the international community must not allow ecological devastation to become a "routine practice" in times of conflict
At the BRICS Environment Ministers' Summit in New Delhi, the head of Iran's Department of Environment, Shina Ansari, issued a solemn appeal: the international community must not allow ecological devastation to become a "routine practice" in times of conflict.
"Environmental protection is not merely a theoretical subject; it is directly linked to the peace and security of countries and peoples." With these words, Shina Ansari, President of Iran's Department of Environment and Vice President of the Republic, introduced her country's position on Tuesday at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi. Her stance is all the more striking as it comes from a country that, despite the deep scars of a recent conflict and major economic difficulties, has placed environmental issues at the heart of its diplomatic agenda.
The February 28 Conflict: An Ecological Warning
Speaking before her counterparts, Ms. Ansari sounded the alarm based on her country's direct experience. The military attack of February 28, 2026, has had consequences that extend far beyond the human and material toll. According to her, strikes on energy and industrial infrastructure—"parts of an interconnected system"—released pollutants and chemicals into the air, soil, and water, causing a veritable ecological disaster.
"The environment is a silent victim of war, whose consequences do not stop at Iran's borders."
This observation, for Iran, underscores a reality too often ignored: the environmental damage caused by armed conflicts is not acceptable "collateral damage." It represents a long-term threat to human health, food security, and the economy, one that can persist for generations.
The Vulnerability of the Persian Gulf
The Iranian official also warned of the specific risks facing the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which she described as among "the most sensitive and fragile marine ecosystems in the world." Home to valuable habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves, these areas have already suffered from past conflicts and are threatened by any further military disruption, which would directly affect ecological security and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Proposals for Collective BRICS Action
In response to this situation, Iran proposed a series of concrete initiatives to make BRICS a key player in environmental protection. Ms. Ansari suggested:
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The creation of a BRICS network for monitoring and assessing environmental damage caused by armed conflict and climate change.
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The establishment of a rapid response mechanism to address oil spills, hazardous material leaks, and other marine pollution.
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The strengthening of technical cooperation and the sharing of expertise to restore damaged ecosystems.
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The launch of discussions to develop a common framework for environmental protection in the event of armed conflict.
"The international community's silence on environmental destruction could normalize these practices and see them repeated against other countries. War cannot be a permit for unlimited destruction of nature."
These statements come as BRICS ministers adopted a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to strengthening environmental cooperation and approved new frameworks for action, including on sustainable lifestyles, forest fire management, and climate adaptation.
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