"This is an exciting, excellent forum where people who have just returned from missions such as UNMIS can meet environmental experts, environmental lawyers and key persons in this area," says Birgitta Liljedahl, Research and Project Manager at FOI. At present, Nairobi is the hub for various initiatives in Africa. Many UN agencies have activities or are based there. Liljedahl hopes that the seminar can fill an important role in showing how various parties can conduct activities in developing countries while giving more consideration to the environment. "The focus of the seminar is how to conduct both civilian and military work in the future, with less negative environmental consequences," says Liljedahl.

The seminar will be conducted as part of the initiative between Sweden and UNDFS called "Samarbete om Miljöskydd och hälsorisker i fredsfrämjande insatser" (in English, "Cooperation on environmental protection and health risks associated with initiatives to promote peace"). The aim of that initiative is to improve the environmental and health aspects of peacekeeping operations. The goal is to create a platform where organizations, research groups, universities and companies can meet to present research results, demonstrate more environmentally-friendly alternative products and exchange experiences.
Therefore, another workshop is being planned during the year with a greater focus on environmental technologies for companies in the environmental sector.  There is a need for sustainable environmental solutions when it comes to activities in conflict areas. This is of interest to both military and civilian personnel for planning at both strategic and tactical levels.   How is it possible to minimize the negative impact on the environment while still being able to adjust to the local climate and situation?
Besides FOI, the following UN agencies are contributors to the initiative:
United Nations Department of Field Support (UNDFS), United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) in cooperation with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Law Institute (ELI).
The seminar will be held in English. Also, due to the chosen location, the number of participants will be limited to approximately thirty.

For more information, please read the invitation and presentation of speakers.