Ebtekar made the remarks at an international seminar titled “The Shadow of War on People and Nature in the Region” held at Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran, Iran’s capital, on Sunday.
She said that Iran is the only country that has consistently organized this seminar for the past 17 years, adding that this gathering is recognized as the only ongoing global forum that addresses the impacts of war on the environment, showcasing Iran’s commitment to the issue.
Ebtekar emphasized that the consequences of war extend beyond the crimes, genocides, and suffering experienced by human societies, such as the current situation in Gaza and the recent 12-day aggression by Israel and the US against Iran in mid-June.
The wars also have significant, long-lasting effects on nature, including environmental degradation, water resources, natural resources, air quality, seas, and the overall ecosystem, she noted.
During the ceremony, Mohammadreza Shahbazbegian, CEO of the Iranian Water Diplomacy Association, addressed the challenges facing formal diplomacy among countries, emphasizing the crucial role of universities, scientific associations, and civil institutions in promoting international cooperation on environmental issues.
Shahbazbegian also added that the seminar aims to draw on Iran’s experiences as a foundation for peace and international cooperation.
The event was held at Tarbiat Modares University on Sunday to commemorate the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, which is observed annually on November 6.
IRNA