LE PRESIDENT: Je déclare ouverte la onzième séance plénière de la 99ème session de notre Conseil.
Nous avons ce matin à notre ordre du jour les rapports de la 19ème session du Comité des pêches pour examen et éventuellement décision (CL 99/7). Si nous avons terminé à temps, nous entamerons le point 13: Faits nouveaux intervenus dans le Système des Nations Unies qui intéressent la FAO, pour examen et éventuellement décision (CL 99/6 et CL 99/INF/17).
Nous commencerons immédiatement par le point 11. Je demanderai au représentant du Sous-Directeur général, M. Lindquist, le Directeur des Industries de la pêche, de faire la présentation du rapport de la 19ème session du Comité des pêches, et je me permettrai ensuite de demander à l'un des vice-présidents d'avoir l'obligeance de présider cette séance parce qu'à 10 heures précises se tiendra, dans la salle de la Malaisie, la réunion projetée concernant la discussion du projet de résolution sur un point réservé la semaine dernière concernant les ressources phytogénétiques.
Je passe immédiatement la parole à M. Krone, Directeur des Industries de la pêche.
W. KRONE (Director, Fishery Industries Division): I have pleasure in reporting to you the results of the Nineteenth Session of the Committee on Fisheries which was held from 8 to 12 April this year here in Rome. I am talking on behalf of Dr Lindquist, the Assistant Director-General of Fisheries, who was unexpectedly called to duty travel.
The Fisheries Committee had a quite heavy agenda, and I am not proposing to go through every single item here and reporting to you. I would just like to highlight the Committee's views and recommendations on the major issues discussed. First, there was a complex of topics regarding the world fisheries situation. The Committee reviewed (a) the progress in implementing the 1984 FAO World Fisheries Conference's Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development; (b) pertinent issues with respect to environment and sustainability in fisheries; and (c) the actions which had been taken by the Secretariat to enhance the role of women in fisheries development.
The Committee was satisfied with progress in implementing the World Fisheries Conference's Strategy. It confirmed the validity of the Strategy in the formulation and implementation of fisheries management and development and recommended that environment and sustainability in fisheries, appropriate fisheries management systems, removal of trade barriers and increased national research capacity required increased attention in the Strategy. It suggested that FAO should prepare a special publication summarizing all national reports and the debates and highlighting the benefits derived as well as proposals for the effective implementation of the Strategy by developing countries.
Implementation of the Strategy will also be reviewed at the November FAO Conference.
On the issue of environment and sustainability in fisheries issues, the Committee recognized the key role FAO would have to play at intemational, regional and national levels. It accorded high priority to integrated coastal management. Rational use of inland water and marine fishery resources was stressed. FAO was requested to develop guidelines for use in controlling the environmental impact of and on aquaculture. The Committee stressed that all efforts should be made by its member countries and FAO to ensure that fisheries interests were well represented in the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development. We are firmly involved in the preparation of the Conference and have prepared two documents, one on marine living resources and one on coastal area management.
As to the role of women in fisheries, the Committee welcomed various initiatives taken by the Fisheries Department enhancing the role of women in fisheries development. It identified a number of elements which serve as constraints in this process. It agreed that training and extension were most important ingredients in the programme to enhance the role of women in fisheries.
The Committee discussed three special issues in detail. The first one was a follow-up to the recommendation of the Twenty-fifth Session of the FAO Conference on large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing. The Committee expressed its appreciation with a number of actions taken by the Director-General. It agreed that the problem will need further consideration by FAO, especially in regard to the selectivity of fishing practices and gear in order to reduce by-catches and to promote the rational management of marine living resources, including those of the high seas. The Committee recognized the important role of FAO in promoting responsible fishing. There was widespread support for FAO to convene in the next biennium an expert consultation and subsequently an ad hoc governmental consultation to review various issues related to the rational management of living resources of the high seas. It should be noted that during the next biennium a new tuna management body in the Indian Ocean is to be established.
The second special issue was the fisheries research needs of developing countries. Many delegations stressed the leading role of FAO in coordinating internationally applied research including research planning and training of scientists.
Although it was recognized that the international study under way with the co-sponsorship of FAO, the World Bank, the EEC and the United Nations Development Programme was still being finalized, FAO itself is participating in this process quite closely.
The third special issue discussed was the marking of fishing gear. The Committee agreed to defer the detailed discussion of this issue until its Twentieth Session in 1993, noting that the Government of Canada would convene in July this year in British Columbia an expert consultation on the marking of fishing gear.
The Committee then reviewed the report on the Third Session of the COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade which was held last September. It noted with appreciation that the Common Fund for Commodities had recently designated the COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade as the International Commodity Body for fishery products. It requested the Director-General to submit as soon as possible to the Common Fund the Technical Assistance Programme for Fishery Commodities and Marketing Development which it had approved. It also recommended that FAO should closely cooperate with GATT as requested by you in identifying trade barriers and their eventual elimination as well as the elaboration of criteria for fair trade.
The Committee also reviewed progress in the implementation of the Field Programmes of the Organization in Fisheries. It agreed that the World Fisheries Conference Programme of Action, which related to regional and inter-regional projects, continue to provide a valid international framework for fisheries management and development, particularly at regional and inter-regional levels.
As regards projects at the country level, it was agreed that they should be formulated within the context of the individual national development plans.
The Committee stressed the need for increased use of national experts in national projects and required FAO to intensify training of these.
The Committee reviewed the medium-term perspectives and programme priorities in fisheries, as well as the proposed Summary Programme of Work and Budget in fisheries for the next biennium. It endorsed the proposed medium-term objectives and identified the areas requiring increased attention in the medium-term.
As to the Summary Programme of Work and Budget, I do not need to reiterate some of the remarks made here on Friday.
Before concluding this summary, I would like to say that the session was most constructive and useful. This was due in no small measure to the able leadership of the Chairperson, the Honourable Maria de los Angeles Moreno, Secretary of Fisheries of Mexico, and, of course, the full cooperation of the delegations with their active interventions, which were of very high technical standard.
LE PRESIDENT: Je remercie Monsieur Krone et je voudrais remercier également Madame Moreno de la délégation du Mexique qui a présidé ce Comité des pêches.
Je voudrais tout d'abord signaler que j'ai reçu de l'honorable délégué de l'Egyptê le texte de son intervention qui figurera in extenso dans le verbatim parce que le délégué de l'Egypte participera à la réunion qui va se tenir en salle de la Malaisie. Je demanderai à Monsieur Nusyirwan Zen, vice-président, d'avoir l'extrême obligeance de bien vouloir rejoindre le podium et de présider ce point de l'ordre du jour pendant que nous allons procéder aux inscriptions.
Désirent participer au débat: le Japon, la République de Corée, la Suède, la Pologne, le Cap-Vert, le Royaume de Thaïlande, l'Australie, le Canada, la France, le Maroc, les Etats-Unis, le Mexique, la Grèce, l'Indonésie, la Colombie, l'Allemagne, le Costa Rica, le Royaume-Uni, Trinidad et Tobago.
Comme observateurs: l'Espagne, le PNUD, la république islamique d'Iran.
La liste n'est pas encore close.
Mr Nusyirwan Zen. Vice-Chairman of the Council. took the chair
M. Nusvirwan Zen. Vice-Président du Conseil. assume la présidence
Ocupa la presidencia el Sr. Nusyirwan Zen. Vicepresidente del Consejo
Masayuki KOMATSU (Japan): We are very happy to see Mr Zen from the Asian Region Group in the Chair, and we would like to express our thanks to you for giving us the floor as the first speaker. Particularly, I feel that it is a great honour to speak before Colombian Ambassador Bula Hoyos speaks. I also would like to express our appreciation to Dr Krone for the concise and comprehensive introduction of the document CL 99/7.
Japan participated actively in the debates which took place in the Committee on Fisheries and we are pleased to see that the views expressed by the Japanese delegation were to a large extent fairly reflected in the Report of COFI. We assume this is because the views and policies of Japan, as one of the largest fishing nations and also as the country which is committed to cooperating with the international communities in the fisheries field, are shared by many of the Member Nations of this Organization. In this regard Japan reaffirms our support to the aims, objectives and activities of FAO in the field of fisheries and expect wholeheartedly that FAO will take a leading role in the fisheries field wherever and whenever appropriate.
Japan is more than pleased to endorse the Report of the Nineteenth Session of COFI. However, I would like to touch upon several important points which arose at the COFI meeting as well as on occasions following the COFI.
Firstly, the Government of Japan considers that the principles and guidelines of the Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development formulated by the Conference are still effective in ensuring appropriate conservation, management and optimum utilization of fishery resources within each coastal state's exclusive economic zone.
Japan is a nation surrounded by the sea and has a long history of using various fishery products as food, ranging from fish to seaweed and jellyfish. Japan thus welcomes the rising interest in fishery resources in recent years.
However, we cannot remain inattentive to the recent moves, which should not be disregarded, in implementing the FAO World Fisheries Conference's Strategy and maintaining and expanding the world's fishery production. If we fail to cope with this move properly, we could face a serious situation in which it would be difficult or impossible to obtain food from the oceans, which occupy three-quarters of the earth's surface.
Among problems now facing us, the first and foremost is the contamination of the marine environment. This problem is all the more serious in view of the aggravated situation in the coastal and intertidal areas which have high productivity. I would like to renew my confirmation, with the consent of those who are present here today, that the ocean is not a waste disposal ground.
The second problem is the balance between protection of wildlife and development of fishery resources. Fisheries belong to one of the most primitive categories of industry, and in this sense, if it is managed properly, it could be the most friendly industry to the ecosystem, including wildlife.
Wildlife protection should be carried out in accordance with the principle to restrain the impact of fisheries within the range of the resource's reproductive capability. I wish to stress that total prohibition of incidental take or harvesting would be conducive to excessive protection of a part of the ecosystem and would lead to destruction of the ecological balance as such.
In the recent discussion of the whaling issue there is an opinion that any utilization of whales should be abandoned even if scientific evidence can proof the robust condition of whale stocks. This kind of opinion contravenes the sustainable development of marine resources, which is rational conservation and utilization.
Regarding the driftnet fishing issue, Japan supports the Resolutions concerning pelagic driftnet fishing adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 and 1990 based on the recognition that establishment of appropriate conservation and management measures would contribute to the sound development of world fisheries in harmony with the preservation of the marine environment. Japan is now striving to promote the collection of scientific data in line with these Resolutions, within the framework of the Joint Undertaking in the North Pacific.
However, we have concern that a small number of countries may have a preconception of putting into moratorium all large-scale driftnet fishing in all areas without attaching fair adherence to the scientific evidence and statistical analyzation on what has been accumulated and what will be collected in the near future. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution clearly stated that all large-pelagic driftnet fishing should be on moratorium if there are not scientific and statistically sound bases
which support the operations of large-pelagic driftnet fisheries. That is to mean that driftnet fishery operations should be continued if there is sufficient evidence which supports the justification of the continuation of the operation.
As you are fully aware Japan is the largest of the fishing nations where many fishermen are dependent upon fishing activities, and many of the Japanese fishermen could not find any other ways and means to make a living by changing their occupation. In this regard, Japanese fishermen are in the same position as those in the developing coastal countries, and the significancê of the driftnet fishery is equally important to Japanese fishermen.
Our delegation also would like to appeal to the common sense, wisdom and unprejudiced judgement of Member Nations of FAO, that small-scale driftnet fishing may cause significant harm to coastal marine living resources when a large number of small-scale fisheries are used in an uncontrolled manner.
The delegation of Japan wishes to support the proposals put forward by the Secretariat on holding both expert and inter-governmental consultations.
However, such expert consultations and inter-governmental consultations should be touching upon not only the high seas fishery resources but also those in the EEZ and interactions between the high seas and the EEZs, because the fishery production in the coastal areas in the EEZ accounts for more that 90 percent of the world marine fishery production, and it is, accordingly, obviously clear that insurance and establishment of the appropriate fishery managements of 200 miles on, the EEZs will exert the very important roles in the global fishery managements, including high seas, with respect to sustainable development.
Japan believes that as the United Nations Convention on the law of the sea clearly stipulated, the fishing, coastal, geographical disadvantage and land-locked nations base the fair footing to the issue involving the high seas fishery resources in the consultative process on this issue.
Turning to the topics on the integrated development of coastal areas.
Regarding the integrated development of the coastal area, Japan believes that FAO should positively cope with the integrated development of the coastal area because such development, with due consideration to the environmental and holistic continuity, is useful for the development of fisheries in developing nations.
