NationStates Jolt Archive

Smart Link (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_proposal1/match=bushmeat)

Bushmeat
A resolution to increase the quality of the world's environment, at the expense of industry.

Category: Environmental
Industry Affected: All Businesses
Proposed by: Hirota

Description: CONCERNED at the impact the Bushmeat trade has on ecology,
DEEPLY CONCERNED that the bushmeat trade is one of the greatest threats to wildlife in some parts of the world, especially endangered wildlife
MINDFUL of the possibilities of diseases being passed to humans via bushmeat, and deeply concerned by the threat to public health
WELCOMING the local efforts to prevent hunting of non-game animals on a regional basis,
AWARE of the international trade in bushmeat
DETERMINED that the international trade in bushmeat should be eradicated
MINDFUL of the reliance some indigenous peoples have on bushmeat for subsistence.
MANDATES that the widespread and damaging trade in bushmeat be made illegal throughout member states, with particular attention on the traders and poachers of bushmeat
EAGER that indigenous, small-scale hunting of bushmeat for strictly subsistence reasons remain legal
INVITES member states to collaborate in bringing the perpetrators of the international bushmeat industry to justice through legal means
URGES member states to implement educational programmes to highlight to the populace the threats posed by bushmeat to health and ecology

Approvals: 0

Status: Lacking Support (requires 130 more approvals)

Voting Ends: Sun Jun 25 2006This proposal went through the drafting process some time ago, and received consultation from numerous groups.

I will be posting additional information on what bushmeat is shortly.

Smart Link (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_proposal1/match=bushmeat)

This proposal went through the drafting process some time ago, and received consultation from numerous groups.

I will be posting additional information on what bushmeat is shortly.

I can approve of this (Can you approve mine? ;) ), though I question the choice of the word "EAGER" which to me doesn't suggest that indigenous subsistence is exempt from the "MANDATES" clause.

Although the word widespread may be key there. But there's another problem. What defines widespread? Individual national discretion?

About the proposal

This proposal is intended to target the unsustainable hunting of wildlife on an international scale. Hirota has recognised the import of bushmeat, often derived from species which could be considered endangered entering our borders, and is eager to stamp out the global trade.

It is Hirota's view that in order to achieve worldwide recognition of the devastating enviromental effects of the commercial bushmeat trade, a resolution needs to be adopted by the UN to provide a multilateral platform to combat the effects.

Moreover, bushmeat has a strong association in the transmission of diseases to humans. Examples include Ebola (http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=healthNews&storyID=2006-06-19T165147Z_01_COL960494_RTRUKOC_0_US-EBOLA-WEST.xml&archived=False), HIV (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2197326,00.html) and many others. Indeed, Approximately three fourths of human emerging infectious diseases are caused by zoonotic pathogens. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol11no12/04-0789.htm) There is a strong public health issue on this matter as well.

Hirota recognises that traditional hunting of animals by indigenous cultures predates most nations, and recognises the importance of preserving such cultures, which is why this proposal urges to at least tolerate the practice of small scale, sustainable hunting for subsistence purposes. It is far more important that the unsustainable and damaging hunting is controlled. However, educational programmes are recommended in order to ensure that indigenous cultures are aware of the health risks, and presented with alternatives.

I can approve of this (Can you approve mine? ;) ), though I question the choice of the word "EAGER" which to me doesn't suggest that indigenous subsistence is exempt from the "MANDATES" clause.

Although the word widespread may be key there. But there's another problem. What defines widespread? Individual national discretion?I would hope that governments would target international trade in bushmeat, and unsustainable bushmeat hunting rather than the indigenous bushmeat hunting, which has normally been present for many years and has no impact on the enviroment.

Does that mean indigenous hunting is exempt? Not strictly, which does mean it is down to national discretion to choose not to act against indigenous cultures, but the proposal would hope that governments would act in good faith when dealing within indigenous cultures.

The Proposal needs a definition of "bushmeat".

Dr Marucs Armont
Ambassador Extraordinaire
Acting Representative to the UN

A definition of bushmeat is needed.
Was there any particular reason why you dropped the idea of mentioning the risk that diseases might also spread to domesticated livestock?
I'd prefer to call it 'Moral Decency' rather than 'Environmental / All Businesses', in the absence of an option to affect only the 'Beef-based products' industry which would otherwise seem potentially appropriate...

The Proposal needs a definition of "bushmeat".

Dr Marucs Armont
Ambassador Extraordinaire
Acting Representative to the UN

Agreed - I'd also like to see a definition of game vs non-game animals. Isn't that just a question of perspective? I mean - no citizen of Wolfish would ever think of celebrating one of our high holidays without a nice freshly killed wolf on the table - but other nations might find that repulsive.

