Cross-cutting initiatives: Environment 

MINURSO operates in one of the most arid and environmentally challenging environments of all peacekeeping. In the Sahara Desert where temperatures can rise above 50 degrees Celsius during the summer, where drought is extensive and distances vast, MINURSO has been putting significant efforts into diminishing its environmental footprint and promoting its sustainability. Our dedicated environment staff and engineers work on optimizing resource use efficiency, specifically for energy and water, and fostering a robust culture of environmental responsibility among MINURSO personnel.  

The Environmental Unit, operating under the Office of the Chief of Mission Support, is dedicated to implementing the UN Department of Operational Support (DOS) Environmental Policy for UN Field Missions and the Environmental Strategy 2023-2030. Peacekeeping missions have unique environmental considerations due to their operational footprint, size, mandates, and diverse organizational structures. Therefore, the Environmental Policy is crucial in supporting the General Assembly's efforts to reduce the overall environmental footprint of missions, ensuring full compliance with relevant rules and regulations. 

Our environmental performance is rigorously monitored through the Environment Action Planning Performance (eAPP) software. This dedicated online platform provides comprehensive tools for data collection, validation, approval, and reporting. It also offers powerful analytics and visualization capabilities to support informed decision-making.  

MINURSO’s major achievements in this area include:  

• Increased mission overall proportion of renewables achieved through six remote team sites running on 100% solar power and a phased roll-out of solar streetlights. 

• Enhanced energy efficiency achieved by installation of efficient ACs and LED lighting across all mission locations. 

• Maintained minimum levels of environmental risks from our operations through proper risk monitoring, reporting and management. 

• Developed relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for wastewater and solid waste management for implementation.