[PIO] Announcement by the Office of the Environment Commissioner on World Drug Day

Working Together to Tackle the Drug Problem and Preserve the Environment

June 26 was established by the UN as the "World Day against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking", with events focusing on raising awareness and combating drug addiction and its negative effects.

The devastating effects on people's health of drug use are well known. However, in addition to the serious consequences for humans, drug use also negatively affects the environment.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) examined in 2022, for the first time, the impact of drugs on the environment. In a report, it was shown that the production, trafficking and consumption of drugs have significant ecological consequences that threaten biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

Illicit crops encroach on forest areas and fragile ecosystems, leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. According to data cited in the UNODC report, illegal cocaine cultivation in two areas in Colombia has caused, directly or indirectly, 43% to 58% of total deforestation. In addition, the report notes: 'The estimated total carbon emissions from global cocaine production amount to 8.9 million tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to the average emissions of more than 1.9 million petrol cars for a year or the consumption of more than 3.3 billion litres of diesel'. In addition, drug production is accompanied by the use of harmful chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers, with negative impacts on soil and water quality.

Tackling the drug problem requires an integrated approach combining prevention, treatment and information. It is necessary to focus on raising awareness and educating the public about the negative effects of drug use on our health and the environment. Cooperation between governments, non-governmental organisations, scientific and research centres and civil society should be promoted to effectively address this global challenge.

By strengthening prevention programmes, providing affordable and quality treatment for addicts and encouraging research into new treatment methods, the impact of drugs on both people and the environment can be minimised.

Therefore, Environment Commissioner Mrs. Let us join forces for a better future where health, well-being and environmental sustainability are priorities for all of us.

(PM/AF/SX)
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