We have witnessed globally that the conservation of Nature gets little priority due to the day-to-day conflicts being reported in the Middle East. The increasing trend of war and conflicts, which are also becoming an environmental issue, are undoubtedly affecting the existence of Earth.
It is unfortunate that a lot of illegal human involvement is creating this scenario. In reality, the pattern of behaviour in certain individuals or groups is leading to the destruction of the concept of life on Earth. The fact is that the conservation of Nature gets very little priority, mainly due to extensive involvement in areas overwhelmed by terrorism, conflicts, drought and poverty. The heavy spending to combat various forms of terrorist activities has been taking up most of the time and earnings, and diverting resources towards that aspect while ignoring the critical issue of refugee crisis and human trafficking associated with this process. The environment has become a platform to engage in such activities.
As there are quite a number of people and communities involved in war and conflicts, it has become extremely difficult to control its spread unless a global focus and awareness is established. It seems that people have understood the commercial benefits of engaging in war and conflicts; they are conveniently ignoring their effects on natural resources. This subsequently questions the existence of life itself.
With the help of advanced digital technology, life as a whole has taken a different direction. Unfortunately, it is not something to bless Nature and its valuable resources. The trend is also a reflection of the changing behaviour among some people, especially today’s youth.
It is very unfortunate that globally, responsible organisations lack enough support from governments and non-governmental organisations to fight against this growing menace. The United Nations (UN) with support from economically strong countries can play a serious role in improving awareness among people. After all, responsible organisations and countries must be aware of the pros and cons in the long run.
A serious review and fine-tuning of the prevailing justice system is in the need of the hour, all around the world, and especially in countries which are seriously affected by the ongoing conflicts. But at the same time, it is also equally important to spread awareness on these increasingly risky and life threatening activities.
The more than two decades of conflicts have already done extensive damage to our natural resources. It will take decades to change this scenario, and the same would be realised by the generations to come.
— The reader is an Indian quality development manager in Ruwi, Oman