The Proposal needs a definition of "bushmeat".

Dr Marucs Armont
Ambassador Extraordinaire
Acting Representative to the UN

We agree.

Lorelei M. Ahlmann
Ambassador-at-Large

The Proposal needs a definition of "bushmeat".

Dr Marucs Armont
Ambassador Extraordinaire
Acting Representative to the UN

We agree as well.

Robert Matthews
Teklet Department of Foreign Affairs

The Proposal needs a definition of "bushmeat".

Dr Marucs Armont
Ambassador Extraordinaire
Acting Representative to the UN

We second this.

Alex Peterson, UN Ambassador
Dominion of Central-Dogma

I'd say that this needs a definition of bushmeat, but I think that enough people have already said it.

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

I'd say that this needs a definition of bushmeat, but I think that enough people have already said it.

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

Indeed. Other than that, we fully support this.


Christelle Zyryanov,
Ambassador to the United Nations,
PDSRA

I couldn't help but laugh at the repeated suggestions for a definition of bushmeat. I can picture an old, feeble man with a cane (rather like a character on the Carol Burnett Show) walking up muttering, "Well, I better get my two cents in... We agree with the previous four representatives." Long pause. Old man walks off.

I love all you guys. -group hug-

In that case...needs more full stops! (and fewer commas)

And needs linebreaks.

Also, I don't think it's Environmental - seems more like Moral Decency to me.

I couldn't help but laugh at the repeated suggestions for a definition of bushmeat. I can picture an old, feeble man with a cane (rather like a character on the Carol Burnett Show) walking up muttering, "Well, I better get my two cents in... We agree with the previous four representatives." Long pause. Old man walks off.

I love all you guys. -group hug-
Yeah well, look at how many people have done the same during the debate on the repeal of resolution #11.:D

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

We agree with our distinguished colleagues who have suggested that the proposal suffers from a shortage of full stops -- or periods, if you happen to be reading it in certain countries that shall remain nameless. Semicolons would do nicely, too.

But we were wondering.... Does anyone think the proposal should contain a definition of "bushmeat"?

Hurlbot Barfanger
Ambassador to the United Nations

Curiously Ambassador Barfanger, the very same thought just crossed my mind, I cannot think why.

Otherwise, we are also very much supportive of this resolution and are impressed with the interesting supporting data offered by the honourable delegate of Hirota.

May the blessings of our otters be upon you all.

Anthony Holt
Deputy Ambassador for the Republic of Compadria to the U.N.

Just needs the definition .... --- just kidding..... its already been said. :)

Yeah well, look at how many people have done the same during the debate on the repeal of resolution #11.:D

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

I've seen a whole LOT of n00bs in the "OFFICIAL TOPIC" threads just looking to get their 2 cents in lately. Is that always the case, and I'm only just noticing, now that I've achieved my oh-so-badass title of "Sometimes Deadly"?

I kinda want to hit the lot of them for being wrong, on both sides of the decisions, about their reasons...



If you get a definition of bushmeat, make sure it expressly includes baby white rhinos. Poor fellas...

I've seen a whole LOT of n00bs in the "OFFICIAL TOPIC" threads just looking to get their 2 cents in lately.Actually my comment was referring to the first page or so (which was prior to the resolution coming up for vote) where everyone, myself included, was agreeing with the Ausserland delegation.
Is that always the case, and I'm only just noticing, now that I've achieved my oh-so-badass title of "Sometimes Deadly"?Yeah, that's been the case for as long as I can remember, when a resolution hits the floor for voting all the n00bs come out of the woodwork, most of which make only one or two posts and then are never heard from again.

I kinda want to hit the lot of them for being wrong, on both sides of the decisions, about their reasons...Join the club.;)

Bob Flibble
UN Representative

<sigh> I had a version with a definition stored away. I'll quit my campaigning for this one, if it reaches quorum (unlikely but possible) then....well, we will cross that bridge if neccesary

For one, the name of this proposal needs to be properly pretentious. For two, it's an environmental proposal, so my nation has every IC reason to vote against. We're industryhuggers, not treehuggers.

For one, the name of this proposal needs to be properly pretentious. For two, it's an environmental proposal, so my nation has every IC reason to vote against. We're industryhuggers, not treehuggers.

You can borrow my mantra: Smog = Jobs.

We view this as more of a health issue, seeing the fact that Bushmeat causes so many diseases.

Robert Matthews
Teklet Department of Foreign Affairs