Japan opened a new trust fund to FAO from this year to contribute to help to introduce or reinforce coastal fishery resource management systems in Asia and the Pacific to hold an experts meeting on fishery management systems. The idea of this trust fund is that responsible fishery officers, researchers, representatives of fishery cooperatives and NGOs may take up the appropriate part of the Japanese coastal management system if it is considered to be applicable to their own systems.
Such an expert consultation will be held at Kobe, Japan on 8-13 June 1992. Twelve countries in the region will participate.
Concerning the establishment of a new tuna management body in the Indian Ocean, we have concern over the delay in reaching to the agreement of FAO Constitution Article 14 body. Legally speaking, we can accommodate the full participation of EEC in the body with or without waiting for the consequence of the discussion of the EEC's membership to FAO.
Concerning the Programme of Work and Budget in 1992-93.
Needless to say, three quarters of the surface of the earth is occupied by the ocean where there are enriched fishery and marine resources and a huge variety of biodiversities. As a carbon sink to mitigate global warning and protection for the air, the role to be played by the ocean might also be far more important than the tropical forests, which have already attained the attraction of priority area.
Moreover the ocean, or fishery, provides food to human beings, unlike the forestry and the fishery, despite the excessive fear over the collapse of the resources, this is the area of growth and we should expect that fisheries production should continue to grow under appropriate fishery management.
Therefore, our delegation would like to appeal for the revision of the budget to increase the total at least over that of the current biennium, having the resources to be transferred from the low priorities in Chapter 1, Chápter 3 through Chapter 7 of FAO's Programme of Work and Budget during 1992-93.
In this regard, our delegation is pleased to see paragraph 148 of the report of COFI and paragraph 2.77 of CL 99/8: Report of the Sixty-second Session of the Programme Committee, reading that the additional resources should be used to stréngthen the work of the Fisheries Department.
Japan earnestly hopes that since the study for incidental takes of marine mammals, sea birds, turtles, etc. by the normal operation of fishing is needed to respond to the various needs in this Committee, therefore FAO/UNEP Joint Marine Mammal Action Plan should be revitalized by having the above-mentioned additional resources.
Cho BONG-HWAN (Korea, Republic of): It is my pleasure to see you again in the chair. My delegation would like to thank the FAO Secretariat for the good work in preparing the comprehensive document, and also thank Mr Krone and the representative of the Fisheries Department for his clear informative presentation.
My delegation welcomes the Report of the Nineteenth Session of the Committee on Fisheries. Particularly, we endorse the emphasis given by FAO to sustainability in fisheries, aquaculture development, promotion of women's role in fisheries development, and fisheries research needs of developing countries. However, there are some points dealt with in the report on which my delegation would like to make comments.
Firstly, we accept that the principles and guidelines of the strategy for fisheries management and development endorsed by the 1984 FAO World Fisheries Conference has been the basic concept for fisheries policy, and that the strategy has a continuing validity and usefulness in the future. My delegation fully supports the Committee recommendation that FAO should prepare a special publication concerning the follow-up actions about the implementation of the strategy.
Secondly, with our experience we would point out that despite increased fishing efforts, fish catch around the Korean peninsula has revealed no more increase recently. Therefore my delegation stresses that we should manage the fisheries resources based on a sustainability with the help of the domestic regulatory measures and the collaboration among related countries.
In this regard, taking into account the importance of the fisheries resource conservation and, at the same time, the continuous fisheries development, my delegation would like to emphasize the close cooperation between coastal countries and distant water fishing countries in utilizing the marine resources in the Exclusive Economic Zones. Such cooperation should include fee fishing, joint ventures, transfer of fishery technology, know-how in fisheries resource development, TCDC activities, etc.
Thirdly, Korea, as one of the countries which have driftnet fishing boats on the high seas, the North Pacific area has supported and carefully looked at the development following the UN Resolution 44/225 on large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing. Korea has implemented various voluntary activities to respond to the belated countries' request on the North Pacific high seas driftnet fishing since 1984, such as fishing grounds limitation by time and area, prohibition of retaining anadromous species on board, restriction of mesh size, marking international call signs on fishing gear, international joint observer programmes, etc. On the other hand, concerning this matter my delegation is of the view that the appropriate conservation and management measures should be taken based on scientific evidence. From the fishing technical point of view, drift gillnet has rather size-selective characteristics than other fishing gear. Moreover, gillnet itself is useful and economic fishing gear in the low density area of fish. That is why gillnet has been widely used in the world fishing history. Therefore, my delegation fully supports the idea of paragraph 83 that FAO is the appropriate body to undertake the collection of more reliable and detailed statistic information on high seas catches, and to report the statistical data differentiating between areas under national jurisdiction and the high seas. In this connection, my delegation recognizes, and at the same time requests the strengthening of activities of WAICENT for the fisheries sector, Geographic Information Systems and Task Force on High Seas Fisheries.
Finally, concerning the medium-term perspectives and programme activities for fisheries, my delegation endorses the key medium-term objectives of Major Programme on Fisheries expressed in paragraph 132. However, my delegation regrets the reduction of the fisheries sector in the Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93. Bearing in mind this situation I would like to re-emphasise the two areas among priority areas.
First, strengthening of activities in fisheries information and statistics; second, improvement of the quality of fishery products for both the domestic market and international trade.
In the second area, my delegation warmly welcomes the recent designation of the COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade as an International Commodities Body. We hope that FAO will initiate progress as soon as possible for securing finance from the Common Fund, and also to follow the initiatives for market-oriented and value-added fishery products.
Rolf AKESSOH (Sweden): I have the honour of making this statement on behalf of the Nordic Countries, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
"Environment and sustainability in fisheries" was in our opinion a well-chosen theme at the recent session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI). Dangerous developments are threatening the fisheries as well as the aquatic environment and ecology in many parts of the world. Vigilance and appropriate counteraction is needed. Such action should come about by national and international efforts to devise and implement adequate management and protection policies based on scientific research.
FAO has an important role to play in this context, for example by supporting the creation of management institutions, where those are lacking, and by establishing a global, internationally standardized system for reporting catch data.
Problems concerning fishery management and marine environment are often of a regional nature. It is thus rational to tackle them by regional international cooperation. At the last session COFI was informed of the important and far-reaching regional initiative concerning the Baltic Sea, which is embodied in the 1990 Baltic Sea Declaration.
This initiative taken at the highest political level by the countries of the Baltic watershed area aims at creating and implementing a joint comprehensive programme for restoring the marine environment to a sound ecological balance. The work on the programme, which is led by a task force within the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), is progressing well. The programme will also have the support of international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank. One of the main beneficiaries of a successful programme would, of course, be the Baltic fisheries.
One of the main tasks for FAO in the fishery sector is to promote the sustainable well-being of those whose livelihood is dependent on fishing. In this context we noted with satisfaction at the last COFI session that there seemed to be a general understanding to handle this task in a broad integrated perspective for development of human and natural resources in coastal areas.
We are pleased to note that FAO is taking part in the preparations for the UNCED Conference in Brazil next year, for example by the submission of two documents. We are anxious to be kept posted about FAO's preparatory work in the fishery sector.
Large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing was a salient topic at the last COFI session. Such fishing - notably on the high seas - has been the subject of two recent UN General Assembly Resolutions (44/225 and 45/197). We fully support the implementation of these Resolutions. FAO has a crucial role to play in this context.
We share the opinion that this special fishing method should be viewed also as part of a larger issue, namely that of responsible management and selectivity in fishing.
We would also like to point out the need for more precise definitions. We agree that FAO should strengthen its work on gear selectivity and behaviour of marine animals in relation to fishing gear.
We note that FAO's fisheries programmes will be subject to a decrease of resources in the proposed budget for 1992-93, compared to the present budget. This is an unfortunate result of the Organization's financial situation and the general priorities we will have to make. We will have to keep in mind, however, that the present budget has not been fully utilized and also remember that resources for activities within the fisheries sector will be channelled through the Field Programme and TCP.
The Nordic countries can support the proposed priority selection for the work of FAO in fisheries. As we pointed out at the COFI session we would like to have these four main areas clearly reflected in the Programme of Work for 1992-93. We would have liked to see, however, higher priority being given within the regular budget to the work with gender issues. we were in this regard encouraged by the interest and ideas expressed by the COFI when it discussed the role of women in fisheries development.
Ms. Malgorzata PIOTROVSKA (Poland): Poland has a high regard for the achievements of the FAO Fisheries Department, which are well reflected in all the documents prepared for the Nineteenth Session of the Committee on Fisheries. We also note with great satisfaction the very welcome election, for the first time in its history, of a woman, the Honorable Minister of Fisheries of Mexico, as the Chairperson of the Session.
The Polish delegation, during the Nineteenth Session, complimented the Secretariat on the clarity and quality of documents prepared, so we will limit ourselves to remarks on work and budget only. Obviously, the proposed work programme is a logical continuation of the activities of FAO in the first biennium, and it addresses correctly new developments and very urgent matters occurring in world fisheries.
My delegation particularly welcomes the further and deeper involvement of FAO in environmental issues. For us, as a Baltic state, environmental problems are becoming of vital importance as its negative effect on the state of resources grows continuously. This problem calls for close collaboration, and in our opinion FAO has an important role to play in finding the right solutions.
The role of research and development has been emphasized on several occasions by our delegation. In this regard, we welcome the recent study on international fishery needs for developing countries coordinated by the World Bank, FAO, UNDP and the Commission of the European Community on behalf of seventeen donors. We also welcome the recently published survey of external assistance to the fishery sectors of the developing countries, which has been developed from interesting data collected by the newly created Fishery Project Information System. We strongly believe that FAO should play an important role in any future projects which may emerge from this study.
Polish fisheries are going through the difficult but necessary process of structural change and privatization of the whole industry. This also involves a change of legislation governing resources management in the Polish economic zone, and a free market approach in the fish trade. In this context, the advice and expertise of FAO are of great value and importance. An area of particular importance for us is covered by two programmes - 2.2.2 and 2.2.3. Although we understand that the resources of FAO are limited, we have noted with concern that for the first time notable reductions in the proposed allocations for the Major Programme 2.2 Fisheries have been made. Therefore, we wish to join other delegations in requesting the Director-General to reconsider the proposed allocations to minimize cuts for the fisheries programmes.
Manuel Amante DA ROSA (Cap-Vert): Les pêches apportent une contribution très importante à l'économie d'un bon nombre de pays, notamment des Etats insulaires comme le Cap-Vert, pour des raisons telles que celles qui suivent: il s'agit d'un secteur dont le développement détermine la création d'emplois; elles possèdent un grand effet multiplicateur sur l'économie et sur l'emploì si elles sont développées en articulation avec d'autres sous-secteurs de liaison potentielle à l'amont et à l'aval; elles apportent leur contribution à la viabilisation d'autres secteurs tels que l'élevage et l'agriculture; les produits de la pêche et leurs dérivés constituent un élément important de l'équilibre externe du pays; elles attirent des investissements externes qui, en association avec le capital national, peuvent contribuer à l'insertion stratégique du pays dans le système économique mondial, et elles rassemblent les conditions qui lui permettent de fonctionner en tant que secteur d'accumulation de ressources.
Le document soumis à notre examen contient des éléments précieux qui méritent une attention particulière de la part du Conseil. A ce propos, nous nous référons à la validité de la stratégie d'aménagement et de développement des pêches dont les principes et les directives demeurent appropriées pour la conception et l'exécution des programmes.
L'aspect environnement et développement durable des pêches est une des questions les plus pertinentes et nous souscrivons donc à l'observation du paragraphe 31 du document CL 99/7 sur l'harmonie qui doit prévaloir entre la gestion et l'utilisation rationnelles des ressources halieutiques et celles de l'environnement aquatique et des écosystèmes, et nous soutenons vivement l'idée que les intérêts du secteur de la pêche soient examinés lors de la CNUED, en 1992, au Brésil.
Pour ce qui est du rôle des femmes, nous attirons votre attention sur la nécessité de leur intégration effective à tous les niveaux du développement des pêches.
La recherche appliquée, qui revêt un caractère d'urgence, doit mériter une attention particulière des organisations compétentes; à cet égard, nous estimons qu'une priorité soit accordée au renforcement de la capacité des institutions nationales des pays en développement et estimons aussi que la coopération régionale soit renforcée davantage dans le cadre de la CTPD et des échanges nord-sud.
