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WORLD FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SITUATION (continued)
SITUATION MONDIALE DE L'ALIMENTATION ET DE L'AGRICULTURE (suite)
SITUACION MUNDIAL DE LA AGRICULTURA Y LA ALIMENTACION (continuación)

4. State of Food and Agriculture 1994
4. Situation mondiale de l'alimentation et de l'agriculture 1994
4. El estado mundial de la agricultura y la alimentación 1994

5. Report of the Nineteenth Session of the Committee on World Food Security
5. Rapport de la dix-neuvième session du Comité de la sécurité alimentaire mondiale
5. Informe del 19° período de sesiones del Comité de seguridad alimentaria mundial

EL PRESIDENTE: Se abre la cuarta sesión plenaria de nuestros trabajos. Vamos a pasar inmediatamente a la respuesta de parte de la Secretaría a través del señor Subdirector General, Señor Hjort, a las cuestiones por ustedes planteadas sobre los Temas 4 y 5.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: Please permit me to begin by expressing appreciation on behalf of the SOFA group, the Secretariat of the Committee on Food Security, and all the others who have made contributions to the documents that have been before you. Your appreciative comments are welcome.

There were very few suggestions for modifications to the text of the document. I refer in particular to the interventions by Lebanon, Brazil, Argentina and Albania. I would appreciate having the opportunity for the SOFA group to sit down with a representative from each one of those delegations to review the three paragraphs which are of concern.

I might add parenthetically that had this been, say, two years or so earlier, we would not have had this problem because the Minister from Lebanon would have cleared the document!

The representative from Lebanon also asked about the tables for SOFA. Members will recall that tables are not normally provided in the document under review by Council or Conference, but they are a standard feature of the SOFA document that is published and distributed widely. However, I would remind Council that with effect from last year instead of putting hard copy tables with the SOFA document we have adopted the practice of including a diskette that contains the data - actually more data than before.

There was also a question about the flow of information from the representative of Lebanon, about speeding up the flow of information from the Global Information and Early Warning System. He asked whether the FAO offices could be used for electronic transmission.

We are putting the key Global Information Early Warning System outputs on UNINET, an electronic network, and it is now available through the FAOINF, the textual component of our WAICENT. As the Director-General mentioned, we are in the process of upgrading our communications system to make connections with the FAOR offices and the Regional Offices electronically, and this will facilitate the transmission of information. We are also working through a project funded by the Government of France to use real time transmission of the Global Information Early Warning System outputs on the French language international network. Also, we are testing other methods of electronic communication between the Global Information Early Warning System and your embassies and offices here in Rome. We are trying to improve the flow or the speed of information.

I also want to express special appreciation for the positive reaction to the selected issues that were in the document. With respect to HIV/AIDS, the point has been made that we are not in a control position. Instead we are monitoring and reporting to you an assessment of the potential impact of this problem on food security and agriculture. You have asked that we continue to monitor and assess the impact on food and agriculture. The World Health Organization is the lead organization within the UN system; we will continue to collaborate with them.


With respect to the global greenhouse issue, here we have perhaps a more substantive role in working with the entire community of interest in seeking to better understand this phenomenon and its implications for food and agriculture. We appreciate in this context the offer from the Government of Canada to share with us the results of the study to which they referred. I also note in this context the comments from the representative from Spain with respect to forest measures. We appreciate that advice and counsel.

I will now turn to the topic that I believe attracted more comment than any other single one, and that is the follow-up to the Uruguay Round agreement, the Final Act. As at the regional conferences, this matter and FAO's role have attracted a great deal of interest. As you have been informed, we are studying the implications and the impact. We are doing so on a commodity-by-commodity basis in connection with the work of the Inter-Governmental Groups. I notice that your governments are considering a resolution at the General Assembly that would have UNCTAD also engaging in this same activity. The assessments on a commodity-by-commodity basis will be used as an input into the paper for the Committee on Commodity Problems where the view of implications and impacts will be from a country, sub-region, regional and global basis, at its meeting in April of 1995. In this connection I refer to the concern expressed by the Government of Japan, and I wish to assure them, as they have been assured by some of the other members of the Council, that the final act agreement makes a partial reduction in subsidies, tariffs and so forth. It is by no means a complete reduction that has been agreed, and there will in fact still be substantial protection when the year 2000 comes, when the process is to be completed on the part of the developed countries, and four more years pass before certain developing countries have to complete their agreement.

As to the concern over the link to ratification, my advice on that point is not to be concerned, first, because there are a good number of assessments already in the public arena from varying sources. Second, it would seem to me that facts can do nothing other than provide stronger justification for ratification. Our responsibilities with respect to the follow-up to the final act do not end with studies of the implications and impact. Those studies provide the basis for our being able to offer to you, and to respond to your requests for, assistance in understanding what is in the "green box" and understanding what actions could and should be taken to maximize the benefits or minimize the potential adverse effects. We have started to receive and have responded to some requests from member countries for such assistance, and we shall try to do our best to respond to all such requests.

There was more than one intervention that encouraged that there be close collaboration with the World Trade Organization. Permit me to summarize the efforts of the organization to establish firm collaborative relations with GATT(WTO). On 4 March the Director-General wrote to Mr Sutherland on establishing formal collaborative arrangements between FAO and WTO, including the possibility of a joint division between the two organizations. Mr Sutherland replied on 8 April stating that a Secretariat liaison plus attendance at meetings provided, in his view, a cost-effective basis for cooperation. He said, however, modalities for cooperation between WTO and relevant international organizations, including FAO, would be decided on a case-by-case basis by the WTO members themselves in the framework of the WTO preparatory committee. The Director-General therefore requested of Mr Sutherland on the 1st day of June the granting of observer status to FAO at the committee meetings of the preparatory committee of the WTO, the WTO's committees on agriculture, on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, on trade and environment, and eventually the General Council and other appropriate bodies when established. On the 8th day of June Mr Sutherland informed the Director-General that consideration of FAO's request for Observer status in relevant WTO bodies will be taken up at the appropriate time, and FAO will be informed about any decision on this matter in due course. As for the Preparatory Committee, the rules of attendance by observers were decided by this committee at its first meeting on 29 April 1994, under which it was not possible for FAO to participate in the work of the Committee. We therefore decided to write to the sub-Committee Chairman directly. We wrote first to the Chairman of the sub-Committee for Institutional, Procedural and Legal Matters requesting that FAO be invited as an observer to the sub-Committee's proceedings in view of the fact that FAO has areas of responsibility closely related to those of WTO, and specified in the Final Act. We were informed that FAO's request would be considered at a meeting of the sub-Committee on 4 July. On 19 July at the meeting of the sub-Committee, the European Union objected to FAO's observer status to this Committee as FAO was a "sectoral" body. Although other delegations provided strong support for FAO's request, as there was no consensus, the decision on the matter was postponed. However, on 22 July, Ambassador Kesavapany wrote to Mrs Killingsworth noting that while a decision on FAO's request had been postponed, the sub-Committee had agreed to authorize an informal contact group on agriculture which was established as a sub-Committee, to invite the Codex Alimentarius Commission and, also in our case, the Secretariat of the International Plant


Protection Commission, as well as FAO, to be associated on an ad hoc basis with the work of the informal contact group in order to provide expertise on matters relating to sanitary and phytosanitary measures. In a letter to the Chairman of the sub-Committee on Trade and Environment, we were informed that observer status was granted only to those organizations that are present observers of the preparatory committee to the WTO, that being the United Nations, UNCTAD, IMF and the World Bank. We reiterated that in view of the fact that FAO has important responsibilities in a number of areas of direct concern to the sub-Committee on Trade and Environment, it would be mutually beneficial if the sub-Committee were to grant observer status to FAO. In September, this Committee met, and no decision was taken on FAO's request or the requests of others for observer status.

