[DRAFT] On Biological Diversity

[Festive Old Folks]

Category: Environmental
Industry Affected: All Businesses

Description:

The World Assembly,

Observing that biological resources are vital to economic and social development, and thus of extreme importance to current and future generations;

Noting that the advancement of industry often comes at a cost to biological diversity – including the depletion or total eradication of some biological species and the destruction of their ecosystems;

Understanding the need for the responsible use of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of commonly shared ecologies in the interests of sustainable development;

And in full recognition of the efforts of GA Resolutions #199, #267, and #291 in preserving biological diversity within their respective industries;

Defines:

a) "Biological diversity" as the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, extra-terrestrial, marine, and all other biological ecosystems and the ecologies of which they are a part. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems;

b) "Biological resources" as including genetic resources, organisms, and any other biological component of ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for nations, or that are integral to the equilibria of biological systems;

c) "Shared biological systems" as those biological systems falling within the territorial, economic, administrative, or legal jurisdictions of multiple nation-states, or systems that transcend international boundaries such as international waters;

d) “Damage” as the unnatural disturbance of a biological system’s equilibrium from industrial pursuits, including the destruction or harm of habitats and their inhabitants;

Hereby:

1. Requires that all member states directly involved in the extraction of biological resources from shared biological systems acknowledge the harmful effects of such actions on biological diversity, and to reasonably and responsibly limit damage caused as a result of their practices;

2. Calls for member states to develop national strategies, plans, or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of shared biological resources where they have not already done so, and where it is applicable;

3. Establishes the World Assembly Agency for the Preservation of Biological Diversity as an organ of the World Assembly Scientific Programme (WASP), whose mission shall be the coordination and implementation of research and conservation programs related to the preservation of diversity in biological systems.

4. Further entrusts the Agency with the responsibility of identifying and monitoring at risk biological systems, bringing them to the attention of relevant nation-states, and with providing expert advice and practical support to relevant parties.

5. Requires that all states negotiate in good faith the methodologies of preservation in shared systems where differences in opinion exist. Where such disputes occur, the Agency shall act as a neutral intermediary and can offer no undue favour or recourse towards nation-states or other relevant entities;

6. Affirms that the Agency has no political affiliations outside of the World Assembly and is not imbued with the legislative authority to act within the boundaries of individual nation-states nor interfere with private resource industries without the expressed permission of relevant authorities.


First Draft

On Biological Diversity

Category: Environmental
Industry Affected: All Businesses

Description:

The World Assembly,

Observing that biological resources are vital to economic and social development, and thus of extreme importance to current and future generations;

Noting that the advancement of industry often comes at a cost to biological diversity – including the depletion or total eradication of some biological species and the destruction of their ecosystems;

Understanding the need for the responsible use of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of commonly shared ecologies in the interests of sustainable development;

And in full recognition of the efforts of GA Resolutions #199, #267, and #291 in preserving biological diversity within their respective industries;

Defines:

a) "Biological diversity" as the variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, extra-terrestrial, marine, and other ecosystems and the ecologies of which they are a part. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems;

b) "Biological resources" as including genetic resources, organisms, and any other biological component of ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for nations;

c) "Shared biological systems" as those biological systems falling within the territorial, economic, administrative, or legal jurisdictions of multiple nation-states.

Hereby:

1. Commits all member nations directly involved in the extraction of biological resources from shared biological systems to acknowledge the harmful effects of such actions on biological diversity, and to reasonably and responsibly limit damage caused as a result of their practices;

2. Calls for member states to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity where they have not already done so;

3. Establishes the World Assembly Agency for the Preservation of Biological Diversity, whose mission shall be the coordination and implementation of research and conservation programs related to the preservation of diversity in biological systems. The Agency shall be entrusted with the responsibility of identifying and monitoring at risk biological systems, and with bringing them to the attention of relevant nation-states;

4. Further entrusts the Agency with providing expert advice and practical support to relevant nation-states and the World Assembly regarding the preservation of at risk biological systems;

5. Affirms that the Agency does not have the legislative authority to act within the boundaries of individual nation-states nor interfere with private biological resource industries without the expressed permission of relevant authorities;

6. Further affirms that the Agency has no political affiliations outside of the WA Secretariat and can offer no undue favour or recourse towards nation-states or other entities in disputed or shared resource areas.