L'appui de la FAO et de ses partenaires au développement de la pêche dans nos pays doit surtout s'adresser au développement de la recherche technique et scientifique, notamment la recherche appliquée; à l'établissement d'un système adéquat d'information et de diffusion des résultats de la recherche parmí les opérateurs du secteur, à la formation des agents concernés à différents niveaux et la création d'écoles de pêche de niveau technique et professionnel moyen et supérieur; à la formulation d'une politique rationnelle de gestion des ressources halieutiques; à l'appui à la création de petites industries de transformation et de conservation; et à l'amélioration des circuits commerciaux et de distribution.
Nous regrettons que la FAO, à cause de sa situation financière, ne soit pas en mesure de nous offrir toute sa capacité pour le développement de cet important secteur qui contribue, de façon significative, à la sécurité alimentaire, et nous faisons part de notre appréhension de voir que les crédits affectés à ce programme ont diminué de 0,8 pour cent.
Vanich VARIKUL (Thailand): My delegation welcomes the report of the 19th Session of the Committee on Fisheries, document CL 99/7. We also wish to thank Dr. Krone, Director of the Fishery Industries Division, for his opening introductory statement.
My delegation wishes to draw to the attention of Council large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 44/225 requested that FAO study the adverse effects of large-scale driftnet fishing on the high seas on the depletion of living marine resources. It is widely understood that this Resolution is intended to ban only large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing activities. However, small-scale driftnet fishing, traditionally conducted in coastal waters by developing countries, can be continued if the fishing nets used are less than 2.5 km long, the size specified by the Wellington Convention in November 1989.
In this regard, Thailand is of the opinion that the small-scale pelagic drifrnet fisheries should be allowed to operate legitimately in countries where coper management measures are taken.
Finally, in order to save time, we would like to conclude that we fully endorse the content of paragraph 71 of this document.
Peter FRANKLIN (Australia): The 19th Session of COFI was extremely well attended. Over 90 FAO Member Nations, including Australia, participated very actively in its deliberations, and most were represented by highly qualified technicians. While the debate was rich, there was not always full agreement, and as a consequence the outcome, as reported in document CL 99/7, is finely balanced. For those reasons we feel that the Council should endorse the report as submitted by COFI without any substantive amendments or modifications.
Having said that, we were particularly pleased to note that COFI has reaffirmed the pre-eminence of General Assembly Resolutions 44/225 and 45/197 on large-scale driftnet fishing and has called for its complete and timely implementation.
Before closing my brief intervention I would wish to make two observations on the characteristically thought-provoking intervention by Mr Komatsu of the Japanese delegation.
Firstly, we cannot agree to the proposition that the expert consultation on particular high-seas fishing issues be extended to also include fisheries within EEZs and their interaction with high seas fisheries. In our view this would unnecessarily shift the focus of the expert consultation, and would present the experts with an excessively broad and burdensome task.
Secondly, we entirely accord with their concerns that the important issue of enabling the EC's full participation in Article 14, Tuna Bodies, should not be allowed to be held up by any delays which may occur in resolving the broader issue of EC's membership of FAO.
Earl W. VEYBRECHT (Canada): My delegation would like to thank the Secretariat for its introduction to this item along with the report of the Nineteenth Session of the Committee on Fisheries. Canada considers the Committee on Fisheries to be an important mechanism for advancing discussion on international fisheries issues.
In looking at document CL 99/7, it is noted that there are no matters identified specifically for decision by this Council. Nevertheless, we appreciate the range of important matters as outlined in the documents that are presented to the Council for information.
Under the item "Progress in Implementing the 1984 FAO World Fisheries Conference's Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development", Canada agrees that the Strategy is clearly providing a useful tool to governments concerned with the fisheries sector.
We welcome the recommendation of COFI that FAO prepare a summary of the national reports and the debate, along with further proposals for implementation of the Strategy, as outlined in paragraph 30 of the report.
Canada endorses fully the UN Resolutions 44/225 and 45/197, on large-scale pelagic driftnets. It supports the need to maintain a clear distinction between types of driftnets used on the high seas and in coastal waters and supports FAO's proposals for information and research, provided that these
would not prevent the full and timely implementation of the UN moratoria. In this connection, we can associate ourselves with the remark made by the distinguished delegate of Australia with respect to driftnets.
The conservation and management of living marine resources on a sustainable basis is essential to all countries. We believe that the Committee on Fisheries makes a valuable contribution with respect to the promotion of sustainable development in the fisheries sector. In this regard we are encouraged by the contribution FAO is making in the UN Conference on Environment and Development.
My delegation commented on the proposals for the fisheries programme for the next biennium under the agenda item Summary of the Programme of Work and Budget. In light of the importance of the fisheries programme, we regret the decreased allocations for the next biennium, but, in the current financial circumstances, recognize that such trimmed budgetary allocations are perhaps required. My delegation would like to highlight, however, the valuable work of FAO in the gathering and dissemination of fisheries information and to stress the importance of this function to Member States.
The role of women in fisheries development was also an important item for discussion in COFI and represented a further step in implementation of FAO's Plan of Action for the integration of women in development. The strategic importance of the role of women in various fishery sub-sectors, their vital contribution to fish food industries, and the necessity to consider the gender dimension in designing and implementing fishery programmes were highlighted in the background documents. My delegation supports the conclusions of COFI including the support of opportunities for women in technical fields, the better integration of women into professional positions and the identification of appropriate data and social indicators. We would also stress the importance of extension and training in the programme for women in fishery communities.
Finally, we note the comments of COFI on the report of the Third Session of the COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade. Issues relating to market access and trade policy are of course more appropriately addressed in other fora. The Sub-Committee can play an important role in addressing non-commercial tariff barriers and we stress the importance of close cooperation with other organizations, including in particular GATT.
Philippe PIOTET (France): La dernière session du Comité des pêches a permis aux Etats Membres de procéder à un examen très large des grands problèmes qui se posent à la Communauté Internationale dans le domaine des pêches.
La stratégie d'aménagement et de développement des pêches, adoptée en 1984, s'est avérée à l'occasion de cette session comme étant un cadre de référence particulièrement cohérent et efficace pour définir les priorités, évaluer les résultats, orienter ou réorienter l'action de la FAO et ses Etats Membres.
L'examen par le COFI de la mise en oeuvre de la stratégie des pêches a permis en particulier de faire émerger un certain nombre de priorités qui reçoivent le plein appui de ma délégation, qu'il s'agisse de la protection
des écosystèmes, du développement de l'aquaculture, du renforcement des capacités nationales ou de l'intensification de la cooperation régionale. Sans passer ici en revue toutes les questions examinees par le Comité des pêches, permettez-moi, Monsieur le Président, d'appeler l'attention du Conseil sur quelques sujets de préoccupation ou de satisfaction de ma délégation.
Au rang des sujets de préoccupation, je dois tout d'abord mentionner, comme beaucoup de délégations avant moi, le décalage existant entre la reconnaissance des priorités que je viens de citer et les ressources prévues en leur faveur dans le Programme de travail et budget pour 1992-93.
Cette insuffisance de ressources est particulièrement préjudiciable à la prise en compte, au niveau requis, d'activités revêtant une importance croissante, comme l'évaluation, sur les bases scientifiques les plus solides, de l'impact de nouvelles techniques de pêche telles que l'usage des grands filets pélagiques-dérivants.
Nous souhaitons donc que l'Organisation puisse intensifier ses activités dans ce domaine afin de permettre à la Communauté internationale de connaître les avantages et les inconvénients de telle ou telle technique de pêche nouvelle et de se prononcer sur les orientations à retenir pour une utilisation optimale et durable des ressources halieutiques.
Le second sujet de préoccupation que je voudrais signaler concerne l'apparition - notamment dans les propositions budgétaires pour le prochain exercice - d'un certain redéploiement des activités de l'Organisation au profit de l'exploitation de la haute mer.
Sans sous-estimer l'intérêt pour la FAO et pour tous ses Etats Membres de mieux gérer la haute mer, ma délégation considère qu'il est essentiel de ne pas réduire pour autant le niveau de priorité accordé à l'aménagement et au développement des ressources des zones économiques exclusives. Je me limiterai à rappeler, comme d'autres délégations l'ont fait de façon très précise avant moi, que les zones côtières renferment les ressources les plus utiles et le plus directement exploitables par d'innombrables communautés de pêcheurs qui pratiquent la pêche artisanale.
Parmi les sujets de satisfaction que ma délégation voudrait maintenant aborder, je mentionnerai tout d'abord la reconnaissance du Sous-Comité du commerce du poisson comme organisme international de produit chargé de parrainer des projets auprès du Fonds commun sur les produits de base. Nous nous félicitons de cette décision qui élargit la gamme des activités et des ressources de l'Organisation et consacre ses avantages comparatifs dans le secteur des pêches.
De même, la France se félicite de la qualité de sa coopération avec le Département des pêches, tant dans le domaine traditionnel des activités des Commissions de pêche (comme la COPACE) avec laquelle nous avons une excellente coopération, que dans le domaine des technologies de pointe telles que la mise en oeuvre d'un Système d'information géographique sur l'aménagement des pêcheries.
Cette coopération devrait connaître prochainement un nouvel élan, notamment dans les domaines scientifiques et techniques, grâce à un renforcement des liens entre l'Organisation et certains instituts français de recherche pour le développement qui, comme l'IFREMER, sont directement concernés par ses activités.
Abdesselem ARIFI (Maroc): La délégation du Royaume du Maroc souhaite intervenir au sujet du point relatif à l'examen du rapport de la 19ème session du Comité des pêches pour y souscrire de façon générale.
Cependant, je souhaite soulever très brièvement las remarques ci-après:
Comme l'ont fait remarquer plusieurs autre délégations lors de l'examen du Sommaire du Programme de travail et budget pour l'exercice 1992-93, il est regrettable de constater que le budget proposé au titre du Grand Programme "Pêches" pour le prochain biennium soit réduit de 278 000 dollars c'est-à-dire 0,8 pour cent de poins que l'exercice en cours.
Etant donné l'importance croissante du secteur des pêches pour nos pays en développement, tant pour l'alimentation que pour le progrès social et économique, et afin de préserver les résultats déjà obtenus en application de la stratégie d'aménagement et de développement des pêches de la FAO, adoptée par la Conférence mondiale sur les pêches en 1984, ma délégation tient à rappeler l'appel lancé, lors de la 19ème session du Comité des pêches, au PNUD et autres organismes donateurs afin d'inclure les pêches dans les priorités de leur prochain cycle de programmation.
Enfin, ma délégation réitère son appel lancé à la FAO pour soutenir davantage les actions entreprises au sein des institutions régionales de la FAO ou autres organismes et apporter son appui dans ce cadre à la mise en oeuvre des projets identifiés en mai 1990 par le Comité de suivi de la Conférence ministérielle sur la Coopération halieutique entre les Etats africains riverains de l'océan Atlantique. Je tiens, à cette occasion, à remercier vivement la FAO pour son appui à l'élaboration du projet de Convention sur la Coopération en matière de pêches entre les Etats de la région qui sera soumis à la prochaine session de la Conférence prévue en juillet prochain au Sénégal. En effet, l'assistance du Secretariat de la FAO a permis de définir un projet de convention qui assurera un suivi permanent des décisions de la Conférence à travers un Secrétariat, ainsi que sur la création d'un Fonds régional de développement des pêches dont les modalités de constitution et de fonctionnement sont définies par la Conférence des Ministres. Les ressources de ce Fonds permettront de couvrir les frais de fonctionnement du Secrétariat ainsi que le financement des activités des projets et programmes mis en oeuvre dans le cadre de cette convention.
Steven D. HILL (United States of America): My delegation appreciated the full discussion on a wide range of issues at COFI. I would like to highlight here a few of our particular concerns regarding driftnet fishing.
As you know, UNGA Resolutions 44/225 and 45/197 address large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing specifically and set out extraordinary measures concerning its application outside the 200-mile zones of coastal nations. Operative paragraph 4 of Resolution 44/225 reflects the urgent expectations of the international community by recommending specific actions according to a specific timeframe. Large-scale pelagic driftnet fisheries have developed rapidly and appear to have detrimental effects on sustaining or developing fisheries of island and coastal states in such areas as the Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as upon non-target resources of concern to a broad range of interests.
