NationStates Jolt Archive

Category: Environmental
Industry Affected: All Businesses

THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD ASSEMBLED:

CONCERNED that species of the world stricken with suffering populations are not adequately protected; ALARMED toward the nations which take no significant action towards the protection of said species.
HEREBY resolving that all reasonable efforts should be taken to protect these species for the ecological health of the planet, the preservation of national beauty for the present, and future of humanity.

I) DEFINES an “Endangered Species” as follows:
A) Species having a population of an organism which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers; or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters. Also defines this as a protected species as one which is in imminent risk of becoming endangered based on reproductive life span, average birth rate, and relative state of habitat for that species.
B) This does not pertain to certain organisms from the Kingdoms of Monera or Protista determined not to be important or detrimental to the ecology of its habitat; also viruses of any kind are not afforded protection under this law.
C) Endangered status to be determined by their International populace first; by Region second; and finally by National population.


II) ESTABLISHES the World Assembly Natural Preservation Authority (WANPA) comprised of World-renowned Biologists and other Environmental officials. This shall be a neutral organization granted the following powers:
1) Power to determine the state of a species
2) Ability to mandate necessary measures to protect species and to assist in bringing species numbers back to viable levels
3) Authorized to enforce this law, as needed, should a nation(s) willfully ignore recommendations and tenets of this law.


III) AFFORDS these species protection by outlawing the hunting, destruction of habitat, and all other sapient activity threatening the survival of the population of said species, unless in times of disease outbreak linked to a certain species or pose a public safety emergency. Also includes the following:
A) ENCOURAGES nation(s) to supplement protections provided for in this Act to help revive an endangered species population levels.
B) ALLOWS any member nation to afford additional protections to these species and/or protect any additional species at its discretion.

IV) DECLARING all of the following trade in Protected or Endangered species illegal:
A) Any product(s) derived from any part of a Protected or Endangered species
B) RESOLVES that this clause does not apply in cases of products harvested before the listing of a species as endangered or protected. Any Governmental, Business, or Private entity that believes that they possess illicit materials documentation must be given to the WANPA that any purchases or any other form of trade occurred before species in question was placed on the Protected, Endangered, or Threatened status.

V) MANDATES that the financial burden of protecting a species afforded protection under this resolution falls solely on the nation or nations in which the species' maximum range of habitation within the maximum amount of time before being listed as endangered during which sapient activity can be directly and conclusively linked to downward population trends of the species, prior to being listed as endangered. In cases where the species' population exists or existed within two or more nation's borders, the cost shall be split proportionally to the population of said species residing within the nation's borders.

A) ENCOURAGES that in cases in which a nation is unable to afford the financial burden of restoring the state of a species, interest free loans be granted by the WA member states.


VI) UNDERSTANDS that if the destruction of the species cannot be directly and conclusively linked to sapient activity, such as in cases of massive plague or environmental trend, there is often nothing that can be done to preserve the species, and in such cases will continue to list the species as endangered. In such cases, all protections of illegal trade, hunting, continued destruction of habitat, etc. apply, but the nation or nations in which the species resides will not be held accountable for the recovery of population as the species will either be allowed to go into extinction or recover as nature allows.UPDATE: This is the final version as edited, with my permission, by Studly Penguins

Firstly, don't use RL dates in your proposal.

Second, you have no way of enforcing this. You'll need a committee to see that this law is carried out.

Hmmm, very interesting, and we would probably support it. However we do have two things:

The dating in the first line probably should be removed, or at least we feel it should be removed.

The second is the wording of paragraph 4. Perhaps replacing Animalia and Plantae with Fauna and Flora, or just perhaps simplify that part altogether (somewhat sounds like elegance for the sake of elegance, so to speak). The population numbers could be up for discussion too, or perhaps provisions for concessions for greater numbers, but we are a bit iffy on the habitat requirement, since there could be some species that only live within that range yet over-populate it, or some that are just over the current population limit stated, but live over a much vast area.

It would be interesting to hear both your response and the views of others on this issue

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

I made the edits now.

It reads good to me. Some people may have complaints about the vagueness of the fourth paragraph, but I am sure the biologists would be more than reasonable with their findings

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

It reads good to me. Some people may have complaints about the vagueness of the fourth paragraph, but I am sure the biologists would be more than reasonable with their findings

-Ariovist Lynxkind, AmbassadorThat's my biggest concern too.

Though you are right about the old "1000 individuals or 256 square kilometers" that I proposed earlier, that was too many for some species and too few for others and generally just would be a mess.

Yeah, it is. One thing I was considering was at least two levels, one at which there are a greater number to allow concessions, but still need some barriers applied to lessen the chance or the speed at which they get to the more drastic category

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

You still need some sort of agency that will designate what species are endangered, will become endangered, sees that the hunting/fishing/etc isn't still going on after this passes to give it a bit more strength.

