In the afternoon of VYMUN’s first conference day, the United Nations Environment
Program opened their first committee session. During this session, delegates conferred over
their first topic of the conference-the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Throughout the
session, general discussion occurred and additionally, many possible solutions have been
being put forward. They are not limited to law enforcement, reforestation efforts, and
collaboration with the local indigenous peoples. One of the many ideas that were suggested
was one that stood out to many delegates-Ukraine’s proposal to reuse and recycle their
military drones.
The Ukraine/Russia war began in the year 2022 and to many people, has shown no
signs of slowing down. The world is aware of the current conflict and the controversies
surrounding the war, which adds to the building respect for the delegates here this weekend
being able to represent Ukraine and Russia. In UNEP so far, delegates have brought out
proposals to resolve the Amazon’s deforestation that some could say as, “already said
before”, “repetitive but no action”, or “highly unlikely to achieve”.
However the delegate from Ukraine suggested one new idea that sparked interest in other
countries' minds: To reuse the military drones being currently utilised in the Russia/Ukraine
war to scan the Amazon rainforest for any “infractions”. Anyone being found deforesting,
committing arson, or violating the UNEP’s laws of any sort would be fined. This idea got a
few laughs from some delegates, however they allegedly ended up agreeing with Ukraine’s
idea during the aftermath of the committee session.
Following the UNEP’s third committee session, an interview was made with the delegate
representing Ukraine. Reuters asked questions about who supported him, further details about
his solution, and more. Here is what Ukraine shared with us today:
Reuters: This is Vienna Chou, reporting for Reuters News Agency. The date is Saturday the
26th of October, and we have the pleasure of having the delegate representing Ukraine here
with us today.
Reuters has heard that you (Ukraine) has mentioned that some solutions you had for the
deforestation of the Amazon was to reuse your military drones and to scan the Amazon
rainforest for” infractions”. Has anyone agreed with you on this solution or elaborated?
Ukraine: Well, there’s a lot of infractions so a lot of countries agreed with me (us) to use our
drones when we’re done the war, and I think they’ll be useful and that we’ll find a lot of
infractions.
Reuters: Do you believe that this solution will be effective?
Ukraine: Yeah because if they’re violating the forest we can scan and see what they’re doing
and then they will pay a fine.
Reuters: How will you be able to find every single infraction out there? Because the Amazon
rainforest does have a lot of coverage due to the canopy of trees.
Ukraine: Yes we will, because our drones cover a lot of land.
Reuters: So they will be able to see underneath the canopy?
Ukraine: Yes.
Reuters: Ok. And how sure are you that you will still have enough drones to be able to
complete this solution after the war?
Ukraine: With the help of other countries and using their satellites, we might find every
infraction.
Reuters: And when people have infractions, will they get fines, or will they be arrested?
Ukraine: Just fines.
Reuters: Just fines? Ok. Thank you Ukraine for speaking with us.
Though Reuters has not yet been able to confirm whether or not delegates have really reached
a formal agreement with Ukraine, this solution continues to be discussed between the
delegates. With a little more than a day and half to go, UNEP will move onto their next five
committee sessions, reaching a final conclusion on how to resolve deforestation in the Amazon on Sunday.
Reuters
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