DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL KARNAL

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

2024

BACKGROUND GUIDE FOR

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

ON THE AGENDA

DELIBERATION ON MEASURES TO DECISIVELY ADDRESS THE GLOBAL

ISSUE OF INCREASING OCEAN POLLUTION

Letter from the Executive Board................................................................................................................ 2

Mandate........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction to the Committee & the Agenda...........................................................................................5
Sources of Ocean Pollution..................................................................................................................... 6
Impact on Marine Ecosystems.................................................................................................................7
Economic and Social Implications.......................................................................................................... 7
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks........................................................................................................ 8
UNEP’s Role and Initiatives..................................................................................................... 9
Stakeholder Engagement...................................................................................................... 10
Innovative Solutions and Technologies..................................................................................10
Challenges and Barriers........................................................................................................ 10
Questions to Discuss................................................................................................................................... 11
Appendix..................................................................................................................................................... 12
How to Read the Background Guide..................................................................................................... 12
Rules of Procedure.................................................................................................................................12
Which Sources are Accepted................................................................................................................. 12
 Letter from the Executive Board
Dear Delegates,

It is our distinct honour to write to all of you as your moderators. We would like to extend our
warmest welcome to each one of you. Your participation in this esteemed conference is a
testament to your dedication and commitment to global issues and diplomacy.

DPSKMUN is not just a platform for debate, but a crucible for shaping future responsible
citizens of this world. It is a forum where you will be challenged to broaden your perspectives,
deepen your understanding, and strengthen your negotiation skills.

In the coming days, we shall be delving into one of the most pressing & sensitive issues that our
world faces today, i.e. ocean pollution. We encourage each of you to bring your unique insights,
ideas, and solutions. Remember, every voice matters and every idea has the potential to bring
about change.

As your moderators, we are here to facilitate and guide our discussions. We urge you to reach out
to us should you have any queries or require any assistance.

Let us remember that while we may represent viewpoints, we are united in our goal to make this
world a better place. We look forward to a fruitful and enlightening session with all of you.

Sincerely,

The Executive Board,

United Nations Environment Program,

DPS Karnal MUN 2024

 Mandate
The General Assembly recommended the establishment of UNEP at the UN Conference on
Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 1972. The General Assembly adopted
resolution 2997 (XXVII) of 15 December 1972, which established UNEP as the foremost
environmental body of the UN. With this resolution, UNEP was mandated to promote
international environmental cooperation, guide the creation of environmental policies, review
reports of the Executive Director, monitor the global environment to highlight problems, transfer
scientific knowledge where needed, assist developing countries with any further aid they require,
and review and approve the annual program on the allocation of the Environment Fund, which is
the main source of funding for UNEP. The UNEP Secretariat established its headquarters in
Nairobi, Kenya, where the Secretariat gains a prime understanding of the difficult nature of
environmental issues facing developing countries. Since its creation, UNEP’s mandate has been
revisited, reaffirmed, and amended several times. The most significant of these changes to the
mandate come from Agenda 21, adopted in 1992 by the UN Conference on Environment and
Development (Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Nairobi Declaration on the Role
and Mandate of the United Nations Environment Programme, adopted by the UNEP Governing
Council in its decision 19/1. Agenda 21 (1992) outlines strategies for incorporating sustainable
development into the twenty-first century. This is significant to UNEP’s mandate as it ensured an
environmental conscience was associated with social and economic developments worldwide.
Despite this particular adjustment to the mandate, UNEP still lacked clarity about the role the
program played in the global environmental field; there were few successful operations and the
committee was not strong. This resulted in the Nairobi Declaration, which redefined and
strengthened UNEP’s role and mandate, being adopted. One of the most important outcomes of
the Declaration is the confirmation of UNEP’s position as the principal UN body with global
environmental authority. The Declaration expanded UNEP’s mandate, emphasizing the
promotion of international cooperation and coordination through sharing scientific knowledge
and further developing international law by ensuring international agreements were fully
implemented. Given this mandate, UNEP’s current mission is "to provide leadership and
encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling
nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future
Generations.UNEP is funded from a range of voluntary sources, including the UN Regular
Budget, the Environment Fund, the General Trust Fund, the Technical Cooperation Trust Funds,
Earmarked (Counterpart) Contributions (CPL), other Earmarked Contributions and Other Trust
Funds. Non-governmental donors including individuals and the private sector also play an
important role in financially supporting UNEP.
 Introduction to the Committee & the Agenda
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.”

– Native American Proverb

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Committee is a unique platform that
brings together the most influential voices in the fight against ocean pollution. This committee is
composed of a diverse group of individuals, including world leaders and environmental activists,
all united by a common goal: to address the urgent issue of ocean pollution and its impact on
human rights.