However, at the 26/27 September meeting, which was the fourth meeting of the Sub-Committee on Trade and Development, it decided to admit FAO, OECD, ITC, UNDP, EFTA and UNEP as Observers to the subcommittee in addition to those already accepted, which I have already named.

On 26 September the Sub-Committee on Institutional and Legal Matters considered the terms of reference of the WTO Committee on Agriculture and the arrangements for cooperation with other international organizations, as well as the question of Observer status for inter-governmental organizations in the future WTO. At subsequent meetings in October and November the sub-committee has returned to these questions without yet having adopted final texts for consideration by the preparatory committee.

On 18 and 19 October 1994 the informal Contact Group on Agriculture, to which I previously referred, held a meeting, at which FAO was represented by a representative for the IPPC and Codex.

This long litany demonstrates that it has not been easy to establish collaborative relations with the WTO and its preparatory bodies. However, I should also report that we have received a letter, to which we have responded positively, from GATT itself to participate with them in regional meetings. We in fact offered the facilities of our regional offices for such meetings. These, however, are focusing on the sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

I would also note that there are certain workshops on other matters which are being organized either by us or by GATT and in each case we are seeking to cooperate with them.

I would summarize all of this by saying that at the working level within GATT there appears to be the felt need for cooperation and collaboration. That felt need appears to be stronger at that level than among the subcommittees and committees that are preparing for the WTO. We have reason to believe, however, that once the WTO has been established we shall gain Observer status.

I apologize for taking so long on this point but the matter had been mentioned and it is one that is very much at the forefront of our minds.

I would now note the fact that the Report of the Committee on Food Security was endorsed. In view of the comments made about the Special Programme and the paper that is being prepared on the high and low potential areas and the discussion that was held there, I would simply remind you of my introductory comments, in effect saying that the study that was requested is in process. It is on schedule. It will consider this issue in a broad context, with special emphasis on three country situations, and, in view of the time, I inform the representative from the United Kingdom and any other members who wish to have a more detailed progress report that Mr Perkins or Ms Huddleston would be pleased to provide that. They have a brief statement but it would take too much time to read it out.

Next I wanted to refer to the issue which was highlighted by the statement from the Islamic Republic of Iran, when they pointedly asked the question how to reduce the number of countries on the food emergency list. This general topic was referred to in my introductory remarks and came back from other delegations, where prevention, rehabilitation and getting back on the path to development was highlighted. I want to say again that this is a matter which is consuming considerable attention, a matter of deep concern, where we see a very steeply rising curve in expenditures for peace-making, peace-keeping and emergency-relief type activities, which must be reversed.


In this context, I would refer to the statement made by the representative from Rwanda, where this situation is very germane. We must, working together with the member countries and with the entire community of interest, find a way to reverse the trend and to obtain more resources for helping member countries get back on a path towards reconstruction and development.

I note the comments made by the representative from Argentina about the white helmets and simply note that FAO in fact does use UN volunteers. If this arrangement works out, we certainly have the need for additional volunteers in connection with emergency activities and would welcome that programme.

Finally, I am appreciative of the many comments that were made in connection with the Director-General's initiatives, his actions, his openness to consultation, and so forth. However, I believe these topics are matters more appropriately to be taken up under Agenda Item 11. I therefore simply express appreciation for those complimentary comments and suggest that the follow-up to them be taken up under Agenda Item 11.

EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias señor Hjort por sus comentarios y respuestas. Estoy seguro que los miembros de este Consejo y los observadores han encontrado en ellas información de gran interés y utilidad. A estas alturas pregunto a los miembros del Consejo si hay algún comentario adicional respecto de las respuestas proporcionadas por el Subdirector General. No encuentro ninguna petición para hacer uso de la palabra.

Antes de concluir este tema del programa, permítaseme expresar mi satisfacción por la calidad del debate que confío nos ha ayudado a todos a comprender mejor la naturaleza y las dimensiones de los problemas con que se enfrenta actualmente la agricultura y que nos ayudará en la búsqueda de soluciones políticas y técnicas para resolverlos. Permítanme hacer un resumen de nuestros trabajos sin pretender, desde luego, abarcar la totalidad, ni mucho menos el detalle, de sus múltiples observaciones, y sobre todo en virtud de la gran variedad de temas comprendidos.

En primer lugar, los documentos presentados por la Secretaría para el estudio del Tema 4 y la inclusión de temas seleccionados, permitieron a este Consejo dar un alto nivel a su debate. Asimismo, dentro del tema 5, se calificó el informe del 19° período de Sesiones del Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria, como constructivo y fidedigno. Se pidió, sin embargo, que los documentos de trabajo sean distribuidos con la antelación necesaria y que la información sobre el estado mundial de la agricultura y la alimentación debe estar disponible con toda oportunidad y de manera frecuente. Hemos tomado nota con satisfacción de las perspectivas de mejora del clima económico mundial para el desarrollo agrícola, de la probabilidad de un aumento en el bienestar mundial y de un orden más disciplinado en el comercio de productos agrícolas como consecuencia de los acuerdos de la Ronda Uruguay.

También hemos tomado nota de los progresos realizados por muchos países en desarrollo en la reforma, estabilización y recuperación de sus economías, así como en el desarrollo agrícola y de la seguridad alimentaria. Sin embargo, y al mismo tiempo, tenemos que lamentar una vez más el carácter desequilibrado de estas mejoras. El debate que hemos sostenido nos ha ayudado sobre todo a comprender mejor la gravedad del problema de Africa y de la trágica situación de millones de personas afectadas por conflictos armados y situaciones precarias de seguridad alimentaria en todos los países del mundo.

El Consejo escuchó varios testimonios de situaciones catastróficas o de emergencia alimentaria en algunos países, en particular en la región africana. En estas circunstancias, la reducción de la asistencia para el desarrollo y, en especial, la destinada a la agricultura, así como de la ayuda alimentaria, son inaceptables.

Más aún, la proliferación de conflictos y de emergencias alimentarias obliga a desviar hacia estas situaciones recursos escasos y urgentemente necesarios para fines de desarrollo. Adicionalmente muchas delegaciones hicieron referencia a la dimensión y graves implicaciones de la pobreza extrema en muchos países del mundo en sus dos aspectos, rural y urbano, y también de su íntima vinculación con el hambre y la inseguridad alimentaria. Se recordó que estas situaciones no excluyen necesariamente a países exportadores de alimentos.

