The link between SDG 16 and our environment is clear when we understand that natural resources that are managed sustainably, transparently, and based on environmental rights can be the engine for sustainable development as well as a platform for peace and justice. On the contrary, violations of environmental law undermine the possibility to develop sustainably. This is necessary not for
only conflict prevention, but also post-conflict reconstruction and the establishment of peaceful and inclusive societies.

On 19 August 2006, the ship Probo Koala off-loaded 528 cubic meters of liquid wastes in the port of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The material was transferred onto tanker trucks operated by a local contractor, and dumped in twelve different locations around the city. In June 2012, UN Environment received a formal request from the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to undertake an independent and scientific environmental audit of the sites that were impacted by the dumping of wastes of the Probo Koala. The Government wished for UN Environment to determine whether the sites continued to pose risks for the environment or for public health, and to make recommendations about additional or corrective clean-up measures that would need to be carried out in case contamination was detected.