MODEL UNITED NATIONS of. AUGSBURG February 1 February 3, 2018 Maria-Ward-Gymnasium Augsburg, Frauentorstraße 26, Augsburg

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1 MODEL UNITED NATIONS of Research R AUGSBURG February 1 February 3, 2018 MariaWardGymnasium Augsburg, Frauentorstraße 26, Augsburg RESEARCH REPORT Forum: 2nd Committee of the General Assembly Issue: Biological Diversity and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Student officer: Theresa Krautsieder Position: Chair of the 2nd Committee of the GA 1. Description of the Issue/Introduction Biodiversity is crucial to the reduction of poverty, due to the basic goods and ecosystem services it provides. Globally, some 2.6 billion people draw their livelihoods either partially or fully from agriculture. More than 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity, while over 1.6 billion rely on forests and nontimber forest products. Loss of biodiversity poses a significant threat to their livelihoods. Biodiversity must therefore be protected and sustainably used for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable development. 70% of the world s poor live in rural areas and depend directly on biological diversity for their livelihoods. As much as 50 to 90 per cent of the total source of livelihoods of poor people is said to be from nonmarketed natural goods and ecosystem services. The impact of environmental degradation is most severe among the rural population living in poverty. Therefore, access to and sustainable use of biodiversity by the poor are of direct relevance to efforts aimed at poverty reduction. Addressing the biodiversity challenge needs to be at the heart of international cooperation for sustainable development and poverty reduction. 2. Definition of Important Key Terms Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (United Nations in Our Common Future, the Brundtland Report) To understand sustainable development, it is necessary to think about its three pillars: economic wealth, social equity and environmental health ; or in other words profit, people and planet. All three are linked to each other. In other words, any development not only has to be economically sound but also beneficial to social equity and environmental health. Biosecurity is the application of knowledge, techniques and equipment to prevent personal, laboratory and environmental exposure to potentially infectious agents or biohazards. (United Nations (UN))

2 Biological Diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. Biodiversity offsets require measurable conservation outcomes resulting from actions designed to compensate for significant residual adverse biodiversity impacts arising from project development after appropriate prevention and mitigation measures have been taken. The goal of biodiversity offsets is to achieve no net loss and preferably a net gain of biodiversity on the ground with respect to species composition, habitat structure and ecosystem function and people s use and cultural values associated with biodiversity. Overexploitation means exploitation of (removal of individuals or biomass from) a natural population at a rate greater than the population is able to match with its own recruitment, thus tending to drive the population towards extinction. Ecosystem services are benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include provisioning services such as food and water; regulating services such as regulation of floods, drought, land degradation, and disease; supporting services such as soil formation and nutrient cycling; and cultural services such as recreational, spiritual, religious and other nonmaterial benefits. 3. Background Information Biological diversity or biodiversity is the term used for the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. This diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, but also includes genetic differences within species and the variety of ecosystems. Biological resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. As a result, personal health and the health of the economy and human society, depend on the continuous supply of various ecological services that would be extremely costly or impossible to replace. In this context, it is important to look ahead and underscore the relevance of biodiversity for the achievement of sustainable development. Any sustainable development framework must provide the enabling conditions for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, for more equitable sharing of benefits, and for reducing the drivers of biodiversity loss. 4. Relevant Treaties, UN Resolutions and Actions 1968 Intergovernmental Conference for Rational Use and Conservation of the Biosphere (UNESCO) is held; discussions on the concept of ecologically sustainable development begin Global 2000 report is released. It recognizes biodiversity for the first time as critical to the proper functioning of the planetary ecosystem. It asserts that the robust nature of ecosystems is weakened by species extinction. 1987

3 Our Common Future (Brundtland Report), a report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, combines social, economic, cultural and environmental issues and global solutions. It popularizes the term sustainable development UN Summit for Children is held, an important recognition of the impact of the environment on future generations Earth Summit. UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) is held in Rio de Janeiro. Agreements are reached on the action plan Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration, and the nonbinding Forest Principles. Two Rio Conventions are opened for signature: the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Negotiations on a third, the Convention to Combat Desertification, are called for UN Convention on Biological Diversity. It is a multilateral treaty. The Convention has three main goals including: the conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); the sustainable use of its components; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources First meeting of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, established to ensure followup to UNCED, in order to enhance international cooperation and rationalize intergovernmental decisionmaking capacity Controversy over genetically modified (GM) organisms. Global environmental and food security concerns are raised, the European Union blocks imports of GM crops from North America, and farmers in developing countries rebel against terminator technology, GM plants whose seeds will not germinate World Summit on Sustainable Development is held in Johannesburg, marking 10 years since UNCED. In a climate of frustration at the lack of government progress, the summit promotes partnerships as a nonnegotiated approach to sustainability Millennium Ecosystem Assessment is released. 1,300 experts from 95 countries provide scientific information concerning the consequences of ecosystem change for human wellbeing Walmart institutes global sustainability strategy. One of the world s leading retail companies commits to the following rules: be supplied 100 per cent by renewable energy; create zero waste; and sell products that sustain people and the environment. The strategy begins to transform Walmart s global supply chain, and sets an example for other multinationals to follow G20 Pittsburgh Summit: G20 nations provide guidance for a 21st century global, sustainable and balanced economy. Leaders call for phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and seek measures that will lead to sustainable consumption, while providing targeted support for the poorest people. 2011

