Topic: 2025-Regulating Invasive Species
Country: Panama
Delegate Name: Sophia Plencner
Position Paper: Regulating Invasive Species
Country: The Republic of Panama
Committee: International Union for Conservation of Nature
Topic: Regulating Invasive Species
By: Sophia Plencner
Introduction:
The increase of invasive species in Panama’s wildlife zones is a dangerous and often persistent threat that plagues far more vulnerable native species than it needs to. As a nation committed to protecting our citizens, we have been tirelessly fighting the prevalence of alien and exotic species in our country. This position paper details Panama’s concerns, positions, and possible solutions to solve the increased amount of invasive species in our regions.
Panama’s Perspective:
Panama understands the risk of invasive species and its effects. Invasive species are one of the leading causes of harm to the environment and wildlife. Panama is particularly concerned about the following issues:
Biodiversity being threatened: The increase of invasive species in our country deepens the loss of biodiversity within our borders, a topic we are very concerned about.
Degrading habitats and loss of soils: Loss of native plants or an influx of invasive species can lead to loss of what little habitats that there are in specific areas of Panama, often leading to more disputes between species and certain wildlife trying to inhibit land that isn’t theirs.
Increase of wildfire risk and other natural disasters: The overall loss of wildlife or species that protected certain areas means that many places will be left vulnerable to wildfires. The new inhabitants will not be established enough to provide sufficient protection, often leading toward areas being much more prone to burning.
Panama’s Policy Positions:
Panama regards a multiparty republic with one legislative house to approach and tackle the effects of invasive species within our country. The Key policy positions include:
Reducing percentages of invasive species: Panama is dedicated to lowering the amount of species who are alien, non-native, and harmful to our country.
Strengthening our approaches: Panama is determined to reevaluate and strengthen our approaches to lessening the amount of invasive species that enter our country.
Bringing awareness: Panama is aware and determined to bring awareness to problems within our country, and that it is the first step to addressing situations and overcoming obstacles.
Lessening opportunities for invasive species to enter our country: Panama understands the risk of invasive species entering our country through our canal, and is committed to working on ways to lessen opportunities to do so.
Proposed Solutions:
To tackle the effects of invasive species in our country, Panama proposes the following solutions:
Relocate invasive species: Take invasive species back to their native habitats for a clean slate.
Establish native species: Aid and support already established and native species in our country so that they are less likely to be overrun by invasive ones.
Clean ships that enter our canal: Make sure to clean bottoms of ships to make sure that no species can accidentally enter new habitats.
Increase awareness: Make citizens and visitors aware of the effects and types of invasive species to make sure that they don’t accidentally harm our habitats.
Conclusion:
Panama is committed to lessening the amount of invasive species in and out of our country. By working together, we can not only address situations such as depleting habitats and native species within our borders, but also help to make sure visitors do so as well.
