IBGMUN in Ikast 2025: Tackling Tourism and its Effects on Biodiversity

The Economic and Social Council was presided by Pauline Schepke, a former student from Goetheschule. In her function as chair of the Model UN committee, Pauline was faced right from the start with passionate debates on how to mitigate the impact of tourism on biodiversity:

ECOSOC chair Pauline, together with the delegate of Brazil.

Our delegates took part in a heated ECOSOC debate focused on balancing tourism and biodiversity. The session kicked off with Brazil’s strong objection to what they deemed an “unfair vote,” setting a tense tone for the discussion.  

Canada proposed a resolution to regulate tourism in sensitive areas, but it faced immediate criticism from China and Saudi Arabia. Both countries argued the proposal was too vague and financially driven. China, pushing for more practical solutions, accepted the resolution but introduced several amendments to reshape it to their vision, effectively transforming the document into a new plan. 

Key changes included traveler taxes (with exemptions for volunteer work), penalties for high CO2 emitters, and a ban on night flights in tourist-heavy regions. Despite progress, the debate underscored how challenging it is to find common ground on such complex issues. 

Beyond the debates, the conference was a great opportunity to build friendships and work through challenges together, highlighting MUN’s role in fostering both international cooperation and lasting connections.

Pauline Schepke