Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FAO of the UN Description
Despite the wonderful natural resources and agriculture, in Latin America, many people suffer from food insecurity due to several reasons. You might even be suffering from food insecurity and might not be aware of it. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
In this committee we want you to dive into the heart of Latin America, the use of its natural resources, and the effects it has on people, its economy and health.
Committee Description
In this committee, you will discuss the impacts of the shortage and/or lower-quality foods found in some regions of the world and some solutions.
TOPIC A: The Future of the Amazon Rainforest
Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest is a critical worldwide issue intricately linked to our lives. This rainforest has often been referred to as the lungs of the planet, emphasizing its importance. Losing it would mean a severe loss of biodiversity, as the Amazon is home to over 3 million species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Additionally, without the ability to retain humidity, we would see an increase in droughts and fires, and the water cycle would be disrupted. For example, in one day, the trees in the Amazon can release 20 billion tons of moisture into the atmosphere. However, since urban areas are on an uprise, millions of trees are being cut down for agriculture expansion, livestock grazing, infrastructure development, etc. According to a new study from RAISG, in just five years, Amazon could lose almost half of what it lost in the past two decades. The Amazon has lost up to 23.7 million hectares of forest, an area almost as large as the entire United Kingdom. Through this topic, delegates will explore how countries could implement sustainable agriculture in the Amazon rainforest without causing more harm to it.
TOPIC B: Pest and Pesticide Management
In addition to killing pests, pesticides have a lot more uses. Pests are a major factor in crop losses that contribute to food poverty, with pesticides being the primary technique for pest control around the world. One of the main issues with fresh food safety is pesticide contamination, which has an impact on food production. The improper use of pesticides greatly endangers the environment, farmers, and consumers. Farmers are aware that relying too heavily on pesticides upsets the ecosystems' natural balance. Additionally, strengthening pest resistance to pesticides is their increasing use. Reducing the risk of pesticide use while managing pest hazards is a key strategy for sustainable crop production, intensification, and diversity. Delegates will discuss pest and pesticide management in this context, taking into account the necessary regulatory requirements for pesticides to ensure safety and efficacy without causing harm to people, animals, the environment, or the ecosystem. Part of addressing the issue is to manage pesticides throughout their lifecycle without leaving behind pests.