SECOND SPEAKER SPEECH (TO BE EDITED)

Moot: Guyana should implement stricter regulations to protect its

biodiversity

Thank you madam moderator, allow me to premise my arguments on the

protocols previously established, good morning everyone. In my capacity as the
second speaker, I have no qualms about concurring that Guyana needs to enact
more stringent regulations to safeguard its biodiversity. Without a doubt, the
government is now making sure that the nation's biodiversity is appreciated for
the crucial contribution they make to the health of the world with the
implementation of LCDS 2030. Nevertheless, there are a few LCDs that
continue to exhibit little improvement. Is propaganda being sold by the
government, or is the process moving on turtle back because rules aren't being
enforced?

Prestigious judges, what is a fish without a river? What is a bird without a

tree to nest in? What is a low carbon development plan without any strict
implementation to ensure our biodiversity is protected? IT IS NOTHING.

One of the goals is to assist in developing and implementing programs

to address illnesses connected to climate change, as stated in Chapter 5 of the
LCDS 2030. Yet, there hasn't been a clear established program, Guyana has now
reported more than 2,100 cases of dengue in the year 2023. Although dengue is not
a new illness in this region, there are more instances and fatalities than typical.
According to Guyana's Ministry of Health, 11 individuals have lost their lives to
the illness so far this year. declares the newsroom in 2023.We are failing to meet
most of the targets and unless we act now, we will simply miss them and failing
them is not just a pity, it’s a threat to our sustainability, our food security and
our economic well-being, so let’s be under no illusions that we haven’t been
missing the mark.

As stated by Frans Lanting in 2021, "biodiversity starts in the distant past

and points toward the future". The nation's economy will flourish if laws
protecting Guyana's biodiversity are strictly enforced. According to Guyana's
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2022, Guyana's
biodiversity serves as a solid foundation for economic growth and development
in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. As mentioned in Guyana's
fifth national report to the convention on biological diversity. Agriculture
played a major role in Guyana's transformation from a least developed and
highly indebted country in 1990 to a low medium-income country while also
significantly boosting the country's GDP. Agriculture employs over 17% of the
labour force, and in 2022, the agriculture industry contributed approximately
25% of non-oil to the GDP. Guyana's agriculture will suffer if it doesn't
preserve its biodiversity, which will have negative repercussions.Nothing is
more vital than air, water, soil, energy, and biodiversity, in my opinion. These
are the things that sustain our existence. The question is, how can you sleep
knowing that without the strict protection of biodiversity our future generation
will be in danger? Thank you!!!