Second Draft - Updated Definitions

On Biological Diversity

Category: Environmental
Industry Affected: All Businesses

Description:

The World Assembly,

Observing that biological resources are vital to economic and social development, and thus of extreme importance to current and future generations;

Noting that the advancement of industry often comes at a cost to biological diversity – including the depletion or total eradication of some biological species and the destruction of their ecosystems;

Understanding the need for the responsible use of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of commonly shared ecologies in the interests of sustainable development;

And in full recognition of the efforts of GA Resolutions #199, #267, and #291 in preserving biological diversity within their respective industries;

Defines:

a) "Biological diversity" as the variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, extra-terrestrial, marine, and other ecosystems and the ecologies of which they are a part. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems;

b) "Biological resources" as including genetic resources, organisms, and any other biological component of ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for nations;

c) "Shared biological systems" as those biological systems falling within the territorial, economic, administrative, or legal jurisdictions of multiple nation-states, or systems that transcend international boundaries such as international waters;

d) “Damage” as the unnatural disturbance of a biological system’s equilibrium from industrial pursuits, including the destruction or harm of habitats and their inhabitants;

Hereby:

1. Commits all member nations directly involved in the extraction of biological resources from shared biological systems to acknowledge the harmful effects of such actions on biological diversity, and to reasonably and responsibly limit damage caused as a result of their practices;

2. Calls for member states to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity where they have not already done so;

3. Establishes the World Assembly Agency for the Preservation of Biological Diversity, whose mission shall be the coordination and implementation of research and conservation programs related to the preservation of diversity in biological systems. The Agency shall be entrusted with the responsibility of identifying and monitoring at risk biological systems, and with bringing them to the attention of relevant nation-states;

4. Further entrusts the Agency with providing expert advice and practical support to relevant nation-states and the World Assembly regarding the preservation of at risk biological systems;

5. Affirms that the Agency does not have the legislative authority to act within the boundaries of individual nation-states nor interfere with private biological resource industries without the expressed permission of relevant authorities;

6. Further affirms that the Agency has no political affiliations outside of the WA Secretariat and can offer no undue favour or recourse towards nation-states or other entities in disputed or shared resource areas.

Third Draft - Updated to include WASP

On Biological Diversity

Category: Environmental
Industry Affected: All Businesses

Description:

The World Assembly,

Observing that biological resources are vital to economic and social development, and thus of extreme importance to current and future generations;

Noting that the advancement of industry often comes at a cost to biological diversity – including the depletion or total eradication of some biological species and the destruction of their ecosystems;

Understanding the need for the responsible use of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of commonly shared ecologies in the interests of sustainable development;

And in full recognition of the efforts of GA Resolutions #199, #267, and #291 in preserving biological diversity within their respective industries;

Defines:

a) "Biological diversity" as the variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, extra-terrestrial, marine, and other ecosystems and the ecologies of which they are a part. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems;

b) "Biological resources" as including genetic resources, organisms, and any other biological component of ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for nations;

c) "Shared biological systems" as those biological systems falling within the territorial, economic, administrative, or legal jurisdictions of multiple nation-states, or systems that transcend international boundaries such as international waters;

d) “Damage” as the unnatural disturbance of a biological system’s equilibrium from industrial pursuits, including the destruction or harm of habitats and their inhabitants;

Hereby:

1. Commits all member nations directly involved in the extraction of biological resources from shared biological systems to acknowledge the harmful effects of such actions on biological diversity, and to reasonably and responsibly limit damage caused as a result of their practices;

2. Calls for member states to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity where they have not already done so;

3. Establishes the World Assembly Agency for the Preservation of Biological Diversity as an organ of the World Assembly Scientific Programme (WASP), whose mission shall be the coordination and implementation of research and conservation programs related to the preservation of diversity in biological systems. The Agency shall be entrusted with the responsibility of identifying and monitoring at risk biological systems, and with bringing them to the attention of relevant nation-states;

4. Further entrusts the Agency with providing expert advice and practical support to relevant nation-states and the World Assembly regarding the preservation of at risk biological systems;

5. Affirms that the Agency does not have the legislative authority to act within the boundaries of individual nation-states nor interfere with private biological resource industries without the expressed permission of relevant authorities;

6. Further affirms that the Agency has no political affiliations outside of the WA Secretariat and can offer no undue favour or recourse towards nation-states or other entities in disputed or shared resource areas.

