Topic: 2025-Regulating Invasive Species
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Luke Zagorski
According to a paper published in Science Direct Bangladesh currently has 69 different invasive alien species that plague Bangladesh. This includes 49 species of plants, 16 species of fish, and 5 species of insects. Bangladesh has many diverse biomes, such as the Sundarban wetlands, that are homes to hundreds of species that are at risk to these invasive species. Invasive species, particularly in wet climates like that of most of Bangladesh, are always a threat to native species. They have different climates that sometimes have more competition and so when they are introduced to new areas they often outcompete the local species. In order to preserve biodiversity and protect the environment of Bangladesh it is important to invest resources into fighting invasive species in Bangladesh.
Invasive species are present in all regions of Bangladesh but particularly in the Sundarbans wetland mangrove forests invasive species have done significant damage. Mangroves require very specific environmental factors to be successful and any disturbances, such as those caused by invasive species, are very detrimental to the health of the forests. In the Sundarbans mangrove forests almost 88% of the area is affected by invasive species. 55% of that region has been “severely damaged” by the effects of invasive species. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and the species of it make up a large part of Bangladesh’s biodiversity. It is our job as a council to fight against environmental degradation and to protect global biodiversity and protecting the Sundarbans and other natural areas of Bangladesh from invasive species is very important in the global protection of biodiversity and the environment.
Sources:
https://bioceed.uib.no/dropfolder/bioPOSTERS/Posters/V22/SDG215/215_1.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235198942030737X
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/invasive.html#:~:text=Invasive%20species%20are%20capable%20of,coastal%20and%20Great%20Lakes%20ecosystems.