We note that there was general agreement at COFI that the UNGA resolutions constitute the basis upon which all members of the international community have agreed to work on large-scale pelagic driftnet issues. The USA strongly supports COFI's reinforcement of these UNGA resolutions and its appeal for their full and timely implementation in all regions. We do not agree, however, with the linkages that have been drawn in the COFI report between small-scale driftnet fisheries conducted in areas under coastal state jurisdiction and large-scale driftnetting on the high seas and would not agree to their continued linkage in further discussions.
We also have certain concerns as to other linkage with fishing gear types not subject to the UNGA resolutions. My delegation would also disagree with the proposal to convene an experts' consultation and an ad hoc intergovernmental group to study selectivity of fishing practices and gear and rational management of living resources, including those of the high seas.
Jaime MARTINEZ TORRES (México): La delegación de México, con particular satisfacción, se refiere al 19° período de sesiones del Comité de Pesca ya que considera que realizó un espléndido y fructífero trabajo que como podemos apreciar en el Informe, aborda construetivamente la problemática, retos y prioridades que habremos de afrontar para lograr una adecuada administración y en consecuencia una racional explotación de los recursos pesqueros de que dispone la humanidad.
Agradecemos al Departamento de Pesca de la FAO la excelente presentación del Informe y en particular el capítulo contenido en las páginas iii a vii, ya que en éste agrupa objetivamente los principales acuerdos, recomendaciones y pronunciamientos del COFI, lo que sin duda facilitará el presente debate, la aprobación de acuerdos por parte del Consejo y su oportuna instrumentación.
Ahora bien, siguiendo de alguna manera el Informe confirmamos, al igual que el Comité, la validez de la Estrategia para la Ordenación y el Desarrollo Pesquero adoptada en la Conferencia Mundial de Pesca de 1984, ya que los principios y directrices que contiene siguen siendo vigentes en el diseño e instrumentación de programas que aseguren precisamente la ordenación, la sostenibilidad y el desarrollo de la pesca.
Al respecto consideramos prioritario el que a la brevedad posible se instrumente la recomendación del Comité de que se prepare una publicación especial que resuma los informes y debates y destaque los beneficios obtenidos, así como las propuestas para una aplicación más rápida y ágil de la estrategia.
Por otra parte, manifestamos también nuestra coincidencia con el Comité en cuanto a los progresos realizados en la ejecución de los Programas de Acción adoptados en la citada Conferencia Mundial de Pesca y la prioridad que se concederá en el futuro al N° I, "Planificación, ordenación y desarrollo de la pesca" y al N° III °Desarrollo de la acuicultura" y reiteramos la solicitud del Comité en el sentido de que la FAO incremente sus esfuerzos para obtener más fondos para la región de América Latina y el Caribe.
Por lo que se refiere al medio ambiente y sostenibilidad en la pesca, consideramos que los pronunciamientos y recomendaciones del COFI fueron muy atinados, particularmente cuando se reconoce que la pesca continental y marina debieran mantener la intensidad de la actividad en niveles sostenibles que sean económicamente viables, ecológicamente válidos y socialmente aceptables.
En ese ámbito, algunas delegaciones solicitamos mayor atención de la FAO a la acuicultura, a las zonas costeras, al acopio y sistematización de información y recomendamos la celebración de una reunión que examine el problema de las capturas incidentales, no deseadas, a fin de contribuir al desarrollo sostenible de la pesca; reunión que esperamos convoque la FAO a la brevedad posible.
Es aquí, donde mi delegación, como país en desarrollo, que concede alta prioridad a la actividad pesquera, desea reiterar lo expresado en el COFI en el sentido de que tenemos plena conciencia de los problemas del medio ambiente, asi como la capacidad para asumir nuestra responsabilidad en la conservación y protección del entorno ecológico, esto sin cancelar, como algunos pretenden, el derecho soberano de explotar los recursos que se encuentran en nuestros territorios y por tanto zona económica exclusiva y que son prioritarios para coadyuvar no sólo a la autosuficiencia alimentaria de que hablamos en la FAO, sino para elevar el nivel socioeconómico de nuestros países.
Por tanto, como lo señalamos también en el COFI, no estamos dispuestos a aceptar el que se nos trate de convertir en reservas ecológicas de países desarrollados o de obligar con medidas unilaterales a adoptar determinadas acciones, so pretexto de supuestas consideraciones ecológicas carentes de fundamento científico.
Presiones que en ocasiones encubren intereses tan evidentes como la competencia en los mercados de productos como el atún o el acceso a nuestras zonas de pesca, dado que ya se contaminaron o agotaron caladeros y se dañaron irreparablemente, en algunos lugares, especies como la tortuga que ahora dicen proteger.
En ese sentido, no veríamos con agrado que el escaso presupuesto de los organismos internacionales se dedicara indiscriminadamente a responder a intereses coyunturales de unos cuantos, dejando de atender los problemas en su justo contexto para beneficio de todos.
¿Qué proponemos, señor Presidente? Como lo recomendara el COFI, concretamente dirigir los esfuerzos y escasos recursos de que disponemos hacia la investigación, las actividades de campo, la asistencia técnica y el intercambio de información, entre otras cosas, que nos permltan sustentar políticas, programas y acciones razonadas y equilibradas, tendientes a proteger efectivamente el medio ambiente y a conservar nuestros recursos pesqueros, al mismo tiempo que atendemos la necesidad de producir alimentos.
Felicitamos al Comité por la atención que recomienda se conceda a la participación de la mujer en la pesca y refrendamos la propuesta de establecer un puesto de profesional en el Departamento de Pesca, destinado precisamente a una mujer.
Por lo que corresponde a la pesca pelágica con redes de deriva en gran escala, nos congratulamos de que el COFI haya reconocido que la FAO, por conducto del siempre eficaz Departamento de Pesca, debe desempeñar un papel importante en la promoción de un acuerdo internacional sobrè la práctica responsable de las operaciones de pesca, y como propuso la delegación de México, en la formulación de un Código de Conducta para la Pesca Responsable.
Nos complace el reconocimiento del COFI en cuanto a que se considere que el objetivo prioritario del apoyo a la investigación en los países en desarrollo, debe ser el reforzamiento de la capacidad de las instituciones nacionales, especificámente en el ámbito de la investigación aplicada, directamente relacionada con las necesidades nacionales de conformidad a sus propias políticas de desarrollo.
En cuanto al Informe del Subcomité del COFI sobre comercio pesquero, avalamos plenamente que el Comité haya considerado necesario que la FAO agilice sus actividades de cooperación con el GATT, debido a la persistencia de barrerás arancelarias y no arancelarias que obstruyen el flujo expedito de los productos pesqueros.
Como país sujeto actualmente a un embargo sobre sus exportaciones de atún al Mercado de los Estados Unidos que en mayo último se amplió de manera secundaria a los países que nos compran atún aleta amarilla, el cual calificamos de injustificado y unilateral; ante este Consejo denunciamos que persiste el empleo de restricciones de acceso a determinados mercados para obligar a terceros países, como México, a instrumentar medidas pesqueras en aguas que corresponden a su jurisdicción soberana.
Instamos por tanto a la FAO, como lo hace el COFI, a que avarice con mayor celeridad en la definición y aplicación de criterios que auspicien un comercio leal.
Por último, queremos dejar constancia de nuestra preocupación por la reducción del presupuesto para el próximo bienio destinado al Programa de Pesca, por lo que recordamos la solicitud del COFI a efectos de que el nivel presupuestal por lo menos se sitúe en el nivel de 1990-91.
Mrs. Constantina KOLIOU-PETRAKAKOU (Greece): May I join the previous speakers in congratulating the Committee on Fisheries and its Chairman for their report we have in front of us.
At this stage, I want to limit myself to one comment: I do not see much in the report regarding the preservation of fishery resources.
As other delegations, I want to see our Organization taking a major role in this field as preserving species is of paramount importance to all of us.
I understand the various difficulties emanating from the fact that scientific assessments do not always coincide with practical objectives. However, this matter deserves further consideration and we are open to any action taken toward this direction.
Once I have the floor, Chairman, may I deal extremely briefly with the contribution of fisheries to the economic and social growth in my country.
Fisheries, as a part of the economic activity, should be considered in the context of Agriculture as a primary sector. The share of fisheries in the Greek Brut Agricultural Product is relatively low, at 2 percent of it. Nevertheless, as an employment factor and because of their nutritional value, fisheries are also of great importance.
As it has been observed during the last decade, the contribution of fisheries is stable on matter of quantity, while it is increasing in variety.
In addition to the above, the trend of fisheries participation to the formation of National Brut Product is being diminished, due to the faster development of other factors of the National Brut Product.
Natigor SIAGIAN (Indonesia): Let me first express our appreciation to the Committee of its work as reflected in this document 99/7, and also thanks to the Secretariat for the introductory remarks. My delegation's comments will be very, very brief.
Indonesia feels that the principles and guidelines contained in the Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development endorsed by FAO Conference in 1984 is still pertinent and relevant in providing guidance as well as implementation of the fisheries management and development programme. The contribution of fisheries has been regarded significantly in national, economic, social and nutritional goals.
In recognizing women farmers' substantial contributions to the fisheries sector, Indonesia feels that women should be given special attention as a special budget group and women issues incorporated into FAO fisheries projects.
My delegation takes note of paragraph 26 of the report and joins many other delegations in appealing to the industralized nations and other donor agencies to increase their assistance to the developing countries in this sector of activity.
With regard to FAO's cooperation with the regional organizations, my delegation takes note of paragraph 28 of the report and expresses the hope that FAO will make efforts to strengthen beneficial cooperation.
My delegation follows with full attention the COFI report with respect to the large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing in relation to the General Assembly Resolutions 44/225 and 45/197. My delegation welcomes with satisfaction the designation of the Sub-Committee on Fish Trade as the International Commodity Board for fisheries products by the Common Fund Commodities.
With regard to the environmental and sustainability issues, Indonesia would like to stress the improvement of long-term sustainability in island fisheries and its ecological consequence, such as sedimentation and the aquatic weed.
With regard to the funding level on this Major Programme, we share the concern of this Committee as stated in its report at paragraph 148. Many delegations expressed the very important role of fisheries in terms of food production, economic and social, as well as the important impact for national development of developing countries.
My delegation joins others once again to appeal for possible maintenance of the level of the budget to be at least the same as the level of the current biennia. This call is also being made in relation to paragraph 94 with regard to the need for research in fisheries management which as stated by the report has very little funds currently available in developing countries.
Finally, the follow-up of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, whereby access has been given to foreign fishing fleets to fish within the jurisdiction of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), Indonesia strongly emphasizes the need for establishing systems for the MCS of fishing operations. In this respect, continued assistance from FAO will be appreciated.
Sra. Hilda María SANTIESTEBAN MONTERO (Costa Rica): La delegación de Costa Rica ha recibido con suma complacencia el documento CL 99/7 que pone de manifiesto, entre otras cosas, la importancia del medio ambiente y la sostenibilidad en la pesca, asi como la necesidad de investigación pesquera en los países en desarrollo.
En lo que se refiere al papel de la mujer en el desarrollo pesquero, es éste un tema al que prestamos particular atención. En Costa Rica la mujer participa ampllamente en actividades a todo nivel. En el campo de la pesca, ella se encarga de las operaciones de elaboración del pescado a nivel industrial y, sobre todo, de su comercialización. Sin embargo, se ve afectada por los elementos que el Comité identificó y que aparecen en el párrafo 59.
La delegación de Costa Rica hace votos para que la FAO alcance las metas propuestas en este documento que permitan la capacitación de la mujer en las comunidades pesqueras, que la conviertan en beneficiaria de proyectos de crédito y, en fin, que la integren plenamente en los aspectos relativos a la pesca, en particular, y en los programas de desarrollo en general.
Harald HILDEBRAND (Germany): Having attended the Nineteenth Session of the Committee on Fisheries, my country gives its approval to the report.
Document CL 99/7 in our opinion adequately reflects the major activities of that FAO body and the relevant implications that fisheries and aquaculture have in terms of the environment, stock protection, fishery management, fish trade and research and development.
We appreciate the Committee's policy advice to a large number of developing countries which have to tap the food potential of fisheries and aquaculture for improved protein supply to their populations.
We share the Committee's view as to the priority areas proposed in the Summary Programme of Work.
J.M. SCOTT (United Kingdom): The United Kingdom delegation would like to congratulate the Secretariat on the production of this report. The opening Summary generally presents an accurate precis of the report, its priorities and emphases. We reiterate our support for the World Fisheries Conference Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development and the associated Programme of Action, which we help implement through our substantial programme of bilateral support for the aquatic resources sector. However, there are two issues where we consider the emphasis in the Summary does not accurately reflect the emphasis given in the COFI main report itself.