Fourth Draft - Revised articles to accommodate conflicting interests

Category: Environmental
Industry Affected: All Businesses

Description:

The World Assembly,

Observing that biological resources are vital to economic and social development, and thus of extreme importance to current and future generations;

Noting that the advancement of industry often comes at a cost to biological diversity – including the depletion or total eradication of some biological species and the destruction of their ecosystems;

Understanding the need for the responsible use of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of commonly shared ecologies in the interests of sustainable development;

And in full recognition of the efforts of GA Resolutions #199, #267, and #291 in preserving biological diversity within their respective industries;

Defines:

a) "Biological diversity" as the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, extra-terrestrial, marine, and all other biological ecosystems and the ecologies of which they are a part. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems;

b) "Biological resources" as including genetic resources, organisms, and any other biological component of ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for nations;

c) "Shared biological systems" as those biological systems falling within the territorial, economic, administrative, or legal jurisdictions of multiple nation-states, or systems that transcend international boundaries such as international waters;

d) “Damage” as the unnatural disturbance of a biological system’s equilibrium from industrial pursuits, including the destruction or harm of habitats and their inhabitants;

Hereby:

1. Requires that all member states directly involved in the extraction of biological resources from shared biological systems acknowledge the harmful effects of such actions on biological diversity, and to reasonably and responsibly limit damage caused as a result of their practices;

2. Calls for member states to develop national strategies, plans, or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of shared biological resources where they have not already done so, and where it is applicable;

3. Establishes the World Assembly Agency for the Preservation of Biological Diversity as an organ of the World Assembly Scientific Programme (WASP), whose mission shall be the coordination and implementation of research and conservation programs related to the preservation of diversity in biological systems.

4. Further entrusts the Agency with the responsibility of identifying and monitoring at risk biological systems, bringing them to the attention of relevant nation-states, and with providing expert advice and practical support to relevant parties.

5. Requires that all states negotiate in good faith the methodologies of preservation in shared systems where differences in opinion exist. Where such disputes occur, the Agency shall act as a neutral intermediary and can offer no undue favour or recourse towards nation-states or other relevant entities;

6. Affirms that the Agency has no political affiliations outside of the World Assembly and is not imbued with the legislative authority to act within the boundaries of individual nation-states nor interfere with private resource industries without the expressed permission of relevant authorities.

[Festive Old Folks]

Article 1 is proving to be by far the most difficult component to flesh out. The advice of other states would be vastly appreciated regarding it or any other section of the resolution.

OOC: Slap me with some constructive criticism, people. Or just tell me I'm shit and move on. Either way, I want some discussion!

[The Dark Star Republic]

"We have long supported the idea of a resolution on biodiversity and it's a shame the previous effort was bedevilled by so much inane bullshit - which will no doubt also afflict this discussion.

"This is a good draft. The unclear aspect of Article 1 is what actually constitutes 'damage', given that your definition of 'biological diversity' is sufficiently broad that it would include species posing risks to other species, predators, pests, and invasive species.

"The emphasis on 'shared' resources is really appropriate for international legislation, but what's less clear is how a dispute is resolved in such shared territory, between two states or other parties who want to take different approaches to preserving diversity. Article 6 is a deliberate hamstringing of the Agency's ability to mediate such a dispute, but then who does?

"The definition of 'shared' also seems to exclude territory that is subject to no nation's jurisdiction, such as international waters."

~ Carmelo Van Ploppington
Environmental Attache

[Festive Old Folks]

The Attache's points are excellent and firmly noted.

"The emphasis on 'shared' resources is really appropriate for international legislation, but what's less clear is how a dispute is resolved in such shared territory, between two states or other parties who want to take different approaches to preserving diversity. Article 6 is a deliberate hamstringing of the Agency's ability to mediate such a dispute, but then who does?

I found this to be of great trouble while writing the first draft. Article 6 is designed to placate those who would see the Agency as a national security threat vis-a-vis territorial integrity, but it brings us to the problem you raise about differing opinions.