4 China begins shift to a green economy. China s 12th FiveYearPlan for economic development is based on sustainable development goals, including substantial reductions in pollution and carbon and energy intensities. The plan is backed by nearly half a trillion USD in proposed expenditures for environmental protection Rio 20: Fifty years after Silent Spring (an environmental science book by Rachel Carson. It documents the detrimental effects on the environment of the indiscriminate use of pesticides. Carson accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation and public officials of accepting industry claims unquestioningly), 40 years after Stockholm (first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment took place here in Stockholm) and 20 years after the Earth Summit, the global community reconvenes in an effort to secure agreement on greening world economies through a range of smart measures for clean energy, decent jobs and more sustainable and fairer use of resources The Future We Want (Paragraphs ) The first report from the UN system on the Post2015 Development Agenda Realizing the Future We Want for All recommends that new goals should build on the strengths of the Millennium Development Goals, apply to all countries, and be based on the fundamental principles of human rights, equality, and sustainability Agenda: Sustainable Development Goal 15 Biodiversity This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. It recognises that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge A/RES/70/207: Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development: 5. Countries Involved Examples: Bolivia: Bolivia is among the 15 most biodiverse countries in the world. The Bolivian Government is committed to conserving biodiversity and developing sustainable production systems through the implementation of nonmarketbased approaches and integrated communitybased management by Indigenous Peoples and smallscale producers. The country also possesses a high level of genetic diversity and is a centre of origin for domesticated plants and their wild relatives. But the main anthropogenic threats to biodiversity include the advancing agricultural frontier, mainly for the agroindustrial production of monocultures for export (mainly soybean, grain corn, sunflower and sorghum) and extensive livestock (beef) production. In some instances, threats are also produced by the uncontrolled expansion of mining activities and, in other instances, by an expansion in unsuitable infrastructure. China:

5 China is among the 12 megabiodiverse countries in the world. Forest cover accounts for 20.36% of the total land area, while the stock volume of forest plantations may be the largest in the world, harboring abundant and diverse wildlife. China is also one of the eight centers of origin for crops, with nearly 10,000 species of crops, including their wild relatives. Accelerated urbanization and industrialization have brought threats to and increased pressure on the habitats of species and ecosystems. Overexploitation and disorderly development of biological resources have aggravated the negative impacts on biodiversity. Environmental pollution has greatly impacted aquatic and river coastal biodiversity and habitats. The release of invasive alien species and genetically modified organisms into the environment has increased pressures on biological security. The production of biological fuels has created new threats to biodiversity conservation. Egypt: The genetic components of some fauna and flora species in Egypt support the development of medicinal, agricultural and industrial products as well as the basic daily needs of local communities. In addition, biodiversity supports the development of many new industries (e.g. ecotourism), which provide high economic return. Three hundred and twentyfour species of fauna, and many species of flora that exist in desert habitats are considered of ecological importance, especially in Sinai. Threats to biodiversity in Egypt are either directly or indirectly related to human impacts, with the former including excessive hunting, clearcutting and deforestation, and the latter linked to habitat destruction for developmental purposes and all pollution types, including refuse from industry and human settlements. Excessive hunting is endangering several species of resident and migratory birds as well as a number of hoofed animals (e.g. gazelles). Pollutants in the air, water and soil (especially in rural areas) are also threatening a large number of plants and animals. Ethiopia: Ethiopia possesses an estimated number of 6,000 species of higher plants, of which 10% are endemic. The country has 284 species of wild mammals and 861 species of birds. Ethiopia is a centre of origin for cultivated crops such as coffee, tef, enset, and a centre of diversity for many crop species such as durum wheat, barley and sorghum. In addition, the country has a rich resource of indigenous farm animals. As the dominant economic sector, agriculture provides employment for about 83% of the population. The main direct threats to Ethiopia s biodiversity are habitat conversion, unsustainable utilization of biodiversity resources, invasive species, replacement of local varieties and breeds, climate change and pollution. Indirect causes of biodiversity loss in the country are demographic change, poverty, and lack of awareness and coordination. Iraq: In particular, 81% of the globally important ecological region Tigris and Euphrates alluvial salt marsh, which is of major concern in terms of biodiversity conservation, is contained within Iraq s borders. Trees such as the Dalbergia sissoo, have considerable economic importance for the country in terms of their value in forestry, agroforestry and horticulture. These trees provide timber, fuelwood, fodder, have medicinal value, are used extensively as an ornamental tree as well as for shading,

