Official Statement for the GEO Symposium 2026 & GEO-21 Plenary -

 UkrGEO office (Ukraine)

 The world faces record levels of conflict and violence with a significant impact on people. According to UN, in 2023 alone, over 170 armed conflicts were recorded. By the end of the year, nearly 120 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and events seriously disturbing public order. While the human cost of war is undeniable and profound, the environment also suffers immense and often-overlooked consequences. Beyond the immediate destruction, conflicts disrupt ecosystems, deplete natural resources, pollute the environment, and jeopardize the health of our planet for generations to come.

One of the most severe war conflicts is underway in Ukraine. Country is facing numerous challenges such as destruction of ecosystems and natural resources, land contamination with explosives, violation of the water regime and water pollution, air pollution due to fires and destruction of industrial facilities, etc. Apart from that there is a transboundary environmental impact of the conflict in neighboring countries.

In order to cope with above mention challenges there is a real need in modern tools and technologies, such as AI, Big Data, etc. Implementation the Pilot Project in Ukraine could contribute into Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery through the enhanced use of Earth observation technologies and data. The outcomes of the Pilot Project in Ukraine could be used for other conflict zones.