You still need some sort of agency that will designate what species are endangered, will become endangered, sees that the hunting/fishing/etc isn't still going on after this passes to give it a bit more strength.

That is somewhat covered by the committee of biologists, but yes, it does leave out the enforcement side.

Perhaps in the writing, put in the establishment of the agency before the definition of endangered species, replace the committee part with the agency, then define their guidelines for enforcement after.

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

made more edits

I altered the role of the biologist committee significantly and defined how the financial burden should fall, as the AW cannot collect taxes.

Looks good to me. We commend you for the addition of the banning of trade in regards to endangered species, as it holds the buyers as much accountable as those doing the selling.

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

Could this clause DECLARES all trade in protected and endangered species or products derived from any part of a protected or endangered species, regardless of the level of harm inflicted on the individual, as an illegal business activity. be modified to allow continued trade in items containing products from species that are now endangered as long as those materials are [truthfully] certified as having been "harvested" a reasonably long time before the species concerned became endangered? Antique Ivory carvings would be an example of the sort of goods I'm concerned about.
How would this proposed legislation tackle the problem of species that are endangered -- or even extinct -- in some parts of their ranges but are still abundant elsewhere?
And in my government's opinion the clauses starting "Affords" and "Excepts" should refer to sapients, rather than just to humans...

Could this clause be modified to allow continued trade in items containing products from species that are now endangered as long as those materials are [truthfully] certified as having been "harvested" a reasonably long time before the species concerned became endangered? Antique Ivory carvings would be an example of the sort of goods I'm concerned about.
How would this proposed legislation tackle the problem of species that are endangered -- or even extinct -- in some parts of their ranges but are still abundant elsewhere?
And in my government's opinion the clauses starting "Affords" and "Excepts" should refer to sapients, rather than just to humans...Noted.

The quoted clause has been edited significantly. In addition, the word human in the other clauses in question was changed to sapient.

The qualifier "worldwide" was added before the word "population". This resolution was not meant to protect species from extirpation, but nations that remove a species from their borders should be held more accountable than the one which simply is left with the last pocket of population. I'm working on a way to resolve this.

edit: I changed the part about accountability to include all nations in the species maximum range of habitation since human activity began to threaten population.

Not an outright suggestion, but a possible line of discussion: What if a species is below the limit for classification of endangered in one nation, but has a vast population that doesnt come close to it in another? Would the qualification for endangered go by international numbers, or is there a provision for national endangerment?

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

Not an outright suggestion, but a possible line of discussion: What if a species is below the limit for classification of endangered in one nation, but has a vast population that doesnt come close to it in another? Would the qualification for endangered go by international numbers, or is there a provision for national endangerment?

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

We feel it should be on International numbers, rather than on an individual nation basis. Less sticky and would make it a uniform code on what is and isn't endangered.

Also we feel that this "Group of Biologists" should be made into some form of Agency with enforcment powers, and how do Zoos, Wildlife Preserves, etc fall into the bounds of this law?

We feel it should be on International numbers, rather than on an individual nation basis. Less sticky and would make it a uniform code on what is and isn't endangered.

Yeah, that is how we would see it too, just thought I would ask though

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

...Also we feel that this "Group of Biologists" should be made into some form of Agency with enforcment powers, and how do Zoos, Wildlife Preserves, etc fall into the bounds of this law?I thought I had written in enforcement powers, I will do that immediately.

Also, the team of biologists determines the best way to rehabilitate the endangered species, and that includes whether or not the animal in question is helped by the zoo and/or wildlife preserve. Concerning the clause on the trade of live species on the list, the WA appointed biologists determine whether the zoo/wildlife preserve constitutes a "proper wildlife authority."

EDIT: I completed the edits, and I also gave the organization a name, the World Assembly Natural Preservation Authority (WANPA)

Yeah, that is how we would see it too, just thought I would ask though

-Ariovist Lynxkind, Ambassador

You had raised a good point there Ambassador, we were just chiming in our opinion to see where it fell amongst the rest of the honored Ambassadors in this Debate.

I thought I had written in enforcement powers, I will do that immediately.

Also, the team of biologists determines the best way to rehabilitate the endangered species, and that includes whether or not the animal in question is helped by the zoo and/or wildlife preserve. Concerning the clause on the trade of live species on the list, the WA appointed biologists determine whether the zoo/wildlife preserve constitutes a "proper wildlife authority."

EDIT: I completed the edits, and I also gave the organization a name, the World Assembly Natural Preservation Authority (WANPA)

We really like the changes you made. Awesome work, and we would be willing to submit it whenever it is ready unless you have already got your needed endorsements or someone else has already said they would.

I have a feeling this may be a tad too long...

I have a feeling this may be a tad too long...

