WWF Response to the War in Iraq

From WWF International Director General, Claude Martin.

All wars have a devastating and traumatic impact on people. WWF's core business is nature and the environment, and as an organization, our mandate focuses us on the impact of war on wildlife, critical habitats, and the environment.

Next to the human suffering that a war causes, the military activities in Iraq could gravely impact upon fresh water ecosystems and resources in that country. In a worst case scenario, a bombing campaign could result in a rapid and widespread contamination of surface and groundwater by oil, other industrial chemicals, and sewerage. Many people could die as a result of such a contamination. Remaining fisheries would be dramatically reduced and contaminated, depriving Iraqis of an important source of protein and calcium.

WWF is calling on all parties to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis in Iraq.

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