Topic: 2024-Famine in Conflict Zones
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Liam Watkins
Food security is of major importance for sustainably furthering continuous development, yet millions of people globally still face hunger and malnutrition. The Republic of Columbia is especially relevant in this conversation, as a country that, although agriculturally rich, has a delicate and endangered ecology. The Republic of Colombia recognizes the potential benefits of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to alleviate hunger while safeguarding biodiversity. However, we are aware and cautious of the potential dangers and believe in implementing strict biosafety measures, as shown by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety of which we are a signatory. The Republic of Colombia is dedicated to furthering productive solutions to solve food security and promote sustainable development.
Colombia, known for its coffee, bananas, and other exports, faces significant food security challenges, particularly in rural areas plagued by poverty, conflict, and climate change. We have cautiously permitted GMOs for specific crops like corn and cotton, mainly to boost productivity and reduce pesticide use. However, Colombia’s people have pushed against the use of GMOs due to concerns over safety and the loss of traditional farming practices. The impacts of GMOs on food security are very relevant to Colombia’s priorities, including rural development and biodiversity conservation to promote a more resilient ecology. While GMOs offer enhanced crop resilience against pests and climate stress, their ecological risks, such as gene flow to wild relatives, must be carefully managed. Colombia views GMOs not as a cure-all, but as a potential tool in a broader strategy for sustainable agricultural development.
The Republic of Colombia believes in essentially three central questions that this committee must focus on answering. How can international institutions like the FAO support nations in addressing public skepticism of GMOs while promoting informed decision-making? What policies can encourage the development of GMOs tailored to specific regional climates and ecosystems, especially in countries like Colombia with diverse geographies? And lastly, how can the FAO ensure that the adoption of GMOs respects the cultural and traditional agricultural practices of our indigenous communities?
The solutions that the Republic of Colombia would like to see further discussed in implementing would be further international collaboration on developing climate-resilient GMOs. The Republic of Colombia’s expertise in tropical agriculture is especially relevant to creating crops suited to biodiversity hotspots. The Republic of Columbia also supports the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, of which we are a signatory and advocate for its global implementation. Strengthening these frameworks minimizes environmental risks as we bring in more GMOs. We would also like to see pushes to spread accurate information about GMOs, including their benefits and limitations, for which participation with NGOs is particularly important. Lastly, to ensure inclusivity, Colombia emphasizes the importance of affordable GMO seeds and technical training and education for small farmers, enabling equitable benefits from technological advancements for all states.
The Republic of Colombia’s adherence to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety demonstrates its commitment to safe GMO handling. This protocol is a ‘guiding framework for balancing biotechnology use and biodiversity preservation’. Additionally, Colombia’s National Development Plan document outlines future development goals, in which rural development and food security are major issues, with plans including GMO adoption strategies to improve agricultural productivity. The Republic of Colombia signed The FAO’s Guidelines on Biotechnology guidelines which advocate for ‘science-based policies that address ethical, social, and economic dimensions of GMO use’. Our adherence to these documents illustrates our motivation and dedication to facing food insecurity.
Through this committee, The Republic of Colombia’s goal is to contribute to technological advancements in agriculture to end hunger while respecting the planet’s ecological and cultural diversity. Through collaboration, education, and, especially so, stringent regulation, The Republic of Colombia believes the FAO can lead the way in ensuring GMOs serve as a tool for global food security, not at the expense of public trust or environmental integrity.
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