I would first refer to page iv of the Summary - Large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing. As evidenced by the text of the report in paragraphs 20-85, the debate on the issue of large-scale pelagic driftnet fishing was substantially more contentious than implied in this Summary. For example, there was a substantial objection to the proposed FAO expert consultation and ad hoc intergovernmental consultation, whilst the danger of duplicating the responsibilities of the UN Office for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OALOS) with respect to legal and policy aspects of high seas fisheries was identified by a substantial number of delegations. The UK delegation feels that FAO should take fully into account the various sensitivities associated with this subject before committing itself over and beyond support for the implementation of UNGA Resolutions 44/225 and 45/197. If the intergovernmental consultation is to properly debate the issues, the objections of certain of the COFI delegations must be overcome and their participation in the intergovernmental conference assured.
Referring to page v - Fisheries research needs of developing countries -the Summary omits the important caveat in paragraph 92 which stresses that no decision on implementing mechanisms for an international fisheries research strategy could be made until the final document was published. In fact, at the time of the COFI meeting, the strategy itself was not even in final draft. Notwithstanding what Mr Shah said on Friday when the UK delegation raised this issue under the Summary Programme of Work and Budget, my delegation still considers it premature for FAO to consider that it has been given a mandate by the Committee to take a leading role in the coordination of international applied fisheries research. There was a substantial body of opinion at COFI that FAO was not an appropriately positioned organization to take on a central role in this.
Winston RUDDER (Trinidad and Tobago): Rational management of living marine resources has tremendous scope for well-being of the coastal and island states which constitute the CARICOM region, both in respect of employment enhancement and linkages to the development of other sectors of the economy.
In consequence, Mr Chairman, you will appreciate the keen interest of my delegation on the issues deliberated at the Nineteenth COFI Session, notwithstanding our inability to be present at that meeting.
We have examined the report, identify fully and endorse the contents thereof. However, permit me a few specific comments.
The COFI struck a significant chord in reaffirming the importance of training and technology generation and transfer aimed at enhancing self-reliance of developing countries in implementing their fisheries development and management programmes.
The focus on strengthening national capabilities in fish stock assessment and management is also well placed. In this regard my delegation acknowledges the technical assistance currently provided by FAO under a UNDP/FAO Stock Assessment Project with provisions for training, research and analysis aimed at upgrading national capacities leading ultimately to improved fisheries resource management.
Regional cooperation is also fully on our agenda. At the CARICOM level two major initiatives are under way. With the generous assistance of the Canadian Government through technical and financial support a Regional Stock Assessment Project has been initiated. This will serve to enhance the contribution of fisheries to both regional and national, economic, social and nutritional goals.
Secondly, COFI spoke to the opportunities and challenges arising from extended national jurisdiction over fisheries. With technical support from FAO an intergovernmental agreement is being finalized which will facilitate CARICOM states in aligning more closely fisheries management, monitoring and surveillance systems. In this regard a common framework for treating with each other and with third countries in respect of access to national Exclusive Economic Zones is being developed. In consequence, my delegation endorses the observations at paragraphs 22-25 and 28 to 29 of the report.
The issue of environmental sustainability in fisheries is of tremendous concern to my delegation. In consequence, we support the observations made in the report in that regard. We are concerned about the appropriate fisheries exploitation technologies and practices which might be made available to allow for proper fish stock management in all particular situations.
We are concerned also about the matter of integrated coastal zone management because it is critically important in our situation.
Therefore, we fully endorse the observations in paragraphs 31 to 53. We would merely wish to emphasize the urgency of these matters for coastal and island states.
The key medium-term objectives of the Major Programmes on Fisheries are fully endorsed.
In light of the foregoing it is understandable that, notwithstanding the rationale given thus far, my delegation deeply regrets the reduced budgetary allocation for the Programme 2.2, Fisheries.
Michel MOMBOULI (Congo): Monsieur le Président, nous sommes très heureux de vous voir présider cette séance du Conseil.
Nous voudrions signaler que, nous aussi, nous avons activement pris part aux travaux de la dix-neuvième session du COFI. Ce faisant, nous serons brefs, pour être conformes à la ligne de conduite générale que nous nous sommes proposés d'observer à l'occasion de l'examen du rapport du seizième CSA, à propos des rapports des comités techniques tant "ouverts" que "fermés".
Ce faisant, nous voulons confinner notre approbation des principales conclusions de ce rapport, même si le consensus n'a pas été atteint sur certaines questions examinées lors de cette session du COFI.
Nous voudrions, en particulier, renouveler notre appui sur le lien qui doit exister entre l'environnement et le développement durable des pêches, le rôle des femmes dans le développement des pêches et, enfin, la recherche halieutique dans les pays en développement.
Nous voudrions rappeler que, lors de l'examen du point 19 de l'ordre du jour traitant du Sommaire du Programme de travail et budget de l'Organisation pour le prochain biennium 1992-93, nous avons dit que, dans le souci de s'adapter à l'évolution du monde, il ne serait pas de bonne politique que la FAO abandonne certains secteurs traditionnels d'activité pour lesquels elle a été créée, et nous avons préconisé qu'il y ait adaptation à l'évolution dans la continuité et la consolidation des acquis. Au cours de ce même examen, nous avons déploré que plusieurs programmes économiques aient été proposés à des réductions nouvelles quant aux ressources qui devraient leur être allouées. Parmi ces programmes techniques et économiques figurait en bonne place la pêche. Au stade actuel, nous voulons simplement renouveler ce regret face à cette réduction des ressources allouées au Grand Programme Pêche et nous voudrions émettre
le voeu que la FAO puisse retrouver, dans un avenir que nous souhaitons proche, une santé financière stable afin que tous les secteurs d'activité tels que la pêche, l'agriculture et les forêts reprennent le cours de leur évolution et expansion normal; car en ce qui concerne la pêche, nous estimons qu'après la Conférence mondiale dés pêches de 1984, le chemin à poursuivre est suffisamment balisé.
Nous n'aimerions pas rentrer dans le détail. Nous voulons simplement renouveler notre approbation de ce rapport, ainsi que notre appui au COFI et à son Sous-Comité du commerce des produits de la pêche.
Ali AL-MAHRUG (Libya) (Original language Arabic): First of all I should like to commend the efforts of COFI for its efforts during its last session in Rome from 8-12 April 1991. The document submitted to us is also of a very high quality and we commend the Secretariat for it.
We all know the importance of fishery resources for providing food security, particularly in the developing countries which heavily rely on its own natural resources. Therefore, I should like to stress the recommendation in paragraph 44 of the report which recommends that FAO should provide assistance in assessing unexploited fishery resources, and to develop such resources in order to reduce pressure on over-fishing. I think that FAO should also try to raise awareness in order to reduce pressure on affected stocks of fish.
I should also like to emphasise the contents of paragraph 95 which seeks to give priority to enhancing the research capacities of developing countries, and paragraph 97 which calls for increased opportunies to scientists and experts from developing countries so that this could have a positive effect on fishing practices in developing countries which are in need of such assistance.
I should like to ask if FAO could provide or could give assistance in providing modern equipment in order to rationalize fishing operations, and what would be the optimum way to advise countries to adopt such modern techniques and appropriate techniques and easy to exert pressure, although countries should of course preserve their sovereignty for the application of such new methods and technologies in order to have more positive results. I do not think that it would be wrong if it tries to direct states to better use their resources without affecting the sovereignty of nations.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much for your intervention. In order to save time the distinguished representative of Zambia has sent me his written intervention, and this is being given directly to the verbatim reporting staff.
Also the delegate of Colombia has requested that his statement be inserted into the verbatim record.
Thank you for your attention and participation.
Sra. Mónica DEREGIBUS (Argentina): Mi delegación, con otras que me han precedido en el uso de la palabra, coincide en endosar el informe del 19° período de sesiones del COFI. Al mismo tiempo, se une a la delegación de Francia, en su expresión de preocupación respecto al énfasis que parece querer darse a las actividades de FAO relativas a la alta mar. Junto con Francia, entendemos que tales actividades no deben ser reforzadas a expensas de las actividades de apoyo a los países ribereños en la explotación de sus zonas económicas exclusivas.
Respecto de los párrafos 84 y 85, quisiera también manifestar que mi país espera con mucho interés los resultados y conclusiones que arroje la reunión de expertos sobre la aplicación del régimen jurídico para la pesca en alta mar, en el marco de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar, que tendrá lugar en el próximo mes de julio en Nueva York, convocada por la Oficina de Asuntos Oceánicos y del Derecho del Mar de la ONU, y para la cual dicha Oficina, en colaboración con la FAO, se encuentra preparando un documento de base para las discusiones de los expertos.
Damos gran importancia a esta reunión de expertos y estimamos que no es necesario que se adopte la decisión de convocar a las consultas de expertos e intergubernamental propuestas en el párrafo 85. Como otras delegaciones que nos han precedido en el uso de la palabra, estimamos que la cuestión no está suficientemente madura. Coincidiendo con la opinión reflejada en la segunda parte del párrafo 84, referida a la OALOS, mi delegación sólo podría acompañar la idea de que la consulta de expertos se limite al estudio de las formas más idóneas para mejorar la información estadística de la pesca en alta mar, a que se refiere el párrafo 83.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much for your intervention. The distinguished representative of USA would like to take the floor for the second time. Is there any other country representative who would like to take the floor also after the USA? If not, you have the floor, Sir.
Steven D. HILL (United States of America): I am sorry to ask for the floor for a second time, but as some comments have been made regarding my country's trade practices, my delegation would like to make the following observations.
We had a long discussion of trade practices at COFI, and I do not propose to repeat it here, but I would like to reiterate that the conservation measures that have been adopted by the United States are no more restrictive than those required of United States fishermen. Import restrictions, when required, are applied in a non-discriminatory manner and the US is attempting to use flexibility wherever possible.
We have listened to the concern expressed at COFI and will continue to discuss these issues with the countries concerned through appropriate bilateral and multilateral channels.
Adel EL-SARKI (Egypt): Egypt was glad to participate actively in the Nineteenth Session of the Committee of Fisheries.
After considering paragraphs 33, 34, 41 and 42, the Egyptian delegation stresses the important role FAO has to play in the field of environment and sustainability in fisheries and also requests FAO to intensify its efforts to improve methods for data collection and reporting in order to support the geographic information system.
The Egyptian delegation welcomes the active collaboration between governments and international organizations in order to address effectively environment and sustainability in fisheries. Also, my delegation hopes that all efforts be made by Member Countries and FAO to ensure that fisheries interests will be well represented in the preparation for, and participation in, the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development.
Paragraphs 63, 65-67 and 69 dealt with the Role of Women in Fisheries. Therefore, we welcome the recommendations aimed at the establishment of professional posts for women.
We endorse the report of the Nineteenth Session and look for large-scale cooperation with other countries based on TCDC in the field of fisheries, and also agree that FAO assistance is highly needed.1/
F.M. MBEWE (Zambia): In the first place we would like to endorse the report of the Committee on Fisheries. Although Zambia is a land-locked country, it has substantial fresh water bodies with high fish exploitation potential.
On the other hand, uncontrolled fishing on these water bodies could easily lead to over-fishing a depletion of the resources.
It is in the light of this danger that proper planning and management of these fragile fisheries ought to be given high priority, and therefore note with satisfaction that the FAO Committee on Fisheries accords high priority to planning, management and development of fisheries in the Programme of Action as well as acquaculture.
What worries my delegation is that the resources in the biennium 1992-93 going to the Fisheries Sector have been reduced. We wonder how effectively the Programme of Action can be achieved with this cutback in the resources we need to strengthen implementation capacity.
Mr Chairman, it is gratifying to note that gender issues are now being actively considered by the Department of Fisheries in its regular and field programmes. The incorporation of women in Fisheries Development Projects will not only ensure that positive income transfers take place to the needy groups, but more so this could result in a more efficient industry as women play a central role in the marketing of fish in most African countries.
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1/ Statement inserted in the Verbatim records on request.
Finally, FAO should, within its limitation of budgetary proposals for the 1992-93 biennium, attempt to identify in conjunction with member governments the actual needs of applied research and how FAO can help strengthen national institutions. The identified needs could eventually be either included in the biennium 1994-95 or trust funds solicited from major donors for implementation.1/
Sra. Olga Clemencia FERNANDEZ (Colombia): Los representantes de Colombia deseamos destacar la forma excelente como el Comité de Pesca fue presidido por la Sra. Maria de los Angeles Moreno, distinguida representante de México.