Ocean pollution is a global crisis that threatens our planet’s marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Plastic waste, chemical runoff, oil spills, and other pollutants are clear indicators of a rapidly
deteriorating marine environment. These pollutants pose significant risks to our natural
environment, from the loss of marine habitats and species to the disruption of oceanic cycles and
processes. However, the impacts of ocean pollution extend beyond the natural world. They also
have serious implications for human rights. Ocean pollution exacerbates existing inequalities and
injustices, affecting the most vulnerable and marginalized communities the hardest. It threatens
people’s right to life, health, food, water, and shelter, among other basic human rights.

For instance, contaminated water sources and polluted coastlines can lead to health issues and
displacement, infringing on people’s right to a safe and secure home. The decline in fish
populations due to pollution can affect food security, threatening people’s right to food.
Moreover, the impacts of ocean pollution can exacerbate conflicts over marine resources,
undermining peace and security. The UNEP Committee aims to promote ocean conservation not
just as an environmental goal, but also as a means to protect and uphold human rights.

The committee shall strive to provide a space for open and constructive dialogue, fostering
collaboration and cooperation among different actors. It shall endeavour to encourage the sharing
of knowledge, experiences, and best practices, and promote the development of innovative and
sustainable solutions. The committee shall also play a crucial role in advocating for
environmental justice, calling for fair and equitable policies that take into account the needs and
rights of all people, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, while emphasizing the
importance of environmental education and awareness, and advocating for the active
participation and inclusion of all sectors of society in ocean conservation.

Sources of Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution comes from many places, and it can be divided into two main sources:
land-based and marine-based.

1. Land-based Pollution: Imagine rain washing away dirt, trash, and chemicals from the
land into rivers, which eventually flow into the ocean. This includes:
o Agricultural Runoff: When farmers use fertilizers and pesticides to help plants
grow, some of these chemicals can wash away into rivers and reach the ocean.
This can harm fish and other sea creatures.
o Industrial Waste: Factories sometimes release waste into rivers or directly into
the ocean. This waste can be toxic and harmful to marine life.
o Untreated Sewage: Sometimes, sewage from toilets is not properly cleaned
before it is released into rivers or the ocean, adding bacteria and waste to the
water.
2. Marine-based Pollution: This comes directly from activities in the ocean, such as:
o Oil Spills: When ships accidentally leak oil into the ocean, it creates big, sticky
patches that can hurt birds and sea animals. For example, when a ship carrying
oil crashes, it can spill tons of oil into the sea.
o Ship Waste: Ships sometimes dump trash or waste into the ocean, adding to
pollution.
o Fishing Industry Debris: Old fishing nets and gear that are left or lost in the
ocean can harm sea animals like turtles and dolphins, who can get tangled in
them.
 Impact on Marine Ecosystems

1. Biodiversity Loss: Many sea creatures get sick or die because of pollution. For example,
if a turtle eats a plastic bag thinking it’s food, it can get very sick or even die. When too
many animals are affected, we lose biodiversity, which means there are fewer types of
animals in the ocean.
2. Coral Reef Degradation: Coral reefs are like underwater cities where lots of fish and sea
animals live. Pollution can make corals sick, turning them white and lifeless, which is
called coral bleaching. Without healthy corals, many sea creatures lose their homes.

Economic and Social Implications

1. Fisheries: Many people catch fish from the ocean to sell or eat. If the water is
dirty, fish can get sick, and people won't have as many healthy fish to catch. This
means less food and less money for those who rely on fishing.
2. Tourism: Lots of people love to visit the beach to swim, surf, or just relax. If the
beaches are covered in trash and the water is dirty, people won't want to go there
anymore. This can hurt businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops that depend
on tourists.
3. Human Health: When pollutants enter the ocean, they can end up in the fish and
seafood that we eat. If we eat contaminated fish, it can make us sick. This is why
keeping the ocean clean is important for our health.

Imagine if your favourite beach was covered in plastic bottles and oil spills. You wouldn't want
to play there, and people who work at the beach would have fewer visitors, which means less
money for their families. Keeping the oceans clean helps ensure we have enough food, beautiful
places to visit and stay healthy.
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

