Rodina Alaa

Document Type

Research Project

Publication Date

9-29-2025

Abstract

Ecocide, or the intentional destruction of environmental annihilation during wars, attacks important ecosystems, like forests, rivers, and agricultural lands, and has long-term negative impacts on both nature and human life. Although the media could be an agent on the frontlines of preventing and exposing such crimes, fragmented reporting standards, suppression of journalists, and absence of coordinating mechanisms weaken its effectiveness. Based on two case studies, Ukraine, where citizen-driven platforms such as EcoZagroza have allowed real-time evidence to be documented, and Gaza, where journalists are the targeted victims in an attempt to erase any evidence about the environment, this paper demonstrates the necessity to have standardized media reporting protocols as a matter of urgency. It recommends the establishment of an International Media Code on Reporting Ecocide, cooperating with UNEP, UNESCO, and the International media and press organizations, and specific funding to develop media infrastructure in conflict-prone areas. The lack of a global protocol on reporting ecocide in war zones enables the impunity of environmental crimes. Through consistent reporting of the destruction of the environment and the reinforcement of the voices of the affected, the media can influence the mass discourse and put pressure on the international community to incorporate a binding international protocol to declare ecocide a crime in international law.

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