Se hizo referencia al conjunto de factores y condiciones que impiden el acceso a los alimentos para quienes los necesitan, a pesar de un entorno de abundancia de los mismos. Se concluyó que el hambre y la paz no son compatibles y se advirtió que mucho de los reveses son producidos por el hombre.


Hubo unanimidad en la importancia de combatir la pobreza extrema y se anunciaron diversos programas de ayuda, de atención a emergencias y de proyectos de desarrollo agrícola a nivel regional y nacional.

Se tomó nota de varias conferencias que trataron el tema de la seguridad alimentaria, en especial, la de los países no alineados, y la declaración correspondiente. Se instó a la FAO a que intensifique sus acciones y proyectos de cooperación técnica y de asesoramiento en materia de políticas para ayudar a los países a lograr la seguridad alimentaria, combatir plagas, la desertificación y la degradación ecológica.

Se enfatizó asimismo en la necesidad de mantener la salubridad y la calidad de los alimentos. En otro sentido, se puntualizó el papel que puede jugar la biotecnología y mayores esfuerzos en la investigación y el desarrollo tecnológico para hacer frente sobre todo al estancamiento creciente en la elevación de los rendimientos y de la producción agrícola, así como en la industria alimentaria.

Por otro lado, se mencionó el peso específico que el servicio de la deuda externa sigue ejerciendo sobre el desarrollo del sector agrícola y alimentario en muchos países de escasos recursos, así como el deterioro de sus términos de intercambio. Esto ha llevado a muchos países a una continuada atonía económica y a la insuficiencia de fondos de inversión particularmente destinados al sector rural. Además, los programas de ajuste económico en diversos países tienen potenciales efectos negativos sobre la distribución del ingreso, la economía de las clases más desprotegidas y el equilibrio sectorial y geográfico que ponen todavía una atención mayor sobre el Estado.

Las dificultades con que se enfrentan muchas economías en transición constituyen también motivo de gran preocupación, no sólo por las dificultades que padecen sus propias poblaciones, sino también porque representan una mayor presión sobre la ayuda exterior.

Se hizo referencia al papel fundamental que tienen las regiones rurales en cada país en la estabilidad social y económica. Se mencionó la necesidad de ofrecer seguridades a los agricultores para lograr la transición positiva en la reestructuración de la economía agrícola, particularmente en virtud de la liberalización comercial, y también de los objetivos de la Cumbre de Río y del logro de un desarrollo agrícola sostenible.

Se insistió, en particular, en el papel de la mujer en el desarrollo agrícola y económico y en la importancia creciente de promover la investigación agrícola.

Respecto a las cuestiones seleccionadas, el Consejo tomó nota de los repetidos llamamientos de alerta por los problemas no resueltos del proteccionismo en el comercio agrícola, el acceso insuficiente a los mercados para las exportaciones de los países en desarrollo y los nuevos desafíos que será preciso afrontar en el ámbito del comercio internacional después de la Ronda Uruguay.

Algunas delegaciones subrayaron los potenciales efectos negativos sobre la producción agrícola y la balanza de pagos en varios países como consecuencia de la liberalizatión comercial y destacaron la importancia de programas de desarrollo agrícola como un elemento para enfrentar de manera estratégica una dependencia inconveniente de importaciones agrícolas y alimentarias.

Otras delegaciones se manifestaron en relación con las ventajas que ofrece un comercio más dinámico y una economía más estable, en particular la disminución de las distorsiones del comercio agrícola. En ese contexto, se instó a la FAO a que continúe llevando a cabo estudios de fondo sobre los efectos que, sobre las distintas regiones, subregiones y países, tendrá la aplicación de los acuerdos de la Ronda Uruguay. Se pidieron, también estudios producto por producto.

Se solicitó, en especial, estudios aplicados a países en desarrollo que serán afectados mayormente por esos acuerdos. Se instó también a la FAO a que consolide una estrecha relación con la futura organización mundial de comercio, pero también, como acabamos de escuchar, en este proceso se han encontrado diversos obstáculos que esperamos puedan ser revasados para confirmar esta solicitud de muchos miembros del Consejo. En todo caso, varios delegados recalcaron que la elevación de los ingresos de los países en desarrollo es un elemento de interés común, tanto para exportadores como importadores de productos agrícolas y de alimentos, que además contribuirá a mejorar las oportunidades de empleo y de mercado para las economías más prósperas.


También se subrayó que políticas que buscan la autosuficiencia alimentaria en vez de la autoconfianza corren el riesgo de errar el objetivo del logro de una seguridad alimentaria sostenible. Se mencionaron los esfuerzos y progresos en la ampliación de la Unión Europea y su objetivo de consolidar la política agraria común dentro del proceso de ampliación y reforma en curso. Se hizo también referencia a los procesos de integración comercial en otros bloques de países, en particular bajo el Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte, y sobre sus efectos para la economía agrícola.

Varias delegaciones se refirieron también al tema del SIDA y de sus efectos dramáticos, particularmente en ciertas regiones del mundo, como Africa, en donde se pierden millones de vidas. El debilitamiento de la producción agrícola y de la seguridad alimentaria, la descomposición de la estructura social, la carga económica adicional en economías débiles y, principalmente, las graves tendencias pandémicas de dicha enfermedad son algunos de sus muchos efectos preocupantes.

Se solicitó a la FAO que, en colaboración con otras organizaciones internacionales concernientes, siga de cerca este fenómeno en cuanto a sus implicaciones para la agricultura y la alimentación.

Se solicitó también cuidar el papel de la mujer dentro de los programas preventivos.

Varios países se refirieron igualmente a los efectos potencialmente negativos, pero también a los posibles efectos positivos, del calentamiento global y del papel que la agricultura juega, tanto en la absorción de gases de invernadero, como en su emisión. En cualquier caso, se instó a la FAO a buscar soluciones que prevengan situaciones negativas frente a la incertidumbre que prevalece respecto a los mecanismos y efectos del calentamiento global.

Se tomó nota, al respecto, de que existen varios estudios que están por terminarse y que probablemente ofrecerán una visión más clara sobre este problema global en lo referente a la agricultura, la silvicultura y la pesca y se indicó satisfacción por la manera equilibrada con que la FAO había tratado este tema en su documento presentado al Consejo.

Varias delegaciones manifestaron, respecto de estos temas seleccionados, que los estudios de FAO deberían contener propuestas más concretas que pudieran materializarse en acciones a nivel regional y nacional.

Se instó también al Consejo a estudiar más a fondo temas específicos sobre los cuales deberán hacerse recomendaciones concretas y constructivas para la FAO y para la formalización de políticas globales, regionales y nacionales.

Finalmente, respecto al tema 5, el Consejo adoptó el informe del 19° período de sesiones del comité de Seguridad Alimentaria. Se observó que el Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria tiene un papel crucial que jugar en el logro de un debate técnico y constructivo y en articular de manera más clara el marco de políticas y acciones de la FAO en materia de seguridad alimentaria.