Mayhaps a separate article allowing the Agency to arbitrate cases where territory is not in dispute, but where methods of preservation clash. Turning it into the ultimate authority on methodology where disputes exist, so to speak, but in no way imbuing it with the power to allocate or reallocate territory.


EDIT: I have also edited the definitions section to address concerns regarding "damage" and territory lacking in jurisdiction. All thoughts are appreciated.

[Bears Armed]

Interesting, and potentially a good thing. I will be keeping an eye on this.

Maybeso, if space allows, the agency concerned should also be defined as a branch of of (or, at least, as working under the auspices of) WASP?

[Festive Old Folks]

Interesting, and potentially a good thing. I will be keeping an eye on this.

Maybeso, if space allows, the agency concerned should also be defined as a branch of of (or, at least, as working under the auspices of) WASP?

A fine point. I've edited Article 3 and placed the Agency within WASP. Hopefully that suffices.

[Festive Old Folks]

I've drafted a new article (Article 5) that addresses the problem of conflicting preservation methodologies.

Shower me in opinions, delegates.

[Germany Fascist Republic]

I like where you go with this. It interests me quite fairly.

[Ainocra]

The Marshal smokes his cigar and watches.

"I will review this and let you know my thoughts later."

[Selvas]

If I was delegate, I will approve this.

[Jutlogge]

I wholesomely approve of this proposal. Although it does promote heavy regulation on corporate industries, which can be indirectly correlated to anti-monopolized capitalism, it will only boost the advocacy from anti-business nations.

[Mundiferrum]

I sort of think that actions that don't exactly exploit biological resources would also have a direct impact on biological diversity, but then I think that would be somehow beyond the scope of this proposal. And maybe you could make it so that the national strategies that nations implement should be explicitly made public (or at least revealed to the WAAPBD), so that conflicting methodologies would on the very onset actually be determined?

Biological Resources is a bit wonky for me. Some species don't have direct uses for the nations that keep them, but are the cornerstones of their own biological systems. Then again, the fact that they themselves are important to the ecosystems could be seen as being of use to their respective nations, but I'd rather you define biological resources to include resources important to the equilibria of Biological Systems, rather than just resources useful to nations.

And, er, what about microbiological systems, like pools of bacteria developing on the skin of a hypochondriac? If the bacteria involved in those systems are themselves not endangered or anything (in which case I think they'd be covered by Endangered Species Protection), would practices such as washing up and whatnot still be considered by this proposal? Those pools are, after all, ecosystems of their own....

But anyway, we are definitely going to support this proposal if all its problems are addressed, and it goes to vote. We're a nature loving people, and we love seeing all that poop get conserved and whatnot.

[The Empire of Ebola]

Diversity is banned in our Empire so we cannot support this.

[Separatist Peoples]

Diversity is banned in our Empire so we cannot support this.

"Heheh, not if it passes, it wont be."

[The Empire of Ebola]

Diversity is banned in our Empire so we cannot support this.

"Heheh, not if it passes, it wont be."

Uh yes, it will STILL be banned. Its one thing for the WA to issue a decree, ENFORCING it is another matter. Toothless tigers are no threat to us.

[Separatist Peoples]

"Heheh, not if it passes, it wont be."

Uh yes, it will STILL be banned. Its one thing for the WA to issue a decree, ENFORCING it is another matter. Toothless tigers are no threat to us.

"Sweeping the automatic adjustment of national laws under the rug again? Predictable. Does the Empire often make a point of being wrong, or is that an accident?"

[Festive Old Folks]

...but I'd rather you define biological resources to include resources important to the equilibria of Biological Systems, rather than just resources useful to nations.

That's a good point. I will review the definition.

And, er, what about microbiological systems, like pools of bacteria developing on the skin of a hypochondriac? If the bacteria involved in those systems are themselves not endangered or anything (in which case I think they'd be covered by Endangered Species Protection), would practices such as washing up and whatnot still be considered by this proposal? Those pools are, after all, ecosystems of their own....

