Impact of Military Actions on Marine Environment (2).pptx

Impact of Military Actions on Marine Environment legal overview

1. Ocean conservation Impact of Military Actions on Marine Environment by : Ms. Heena Parveen & Aayush Bhardwaj

2. Military activities such as naval exercises, oil spills from military vessels, and underwater detonations have been known to have a significant impact on marine environment. These activities can cause physical damage to marine habitats, impact marine biodiversity, and disrupt ecological processes. The potential for such impacts has been recognized by the international community, resulting in regulations aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of military actions. This paper aims to investigate the impact of military actions on marine environment and the effectiveness of regulations in mitigating these impacts. Specifically, the study will examine the impact of military activities on marine habitats, marine biodiversity, and ecological processes, using a case study approach. The research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of military actions on marine environment and inform policy-makers and military leaders on the potential environmental impacts of military actions. Introduction

3. Literature Review

4. (1) National Security : Protecting the marine environment is important for national security, as it can affect the availability of resources and the stability of regions around the world. Military activities that damage the marine environment can create long-term instability, leading to conflicts over resources and other geopolitical issues. (2) Environmental contamination:  Military actions, particularly those involving the use of weapons or the disposal of hazardous materials, can cause severe environmental contamination of the oceans. This pollution can persist for decades, affecting the health of marine life and posing a threat to human health. (3) Economic impact:  The oceans provide a vital source of livelihood for millions of people around the world, particularly in developing countries. Disrupting marine ecosystems or polluting the oceans can have a significant impact on the economies of these communities, leading to loss of income and reduced quality of life. (4) International law: International law recognizes the importance of protecting the marine environment from military activities. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for example, establishes rules for the use of the ocean and requires states to take measures to protect the marine environment from pollution and other harmful activities Importance for preservation of Marine environment

5. World War I World War II Gulf War Vietnam War Contemporary military actions On going Russia-Ukrain conflict historical Instances of military actions affecting marine environment

6. Sonar technology can disrupt the behavior of marine mammals Waste Discharge can pollute the marine environment, species leading to issues such as toxic algal blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and the accumulation of contaminants in marine food webs. Unexploded bombs, mines, and other ordnance left behind after conflicts can pose a significant threat to the marine environment. These devices can leak toxic chemicals and metals into the water, cause physical damage to habitats and wildlife, and pose a risk to human safety. Naval exercises and other military activities can produce high levels of noise, which can disturb or harm marine wildlife, such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtle Military Actions is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which can have significant impacts on the marine environment through processes such as ocean acidification and warming. Military activities can destroy or damage marine habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. Impacts of Military Actions on the Marine Environment

7. Use of Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) Use of Renewable Energy Use of Biodegradable Products Use of Advanced Sonar Technologies Use of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste Post-Conflict Remediation protective measures to ensure the protection of marine environment

8. By applying Composting Recycling and Reusing Materials Minimizing Food Waste Awareness and Education Marine protected areas Stringent Legal framework continue..

9. ICRC is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance and protection to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. does not have a specific mandate to protect the marine environment, it recognizes the importance of protecting the environment in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence. The ICRC has issued several statements on the protection of the environment in armed conflict, including the 1994 Guidelines for Military Manuals and Instructions on the Protection of the Environment in Times of Armed Conflict. The guidelines encourage the military to: Avoid targeting or attacking areas of high ecological importance, such as coral reefs, wetlands, and breeding grounds of marine animals. . The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Marine environment

10. India recognizes the importance of protecting the marine environment from military actions. The country has taken various measures to minimize the impact of military operations on the marine environment. In 2018, India adopted a new policy on the management of the country's coastal and marine resources. The policy emphasizes the need to protect the marine environment from human activities, including military operations. The Indian Navy has also taken several measures to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. The Navy has implemented a number of initiatives, including the use of environmentally friendly technologies and the development of waste management systems to prevent marine pollution. Additionally, the Navy has established a dedicated environmental cell to oversee the implementation of environmental policies and practices. In 2019, India also signed the "Bonn Challenge," a global effort to restore degraded and deforested lands. This initiative highlights India's commitment to protecting the environment and restoring degraded ecosystems, including marine ecosystems. India’s stance on conservation of marine environment

11. Superlative research Enhanced and stringent regulation Improved waste management Training for military personnel International cooperation Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments Increase Public Awareness Use Environmentally Friendly Technologies Develop and Implement Environmental Policies WAy ForwArd

12. In conclusion, military actions have a significant impact on the marine environment, with the potential to cause long-lasting and often irreversible damage. Activities such as naval exercises, sonar testing, and dumping of hazardous waste can result in habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disturbance to marine wildlife. Several measures can be taken to minimize the environmental impact of military activities in the marine environment, including the development and implementation of environmental policies, the use of environmentally friendly technologies, the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and the establishment of marine protected areas. Additionally, international cooperation and increased public awareness can help to ensure that military activities are carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner. Conclusion

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