Hasta aquí, en resumen, reconozco que no he considerado muchos aspectos que fueron mencionados, pero estoy seguro que el informe de este Consejo reflejará fielmente las respectivas posiciones que ustedes han manifestado.

Si no hay ningún comentario, distinguidos delegados, me permitiré cerrar estos dos primeros temas de nuestra agenda de trabajo del día de hoy y pasar al punto 6 y el 6.1.

¿Hay algún comentario?


ACTIVITIES OF FAO AND WFP
ACTIVITES DE LA FAO ET DU PAM
ACTIVIDADES DE LA FAO Y EL PMA

6. Sustainable Development
6. Développement durable
6. Desarrollo sostenible

6.1 FAO Cooperation with the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)
6.1 Coopération de la FAO avec la Commission du développement durable (CDD)
6.1 Cooperación de la FAO con la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible (CDS)

En ese caso, respecto del tema 6.1, recuerdo que la Conferencia de la FAO, habiendo considerado durante su última sesión un informe detallado sobre el seguimiento de la Conferencia Cumbre de Río, solicitó que fuese presentado al Consejo, en este período de sesiones, un informe sobre la cooperación de la Organización con la Comisión para el Desarrollo Sostenible, que es un órgano de ECOSOC que sigue la ejecución de los acuerdos de la CNUMAD.

El informe de la Secretaría, documento CL 107/13, ha sido actualizado con las propuestas de acción que se prevé someter a consideración de la Comisión para el Desarrollo Sostenible, propuestas contenidas en el documento CL 107/13 Sup.1. Estos dos documentos son presentados al Consejo para información y con el fin de que se examinen los procedimientos previstos para rendir informes a la Comisión de ECOSOC y las propuestas de acción que se plantearían para promover esfuerzos específicos en torno a los cuatro capítulos de la Agenda 21. Estos han sido confiados a la coordinación de la FAO y serán objeto de examen por parte de la Comisión en 1995. Es deseable que el Consejo considere en particular la manera cómo se pueda reforzar la presencia del sector agrícola y alimentario en el proceso de revisión de la Agenda 21, y su seguimiento para que los intereses del sector reciban adecuada atención.

Señores delegados, ahora me voy a permitir dar la palabra al señor Mahler, para que presente los documentos que les he anunciado.

P.J. MAHLER (Conseiller spécial du Directeur général/Sous-Directeur général pour l'environnement et le développement durable, Bureau du Directeur général): Monsieur le Président, je voudrais signaler, sur ce point, que j'ai à mes côtés le Dr Mohamed Zehni en sa qualité non seulement de Directeur de la Division du développement, de la recherche et de la technologie mais aussi de Président de notre groupe de travail interdépartemental sur l'environnement et le développement durable.

La coopération de la FAO avec la Commission du développement durable consiste d'abord et avant tout, pour l'Organisation, à jouer son rôle dans le concert des institutions du Système des Nations Unies pour la mise en oeuvre des accords de la CNUED. Ce rôle est double. Il s'agit, premièrement de faciliter et d'appuyer dans les secteurs de notre mandat l'action de nos pays membres pour le suivi de la CNUED. Nos programmes et nos projets font désormais une large place à l'application des accords du Sommet de Rio et des recommandations d'Action 21. Nous en avions rendu compte, l'année dernière, à la Conférence. Les deux nouveaux programmes approuvés à la session spéciale de juin du Conseil ont, parmi leurs objectifs - je crois utile de le rappeler ici - respectivement la durabilité de la sécurité alimentaire et la protection de l'environnement par la surveillance et l'intervention rapide dans la lutte contre les ravageurs et les maladies transfrontières. Il est fait rapport sur ces deux programmes dans le document CL 107/14.

De même, sous d'autres points et sous-points de l'ordre du jour, nous rendons compte au Conseil de nos activités concernant les forêts, la procédure de l'information et du consentement préalable à l'importation des pesticides, la conservation des ressources génétiques, la pêche responsable, etc. C'est volontairement, pour éviter des répétitions, que nous ne les présenterons pas ici. Je soulignerai simplement que c'est d'abord dans les activités de chaque secteur, dans la recherche de la durabilité par chaque secteur, que des progrès doivent être accomplis dans le suivi de la CNUED.


Le deuxième volet de notre coopération avec la CDD fait, elle, l'objet du document CL 107/13 et de son Supplément 1 dont vous êtes saisis. Il s'agit des activités de coopération inter-institutionnelle, en particulier de celles que la FAO a la charge de promouvoir dans le système des Nations Unies en sa qualité de maître d'oeuvre pour quatre chapitres d'Action 21. Le document mentionne également les contributions que nous apportons à d'autres maîtres d'oeuvre tels que le PNUE, le PNUD, l'ONUDI, etc.

Je ne pense pas utile de présenter ces activités en détail mais je voudrais signaler un événement récent et trois problèmes à l'attention du Conseil.

L'événement récent est la visite que le Dr Klaus Töpfer, Président de la CDD, a rendu à la FAO à l'invitation du Directeur général. Cette visite a révélé une large identité de vues entre le Dr Diouf et le Dr Töpfer en particulier sur la nécessité d'assurer un meilleur équilibre entre les impératifs du développement et ceux de la protection de l'environnement dans le suivi de la CNUED; d'autre part, il s'est révélé une volonté commune de renforcer encore la coopération étroite qui s'est développée entre la CDD et la FAO. Cette coopération sera facilitée par la création à la FAO d'un Département du développement durable.

Le premier problème est la prolifération des réunions intergouvernementales et des consultations interagences à l'initiative de multiples acteurs, individuellement et collectivement. Ces réunions s'ajoutent à celles des organes directeurs subsidiaires de la FAO (le Conseil, COFO, COAG, les Conférences régionales etc.) et à celles des organes subsidiaires du CAC (Comité administratif de coordination des Nations Unies) pour les consultations interagences. Nous reconnaissons évidemment l'intérêt de certaines de ces réunions pour développer des propositions d'action et préparer un consensus sur des sujets complexes comme celui des forêts. Mais il semble peut-être que les gouvernements et la CDD pourraient utiliser plus systématiquement les mécanismes de la FAO et éviter ainsi les doubles emplois. Le Directeur général en a fait récemment la recommandation au Dr Klaus Töpfer Président de la CDD qui l'a accueilli favorablement. Il serait souhaitable que le Conseil appuie cette recommandation puisque la CDD examinera en 1995 les domaines concernant divers organes de la FAO notamment COAG et COFO et en 1996 COFI.

Le deuxième problème est la multiplication des demandes des rapports d'activités ou autres documents de la FAO pour les réunions préparatoires de la CDD. La CDD a certes un mandat général de surveillance de l'application des accords de Rio et pour ce faire elle doit recevoir des rapports des gouvernements, du système des Nations Unies et des ONG. Mais il faudrait en quelque sorte arriver à un partage des responsabilités, un partage du travail pour l'examen des activités du système des Nations Unies. Je rappelle qu'Action 21 est un énorme document de 500 pages qui traite d'une très grande quantité de sujets. Il me semble qu'il faut donc qu'il y ait cette sorte de répartition des responsabilités pour surveiller tout ce qui se fait dans le suivi de la CNUED. Par exemple la FAO pourrait jouer ce rôle dans les secteurs relevant de son mandat et la CDD pourrait le jouer plus particulièrement pour les aspects intersectoriels et de politique générale.

