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Illegal fishing is extremely harmful to krill populations and other key species in the area. This has resulted in many nations internationally cracking down on such activity.Marine pollution significantly harms species in the area and can wash up on the coastline of the region, threatening species who live on the mainland.Invasive species have further threatened the ecosystem of the region by specifically threatening krill and other key members of the ecosystem. However, removal efforts have been common in the region, resulting in several dangerous invasive species’ populations being reduced significantly.
Which issues in the Antarctic region are the most pressing and should be addressed first?How can territorial disputes be addressed?What actions can be taken internationally to protect the region?How should the region behave as it relates to global politics and warfare?What initiatives can be established in order to protect the Antarctic krill?How can you address contradictions between international treaty?
UNGA Background Guide
Agenda: Maintaining International Cooperation and Peaceful Governance in Antarctica
Chairperson’s Letter:
Greetings Delegates,
I’m more than thrilled that you have chosen to participate in this year’s Schoolhouse Model UN as part of the UNGA! I cannot wait to see what progress you can make on this challenging political and environmental issue while also growing your debate, collaboration, writing, and research skills over the course of our committee sessions. I have been in your positions many times before and understand the nerves and excitement that come with a Model UN conference. However, through hard work and dedication, I have no doubt you can succeed in this committee.
A little bit about me: I have been involved in Model UN for the past 3 years, growing to become the president of my school’s Model UN club as well as a member of the All American Model UN Travel Team. I also recently served as the Under-Secretary General of De Tenebris Model UN. In my free time, I enjoy participating in my school’s theatre company as a stage manager and playing the bassoon! While I have not participated in a Schoolhouse Model UN prior to this conference, I have been a tutor on Schoolhouse since September 2024!
As you explore these complex topics, do not forget to respect and learn from one another as you all bring unique perspectives to the table!
Siddh S
Background Guide
Introduction
In 1820, the first confirmed sighting of Antarctica was made. While explorers of the time may have been turned away by the bitter cold, it has become a location of increasing relevance to many scientific and political communities. These interests have resulted in concerns for global peace, necessitating the creation of the Antarctic Treaty. However, said treaty has not been perfect in addressing conflict in the region. Issues such as conflicts of territory and contradictions between the treaty and the Law of the Sea. In addition, environmental concerns relating to illegal fishing and climate change have resulted in concern for significant damage to the continent. This has resulted in a session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) being called to order to address these concerns.
History
Soon after this first sighting of Antarctica in 1820, Captain John Davis set foot on the continent itself in 1821. Historians have posited that other native populations may have explored the continent earlier; however, this has not been confirmed. As a result of this discovery, many scientists had argued for the importance of exploring the site. This included Dr John Murray, an oceanographer, who argued for its exploration to the Royal Geographical Society. This speech inspired the Society to send expeditions to the South ends of the Earth in order to discover the South Pole. This caused many groups internationally to begin the search for this area of the world, particularly in Europe with involvement from Sweden, Britain, France, Germany, and more. While the South Pole was discovered in 1911, the end of this era did not come until 1922 when Ernest Shackleton, a key player in many expeditions during this time, passed during his final expedition. However, further expeditions still took place by varying means. Whether it be by air or by land, expeditions have taken place to this day.
However, political claims to these areas have also been heavily contested. Many European countries including Britain, France, and Spain staked their claim to the region, citing historical presence and treaties. In addition, after the dissolution of the Spanish empire, many South American countries argued for their claim of Antarctic territory. While nations such as Spain relinquished claim to the territory, the continuous territorial disputes resulted in a need for international cooperation. In a series of political agreements, the signing of the Antarctic Treaty which recognized Antarctica as a location of research and permanently demilitarized the area. This treaty has not been fully effective though as it has conflicted with the Law of the Sea in the past. In addition, territorial claims between Argentina, Chile, and Britain overlap, though none of the three have taken any action.
Environmental Concerns
Many environmentalists have also expressed concern for Antarctica’s state due to climate change. Antarctica’s oceans provide key water for species internationally, and the balance of its ecosystem is crucial for many ecosystems. However, the Antarctic Krill, a key organism for the Antarctic ecosystem, has been threatened due to the continuous acidification of the ocean due to increasing temperatures in the region.
There are many other threats to the region:
Delegates are responsible for looking into these international issues and determining which are the most appropriate/necessary to address. You may use these Questions a Resolution May Answer (QARMAs) to guide you, but they are by no means required.
QARMA:
Resources and References
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