If such pools of bacteria do indeed reside on the skin of a Regular Joe living in his home state or any other nation-state then this resolution can't touch them. The provisions solely deal with diversity within shared systems as defined in B. However, as the resolution currently stands if that same person were currently traversing through or residing in a shared biological system, such as international waters, then his bacterial cultures do theoretically fall under the definition too.

Hooowwweeevvveerrrr, the articles of the resolution concern only the extraction of resources (as defined in B), the reasonable and responsible consideration of biological diversity whilst engaged in such pursuits, and the damage caused by them - defined as "the unnatural disturbance of a biological system’s equilibrium from industrial pursuits". So no one could do anything about preventing them from having a good old fashioned bath.

[Festive Old Folks]

Diversity is banned in our Empire so we cannot support this.

To clarify, you are still able to implement whatever policies you wish within your sovereign territories. This resolution covers shared biological systems as defined in C.

[The Empire of Ebola]

Diversity is banned in our Empire so we cannot support this.

To clarify, you are still able to implement whatever policies you wish within your sovereign territories. This resolution covers shared biological systems as defined in C.

Ah well thats ok then.

[The Empire of Ebola]

Uh yes, it will STILL be banned. Its one thing for the WA to issue a decree, ENFORCING it is another matter. Toothless tigers are no threat to us.

"Sweeping the automatic adjustment of national laws under the rug again? Predictable. Does the Empire often make a point of being wrong, or is that an accident?"

The Empire does what it wishes regardless of what any nation or this WA thinks. We are firm believers in the philosophy "Do what you wish as long it does not harm another".

We keep all of our.....ahem..."issues" within our own borders and expect others to behave similarly.

[Festive Old Folks]

I plan on possibly submitting this next week or the week after if no more criticism/constructive comments are forthcoming by then.

Regarding the possible expansion of the definition of "biological resources" to include "resources important to the equilibria of Biological Systems", I think that would take the resolution beyond its feasible parameters, considering it is concerned with the extraction processes of resources important to nation states. Otherwise we get into all sorts of complicated scenarios not directly related to international law.

All thoughts regarding this or any other segment of the resolution are welcome.

[Mundiferrum]

Regarding the possible expansion of the definition of "biological resources" to include "resources important to the equilibria of Biological Systems", I think that would take the resolution beyond its feasible parameters, considering it is concerned with the extraction processes of resources important to nation states. Otherwise we get into all sorts of complicated scenarios not directly related to international law.

But that would really render this thing toothless. If, for example, the way the resources the nations aren't allowed to over-exploit can still, with the resolution-appropriate modifications, harm other species in turn, species that are integral to the stability of a region, then your resolution would have done practically nothing to help the system, except to marginally slow down its destruction. It won't exactly be outside the scope of your proposal anyway if you clarified that point, since "resources important to the equilibria of Biological systems" are directly responsible for the existence of your current definition of biological resources anyway (destroy the equilibrium, and you destroy the ecosystem, hence destroying the exploited resources within).

[Festive Old Folks]

Regarding the possible expansion of the definition of "biological resources" to include "resources important to the equilibria of Biological Systems", I think that would take the resolution beyond its feasible parameters, considering it is concerned with the extraction processes of resources important to nation states. Otherwise we get into all sorts of complicated scenarios not directly related to international law.

But that would really render this thing toothless. If, for example, the way the resources the nations aren't allowed to over-exploit can still, with the resolution-appropriate modifications, harm other species in turn, species that are integral to the stability of a region, then your resolution would have done practically nothing to help the system, except to marginally slow down its destruction. It won't exactly be outside the scope of your proposal anyway if you clarified that point, since "resources important to the equilibria of Biological systems" are directly responsible for the existence of your current definition of biological resources anyway (destroy the equilibrium, and you destroy the ecosystem, hence destroying the exploited resources within).

A convincing argument. I've altered the definition accordingly, and I hope it's to your satisfaction.

After that, if there are no more criticisms, it might be time to think about submitting it.

[Festive Old Folks]

Alright, Delegates. if no one has anything else to add I'm submitting it soon. You have until tomorrow.

[Imperium Anglorum]

HOLD ON

Explain to me what this bill does, without the legal jargon, because with the legal jargon, it appears that it does nothing but create a committee and urge that people not kill biology.

Also, can you please rename the bill to something more descriptive?