Le troisième problème résulte des précédents: avec la multiplication des consultations et des rapports, en particulier pour la difficile négociation de nouvelles conventions, les réunions tendent à remplacer l'action sur le terrain. Le suivi de la CNUED par des activités concrètes se trouve singulièrement limité par la prolongation de ces débats et par le manque de ressources pour financer la mise en oeuvre effective des accords de Rio. La réduction de l'aide officielle au développement, les multiples catastrophes naturelles, les impératifs du maintien de la paix, la crise économique qui affectent de nombreux pays tendent à limiter le financement d'activités consacrées au développement durable à long terme, en donnant, et ceci nécessairement, la priorité aux urgences et au court terme.

Le Supplément N°l présente d'une manière résumée les actions que la FAO en tant que Maître d'oeuvre recommande à la CDD de promouvoir. Il s'agissait pour nous de ne pas répéter la longue liste des recommandations des chapitres d'Action 21 concernés et des programmes qui y répondent mais d'identifier certains aspects importants, notamment en ce qui concerne les lacunes et les domaines où les progrès sont jugés insuffisants. Vous noterez que les propositions sur les forêts sont peu détaillées car elles seront reprises au sous-point suivant de l'ordre du jour. Les autres propositions tiennent compte en particulier des recommandations du cycle des Conférences régionales qui vient de s'achever. Toutes les conférences régionales en effet ont traité de certains aspects du développement durable, des technologies appropriées, de la lutte intégrée contre les ravageurs, la conservation des terres, l'aménagement des zones arides et celui des zones côtières.


Comme il est indiqué dans le dernier paragraphe de ce supplément les avis et orientations du Conseil sur les propositions contenues dans le Supplément N°l serviront à l'élaboration des rapports des maîtres d'oeuvre. Le calendrier est le suivant:

Nous devrions remettre les rapports aux Nations Unies dans la deuxième semaine de décembre. Ces rapports seront compilés et présentés à un Groupe de travail de la CDD du 27 février au 3 mars 1995. Les recommandations de ce groupe de travail seront soumises à la CDD qui se réunira du 17 au 28 avril de l'année prochaine. Comme le Comité de l'agriculture et le Comité des forêts devraient se réunir dans la deuxième quinzaine de mars, le Conseil voudra peut-être demander à ces comités d'examiner les résultats du groupe de travail de la CDD avant qu'ils ne soient présentés à la CDD.

Il serait aussi souhaitable que les Ministères de l'agriculture et des forêts soient représentés dans les délégations des pays membres à ce groupe de travail et la CDD.

Monsieur le Président, le document CL 107/13 et son Supplément N°l sont en grande partie des documents d'information mais le Conseil souhaitera sans doute donner des avis et orientations sur la coopération entre la FAO et la CDD et je suis prêt à répondre à des questions s'il y en a.

EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias, Dr. Mahler, por sus comentarios introductorios. Creo que el Consejo ha sido bien guiado por usted, y esto permitirá canalizar los debates de manera concisa y al punto. Deseo insistir en que los dos documentos que han sido presentados son principalmente para información, porque son informes de avance y espero que así los consideren.

Abro ahora la lista de oradores para este tema: Alemania, Canadá, Cabo Verde, Burkina Faso, Brasil, Chipre, Reino Unido, Estados Unidos de América, Argentina, Noruega, México, Malasia, Líbano, República de Corea, China, Japón, Swazilandia, Italia, República Islámica del Irán, Indonesia, Australia y Siria.

Jürgen OESTREICH (EC): Germany has asked for the floor in order to speak on behalf of the European Community and its Member States. When I have finished my statement, my colleague wishes to make a national statement.

The establishment of the Commission on Sustainable Development has been welcomed by the European Community and its Member States as a concrete step towards putting forward the implementation of the measures agreed at Rio, and to promote international cooperation on sustainable development and environmental protection.

The major task of CSD is to keep Agenda 21 and the spirit of Rio alive. Its work has encouraged international dialogue on environment and, I stress, development, and has stimulated governments and intergovernmental organizations to consider their own sustainable development plans and activities from a broader, more comprehensive perspective.

CSD only started its substantive work in 1993. Since then it has already been subjected to criticism. Such criticisms are partly justified. The CSD certainly needs some improvements in order to demonstrate that it can contribute effectively to pushing forward the UNCED follow-up process by reviewing the implementation of Agenda 21 and promoting increased cooperation among governments, international organizations and all major actors involved.

Against this background, it is essential to ensure that the forthcoming third session of the CSD is successful. The current chairman of CSD, Dr Töpfer, is already undertaking various initiatives to increase the efficiency of the CSD and to make it more operational.

In his very informative and comprehensive introduction to this very item, Mr Mahler has also mentioned the recent visit of Dr Töpfer to the Director-General of FAO.

All initiatives to make the process more operational need the strong commitment and support of all countries and international actors. FAO has a major role to play in this respect. At its third session this year the CSD


will review the entire land cluster of Agenda 21. FAO has been designated as Task Manager for the chapters on Integrated Planning and Management of Land Resources, Deforestation, Sustainable Mountain Management and Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development.

At the same time, FAO should be actively involved in the follow-up to the recommendations on water resources and chemicals adopted by the CSD at its second session, and provide its input for the discussion on sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources scheduled for 1996. Mr Mahler has already outlined these tasks to us.

I should like to thank the Secretariat for the paper it has prepared to assist us in our deliberations on this Agenda Item 6.1. Document CL 107/13 and its Supplement provide a comprehensive overview of the initiatives undertaken and the new tasks FAO will have to perform to support and coordinate action related to its responsibilities as the Task Manager. This might, as has already been pointed out, put the Organization's limited resources under considerable stress. It would be interesting to learn from the Secretariat how the establishment of the future Department of Sustainable Development within the ongoing process of restructuring will contribute to improving FAO's capacity to manage its new tasks efficiently.

Finally, let me indicate that the European Community and its Member States welcome the fact that concrete suggestions were made on the CSD conditions in paragraphs 24 to 29 of document CL 107/13. In particular, we agree that there is a clear need to streamline the reporting process in order to avoid unnecessary overload and duplication, while ensuring that the CSD receives sufficient input for its work. In this context, it is essential to provide the CSD with concrete, operational recommendations and policy options to have a focused and productive discussion.

We also agree that the CSD should at its 3rd session receive a substantial input from the ministries responsible for agriculture, forestry and land management. One of the main tasks of the CSD is to promote policy integration, and in order to achieve this objective it is necessary to ensure the active involvement of all relevant decision-makers in the work of the CSD, including the deliberations of its High-Level Segment.

