eLTER Position on War, Ethics, and Scientific Responsibility
eLTER, as a pan-European research infrastructure, is committed to advancing environmental sustainability, human wellbeing, and ethical responsibility through long-term environmental and socio-ecological research. The over 20 partner countries involved in eLTER RI are committed to open, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative science across the European continent.
In eLTER’s vision, the role of science is to advance human knowledge and to support peace and prosperity for all the planet’s residents. In order to realize its full potential, science needs to bring people together, regardless of nation, religion, gender, or identity. War and violence are antithetical to our goals, and thus must be opposed. We are deeply concerned by the suffering of all civilians affected by violent conflicts like currently in Ukraine and Gaza, and we affirm the need to protect non-combatants and vital societal institutions – such as schools, hospitals, and universities – whose preservation is essential to recovery, dignity, and future peace. Violent conflict also results in large-scale and lasting environmental destruction and pollution. This in itself negatively affects human wellbeing over long timescales as remedying the environmental costs of war is a time-consuming and costly endeavour. In concert with colleagues in scientific communities worldwide, we therefore call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return of peace and respect for human rights and security for civilians.
eLTER’s Ethical Guidelines emphasize equity, inclusivity, and stakeholder participation, asserting that research infrastructures must reflect the values of the sustainable societies they aim to support[1]. In this context, we affirm our commitment to the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular SDG 16, namely the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions[2]. Here, we follow a moral imperative to speak when humanitarian principles are at risk and echo calls, urging all parties to refrain immediately from violence against civilians and to prevent genocide in accordance with international law.
We believe eLTER can make a meaningful contribution by deepening transboundary scientific cooperation and fostering long-term relationships rooted in shared knowledge. Actively promoting and facilitating such efforts – alongside future opportunities for direct support of e.g. Ukrainian and Palestinian research institutions and scholars – exemplifies eLTER’s mission: building bridges through science in the face of complex socio-political realities, war, and political repression.
eLTER urges governments and individuals to peacefully assist the victims of conflict, including refugees, and to support political efforts that uphold self-determination, political rights, and long-term security. We reaffirm our commitment to inclusiveness, peaceful collaboration, and science in the service of a more just and sustainable world.
[1] eLTER Ethical Guidelines (2022)
[2] United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16: the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions)