Fue en verdad un afortunado matriarcado pues la Sra. Concepción Soto, Primera Vice-presidente y competente representante de España, aportó igualmente valiosos elementos al buen éxito de esa reunión.
Los representantes de Colombia participants activamente en la reunión del Comité de Pesca, apoyamos plenamente todo el contenido del informe y particularmente los asuntos que requieren la atención del Consejo.
Para destacar la importancia de esa reunión del COFI, nos limitaremos a destacar importantes y fundamentales conceptos hechos en la declaración de la Presidente Sra. María de los Angeles Moreno.
Queremos apoyar lo dicho por varias delegaciones, entre ellas Polonia y Francia, en cuanto a la gran preocupación que representan los recortes para este Programa y los embargos del atún como lo mencionó el delegado de México.2/
Francisco ZAMARRTEGO CRESPO (Observador de España): Unicamente queremos hacer una breve intervención para referirmos a la parte que viene en numeración romana del documento de asuntos para información del Consejo. Creemos que, en aras de la brevedad de esta parte, se han omitido algunos aspectos que, sin embargo, consideramos que se debatieron en el Comité y figuran en la parte siguiente del documento y que deben ser muy tenidos en cuenta.
Vamos a referirnos a aquellos puntos concretos en los cuales tenemos observaciones que formular. En primer lugar, al aspecto de la pesca pelágica con redes de deriva en gran escala. En el segundo párrafo de este tema, que se refiere al párrafo 74 del documento del Comité, en la línea sexta de la versión española, después de "palangre" y antes de "sin embargo", creemos que los miembros del Consejo deben tener en cuenta lo que dice el párrafo 74, concretamente en los siguientes términos: "Algunas Delegaciones señalaron que la pesca en pequeña escala, así como otras metodologías pesqueras, era una cuestión totalmente distinta de la abordada en la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas y que de ningún modo podía mezclarse con los asuntos que se trataban en las Resoluciones de las Naciones Unidas.
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1/ Statement inserted in the Verbatim records on request.
2/ Texto incluido en las Actas taquigráficas a petición expresa.
Igualmente, al final de este párrafo 74, creemos que es muy importante lo que se señala de que: "se observó también que en las resoluciones de la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas no se daba una indicación exacta de la longitud que debían tener las redes para que pudieran considerarse grandes. A este propósito, algunas delegaciones mencionaron la longitud maxima de 2,5 km, para las redes de deriva en pequeña escala, estipulada en la Convención sobre la prohibición de la pesca con redes de deriva de gran longitud en el Pacifico Meridional, concluida en Wellington el 24 de noviembre de 1989".
En el párrafo siguiente, que es el resumen de los párrafos 81, 82 y 83, también en la primera línea, donde dice: que el Comité estuvo de acuerdo en general en que habia dos problemas importantes. Ahí hay un punto que creemos esencial y que debe tenerse en cuenta y es el siguiente: donde se dice en el párrafo 81 del documento que: "El Comité estuvo de acuerdo en general en que, sin menoscabo de las iniciativas adoptadas para aplicar oportunamente la Resolución de la Asamblea General sobre el uso de grandes redes pelágicas de deriva".
Para terminar, en esta parte de la pesca pelágica en gran escala con redes de deriva, al final del párrafo que comprende el resumen de los párrafos 84 y 85, creemos que se debe considerar lo que dice el párrafo 85 en estos términos: "Se recomendó que la participación en ambas reuniones fuese lo más amplia posible para aprovechar al máximo la competencia y el asesoramiento de los expertos y que el programa provisional de esas reuniones fuese preparado en consulta con los Países Miembros. Sin embargo, algunas delegaciones no apoyaron la idea de una consulta de expertos y de una consulta inter-gubernamental especialmente propuesta por la FAO".
E. MAYGOLI NEJAD (Observer for Iran, Islamic Republic of): I would like to express my thanks to the Fisheries Committee and Council Secretariat for the preparation of the comprehensive documents on fisheries.
As the delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran I am going to express our full support and participation in FAO's fisheries strategy and five programmes of action, and the result of COFI. I should emphasize the importance of aquaculture and marine culture as the major potential for increasing fish production in future. We ask for more support from FAO and UNDP.
We should also be more careful about marine water pollution and diseases of marine and inland fish resources. We ask for international collaboration and more cooperation on this problem.
I also would like to express our full support and interest in regional cooperation with reference to management research and the harvesting of regional fish resources. In the medium term, more work needs to be done to improve the quality of life and the economic well-being of small-scale fishermen and their families, and to promote their active participation in the planning and formulation of development activities and extension.
In our five-year plan in fisheries, we need more support and collaboration from FAO and the UNDP to promote our new organization for research and training, both in marine and inland fisheries.
Finally, I request all Member Nations, both developed and developing, to cooperate more with FAO in order to achieve our goals.
Mme. Fatma LARBI (Observateur de Tunisie) (Langue originale arabe): La délégation tunisienne a suivi avec intérêt les travaux du Comité des pêches et nous aimerions soutenir les recommandations de ce Comité tout en soulignant l'importance des paragraphes 133, 136 et 140 du document CL 99/7.
Nous renouvelons l'appel qui a été lancé pour identifier les activités en matière de formation et de transfert de technologie pour assurer le développement des pêches dans nos pays, et nous demandons à toutes les délégations présentes ici de faire tout leur possible pour appuyer les activités de la FAO et profiter de l'experience de cette Organisation. La Tunisie affirme l'importance d'une coopération qui devrait être instituée entre tous les pays présents et nous insistons sur l'importance du rôle de la femme pour la production et la commercialisation de la pêche.
La Tunisie a 1 500 km de littoral sur la Méditerranée et elle est fière de voir qu'elle á été choisie comme siège pour un centre de production halieutique pour la Méditerranée. Elle a suivi avec grand intérêt les travaux du CGPM et espère que sa contribution assurera une meilleure préservation des ressources halieutiques de la Méditerranée pour le bien de tous les pays riverains. Nous invitons donc tous les pays présents ici à appuyer les activités du CGPM et à financer les diverses rencontres et consultations pour favoriser le transfert de technologie moderne du Nord au Sud et mettre au point des projets conjoints pour améliorer la production tout en préservant l'environnement.
Evlogui BONEV (UNDP): We attach particular importance to fishery programmes, and have followed with interest the proceedings of the Nineteenth Session of the Committee on Fisheries in April this year. The representative of the UNDP intervened on several subjects of interest to my organization. Therefore, I will limit myself to two issues - Fisheries Research and the Technical Cooperation Programme.
As you are aware, UNDP is on a Steering Committee, with FAO, CEC and the World Bank for a study of International Fisheries Research. The study, including the Strategy and Action Plan, referred to by many delegations of the Council, has already been accepted by the Steering Committee. It is now being submitted to an Advisory Committee for comments, to be followed by submission to the Second Fisheries Development Donor Consultation which will be organized by the same four parties in Paris in October. After consultation, the study in its finalized form will be distributed to all the UNDP field offices and made available through other channels to all interested parties.
Referring to the field programmes in fisheries, UNDP is happy to note the establishment of the Fishery Project Information System (FIPIS) which represents a specific and very practical response to a request by the Fisheries Development Donor Consultation in 1986. This system, combined with the focal points in donor agencies, provides useful support to aid action programmes and other activities. UNDP is very pleased with the manner in which FAO has attempted to include non-FAO programmes in the FIPIS data base and in documentation for COFI.
We are also encouraged by the fact that FAO has, with the appointment of a highly qualified aquaculture adviser, now taken over the major activities of the former UNDP Interregional project - Aquaculture and Fishery Development Coordination Programme. We hope that this will contribute to the stimulation of activities at regional and national levels and in the promotion of benchmark publications for the sector.
Finally, I should like to refer to the volume of technical cooperation support of UNDP to fishery programmes. I should inform you that UNDP records indicate that the level of UNDP-funded fishery programmes in 1989 amounted to US$21.9 million, while the level in 1990 was US$25.9 million, an increase of around 20 percent. This substantial increase in the UNDP allocation gives ample proof of the importance the recipient governments give to this sector, and of the high priority they assign to fisheries development in their countries.
Ulrich KNÜPPEL (EEC): The Community reiterates its interest in the deliberations and activities of the FAO Committee on Fisheries. It considers that this Nineteenth meeting as evidenced by the range of subjects under discussion and the extensive debates relating thereto, confirmed the positive role that this Committee plays as an international forum for fishery questions.
With reference to pelagic driftnet fishery, the Community wishes to reiterate the importance it attaches to this question. It reaffirms its support for the United Nations Resolution and its intention to regulate this type of fishing. In this regard, the Community welcomes the initiatives envisaged within FAO on the understanding that they fall within the appropriate legal framework and reflect international practice, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
W. KRONE (Director, Fishery Industries Division): I do not have any questions really to answer. You have been very kind to us. But perhaps I should make one or two comments on a couple of issues.
First of all, on the high seas expert fisheries consultation as was recommended by COFI, the Secretariat obviously will consult further with interested countries as to the scope, content and participation in this consultation, and will also cooperate with the Secretariat for the Convention on the Law of the Sea and the United Nations on this matter. In this respect, we are looking forward to the meeting organized by the OALOS for this year, in which we are participating.
In more general terms, our work in high seas fisheries will not be to the detriment of our involvement in coastal and national fisheries development and management.
I think this can be seen from many parts of the Summary Programme of Work and Budget, but perhaps even more so when we come to elaborate the full Programme of Work.
On the issue of selective fishing, although our work in this field has perhaps been spurred by the discussion on one type of fishing - that is, the large-scale driftnet fishing - we have never seen it entirely linked with this. This is an activity independent of what is discussed, or what is required, regarding large-scale driftnet fishing. We are concerned - and there is general concern - that we should study closely the effects of different fishing methods and, for the public at large, put the facts straight so that no wrong impression is gained that fishing has a negative effect on the environment or on the global situation.
A short remark on fisheries research, in addition to what Mr Shah said on the subject on Friday. It is particularly necessary, I think, to explain FAO's long involvement in this matter. We have been involved in building up national fishery research institutes in a couple of dozen countries in the developing world since the late 1960s and 1970s. We have a continuous involvement through our regional fishery bodies, where we not only stimulate research, because they are needed to decide on appropriate management action, but they also seek to coordinate the research necessary for the optimum utilization of fish resources. Our clear emphasis in all these activities has always been, and in future will always be, to strengthen national capacity. What has been said in our Summary Programme of Work and Budget has not been that we want to lead everything, but that we should strengthen intracountry research in these particular fields, and this will be independent on the final strategy. This is commended by the study which is a study prepared on behalf of donors, where obviously other mechanisms of consultation, particularly consultation with the many fishery countries, still need to be elaborated.
Perhaps I may make a brief remark regarding the question of whether our summary properly reflects the document as a whole. It is probably quite difficult to write, for these summaries, full details of a very complex and contentious discussion. If we have been guilty of any oversight which has not been fully corrected, this was certainly inadvertent and does not reflect any views on our part concerning the full content of the report.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you very much for your remarks and comments. Is there any other comment from the floor? If not, we can now complete this item and move to Item 13.
CHAIRMAN: This agenda item concerns recent developments in the UN System of Interest to FAO: the document is CL 99/6.
I shall now ask Ms Killingsworth, Director, Office for Inter-Agency Affairs, to introduce this item.
Ms. Kay KILLINGSWORTH (Director, Office for Inter-Agency Affairs): It is my pleasure to introduce to the Council document CL 99/6, entitled "Recent Developments in the United Nations System of Interest to FAO".
This document is primarily for information. Its purpose is to keep the Council abreast of the main events and deliberations that have occurred in the UN System since its last session in November 1990. It has no pretentions to being exhaustive, nor to covering the whole range of activities and issues arising from FAO's involvement with the UN System as a whole. The information which it contains has been kept as succinct as possible, while highlighting the activities which have or may have implications for FAO and those of an inter-agency cooperative nature.
We have also excluded coverage of activities involving the UN system which the Council would already have discussed under other items of its agenda. In particular I should mention the preparations for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development which has already been touched on as part of item 8 of your agenda for this session, and the question of FAO's relations with UNDP, which will be discussed by the Council this week under item 18, "Operational Activities for Development".
