Fostering a healthy environment for peace to grow: UNDOF helps protect the environment in the Golan.
On World Environment Day, discover how the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) works to limit its environmental footprint.
Various tree-planting activities were organized by UNDOF to leave a positive legacy for the host community.
UNDOF has made significant progress in implementing the DOS Environmental Strategy for Peace Operations, demonstrating their commitment to reduce the mission’s environmental impact and contributing to each of the five key pillars of the strategy:
Energy
UNDOF consumes a yearly average of 5 GWh of electricity that almost entirely comes from diesel generators and a non-renewable grid. The mission has committed to increase the use of renewable energy and started installing solar photovoltaic systems.
When completed, these projects are expected to increase the share of renewable sources from 5% to 20% and reduce fuel consumption by 300,000 liters per year starting in 2023.
This will lead to a 21% reduction in UNDOF’s total greenhouse gas emissions and an annual savings of USD 180,000.
The mission has committed to increase the use of renewable energy and started installing solar photovoltaic systems.
Water and Wastewater
UNDOF has installed water filtration stations to provide safe drinking water to mission personnel, eliminating the use of 7,000 plastic bottles per year. UNDOF has built seven wastewater treatment plants serving all 16 sites.
Treated wastewater is being recycled and used for car washing and plant irrigation, which reduces water consumption by 2,000 to 3,000 liters per day.
The quality of treated wastewater is regularly monitored in compliance with World Health Organization standards.
UNDOF has installed water filtration stations to provide safe drinking water to mission personnel, eliminating the use of 7,000 plastic bottles per year.
Solid Waste
Local waste management standards have been incorporated into UNDOF’s operations. Supply chain approaches (including packaging and construction) were improved to reduce the volume of solid waste generated. Barrel incinerators were purchased and on-site disposal yards were set up to improve solid waste management.
Treated water is being recycled and used for car washing and plant irrigation, which reduces water consumption by 2,000 to 3,000 liters per day.
Environmental Management System
UNDOF has designated Environmental Military Focal Points who participate in on-site inspections and induction training and briefings. They support the implementation of the mission’s Environmental Management System.
“UNDOF has continuously found ways to implement simple and cost-effective measures to integrate environmental considerations in its operations — showing how these good environmental practices can benefit the mission and the host community,” said Bernard Lee, UNDOF Chief of Mission Support.
