UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday called on the international community to protect the environment in times of armed conflict, saying that strong natural resource governance can help prevent conflict and contribute to long-term peace.

In a message marking the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, which falls on Nov. 6, Ban said "A growing body of knowledge exists on the importance of the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Yet natural resources such as forests, wildlife, water sources and agricultural lands continue to be exploited and degraded during armed conflict, threatening long-term peace and security."

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2001, the International Day was created to spotlight the tenuous link between global and regional conflicts and the environment.

According to Ban, in Central and East Africa today, illegal trafficking in minerals, wildlife, timber, charcoal and narcotics is financing illicit activities and supporting armed groups and criminal networks.

Citing Somalia as an example, he said it is estimated that the illegal trade in charcoal represents annual revenues of up to 384 million U.S. dollars for insurgents and terrorist groups.

"Strengthening natural resource governance and improving monitoring in conflict-affected States can help prevent resources from fueling conflict, direct much-needed revenue towards economic revitalization and contribute to more lasting peace," said the UN chief.

Failing to protect and manage these resources in an equitable way only exacerbates the vulnerability of those who depend on them the most, especially the poor, he added.

Ban also pointed to the challenge of safely disposing of weapons of war without harming the environment, which is currently being tackled by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in Syria.

"Environmental contamination also includes land mines and unexploded ordnance, which pose a particular threat to women and children who are often more vulnerable due to their daily activities," he said.

"We also recognize the important role that natural resources play in supporting the livelihoods and resilience of all members of society, especially women, and the implications of sustainable natural resource management for conflict prevention and peace," he added. Endi