I would like now only to report on some developments which have taken place since the documents before you went to press in March.
One of those was the FAO Conference on Food Standards, Chemicals in Food and Food Trade, which was held here in Rome in March. You have a summary report of this Conference in document CL 99/INF/17.
With regard to the Uruguay Round, the Council has already touched on this subject during its discussion on item 4. I would just point out that since the suspension of negotiations in the Uruguay Round at the end of 1990, technical work has continued pending decisions which would facilitate the revival of the final phase of formal negotiations. An important key in this respect was the announcement by the EEC Commission of a plan for reforming the Community's agricultural policy. In the broader context of the negotiations another important decision was reached in May, by the US Congress, to extend the negotiating mandate of the US Administration by two years under the "fast track" authority. Subsequently, provision has been made for the resumption of formal negotiations in Geneva and, in fact, the first meetings on agriculture have been scheduled this month.
On the matter of the International Development Strategy, as you will see in the document, provisions have been made in the UN System for follow-up work concerning implementation of both the International Development Strategy and the Declaration adopted by the Eighteenth Special Session of the General Assembly. Council Members will recall that these two rather closely-interlinked issues were discussed together at the 98th Session in November. FAO is now required to report to the ECOSOC in July 1991 on the implementation of the Declaration, and will transmit the report on the Council's discussions last November. In addition, the activities of the IDS, which are very broad-based and cover a very wide spectrum, are fully in accord with the commitments and policies agreed upon in the Declaration.
With regard to the International Development Strategy, the Office of the Director-General for Development and International Economic Cooperation of the United Nations has now sent to UN Resident Coordinators guidelines which were developed by the ACC on the operational implications of the IDS. FAO contributed to the preparation of these guidelines which also include a summary of FAO's document "Long-Term Strategy for the Food and Agriculture Sector", which again was endorsed by the Council at its last session.
Paragraphs 45 to 53 of the document deal with the Eighteenth Session of the ACC Task Force on Rural Development held in May 1990. Since the document went to press, the Task Force held its Nineteenth Session in Nairobi from 22 to 24 May of this year. The most important item on the agenda of the meeting was the consideration of the report of the external consultants on the review of the experience of FAO and other UN agencies in the follow-up of the WCARRD Programme of Action. As you are aware, this report will be before the Conference in November of this year.
A word about the resumed General Assembly 45th Session, in New York. By its Resolution 45/177, the General Assembly decided to resume its 45th Session to consider restructuring and rehabilitation of the United Nations in the economic and social fields. This Session took place from 24 April to 3 May of this year and its result was a new work programme for ECOSOC.
It is now foreseen that ECOSOC would have one rather than two substantive sessions, as is the case at present. The single substantive session would be held alternatively in New York and Geneva and would be organized along the following lines: there would be a high-level segment; followed by a policy dialogue and discussion; followed by a segment on coordination; a segment on operational activities; and meetings of the two ECOSOC Committees on Social and Economic Matters.
These new arrangements would come into effect next year, as of February 1992.
The Committee on Programme and Coordination of the United Nations completed its four-week session on 7 June, and the Council may be interested to note that this Session considered the report of the Joint CPC/ACC Meetings, which are covered in the document before you. The Committee reaffirmed that the Joint Meetings provided a valuable and unique opportunity for Member States to engage in a productive dialogue with the executive heads of the various UN agencies. It also confirmed that the topic for the next series of Joint Meetings, which will take place in October of this year,
would be the implementation of the International Development Strategy by the organizations of the United Nations System. The CPC also reacted positively to the ACC Annual Report for 1990, which it considered was a definite improvement over previous reports. Although the Committee felt that some further enhancements could be made, it welcomed the format, the emphasis on substantive issues and its new addendum (which is described in the document) on the programmes and resources of the UN System.
Going on to the Conference of the World Meteorological Congress: this was held from 1 to 25 May 1991, and adopted a Resolution with some implications for FAO entitled "World Climate Programme and its Coordination".
By this resolution, the Congress decided to establish new inter-agency arrangements for coordination of the world climate programme; principally a coordinating committee which would service the meetings of executive heads. It also decided that these arrangements should be complemented by strengthened coordination at the inter-govenrmental level and that an inter-governmental meeting should be held before the end of 1992, inter alia, to review coordination of the world climate programme. As you know, FAO has been participating in this programme.
The World Food Council's 17th Ministerial Session, which was held from 5 to 8 June, 1991, has already been touched on in your earlier debates. I will just say that FAO attended the session, the theme of which was "Food First" on the development agenda for the 1990s. The debate focused on practical ways to realize the hunger and poverty alleviation objectives of the IDS, the need for a new Green Revolution and the elements which it should contain, and the importance of a successful completion of the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations for food security. In particular, on this last point the ministers adopted a message to be transmitted in their name to the multilateral trade negotiators in Geneva.
The session also devoted considerable attention to the question of the future role of the World Food Council. There was general concern that the potential value of the Council was not being fully realized by present methods of work, and an important item for discussion among representatives of member countries during the coming year will be issues related to future work of the Council.
One new topic which was introduced at this session for consideration by the Council next time was the problem of human migration and its effects on world food security.
A few words on follow-up to the UN Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development: a progress report was submitted to you in November of last year. Since then, FAO has continued to participate actively in the inter-agency machinery for monitoring UN-PAAERD and also in the meetings of the UN-PAAERD Steering Committee and Task Force and follow-up at regional levels. FAO has also served as the coordination agency in the preparation of several sectoral monitoring reports.
Finally, we have been fully involved in preparations for the final review of the Programme of Action and participated in several multisectoral missions to African countries in January and February of this year. As was
the case with the mid-term review carried out a few years ago, FAO is a member of the Working Group which is charged with preparing the zero draft of the Secretary-General's final report to the General Assembly on the overall implementation of the Programme of Action.
In the document 98/12 which was submitted to the Council last November, we had informed the Council of inter-agency activities to address and mitigate consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Subsequently, in response to the General Assembly Resolution 45/190, adopted in December of last year, the Secretary-General appointed a coordinator for the UN System on this issue, Miss Margaret Anstee, who is also the Director-General of the UN Office in Vienna. Also, the Administrative Committee on Coordination established an ad hoc inter-agency task force at senior level which is to be responsible for stimulating and monitoring the activities of the UN System concerning the economic and social consequences. FAO participated in the recently held first meeting of this task force, which considered various programmes and projects.
I would not like to take any more time of the Council at this point, but of course I would be pleased to provide any further clarification which might be requested by members.
Mr Antoine Saintraint, Independent Chairman of the Council, took the chair
M. Antoine Saintraint, Président indépendant du Conseil, assume la présidence
cupa la presidencia el Sr. Antoine Saintraint. Presidente Independiente del Consejo
David DRAKE (Canada): My delegation wishes to encourage FAO to reinforce its cooperation with other international organizations in a spirit of complementarity. Having in mind the necessity to reduce duplication of efforts, Canada particularly welcomes FAO's cooperation with other United Nations organizations in the important areas of drug abuse control. Canada strongly supported the recent creation of the UN International Drug Control Programme, UNDCP, under the authority of Executive Director Giacomelli. We encourage FAO to cooperate with UNDCP.
We also value the FAO's collaboration with other organizations in disaster-related activities, as outlined in paragraphs 36 to 39 of the report. We take this opportunity to reiterate the importance we attach to a positive outcome of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. Our delegation supports the suggestion that the Director-General informs ECOSOC that it is the Council's view that the activities of FAO in the elaboration and implementation of the IDS constitute its contribution to the implementation of the declaration.
Finally, as the Council members will be aware, Canada played a prominent role in the World Summit for Children, and we highly value its recommendations. Canada has taken several steps to implement these recommendations at a national level. We welcome the determination expressed by the Director-General to take into account the goals, strategies and recommendations of the summit in carrying out FAO programmes, as urged by
Resolution 45/217 of the General Assembly. In this regard, we would like to draw the Council's attention to an international meeting to be held in Montreal in October of this year to focus on ending hidden hunger. This conference will consider ways and means for countries to reach the Children's Summit goals on nutrition for Vitamin A, iodine deficiency eradication and iron deficiency reduction. We very much welcome the brief update made by Mr Dutia under his response to Item 14 last week in this regard. FAO is one of the key players in the Montreal Micro-Nutrient Conference, and we look forward to the FAO's full participation in the preparation for the meeting and in the conference itself.
Gonzalo BUIA HOYOS (Colombia): Este documento, como lo ha dicho nuestra distinguida amiga Kay Killingsworth en su presentación, tiene un volumen más reducido que en los anteriores, pero su contenido es igualmente satisfactorio, porque recoge los asuntos más recientes que han acaecido en el sistema de las Naciones Unidas y que son de interés para la FAO.
Sobre la Ronda Uruguay, después del fracaso del encuentro ministerial en Bruselas, en diciembre pasado, que no pudo ser la reunión conclusiva de esas NCM, parece evidente que la función de la FAO ha perdido un poco de vigencia, al celebrarse después las conversaciones directamente en el CNC (Comité de Negociaciones Comerciales), en el cual no se admiten observadores.
Creemos que la participación de la FAO fue activa en los grupos de negociación relacionados con su mandato y nos complace que, como dice el párrafo 7, la FAO haya continuado dando información y asesoramiento técnico directamente a los países en desarrollo. Preguntamos: ¿Esa asistencia se ha prestado a países individualmente?, ¿por grupos de países? ¿O también se han utilizado las organizaciones regionales y sub-regionales? ¿En qué ha consistido ese asesoramiento? ¿Cuáles países y de qué regiones han solicitado y obtenido esa asistencia de la FAO?
Como lo dijo la Sra. Killingsworth, del 5 al 8 de este mes tuvo lugar en Helsingør (Dinamarca) la reunión del Consejo Mundial de la Alimentación. Allá estuvo usted, señor Presidente, y en una excelente declaración usted renovó la tradición de que el Presidente del Consejo de la FAO asista a la reunión del Consejo Mundial de la Alimentación. Los representantes de Colombia, que también asistimos a esa reunión en Dinamarca - muy bien organizada, con eficaces servicios provistos por Dinamarca, país hospedante - realizamos una tarea que yo considero positiva. Especialmente se adoptó por unanimidad un mensaje dirigido al GATT, sobre la conveniencia de que las negociaciones comerciales multilaterales terminen rápidamente y en forma satisfactoria. Ese mensaje aparecerá en la parte del informe sobre el Tema 4, "La situación alimentaria en el mundo".
Nos complace que el Fondo Común esté ya funcionando como organización internacional independiente, con sede en Amsterdam, y que, sobre todò la Segunda Cuenta, que es la de mayor importancia para la FAO, pueda entrar a financiar proyectos de investigación y desarrollo, dirigidos al aumento de la productividad y al mejoramiento de la comercialización.
La 12a reunión del Grupo Intergubernamental sobre el Banano, que es uno de los organismos internacionales de productos básicos designados por el Fondo Común, se reunió en Madeira (Portugal), del 3 al 7 de junio. En esa reunión se iba a considerar un proyecto revisado, acerca de investigación y desarrollo sobre el banano, proyecto que debía ser financiado por la Segunda Cuenta del Fondo Común.
Aunque han transcurrido relativamente pocos días, ¿se nos podrá informar del resultado respecto a esa iniciativa? ¿Concluyó la revisión de ese proyecto sobre investigación y desarrollo del banano y se enviará al Fondo Común para su financiación?
De todos modos, ha sido muy importante que el Fondo Común haya aceptado la sugerencia de nuestros órganos rectores, transmitida por el Director General de la FAO, al designar a nueve organismos internacionales de productos básicos, que pertenecen a nuestro Comité de Problemas de Productos Básicos.
Nos complace que la FAO haya contribuido activamente a la elaboración de la Cuarta Estrategia Internacional del Desarrollo. En las actividades complementarias después de la adopción de la Estrategia por la Asamblea General, esperamos que en la FAO todos podamos contribuir al mantenimiento del diálogo multilateral y a la mayor cooperación internacional, a que se han comprometido en el texto de esa Estrategia los Estados Miembros, especialmente sobre la necesidad de intensificar la cooperación económica internacional.
