06th November 2025, the Indian Society of International Law (ISIL), through its Centre for Advanced Studies in International Humanitarian Law and Military Law, organized a One-Day Seminar on “Protection of Environment During War and Armed Conflict.” The event marked the observance of the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, recognized globally on this date.
Dr. U. C. Jha Highlights the Urgency of the Theme
In the opening address, Dr. U. C. Jha emphasized the critical need to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of war. He underscored the importance of mobilizing global efforts to protect fragile ecosystems and natural resources affected by armed conflict.
Keynote Address by Mr. Andrey Kozik
Mr. Andrey Kozik, Regional Legal Advisor for South Asia, ICRC, delivered the keynote address. He drew attention to the long-lasting ecological damage caused by war, noting that such harm extends well beyond the duration of conflict, national borders, and even the current generation.
Ms. Meher Dev Highlights the ICRC’s 2020 Guidelines
In her address, Ms. Meher Dev, Legal Advisor, ICRC, discussed the updated 2020 ICRC Guidelines on the Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict, highlighting evolving frameworks, practical challenges, and international best practices.
Vote of Thanks by Dr. Kanika Sharma
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kanika Sharma, Assistant Professor (Sr.), ISIL, who acknowledged the contributions of speakers, researchers, and participants.
Technical Sessions: Themes Addressing Law, Environment, and Conflict
The seminar included extensive deliberations on critical themes such as:
- Law of War and Environmental Damage
- Intersection of Armed Conflict Law, Environmental Law, and Human Rights
- Environmental Crimes and the ICC
- Ecocide and Accountability Mechanisms
- Use of Nuclear Weapons and Environmental Protection
- Armed Forces and Environmental Responsibility
- Duty to Prevent Environmental Harm and Reparations: Case Studies
- International Law Commission (ILC) Guidelines
- ICRC’s Good Practices for Protecting the Natural Environment
- Environmental Ethics of War
Distinguished Speakers and Researchers Present Their Papers
The seminar witnessed insightful presentations from a diverse group of eminent scholars and researchers. Prof. (Dr.) Asha Verma, Dean, School of Law, Manav Rachna University, alongside Ms. Bharathi M, Assistant Professor at Kalasaligam Academy of Research and Education, shared valuable perspectives on the evolving legal frameworks surrounding environmental protection during conflict. Dr. Prem Chandra, Associate Professor at Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, and Ms. Bismita Saikia, Research Scholar from Tezpur University, Assam, contributed thought-provoking analyses on the humanitarian and ecological implications of warfare.
Further enriching the discussions were Dr. Kshamaa, Assistant Professor of Law at Noida International University, and Dr. Niharika, Assistant Professor, who both underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Shobhit Pratap Singh, Research Scholar from the University of Lucknow, along with Mr. Gourav Kumar, Research Scholar at NLU Delhi, delved into contemporary challenges in environmental jurisprudence. Dr. Gurpal Singh, Assistant Professor, and Charu Grover, Ph.D. Scholar from Panjab University, also presented significant work highlighting legal complexities in conflict-related environmental harm.
In addition, Dr. Superna Venaik, Associate Professor at Manav Rachna University, Faridabad, offered critical insights on environmental accountability mechanisms. Prof. Dr. D. Bhuvaneswari, Director, College Development Council and Head of the Department of International Law and Organisation at TNDALU, Chennai, along with R. B. Abarajitha and Ms. Annamithra C, LLM, both from TNDALU, provided substantial contributions on international legal standards. Presentations by Dr. Vasudha Bali, Assistant Professor at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies-TC, Mr. Vinay Juneja, Assistant Professor at the same institution, and Mr. Tushar Pal, Assistant Professor (Law) at UPES, Dehradun, added further depth to the academic deliberations.
Collectively, the insights shared by these distinguished speakers enriched the seminar’s dialogue on the legal, ethical, and environmental dimensions of armed conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for coherent global responses.
Strengthening Global Commitments to Environmental Protection in War
The seminar underscored the urgent need for stronger international norms, ethical frameworks, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to protect the environment during armed conflict. ISIL’s initiative served as an important platform for advancing research, dialogue, and policy thought on this critical global issue.