Page 8 - Coespu 2018-4

We now have a systematic approach to environmental management. Significant progress has
been made from our earlier implementation of pilot projects based on anecdotal evidence, such
as synchronization of generators for improved efficiency, and installation of wastewater
treatment plants. Peacekeeping missions have established environmental action plans, with
practical and innovative solutions implemented to address the key areas of waste disposal, water
and wastewater, and energy.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the peacekeeping mission MONUSCO has
significantly reduced waste to landfill through composting, recycling and incineration. With a
general lack of effective municipal options, and limited access to local landfills across missions,
MINUSMA, the peacekeeping
mission in Mali, achieves
controlled waste disposal
through incineration. In Bangui,
Central African Republic, the
peacekeeping mission
MINUSCA is working with the
municipality to rehabilitate the
only landfill for the city, while
at the same time purchasing
incinerators to reduce the
volume of waste that needs to be
landfilled.
Our efforts on water and
wastewater focus on
conservation and minimising
risk, through reducing demand,
and promotion of sustainable
abstraction and use of alternative Technology in Mali combining wind and solar energy provides a back-up for basic
water sources in the often water- energy requirements
stressed locations in which missions are deployed. With local facilities for wastewater treatment
often non-existent or inadequate to meet mission capacity requirements, dedicated wastewater
treatment plants are installed and operated directly by missions. In Lebanon, UNIFIL also treats
and recycles local community wastewater through its facilities. UNAMID (the peacekeeping
mission in Darfur) relies on groundwater to meet its water needs and has been rolling out a
monitoring system to avoid over-extraction and to adjust the water consumption accordingly.
Reducing overall demand for energy through efficiencies and increasing the proportion of energy
met through renewable sources involves an incremental introduction of behavioural incentives
and efficient infrastructure. UNMIK, the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, has built a solar
system to increase utilisation of renewable energy sources, as well focussed on reducing demand
through centralised heating and cooling systems and installation of double-glazed windows and
light censors.
In Mali, MINUSMA, is also working to preserve cultural and natural heritage by helping to
restore ancient manuscript libraries damaged in the conflict and to support local rangers in
protecting elephants against poaching. MINUSMA is also at the forefront in piloting innovative
solutions to improve environmental performance, including an operating base designed to
maximise conservation of existing flora, nourished through recycled water; use of technology

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