November 5, 2025
I saw that the ICRC posted the following information and I am resharing it here for those who are interested.
“Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict Under International Humanitarian Law: Implementation Guidance ref. 4926
The present implementation guidance document sets out measures to assist national entities implementing IHL rules protecting the natural environment, with a focus on certain key obligations. It includes checklists of the types of measure that states can take at the national level to ensure compliance with these rules and provides examples of state practice that illustrate possible approaches to implementation. This document supports incorporation of the IHL rules set out in the ICRC’s 2020 Guidelines on the Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict into states’ military doctrine and legal and policy frameworks. It also supports the implementation of relevant UN International Law Commission’s Principles on Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflicts.”
Download the ICRC Implementation document HERE.
The ICRC also posted the following information on their LinkedIn.com page (on November 5, 2026) as follows:
“Protection of the natural environment in armed conflict under international humanitarian law
As the world marks the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict on 6 November, how can states translate international humanitarian law (IHL) into concrete measures to better protect the natural environment during armed conflict?
ICRC’s Implementation Guidance on IHL and the Protection of the Natural Environment offers a practical roadmap for strengthening national implementation of IHL rules protecting the environment. Drawing on positive examples from across regions, it identifies seven national law and policy measures that states can adopt, including incorporating environmental protections into domestic legislation and military manuals, safeguarding environmentally sensitive areas, considering environmental impacts in weapons reviews, and strengthening military training.
Through practical checklists and examples of national practice, the Guidance helps states turn legal obligations into action. It also supports the implementation of the UN International Law Commission’s Principles on Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflicts.”
