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A new desk research report released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at the beginning of the month of May, has lauded United Nations peacekeepers for progress they have chalked in reducing their environmental impact. The report on a two-year analysis of how peacekeeping missions around the world affect, and are affected by natural resources and the broader environment titled Greening the Blue Helmets: Environment, Natural Resources and UN Peacekeeping Operations, particularly praises the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), for having made the most progress in introducing environmental practices, with initiatives ranging from the use of electric cars at the mission�s headquarters in Naqoura, to energy efficient power generation and the establishment of a community-led recycling plant for plastic bottles, cans and glass. �The case of UNIFIL illustrates what all our peacekeeping missions are now trying to achieve,� remarked the Acting Head of the Department of Field Support (DFS), Anthony Banbury on the news. For his part, the Under-Secretary-General and Head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), Herv� Ladsous, stated; �Greening the Blue is not just our motto, it is also our commitment to ensuring that peacekeepers have a lasting and positive impact in countries where they are deployed�. To UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, however, addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is what is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries. �There has been little progress in systematically considering and documenting how natural resources can support, advance or undermine the aims of a peacekeeping mission so this report is the first attempt to understand the links and identify good practices and gaps,� Mr Steiner said.