Dieter LINK (Germany): Document 107/13 and its Supplement give a concrete survey of what the Organization has done so far to contribute to the UNCED follow-up process. It clearly shows the responsibility that FAO and its Members have to help advance this process by action. After two substantive sessions, the Commission on Sustainable Development has been able to keep the UNCED implementation process going, to improve coordination and to provide for the involvement of governments, UN agencies and NGOs. The multi-year work programme of CSD and the clear division of tasks and responsibilities defined in the form of "Task Managers" of the different chapters of Agenda 21 are major pre-conditions for real progress in the UNCED follow-up.

The FAO was right in defining its concrete tasks in document C 93/10 which was discussed and approved by the 27th Session of the Conference. My delegation is fully aware that tangible results in the implementation of the UNCED agreements - i.e. the two conventions - the further concretization of the forest principles and particularly the various chapters of Agenda 21 very much depend on progress in the cross-sectoral issues. Financial instruments, technology transfer and capacity building are the major issues that must be resolved on the basis of burden-sharing and political will if headway is to be made in the various sectoral clusters of Agenda 21. The third session of the CSD in April next year, with the so-called "land cluster" on its agenda, calls for strong engagement by FAO.

My delegation is in full agreement with the suggestion in paragraph 14 of document CL 107/13 that the expertise from national ministries responsible for land resource management, agriculture and forestry is required for the preparatory process. My country has completed the preparation of the national report to be submitted to CSD for its third session. In this connection, my delegation shares the view expressed in paragraph 24 of the document under consideration that burdensome reporting routines should be avoided. National reports as the basis for a condensed report by CSD on UNCED follow-up should concentrate on major results in priority areas. The guidelines for the 1995 national reports to CSD, although useful in principle, proved partly not very suitable for all countries.


With reference to the reports of the Task Managers following their meeting in October 1994, my delegation looks forward to finding in them the appropriate, action-oriented recommendations by FAO for the relevant issues of chapters 10, 11, 13 and 14 of Agenda 21. Under item 6.2 my delegation will submit specific views on how FAO should come up to its Task Manager role in forestry.

For Chapter 14 - Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development - in our view FAO should concentrate on those key areas for which the Organization has comparative advantages and especially the necessary capacities in terms of staff and funds. Of course, more extrabudgetary funds should be mobilized for specific activities in order to achieve balanced progress in the development and environmental dimension of the UNCED follow-up process. Of course, we have to be realistic that in general the Organization will have to rely on the current budget and trust funds already pledged.

My delegation hopes that with the establishment of the new Department of Sustainable Development the Secretariat will be able to monitor more closely the application of SARD principles in project implementation and evaluation. The concept of sustainability in agriculture includes, besides technical aspects, socioeconomic issues like poverty alleviation, agrarian reform and people's participation as well as international economic relations. These particular aspects need to be taken into account if projects aiming at sustainability of production, the sustainable use of the natural resource base and food security for rural populations shall be attained.

Paragraph 26 of the document correctly points to these priorities and their interaction.

David SHERWOOD (Canada): Le document qui nous est présenté donne un aperçu utile du rôle que joue la FAO en matière de coopération avec la CDD en vue d'atteindre les objectifs établis par le programme Action 21. Le Canada apprécie le sérieux avec lequel la FAO intègre à son programme de travail les préoccupations soulevées en matière de développement durable.

Grâce à la création de son Plan vert national, le Canada est en train d'acquérir une expérience et des connaissances en matière de développement durable dans les domaines de l'agriculture, de la foresterie et des pêches. Les différents responsables canadiens ont désormais compris que, dans une période de restriction financière, les partenariats, la coopération et le partage des priorités sont des éléments essentiels à la réalisation des objectifs définis dans le Programme Action 21 ainsi que ddans notre politique environnementale. Nous croyons que les organisations internationales sont dans la même situation.

Il faut que les orientations définies lors de la CNUED aboutissent à des mesures concrètes; manifestement, la FAO représente l'un des éléments d'un vaste réseau mondial qui réalisera ces mesures. La FAO, si elle se donne des objectifs précis, si elle identifie des secteurs prioritaires, si elle utilise efficacement ses ressources, y contribuera de façon importante et, en même temps garantira la réalisation de nos objectifs en matière d'agriculture, de pêche, d'aménagement forestier et de développement rural.

Le Canada croit que la présentation de rapports sur les initiatives et activités entreprises constitue une contribution clé à l'avancement vers le développement durable. Cependant, nous pensons qu'il faut éviter tout dédoublement d'effort dans la présentation de rapports et nous espérons voir la FAO mieux coordonner ses efforts avec les autres agences afin de réduire le nombre de ces rapports.

Le Canada continuera de soutenir les efforts de la CDD et fera tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour garantir une approche plus rationalisée à la présentation de rapports.

César Augusto André MONTEIRO (Cap-Vert): Tout d'abord permettez-moi de féliciter le Secrétariat de la FAO pour la qualité des documents fournis dans le cadre du point 6 de l'ordre du jour. Ces documents reflètent de façon évidente l'intérêt porté par la FAO à un domaine d'actualité de si grande envergure.

En nous référant au point concernant la coopération de la FAO avec la Commission du développement durable, nous avons noté avec satisfaction les multiples efforts déployés par la FAO visant à la mise en oeuvre des dispositions découlant des décisions de la CNUED.


C'est en sa qualité de maître d'oeuvre pour le programme Action 21 que la FAO s'occupe du suivi des chapitres concernant la conception intégrée de la planification et de la gestion des terres, la lutte contre le déboisement, la gestion des écosystèmes fragiles et la mise en valeur durable des montagnes et la promotion d'un développement agricole durable.

Nous suivons avec un vif intérêt le processus complexe de restructuration de l'organisation en cours et en particulier la création du Département de développement rural. A notre avis, ceci permettra à la FAO de renforcer son rôle de maître d'oeuvre de façon concertée et efficace.

Parallèlement à la concertation institutionnelle que nous estimons pertinente et du plus grand intérêt, il convient de mobiliser et de renforcer les moyens nécessaires permettant la matérialisation adéquate des importantes recommandations de la Conférence de Rio de Janeiro en matière de développement durable dans un contexte international caractérisé fondamentalement par une pauvreté rurale et une croissance démographique en hausse et par une réduction progressive de l'aide publique au développement.

Christophe KIEMTORE (Burkina Faso): Je voudrais d'abord remercier le Secrétariat de la FAO pour ses documents qui en fait nous sont présentés pour information mais en réalité l'importance des questions soulevées appelle un certain nombre de commentaires de la part de ma délégation. Vous vous souviendrez que lors de la vingt septième session de la Conférence de la FAO, les débats sur la mise en oeuvre des recommandations de la CNUED avaient souligné l'importance de la collaboration entre toutes les agences spécialisées du système des Nations Unies. La Conférence avait également confirmé, en cette même occasion, le rôle de chef de file de la FAO dans la préparation des rapports détaillés sur le suivi des décisions de la CNUED y compris son rôle de surveillance. C'est pour répondre à cette recommandation sspécifique que le Secrétariat nous a préparé ce document CL 107/13 et l'a présenté au Conseil pour information et éventuellement commentaire. Ma délégation est reconnaissante au Secrétariat pour le travail accompli.

