OOC: This is my first serious attempt at submitting a GA proposal. I've researched other acts but couldn't find anything relevant to the legislation I'm proposing. If I'm wrong, I know I'll be corrected!
We're now on the 6th draft. See most current version below.
Operative clauses added after input from The Ice States (2nd draft). Significant edits made after input from Untecna - both formatting and content changes (3rd draft) - earns Untecna status as a co-author. Further edits made in response to comments from Bananaistan and The Ice States (4th draft).
The World Assembly,
Identifying the process of strategically removing sand from natural environments as sand mining,
Further noting that the removal of sand with mechanized construction equipment for industrial and commercial use shall be defined as industrial sand mining,
Recognizing the practice of industrial sand mining as responsible for widespread habitat destruction,
Distressed that industrial sand mining is oft the genesis of erosion,
Concerned about the effects industrial sand mining may have on crucial fisheries and coral reefs,
Alarmed that the threat industrial sand mining poses to biodiversity is unaddressed in prior legislation,
Troubled that the world's demand for sand is likely to increase,
Noting sand's crucial role as a key element in construction,
Hereby:
- Establishes the Sustainable Aggregates Networking Department (SAND), which shall collaborate with accredited geologists, zoologists, biologists, and marine biologists, with the authority to
- Determine areas where industrial sand mining will be banned, under international law, based on the following criteria:
- A severe likelihood for irreparable harm to local groundwater
- A severe likelihood for irreparable harm to local species of flora or fauna
- A severe likelihood for irreparable harm to local marine life
- A severe likelihood for irreparable harm to local agriculture
- Publish an annual report naming member-states determined by SAND to be in non-compliance with this legislation
- Mandates that member nations cease trade not involving medical supplies or professional medical personnel with member states determined by SAND to be in non-compliance with this legislation, as named in SAND's annual report