International Agreements:
1. MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships): This agreement makes sure that ships don’t dump oil, garbage, or harmful
chemicals into the ocean. Countries agreed to this in 1973 after realizing that
pollution from ships was hurting marine life.
2. The London Convention: Started in 1972, this agreement prevents countries
from dumping waste into the sea. It was created because people noticed that
dumping trash and harmful materials was polluting the water and hurting animals.
3. The Paris Agreement: While mainly about climate change, this agreement,
which began in 2015, helps oceans too. By reducing carbon emissions, countries
can slow down global warming, which affects sea life and coral reefs.
4. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): This 1992 agreement focuses
on protecting plants, animals, and habitats, including those in the ocean. Countries
saw that many species were at risk and decided to work together to protect them.
National Legislation:
1. Plastic Bag Bans: In places like Kenya, the government has banned plastic bags
to stop them from littering the environment and harming sea animals. This law
came about because plastic bags were everywhere.
2. Clean Water Act (USA): This law makes sure that factories and farms can't
dump dirty water into rivers and oceans. It was created because people noticed
that polluted water was harming fish and making beaches unsafe.
3. Marine Protection Act (New Zealand): This law protects special areas in the
ocean, called marine reserves, where no fishing or pollution is allowed. It was
made to keep fish and coral safe so they can grow and stay healthy.
UNEP’s Role and Initiatives

1. Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment

from Land-based Activities (GPA): This program focuses on reducing pollution
from sources on land, like agriculture and industry, which account for a
significant portion of ocean pollution. For example, the GPA helps countries
develop plans to manage wastewater and agricultural runoff more effectively.
2. Clean Seas Campaign: aims to reduce plastic pollution in oceans. UNEP works
with governments, businesses, and individuals to encourage the reduction of
single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives. For instance, some
countries have introduced bans on plastic bags and straws, while businesses are
developing biodegradable packaging. These efforts demonstrate UNEP's
commitment to mobilizing action at all levels to protect our oceans and ensure a
sustainable future.
3. The Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML): This partnership seeks to
bring together governments, businesses, and civil society to prevent and reduce
marine litter. It promotes solutions such as improved waste management,
recycling initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. The GPML also supports
research and monitoring to better understand the sources and impacts of marine
litter.
4. The Global Wastewater Initiative (GW2I): This initiative aims to address the
issue of untreated wastewater entering the oceans. It promotes the treatment and
reuse of wastewater, helping countries develop sustainable sanitation solutions.
By improving wastewater management, the initiative seeks to reduce the pollution
load entering marine environments and improve water quality.
5. The Green Fins Initiative: This is a collaboration between UNEP and the
Reef-World Foundation, focusing on promoting sustainable diving and
snorkelling practices. It provides guidelines and support to reduce the
 environmental impact of the marine tourism industry, helping to protect coral
reefs and marine life from damage caused by recreational activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

Public Awareness and Education: Campaigns to promote behavioural change.

Private Sector Collaboration: Partnerships for sustainable practices.

Innovative Solutions and Technologies

Biodegradable Alternatives: Development and promotion of eco-friendly materials.

Waste Management Innovations: Recycling and waste-to-energy technologies.

Challenges and Barriers

Funding and Resources: Financial constraints in implementing solutions.

Political Will and Cooperation: Need for global commitment and collaboration.
 Questions to Discuss
Here are some points for discussion which may be raised during our discussions,

1. Current State and Impact

o What are the primary sources of ocean pollution globally?
o How does ocean pollution affect marine biodiversity and ecosystems?
o What are the socio-economic impacts of ocean pollution on coastal communities?
2. International Cooperation and Policies
o What existing international agreements and policies address ocean pollution?
o How effective have these agreements been in mitigating ocean pollution?
3. Technological and Scientific Solutions
o What innovative technologies are available to reduce ocean pollution?
o How can scientific research contribute to understanding and solving ocean
pollution issues?
o What are the challenges in implementing technological solutions on a global scale?
4. National and Local Measures
o What successful measures have individual countries implemented to reduce ocean
pollution?
o How can local communities be empowered to take action against ocean pollution?
o What role do education and public awareness play in addressing ocean pollution?
5. Future Strategies and Commitments
o What new strategies can be developed to address the root causes of ocean
pollution?
o How can countries be encouraged to commit to more ambitious targets for reducing
ocean pollution?
o What funding mechanisms can be established to support global efforts in combating
ocean pollution?
 Appendix

How to Read the Background Guide

This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the committee and
its agenda. It is advised to read through each section carefully and conduct further research as
needed.

Nevertheless, this guide is only meant to be a tool to provide a nudge in the right direction, and
must not be treated as a repository of everything you shall need for the discussions. Further
research is strongly recommended.

Rules of Procedure
UNEP shall follow the UNA-USA Rules of Procedure while conducting its business. It must be
noted that procedural strictures are only meant to ease our proceedings, and not further
complicate them, hence, great substance and minor procedural irregularities may not be to your
disadvantage, but poor substance and strict adherence to procedure shall not be to your
advantage!

Which Sources are Accepted

Delegates are encouraged to use reliable sources such as UN reports, academic articles, and
reputable news outlets for their research. Other sources may be admitted at the discretion of the
moderators.