Yeah, Im hoping that the author will get the rest of his ideas incorporated into it first, then start trimming out extraneous language; clauses. Needs some outlining, since it is hard to read since it isnt spaced out well.

It is still an awesome resolution though, and if it cant be trimmed without missing the author's goal, we can try submitting it when author feels it right and if it gets voted down, then try again :)

Feel free to submit it whenever you're ready.

If it's too long, post so here so we can decide how to edit it down. One of the first things I would remove is this:

ALLOWS any member nation to afford additional protections to these species and/or protect any additional species at its discretion.

It really isn't necessary to say that any member nation can pass a law it is not forbidden from passing.

Feel free to submit it whenever you're ready.

If it's too long, post so here so we can decide how to edit it down. One of the first things I would remove is this:

ALLOWS any member nation to afford additional protections to these species and/or protect any additional species at its discretion.

It really isn't necessary to say that any member nation can pass a law it is not forbidden from passing.

Some nations may clamor if they feel like they cant go above and beyond. I do realize that some nations do more than some, but the resolution lays a baseline for minimum protections.

I will send this to a friend of mine for editing then I will post this back here for your/other Ambassadors thoughts then see where we are.

I fully support this

If anyone has any suggestions on what to cut, reword, etc to get this ready for submission. Please either post here, or send a TG on my NS page or to Nistraph.

Here is the new Revision that I have just completed. Please feel free to make any suggestions.

THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD ASSEMBLED:

CONCERNED that species of the world stricken with suffering populations are not adequately protected; ALARMED toward the nations which take no significant action towards the protection of said species.
HEREBY resolving that all reasonable efforts should be taken to protect these species for the ecological health of the planet, the preservation of national beauty for the present, and future of humanity.

I) DEFINES an “Endangered Species” as follows:
A) Species having a population of an organism which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers; or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters. Also defines this as a protected species as one which is in imminent risk of becoming endangered based on reproductive life span, average birth rate, and relative state of habitat for that species.
B) This does not pertain to certain organisms from the Kingdoms of Monera or Protista determined not to be important or detrimental to the ecology of its habitat; also viruses of any kind are not afforded protection under this law.
C) Endangered status to be determined by their International populace first; by Region second; and finally by National population.


II) ESTABLISHES the World Assembly Natural Preservation Authority (WANPA) comprised of World-renowned Biologists and other Environmental officials. This shall be a neutral organization granted the following powers:
1) Power to determine the state of a species
2) Ability to mandate necessary measures to protect species and to assist in bringing species numbers back to viable levels
3) Authorized to enforce this law, as needed, should a nation(s) willfully ignore recommendations and tenets of this law.


III) AFFORDS these species protection by outlawing the hunting, destruction of habitat, and all other sapient activity threatening the survival of the population of said species, unless in times of disease outbreak linked to a certain species or pose a public safety emergency. Also includes the following:
A) ENCOURAGES nation(s) to supplement protections provided for in this Act to help revive an endangered species population levels.
B) ALLOWS any member nation to afford additional protections to these species and/or protect any additional species at its discretion.

IV) DECLARING all of the following trade in Protected or Endangered species illegal:
A) Any product(s) derived from any part of a Protected or Endangered species
B) RESOLVES that this clause does not apply in cases of products harvested before the listing of a species as endangered or protected. Any Governmental, Business, or Private entity that believes that they possess illicit materials documentation must be given to the WANPA that any purchases or any other form of trade occurred before species in question was placed on the Protected, Endangered, or Threatened status.

V) MANDATES that the financial burden of protecting a species afforded protection under this resolution falls solely on the nation or nations in which the species' maximum range of habitation within the maximum amount of time before being listed as endangered during which sapient activity can be directly and conclusively linked to downward population trends of the species, prior to being listed as endangered. In cases where the species' population exists or existed within two or more nation's borders, the cost shall be split proportionally to the population of said species residing within the nation's borders.

A) ENCOURAGES that in cases in which a nation is unable to afford the financial burden of restoring the state of a species, interest free loans be granted by the WA member states.


VI) UNDERSTANDS that if the destruction of the species cannot be directly and conclusively linked to sapient activity, such as in cases of massive plague or environmental trend, there is often nothing that can be done to preserve the species, and in such cases will continue to list the species as endangered. In such cases, all protections of illegal trade, hunting, continued destruction of habitat, etc. apply, but the nation or nations in which the species resides will not be held accountable for the recovery of population as the species will either be allowed to go into extinction or recover as nature allows.

I will fix spacing issues later. Juat wanted to get this on here for viewing.

I got it working. The spacing sucks but it had to tweak it some to get it to go. Also my most humble apologies, I wasnt able to get your name at the header to show that you were the author so peeps dont think that I stole your proposal.

It is now submitted.

Thank You.

Just so people know, I authorized Studly Penguins to do this. He couldn't fit my name in the header, but he did not steal my propsal.