Committee:
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Biodiversity
Position Papers are due January 9th to qualify for a research award
All Position Papers due by January 13th at 11:59pm
Position Papers are due to the committee email
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I.
Background of Topic
Biodiversity is the variation of species and the natural communities in which they live. Plants,
animals, and microorganisms, and their habitats such as deserts, rainforests, and coral reefs all
make up part of a biologically diverse Earth. Biodiversity is vital because no matter how small a
species, they all contribute to the wellness of the planet. For example, a healthy ecosystem provides
natural services for everyone including better recovery from unpredictable disasters, protection of
water sources, and pollution breakdown and absorption. This is especially important in a world
where pollution is becoming an issue. Biodiversity also provides the world with food, medicine, and
wood as well as research and tourism. Although Darwin’s idea of “survival of the fittest” plays an
important role in nature, species still depend on each other to live. For example, unstable food webs
pose a major threat to the ecosystem. For example, if a carnivorous animal suddenly became
extinct, then the population of herbivores rises. When this occurs, it puts pressure on the
vegetation, and the lack of vegetation affects precipitation and then leads to desertification.
Biodiversity poses such a huge problem because it effects all forms of life. Humans have been the
main source of problem for biodiversity because we continue to harm our environment by pouring
toxic waste in water, polluting the air with carbon emissions, and cutting down trees essential for
life. Since the Industrial Revolution, pollution and other adverse effects on our environment have
been rising at a stunning rate. As humans, we depend on nature to provide for our basic needs.
However, we are damaging it progressively and the devastating effects are beginning to show
through global warming and the damage of the ozone layer.
II.
United Nations Involvement
The UN and other NGO’s have been working to limit the devastating effects that humans have on
the ecosystem. In a biodiversity report released by two UN environmental bodies, it was stated that
“unless radical and creative action is taken quickly to conserve the variety of life on Earth, natural
systems that support lives and livelihoods are at risk of collapsing. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
stated that biodiversity should be a priority in decision-making. At the sixth meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in April 2002, governments
agreed to “achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the
global, regional, and national levels as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all
life on earth”. This is the focus of UNEP in order to help the condition of our Earth improve. UNEP
has played a vital role in establishing multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) that deal with
biodiversity, ozone depletion, pollution, and endangered species. Some MEAs include the Vienna
Convention for Protection of Ozone Layer, the Convention of International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
III.
Bloc Positions
Asian Bloc
The Asian Bloc has worked to prevent decreasing biodiversity by fostering renewed interest by local
communities in tree planting.
Latin Bloc
The Latin Bloc has worked to prevent decreasing biodiversity. It has made a commitment under the
U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity.
European Bloc
The European Bloc has worked to prevent decreasing biodiversity by creating a strategic plan to
understand and document biodiversity, work to conserve it, and promote awareness and education
to people about the importance of biodiversity.
African Bloc
The African Bloc has worked to prevent decreasing biodiversity by implementing the Important Bird
Areas (IBAs) Programme as part of its idea to preserve one species at a time.
Middle Eastern Bloc
The Middle Eastern Bloc has worked to prevent decreasing biodiversity. The government has set up
natural reserves for conservation of wildlife and has developed legislations, regulations, and
environmental laws prohibiting harming the environment.
IV.
Possible Solutions
Some possible solutions include establishing more protected areas free of humans such as national
parks. This would help to keep the ecosystem safe from human harm as well as offer protection to
endangered species. Another solution would be to restore habitats by, for example, removing dams.
In Maine, the Edwards Dam from the Kennebec River was removed and this action alone restored
large numbers of eels, sturgeon, and striped bass, where they had been absent for more than 150
years. The reintroduction of species to revitalize areas that have lost animals due to extinction
would be another effective plan, and also the promotion of awareness of the values of nature to
people. Many individuals do not give a thought to the damage humans are doing to nature, so by
advertising and promoting awareness, people can begin to conserve. Also, present laws,
commissions, and treaties, when fully enforced, may be one of the best ways to preserve wildlife.
For instance, the International Whaling Commission’s moratorium on commercial whaling has
helped to save endangered whale species.
V.
Guiding Questions
How can the problems that we have caused to our environment be reversed?
What is the United Nations Environment Program currently doing to combat the issue?
How can adverse effects such as global warming and pollution be stopped?
What has your country done to fight the problems of decreasing biodiversity?
How will you develop laws and restrictions in your country to limit the detrimental effects of
decreasing biodiversity?