Le rôle de la FAO dans l'application par les gouvernements eux-mêmes des accords de la CNUED n'est plus à démontrer, puisque le concept de développement durable qui sous-tend en fait l'Action 21 se réfère notamment à des activités du secteur agricole, forestier, et même du secteur de la pêche. Cependant, le Comité interorganisations sur le développement (le CISDD) a jugé bon de répartir les responsabilités entre les parties prenantes y compris la FAO - ceci est décrit au paragraphe 4 du document que nous examinons. Le Conseil devra donc prendre note également d'un certain nombre de dispositions claires de la part du CISDD sur le type de rapport à soumettre à la Commission du développement durable (CDD). Ceci est également écrit au paragraphe 3.

Ma délégation note à ce propos que la FAO fait déjà un peu plus que ne lui demande le CISDD, nous nous en félicitons et nous osons espérer que la FAO aura les moyens de poursuivre ces actions sans préjudice des autres programmes prioritaires.

Pour répondre de manière spécifique aux questions posées au paragraphe 30, les positions de ma délégation peuvent se résumer en quatre points.

Tout en reconnaissant l'importance des rapports fournis aux Etats Membres et au CDD, nous pensons qu'il faudrait trouver une utilisation rationnelle des mêmes ressources dont dispose l'organisation. Une priorité devrait donc être accordée aux actions concrètes. L'une des solutions à prospecter concerne le financement de ces actions supplémentaires par la recherche de ressources extrabudgétaires de la part d'un certain nombre de pays qui se sont déjà manifestés en faveur d'une telle action.

Ma délégation approuve ce qui est dit à la fin du paragraphe 25 concernant le type de rapport que les maîtres d'oeuvre doivent fournir au CDD;

Nous approuvons l'approche intégrée et pluridisciplinaire préconisée au paragraphe 26 et selon laquelle l'agriculture, les forêts et la pêche constitueraient les points centraux de toute activité du développement durable. Le paragraphe 27 souligne la mauvaise qualité des travaux du suivi de la CNUED, en raison du faible niveau de participation des délégations des Etats Membres. Cette remarque s'adresse surtout, selon nous, aux pays en développement dont le volume des délégations, de façon générale, est toujours limité. Il est proposé à cet effet une plus grande responsabilisation des organismes intergouvernementaux et nous sommes


tout à fait favorable à cette proposition mais même ime décentralisation des discussions des questions sectorielles au niveau de ces organes intergouvernementaux ne permettra pas de résoudre le problème de la participation des pays en développement tant au point de vue de la quantité que de la qualité.

A cet effet, le Conseil est invité à émettre un avis et ma délégation pense qu'il faut arrêter dès à présent une série d'actions spécifiques ce qui requiert un consensus international. Parmi ces actions nous pensons à l'organisation et à la participation aux réunions techniques préparatoires pour la mise en oeuvre de la CNUED. Il faudra donc lui trouver un financement dès à présent pour permettre de tenir compte du besoin de participation.

Dans ce but ma délégation souhaite lancer un appel aux donateurs pour qu'ils accordent une attention particulière à la participation, c'est-à-dire aux frais de voyages des pays en développement invités à ces réunions préparatoires.

Pour terminer, au paragraphe 31, le Conseil est également invité à donner des directives au Secrétariat, notamment en ce qui concerne l'alinéa 3 portant sur les programmes spéciaux.

La question qui est posée est de savoir finalement comment mobiliser un surcroît de ressources financières pour financer les programmes spéciaux identifiés par la FAO.

Ma délégation souhaite appeler l'attention du Conseil de la FAO d'une manière générale sur trois activités essentielles qui peuvent participer à la recherche du financement ou assurer la mise en oeuvre de ces programmes. Premièrement, nous pensons qu'il faut mettre en place un mécanisme de suivi de la mise en oeuvre de tous ces programmes. Deuxièmement, il faut développer la fonction des communications et de l'information dans le sens des média pour informer l'opinion publique des réalisations obtenues par rapport aux programmes décrits. Et enfin, nous pensons - et cela va dans le même sens - qu'il faut entreprendre une large promotion de cette activité en utilisant tous les moyens modernes qui existent actuellement, y compris la télévision, la radio et la presse, surtout à l'intention des états qui sont disposés à financer ces programmes et aussi à l'intention des sources de financement traditionnel.

EL PRESIDENTE: Agradezco al distinguido delegado de Burkina Faso sus constructivas recomendaciones. El Consejo ha tomado nota de ellas. Tiene la palabra la distinguida delegación de Brasil.

Marco Antonio BRANDÃO (Brazil): My delegation would like first to thank Mr Mahler for his very comprehensive and useful report on this Item and also to praise the Secretariat for the preparation of document CL 103/13 and its supplement. My delegation would like first to make a brief comment on the supplement which was distributed today. In paragraph 2 we are informed of some preparations for a coining conference on plant genetic resources. It is my delegation's view that in FAO documents we should stick to the official title of this conference, which is, if I am not mistaken, International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. This observation is not just a formal one; it has some substance in it.

Referring now to document CL 107/13, it is my delegation's view that it gives us a good picture of FAO's cooperation with CSD, the main and focal point in the United Nations system for development of the conclusions on UNCED and its implementation. Addressing specifically paragraphs 24 and 25 of the document which deal with the reporting tasks within the CSD process, it is my Government's view that notwithstanding understandable difficulties in this task and of course keeping in mind the need for effectiveness, we should not run the risk of presenting a weak and sometimes superficial view of FAO's work, which a somewhat diminished reporting process could give. A strong and comprehensive set of reports to the CSD would be an invaluable testimony of FAO's work, and however burdensome it may seem, it will only constitute a testimony of FAO's work and strengthen its role as task manager in the process of implementing UNCED's conclusions.


EL PRESIDENTE: El Consejo ha tomado nota del error en el párrafo segundo del documento 13 Sup.1 respecto al nombre oficial de Conferencia Técnica Internacional. Tiene la palabra la distinguida delegación de Chipre.

Chrysanthos LOIZIDES (Cyprus): I fully respect your appeal for time saving, and I shall be brief and practical, if you will allow me. My delegation is attaching great importance to the issue of sustainable development. However, in view of the fact that the three sub-items under the main item, sustainable development, are interrelated, and in order to save time, my delegation wishes to express its views and brief comments on the sub-items 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 simultaneously, of course, providing that you will allow me to do so. Is it O.K?

EL PRESIDENTE: Puede hacer una declaración sobre los tres temas, pero recuerde que las respectivas respuestas a sus comentarios serán ofrecidas al concluir cada uno de los temas; es decir, al término del 6.2 y del 6.3 usted recibirá las respuestas a sus comentarios. Puede continuar, gracias.

Chrysanthos LOIZIDES (Cyprus): I do not expect any answers. Thank you very much.

Before making my remarks, my delegation wish to thank the Secretariat for preparing the respective documents, which we find very informative and useful and which will help our considerations on the subject of sustainable development.

