By Cyrene Woo ||
The issue of Pandora's colonization and commercial utilization
In the year 2154, the overpopulation of humans on Earth and extreme exploitation of resources has led to the planet becoming a wasteland. Humankind is prompted to venture out to find other habitable planets. In this conference, delegates of Earth and Pandora, a planet with valuable resources beneficial to humans, are joining to discuss resolutions on the problem of colonization and exploitation of resources of Pandora.
To support the human population, the Resource Development Administration (RDA) is planning to destroy the Hometree of Pandora, a sacred home for the Na’vi Clans which guards a major source of unobtanium. The current major conflict concerns the exploiting of resources of Pandora, which damages the biodiversity of the planet and affects the indigenous community. Jake Sully, an Avatar driver and one of the main sources of communication between the Na’vi and humans, and Dr. Grace Augustine, head of the Avatar Program and Science Operations, are trying to negotiate on the protection and preservation of Pandora’s natural habitat, and stop the colonization and exploitation of the planet for commercial use.
When giving opening speeches, Parker Selfridge, head administrator of the RDA on Pandora who has many disagreements with Dr. Grace Augustine, made it clear that he is planning to destroy the Hometree, in order to achieve what humans couldn’t achieve in the past, unwilling to ‘let predecessors dictate what they are limited to develop’. Mike Scoreby, captain of the SeaDragon and close ally of Parker Selfridge, has also made his loyal stance to the RDA clear by simply stating ‘I like murder’ in his opening speech. Their intentions are profit-driven, making them willing to destroy the habitat of Pandora in order to obtain powerful resources for the further development of humankind, strongly believing in the exploitation of Pandora for its resources.
Meanwhile, the opposing delegates have stated that they strongly condemn the colonization and the exploitation of natural resources of Pandora. Jake Sully does not oppose peaceful cooperation for scientific research, but believes that colonization should never hurt the indigenous species, and has raised concern about colonization or exploitation of Pandora for commercial use. Dr. Grace Augustine, Dr. Cordell Lovecraft, Neytiri, Eytukan, Tonowari, Ronal, Ikeyni and Akway have also expressed similar beliefs, condemning the exploitation of Pandora for commercial use. They are seeking for a peaceful solution which allows humans and inhabitants of Pandora to live in peace. Ronal, Tsahik of the Metkayina Clan, has stated that she ‘does not seek war, but also does not fear war’, and will have to resort to violence if necessary.
During the moderated caucus, delegates further elaborated on their stances and their plans for cooperation and development. Parker Selfridge has proposed a peace treaty which provides Na’vis and humans to voice their opinions in an equal and fair manner, promoting cultural exchange between them with peace as the first choice. Dr. Grace Augustine, Tonowari, and Dr. Cordell Lovecraft, etc. have also shown support for the cooperation as long as it promotes scientific research in a humane way and does not exploit Pandora for commercial purposes.
When asked about plans regarding moving humans to Pandora, Parker states that human settlement overseen by Na’vis in a peaceful manner, with neither party disturbing the other, is the best for the future of mankind. Mick Scoreby has stated that he believes cohabitation on Pandora is possible with regulations, as Earth is currently in ‘complete ruins’, and Pandora seems to be the best candidate as a future home for humanity.
The council also addressed the topic of the regulation of Tulkun hunting, an intelligent marine species of Pandora hunted by the RDA for amrita, a valuable resource that stops humans from aging. Ronal stands against the RDA, and believes that any harm done to Tulkuns is unacceptable, as Tulkuns must be killed in order to obtain their amrita. Meanwhile, Colonel Miles Quaritch, RDA Security Operations commander and chief of security, states that he is in full support of the colonization of Pandora, as it is most beneficial to humankind, despite being questioned whether it is a selfish act. He acknowledges the efforts of others to look for a peaceful solution, but does not oppose violence if it is most beneficial to humans.
There are also updates regarding developments of cooperation between Pandora and Earth. A new zoo is built on Earth with Pandora beings to promote cultural exchange. Research shows that Pandorean animals will thrive in the atmosphere of Earth, but there are also concerns raised on protecting the biodiversity of Pandora. However, the economy on Earth has crashed completely, and unemployment is an extremely serious concern. It is therefore ever more important to protect job opportunities on Pandora. How will this conference progress with newly formed agreements for peace whilst the situation on Earth continues to worsen?
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