6 erosion control and soil fertility. Some fish species are also considered of high economic importance, such as the Barbus esocinus for commercial fishing. Threats to biodiversity in Iraq include illegal and/or unsustainable practices of fishing and hunting; ecosystem conversions, such as the drainage of wetlands for agriculture; municipal and industrial pollution; agricultural chemical impacts; overgrazing; poor water resource management; salinization; road building and development; drought and desertification. In 2003, UNEP listed four main threats to biodiversity in Iraq: (i) lack of an institutional or legal framework for biodiversity conservation; (ii) lack of any effective protected areas network; (iii) lack of a national biodiversity strategy, or action plan; (iv) many species are under threat from ecosystem degradation, especially from the loss of the Mesopotamian marshlands and oil spills. Kazakhstan: With a vast territory almost the size of Western Europe, Kazakhstan is endowed with an enormous diversity of mountain ecological systems due to high altitude zones. It has a great diversity of natural conditions, ecosystems and species. Kazakhstan is currently carrying out activities to revise and update its NBSAP, including setting national targets, with consideration given to the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and its Aichi Targets. The main pressures on biodiversity in Kazakhstan are linked to oil and gas extraction; coal extraction; extraction of uranium and other minerals; rock and slag runoff; atmospheric pollution; draining; waste storage; road construction; electric power transmission lines; oil and gas pipelines; channels and water reservoirs; and irrigation. All of these activities contribute to biodiversity loss in a number of different ways, among which are the contamination of water cavities, soils, subsoil water and atmosphere; change in habitat conditions; contamination of the environment, change of conditions for soils and subsoils; increased habitat toxicity; water contamination etc. Nigeria: Nigeria s Niger Delta contains the largest tract of mangrove in Africa. Variable climatic conditions and physical features have endowed Nigeria with some of the richest flora and fauna on the continent. The economy is characterized by a large ruralbased traditional sector. Although Nigeria derives about 80% of its external earnings from the oil sector, the agricultural sector contributes about 38% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). About 70% of the population derives its means of livelihood from agriculture. The main causes of habitat destruction are linked to farming methods (e.g. agricultural intensification practices, including the use of fertilizers and pesticides; increased land drainage; channelization of water courses and the eutrophication of water bodies; reduction in the extent of hedgerows and the loss of farm ponds). Other causes are bush burning, fuel wood collection, logging, grazing and gathering. Also, a major impetus for the massive deforestation of natural ecosystems is associated with the introduction of cash crops (e.g. cocoa, coffee, rubber, cotton, groundnut, oil palm) into the farming system in the 1900s. Habitat losses have led to serious impacts on wildlife population. The indiscriminate hunting of wildlife for food to compliment subsistence farming and bush burning have led to biodiversity loss and ecosystem depletion. Fishing is also a major industry in Nigeria, however it is currently unsustainably practiced owing to insufficient regulations and lack of their proper enforcement.

7 SDG Index (Statement to the Diagram below): The ultimate aim of the Sustainable Development Goals, which replaced the Millennium Development Goals in 2015, is to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for everyone. Each goal has specific targets that need to be met by So how close are countries to meeting them? To find out, nonprofit organization Bertelsmann Stiftung and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network have created a prototype index that measures their performance. The SDG Index measures 149 countries, comparing their current progress with a baseline measurement taken in Image: SDG Index Light blue is good

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9 6. Possible Future Solutions solution why? how? All learners should acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development To create a sustainable future by helping to invent new sustainable technologies and/or helping to leave a good ecological footprint. Among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture s contribution to sustainable development. But this needs new the governmental help for new laws so that it s possible to reach the goal. Ensure sustainable food To increase productivity and production, that production systems and implement help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen resilient agricultural practices capacity for adaption to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disaster and that progressively improve land and oil quality. This is could be possible through the abovementioned solution. Knowledge and education are the basis for new inventions and practices for creating a sustainable world. Nevertheless it requires the government s help who has to promote and support this goal. (For example through a new educational system) Bioenergy produced from Globally, 3 billion people rely on biological renewable biomass such as forestry resources, including wood, coal, charcoal or byproducts and agricultural animal waste for cooking and heating. residues, and other forms of renewable energy generated based on ecosystems such as hydropower systems, can provide major opportunities for supplying cleaner and affordable energy. By optimizing the use of natural, local and renewable resources, ecosystembased approaches to food production reduce dependency on fossil fuels and external synthetic inputs. 7. Questions for the Delegates Who/What parts of your country/daily life in your country are affected by this issue? Which previous UN measures on the issue or similar issues did your nation support? What are possible solutions to the issue and which would your nation support? Are there already any treaties or solutions or activities in your country? Are the solutions effective and does your country forge ahead? What must/can be changed?

10 8. Useful Sources and Links Please send a draft resolution on one topic and a position paper on the other topic to this address by January 15: ga2@munau.de