authorizes;

The members of the Security Council were cognizant of the possible environmental impact of
peacekeeping operations mandated by the Security Council. They underscored the importance
that peacekeeping operations endeavor to minimize their impact on the sustainability of the
ecosystems where they are deployed, based on sound consideration of the risks, benefits and
costs;

The members of the Security Council acknowledged that the modalities in which peacekeeping
operations interact with the environment where they are deployed may contribute to the effective
and efficient delivery of their mandates;

Mindful of the goals set out by the international agreements on the environment, including the
Paris Agreement, the members of the Security Council expressed willingness that United Nations
peacekeeping missions, in full conformity with the established mandates, continue consideration
for the reduction of their environmental impact, in accordance with applicable and relevant
General Assembly resolutions and United Nations rules and regulations;

The members of the Security Council underlined the importance to address comprehensively the
environmental impact of peacekeeping operations, in close coordination with the relevant parties
involved, including Troop and Police Contributing Countries, also through meetings of the
Security Council’s Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations and of the relevant bodies of the
General Assembly;

The members of the Security Council recognized that consideration for environmental
management includes taking into account the impact of peacekeeping operations on the historical
and cultural heritage in the areas of deployment and how segments of the population may be
differently affected by environmental degradation;
The members of the Security Council noted with appreciation the enhanced engagement of the
Secretary General on this issue;

The members of the Security Council encouraged Member States to incorporate, as appropriate,
environmental guidelines into their national training programs for military and police personnel
in preparation for deployment to UN Peacekeeping Operations. They further requested the
Secretary General to continue to ensure that civilian personnel deployed in peacekeeping
operations receive similar training;

The members of the Security Council encouraged the Secretary General, Troop
Contributing Countries and Police Contributing Countries, where appropriate and within existing
resources, to share with host States and local authorities best practices regarding environmental
management;

The members of the Security Council called upon Member States and in particular host
States of United Nations peacekeeping missions to facilitate the efforts of peacekeepers aimed at
reducing the environmental impact of peacekeeping missions.

20 December 2017