Tingting Wu

Al Jaazera

In concern of the issue of protection of wild rhino populations, the Environment Commission has passed the resolution proposed by the delegate of Lesotho, and co-submitters Senegal, Uganda, Mozambique, and France. In the discussion of this resolution clause 7 stating “Further encourages the legalisation of internal trade of rhino horn to promote a safe farming of

rhinos and harvesting of horn rather than the continuation of black market trade;” has been reviewed and passed, despite objection by the delegate of Botswana among others. The opposition states suggests that this clause will not assist in declining black market demand of rhino horn. 

One of the biggest opposers to the resolution as a whole was the delegate of Egypt. Stating that they did not has an issue with the majority of the resolution but would not except the addition to the resolution proposed by Kuwait, which suggested execution as a repercussion for poaching. In their speech the delegate stated that “I do not wish for the rights of a rhino to undermine the rights of an individual.” After their argument the delegate refused to take points of information, to their argument. 

Following the approval of the proposal the council was visited by guest speaker Anna Brazier a freelance development consultant. She spoke about promoting the techniques and use of biodegradable materials in LEDCs. After discussing the history, benefits and disadvantages of biodegradable plastics, she raised the floor to the students in discussing whether or not biodegradable lasts were the solution and what might be better solutions. “I personally believe that [replacing plastic with reusable products] is the solution.” Her own opinion is that their are other solutions which work much better for LEDCs like Zimbabwe.