Al final del párrafo 24, se propone que el Consejo autorice al Director General para que informe al ECOSOC de que las actividades de la FAO en la elaboración y aplicación de la EID constituyen su contribución a la ejecución de esa Declaración. Como ya lo dijo el colega de Canadá, no tenemos inconveniente en que el Director General haga esa declaración ante el ECOSOC, pero en el entendido de que la acción de la FAO no ha concluido con la adopción de la EID, sino que nuestra Organización, en los dominios que le competen, por medio del mecanismo intersecretarial o como lo considere más adecuado, debe seguir aportando sus experiencias y conocimientos en favor del cumplimiento de los objetivos de la EID en los campos de la agricultura y de la alimentación.
Instamos a la FAO a que prosiga su colaboración en el sector de la fiscalización del uso indebido de drogas, ahora, a través del solo y nuevo Programa Unificado.
La FAO debe seguir aportando su contribución, en las esferas pertinentes, a la lucha contra el apartheid, y nos complace que, como dice el párrafo 34, la FAO prestó asistencia a Namibia antes de su independencia y ha continuado ayudando ese país después de la misma. Particularmente satisfactoria es la colaboración PNUD/FAO, que asistirá al Gobierno de Namibia en un proyecto destinado a supervisar la seguridad alimentaria en ese país. En Naciones Unidas, el Gobierno de Colombia apoyó permanentemente el proceso que ha conducido a la independencia de Namibia. Esperamos que ahora la FAO seguirá apoyando a ese país para que, en los sectores de la agricultura y la alimentación, logre consolidar sus valores humanos, económicos y sociales, que, en el caso particular de Namibia, Colombia apoya plenamente.
Jacques WARIN (France): Je voudrais commencer par remercier le Secrétariat pour le document très exhaustif (CL 99/6) qu'il a confectionné et remercier particulièrement Madame Killingsworth, qui en est sûrement l'auteur ou du moins la responsable en chef; et je voudrais également la remercier pour les explications complémentaires qu'elle vient de nous donner sur toute une série de faits qui ont eu lieu depuis la production de ce document, et notamment le résumé très pertinent qu'elle vient de faire de la session du Conseil mondial de l'alimentation à laquelle j'ai eu l'honneur de participer, Monsieur le Président, à vos côtés.
Le document très exhaustif qui nous a été adressé aborde une douzaine de catégories d'activités qui se sont déroulées dans le cadre des Nations Unies et qui intéressent plus particulièrement notre Organisation. Je n'en relèverai, si vous le permettez, que cinq, dans la mesure où elles intéressent non seulement l'Organisation, mais plus particulièrement mon pays. II s'agit du Fonds commun pour les produits de base, de la lutte contre la drogue, des activités concernant les catastrophes, du suivi du Sommet mondial pour l'enfance et, enfin, de la Conférence internationale sur l'eau et l'environnement qui sera organisée, à Dublin, au début de l'année prochaine. J'ajouterai, si vous le permettez, un mot sur la Conférence de Rio de Janeiro sur l'environnement.
Comme j'ai déjà eu l'occasion de m'en expliquer au Conseil de novembre dernier ainsi que dans d'autres enceintes, je n'évoquerai pas ici le problème des négociations multilatérales du GATT. D'une part, la position de la France est particulièrement définie par celle de la Communauté européenne et, d'autre part, l'enceinte la plus appropriée pour traiter de cette question me paraît être les instances du GATT, à Genève.
J'aborderai donc les cinq points qui intéressent plus directement l'Organisation:
Premièrement: le Fonds commun. Le Fonds commun des matières premières est enfin entré en vigueur, après dix années de survie après sa naissance. Il est entré en vigueur en juin 1989 et il fonctionne maintenant comme une organisation Internationale indépendante dont le siège est à Amsterdam. Le gouvernement français a, pour la première fois, contribué au Fonds commun en y versant, dès cette année, un premier acompte. Au stade actuel, je crois que nous pouvons seulement nous féliciter d'apprendre que le Conseil d'administration du Fonds commun, en février dernier, a désigné neuf organes comme "organisme international des produits". Nous souhaitons vivement, deux années après la création du Fonds commun, que celui-ci puisse promouvoir des projets concrets auxquels, par l'intermédiaire de ses organes gouvernementaux, la FAO puisse apporter son expertise.
Deuxième point: la lutte contre la drogue. Ma délégation a soutenu, dans d'autres enceintes, le processus d'unification des instances des Nations Unies qui s'occupent du problème de la drogue (la Division des stupéfiants, organe international de contrôle, et le Fonds des Nations Unies contre la drogue). Je remarque que, dans certaines régions du monde, la culture de la drogue constitue avant tout un problème de développement qui intéresse directement l'agriculture. C'est dans cette optique que notre délégation ne peut qu'encourager la FAO a inclure davantage l'élément drogue dans ses programmes afin de développer ses activités opérationnelles.
Troisièmement: les catastrophes. Le document de la FAO en répertorie toute une série. J'insisterai settlement sur deux d'entre elles auxquelles la FAO s'intéresse; et le gouvernement français, àtravers la FAO, contribue, bien entendu, à la lutte contre ces catastrophes. Il s'agit du Programme d'éradication de la lucilie bouchère, dont les premiers résultats nous paraissent très encourageants puisque le budget initial a pu être réduit et, d'autre part, de la lutte antiacridienne qui continue avec succès puisque le fléau parait, à l'heure actuelle, provisoirement éteint dans les régions où il sévissait le plus, c'est-à-dire en Afrique sahélienne.
Quatrièmement: je passe au suivi du Sommet mondial de l'enfance. Dans ce domaine, l'Organisation pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture a un programme de travail qui répond à un grand nombre des principaux objectifs du Sommet: améliorer la sécurité alimentaire et le niveau nutritionnel des enfants.
Le Conseil d'administration de l'UNICEF a été l'occasion, en mai dernier, de rappeler que, pour répondre à la volonté exprimée par le gouvernement français, un comité du suivi du Sommet mondial de l'enfance sera très prochainement mis sur pied. Cette structure nationale de reflexion et de concertátion, qui réunira des personnalités reconnues pour leurs actions en faveur de l'enfance, sera chargée en France de la mise en oeuvre du plan d'action international. Mais cette réflexion que nous menons au plan national doit prendre en compte la dimension Internationale des problèmes auxquels se trouve plus que jamais confronté l'UNICEF. Ces événements apparaissent tous comme de nouveaux défis que l'UNICEF se doit de relever, qu'il s'agisse des pays d'Europe de l'Est qui réclament notre aide, ou qu'il s'agisse des événements liés à la crise du Moyen-Orient, sans oublier l'Afrique qui doit demeurer une priorité.
Enfin, de manière plus générale, la nutrition constitue le lien majeur entre l'enfance, la santé et l'agriculture, donc entre l'UNICEF, l'OMS et la FAO. Mon pays attache une importance particulière aux préparatifs de la conférence sur la nutrition. J'ai eu l'occasion d'y faire allusion sous un autre point de l'ordre du jour.
Cinquièmement: je voudrais enfin évoquer la Conférence Internationale sur l'eau et l'environnement qui doit se dérouler à Dublin en janvier prochain. La France a évidemment l'intention de participer à la Conférence de Dublin. Elle avait participé, en 1977, à la Conférence de Mar del Plata et elle en avait approuvé les conclusions. Elle les a intégrées dans sa propre contribution à la conférence de 1992 sur l'environnement. Dublin s'inscrit donc, à nos yeux, comme une étape dans cette préparation.
J'évoquerai enfin rapidement, et pour terminer, un thème qui n'est pas directement traité dans le document qui a été préparé par le Secrétariat, mais qui est évidemment présent à tous les esprits: la préparation de la Conférence de Rio de Janeiro, en juin 1992, sur l'environnement et le développement.
S'agissant de l'environnement, chacun sait maintenant que sa protection et sa gestion dans l'intérêt des générations présentes et futures sont l'affaire de tous. Elles appellent une concertation mondiale au-delà des efforts locaux et nationaux qui sont déjà engagés. La France, qui a pris beaucoup d'initiatives dans ce domaine - je pense au réchauffement
climatique, à la protection de la couche d'ozone ou encore l'Antarctique attend beaucoup de la conférence sur l'environnement et le développement. Elle accueillera d'ailleurs, à Paris, à l'initiative du Président de la République, une conférence d'organisations non gouvernementales qui doit associer ces acteurs importants que sont les ONG à la préparation de la Conférence de Rio.
R. ALLEN (United Kingdom): The United Kingdom delegation would like to welcome this document which we consider provides a thorough review of developments in the UN system of particular interest to FAO. As Mrs Killingsworth said in her introduction, this enables the membership to establish that FAO's obligations arising in other bodies are appropriately carried out. I would just like to make a few selective comments on the paper.
Regarding the Common Fund for Commodities discussed in paragraphs 10-15, my delegation considers that project proposals to the Fund will need to be considered very carefully, especially during the start-up phase when it is more likely that the Fund will wish to support individual projects rather than a programme of research and development.
The Common Fund Consultative Committee had some difficulty in determining the status of the project which was submitted to it on the technical assistance programme for fishery commodities and marketing development. In the light of this experience, and given the limited resources involved in second account funding, my delegation would urge FAO to concentrate on preparing two or three good quality projects for each IGG thoroughly prepared and fully described in accordance with the Fund's application form.
In view of the costliness of project activities to FAO, it is of prime importance to assure in advance that projects submitted are fully in accordance with the Fund's policy requirements.
With regard to paragraphs 16-24 which deal with international development strategy for the Fourth UN Development Decade and also the Declaration adopted by the Eighteenth Special Session of the UN General Assembly, we would like to point out that the commitments and policies agreed on in the Declaration are not identical to those embodied in the International Development Strategy. Therefore, we would like to suggest that FAO deals separately with these two topics in considering the contribution of the Organization to their implementation.
We were particularly interested to see in the report in paragraphs 25-30 that the document identifies accurately and succinctly the main elements which underpin FAO's activities in the field of drug abuse control. The United Kingdom is keen to encourage the FAO to continue to collaborate within the UN System on drug related activity and to work closely with the United Nations International Drug Programme, especially with regard to issues of policy and programme coordination. The paper accurately summarizes the reform process currently taking place within the UN Drug Abuse Control System.
In addition, the UN Secretary-General has been asked to review the UN System-Wide Action Plan of Drug Abuse Control. As this will have obvious implications for FAO the Organization will need to follow these developments very closely.
We welcome the reporting in paragraphs 40-44 on the World Summit for Children and its follow-up. The concentration on nutrition and household food security mentioned in paragraph 42 seems to us to be a correct approach and much needs to be done in this regard, and more specifically to combat vitamin A deficiency. We look forward to being kept informed of progress in this respect. The Plan of Action for Implementing the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children proposed action at the international level by international organizations including the following:
First all international development agencies were asked to examine how they could contribute to the achievement of the goals and strategies enunciated in the Declaration and Plan of Action as part of a more general attention to human development in the 1990s, and to report their plans and programmes to the respective governing bodies before the end of 1991 and periodically thereafter.
Secondly, the governing bodies of all UN agencies and other international institutions were asked to cooperate to ensure the achievement of national plans.
Thirdly, governing bodies are requested to include periodic reviews to the implementation of the Declaration and Plan of Action at their regular sessions, and to keep the General Assembly of the UN, through ECOSOC, fully informed of progress to date and additional action required during the decade ahead.
Mr Chairman, we note that the Director-General has assured the Secretary-General in correspondence in March this year that FAO would take into account the goals, strategies and recommendations of the Declaration and Plan in carrying out its programme, and that the Declaration and Plan of Action would be taken into account in the formulation of FAO's Medium-Term Plan. However, we suggest this may not fully meet the requirements of the Plan of Action. Unless the letter from the Secretary-General referred to in paragraph 44 advises to the contrary, we would urge that the FAO contribution to the Summit Declaration and Plan of Action should be discussed at the FAO Conference on the basis of a paper to be prepared by the Director-General as stipulated in the Plan of Action for implementing the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children which calls for "consolidated analysis of the plans and actions undertaken in support of the child-related development goals for the 1990s.
Regarding the International Conference on Water and Environment we would like to stress the need for the strategy mentioned in paragraph 70 to include adequate components to cover economic and financial issues, such as
water long-term marginal costs, and appropriate pricing regimes and policies. In 1991 the World Bank launched an international programme for technology research in irrigation and drainage to assist developing countries meet the challenge of agricultural productivity in the context of increasing land and water scarcity and environmental degradation. We would like to ask whether this will be dove-tailing with the FAO's work. Thank you very much.
The meeting rose at 12.30 hours
La séance est levée à 12 h 30
Se levanta la sesión a las 12.30 horas
