Topic A:Exploitation of Natural Resources in Antarctic
With increasing discoveries made and technologies developed, the exploitation of Antarctica has become an international hot-spot. Our exporation of Antarctica has never ceased---we are simply eager to step on to that mysterious, yet, sacred white land covered with snow all-year-long to do researches or to carry out further exploitation.
Many countries have built up scientific stations on this continent, and have gradually made their dreams come true. Thanks to the constant efforts of the international community, we have already made facts like “there are more than 220 sorts of mineral resources in Antarctic” and “the amount of reserved flammable ice beneath the ice sheet is the sum of all the fossil fuels all over the world, which could replace coal and petroleum as a new environment- friendly energy resource”come true.
So now, the importance and the necessity of peaceful and rational exploitation of these resources have gradually emerged. And Tuvalu firmly believes that should these resources be used properly, they would be evangel to all those suffering from the energy crisis.1
One important ally of Tuvalu, the UK, has claimed 100 Esq. Sea territories near the Antarctica,which incurred many disputes from the countries near the Antarctica. Not only UK though, many other countries(such as Chile, Argentina, France, Norway) have claimed territories in Antarctica as well. Russian Federation even dispatched, 153 times, scientific groups to Antarctica to do research,discover and built basements!
However, the territorial conflicts in Antarctic is not simply about territory itself; it is also about showing off certain countries' power. Now, there are many treaties and protocols dealing with this issue, but few of them are effective. And the poor Antarctic Treaty, can only be regarded as a byproduct of the cold war, which froze many droids in Antarctic, and forbid the exploitation in Antarctica and the territory claims. Yet, it is very clear that not all of these items are rational. Tuvalu supports the exploitation of Antarctic resources, and we believe that Antarctica belongs to the entire human race, which, of course, includes us Tuvalu.
Tuvalu is we hope to participate the inner conferences of the related countries to get more benefits for our citizens. Therefore, Tuvalu suggests that the international community hold discussions based on the Svalbard Treaty, 1925 to exploit Antarctic resources, protect its environment, and, as well, to pay less attention to military and economic concerns.
Also as one of the least developed countries in the world, we have extremely limited capability for thorough exploitation: We will simply use the resources of Antarctica to meet domestic needs.
The exploitation of the Antarctic is a mainstream trend of our time. So, Tuvalu suggests all countries be united, to together figure out a rational, environment-friendly and sustainable way to exploit Antarctic and to protect it. Tuvalu is willing to cooperate with other developed alliance such as Australia, Japan and UK during this UNEP conference to sign related joint communiqué to help our alliances and Tuvalu ourselves to benefit from all that we can.
Above all, Tuvalu suggests:
1. Considering that great profits can and can only be achieved under International Treaties, Tuvalu urges the UN to ameliorate all international treaties such as the Antarctic Treaty and United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,discuss the documents of scientific share of the polar area, take the polar area into the jurisdiction of the United Nations, and welcome all states to carry out scientific explorations.
2. Urges all states to explore the resources shared by all mankind properly, in respect of the international laws and the protection of the environment, and announce all the scientific achievements beneficial to everyone.
3. Protects the benefits of all developing countries on the controversial issue,and thinks developing countries should cooperate with developed ones and shouldn't be sated aside in the intense competition in exploiting Antarctic natural resources.
4. As for energy, we suggest that every country find and invent new energy with great exertion, and we hope that the human race could get rid of the rely on fossil resources as soon as possible.
5. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the application of the extension of the application of the continental shelf seabed sovereignty under article 76, and all states should hand in the relating application and information to UN.
6. In expectation of relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, all exploration and researches must be under the framework in the treaty.
Tuvalu is faces a huge problem that we will all soon be facing: Global Warming. This effect causes the elevation of sea level, and as a result our citizens have to migrate to survive. So we hope that all countries will protect the environment of Antarctic area while exploring it.
Tuvalu suggests that, in order to reach the consensus of certain laws and decisions, we should have further discussion on this topic. Antarctic belongs to all livings, including the citizens of Tuvalu. Tuvalu hopes that our citizens could find a new place to live in Antarctic zone by a resolution of UNEP. Tuvalu appeals every country to be united in elaborating new international laws in order to establish and maintain a new order in the exploration of Antarctic resources.
Tuvalu will, of course, very much appreciates international assistance. Again, we insists that Antarctic belongs to the entire human race, and we hope all countries could cooperate with each other on these issues. And Tuvalu hopes all countries could pay more attention to environment protection when making the exploitation projects. Tuvalu has been devoted to promoting peaceful and efficient discussions among all the countries related to these issues to protect the collective benefits from the hegemonies. From now on, we will pay close attention to the progress of this conference, and we expect the UNEP to be efficient, effective, and function-enlarged.