Referring to Item 6.1, FAO Cooperation with the Commission on Sustainable Development, document CL 107/13, we have no difficulty in registering our approval for the proposed follow-up action as stated in paragraph 31. At the same time, we wish to stress the need for speeding up the process for establishing the Department of Sustainable Development, as decided by the previous session of this body. We believe that the establishment of this department, together with the recruitment of the proper staff, will enhance FAO's capacity to ensure a concerted response to the follow-up to UNCED-derived activities and, more specifically, to support and coordinate action related to FAO's responsibilities as Task Manager in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development.

On Item 6.2 of the Agenda, the Role of FAO in Forest Sustainable Management and in the UNCED Follow-Up, document CL 107/6, we wish to renew our support for FAO's priorities within the 1994-95 Programme. Additionally, we approve the proposed FAO activities under its areas of trust concerning the promotion of policy reforms, the support for "greening" the world and sustainable forestry and for capacity-building and human resources development, as illustrated in paragraphs 9 to 25 of the same document.

We are of the opinion that certain priority should be given to the issues related to policy advice, the improvement of appropriate systems for data collection and analysis on the state of forest resources, the restructuring of national activities in the conservation of forest genetic resources and forest management and national capacity-building, including human resources development.

At this point we wish to express our appreciation both to the Director-General for promoting technical cooperation among developing countries and to the donors for providing extrabudgetary resources for realizing the aforementioned activities.

Finally, on Item 6.3, Progress Towards the Development of Legally Binding Instruments concerning the Prior Informed Consent Procedure, we are grateful to the Secretariat for the background information on this aspect, as described in document CL 107/11. In the light of this information, and provided the extrabudgetary resources required can be secured, we are in agreement with the proposal in paragraph 17(b) "to proceed with the preparation of a draft legally binding instrument on the operation of the PIC procedure, as part of the joint FAO/UNEP programme on PIC and in cooperation with the other international and non-governmental organizations concerned".


EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias, distinguido delegado. Deseo subrayar que quizás fue una mala interpretación de mi parte cuando le autoricé a hablar sobre los otros dos subtemas, porque lo estaba haciendo en la medida en que ello correspondiera al aspecto de la colaboración de la FAO con la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible. No me gustaría que en sucesivas declaraciones se tocaran los otros subtemas antes de ser presentados por la Secretaría. Sin embargo, si los delegados desean hacer referencia a esos aspectos específicos en relación con la colaboración de la FAO con la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible, pueden hacerlo. Pero, les repito, las respuestas al respecto se darán al final del debate. Por el momento, no deseo confundir el debate mezclando esos otros aspectos en cuanto que no tratan sobre la relación con la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible. Tiene la palabra la distinguida delegación del Reino Unido.

J.C. MACHIN (United Kingdom):I shall restrict my comments to Item 6.1 and I shall try to be brief. As you said, these are progress reports. Nevertheless, as previous speakers have indicated, they are very important reports, which I think came out clearly from Mr Mahler's introductory comments, which we very much appreciated. Of course we agree with Mr Mahler that overlap and duplication must be reduced to the minimum and we hope that all the actors in this scene will endeavour to do precisely that. We agree that there must be the fullest cooperation in the activities of the CSD, which is an extremely important intergovernmental mechanism for taking forward UNCED, which, as one or two colleagues, including Canada, have said, is not exactly without stain or blemish at the moment. We need to improve and we must all work together to be as effective as possible.

Turning to FAO's role in this important question, let me make a few brief points. In relation to the establishment of the Department of Sustainable Development, which we very much welcome, we do want to see evidence that this organizational change will enhance FAO's institutional capacity to respond to its post-UNCED responsibilities. By that I mean that we want to see evidence of accurate, timely and effective reporting which meets the requirements of the CSD.

Secondly, we understand only too clearly the workload implications which these reporting responsibilities will have for FAO and indeed for all the partners in this operation but we think it is important that the suggestions which FAO makes for amending reporting format are tailored to meet the specific needs of the CSD. I think that is extremely important. It is an obligation that applies not just to the international agency partners but to all the bilateral donors who have to report in national terms. In this respect we support in principle the suggested preparation of a sectoral land cluster report which draws together the key land issues providing this does not obscure the detail which we feel is very important for the individual chapter reports.

Thirdly, we would advise a degree of caution against FAO linking too closely its own special initiatives - by which I mean special programmes on Food Security and Transboundary Disease Control - with its designated responsibilities assigned in response to Agenda 21. We do not regard FAO's cornerstone project activities, if I can describe them that way, each of which has its own free-standing viability as described in paragraph 6 of the document, as synonymous with FAO's assigned role under Agenda 21. I think one has to be careful about the distinction there.

Fourthly, we noted the reference to FAO programmes now being implemented in cooperation with NGOs. We have heard a number of references, most eloquently articulated yesterday by the Canadian Minister, to the relationship of NGOs with FAO's activities. Clearly these apply across the whole range of international activity. We think the development of these linkages is absolutely crucial. NGOs have so much to offer at every level of the development continuum, not least in the context of community participation, and we strongly support FAO in its desire, which we know the Director-General feels strongly about, to involve NGOs and the private sector, as our Canadian colleague said yesterday, in the whole of this range of activity.

Finally, looking to the future, we note the proposals for the handling of reporting to the CSD on the marine aspects of UNCED follow-up. I have already mentioned the strategic thinking which FAO has shown in relation to the land cluster. We look forward to a similar innovative approach to reporting on the marine cluster, which we believe is equally important.

Ralph E. BRESLER (United States of America): The document highlights key actions which the United States believes are essential to a successful implementation of Agenda 21. These include the development


and strengthening of geographic information systems on land resources as tools for improving land use management and enhancing the delivery of policy guidance on sustainable land use.

There is no need to explain that all the information systems mentioned in this report are the foundation of any activities we may undertake to implement Agenda 21. They will augment and complement the SARD network and, given that, should receive top priority for FAO regular budget funding, along with SARD in the next biennium.

We also wish to note the efforts FAO has made under the new Director-General to renew and enhance collaboration with key UN system agencies. Such collaboration is essential for FAO's Task Manager role.

As the CSD focus in 1995 is sustainable forestry, we shall have a more extensive statement on that question under Agenda Item 6.2.

Sra. María Cristina FERRARI (Argentina): Gracias, señor Presidente, la delegación argentina aprecia la mayor capacidad normativa que tendrá la FAO, a través del nuevo Departamento de Desarrollo Sostenible, para seguir a la CNUMAD en general, y para actuar como gerente de tareas, a través del apoyo y coordinación de estos temas contemplados en los capítulos 10, 11, 13 y 14.

Con relación al párrafo 11 del documento CL 107/13, versión española, apreciamos la recomendación de la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible, con respecto al capítulo 19, para que el PNUMA, juntamente con la FAO, elaborara instrumentos jurídicamente vinculantes en relación con el proceso de información y consentimiento previos relativos al comercio internacional de productos químicos tóxicos y se fortalezca la cooperación entre el Programa Internacional de Protección frente a los Productos Químicos recientemente creado.

Se apoya el fortalecimiento de la función normativa de la FAO en la ordenación sostenible de los bosques, en su función cooperativa en las actividades complementarias de la CNUMAD, y en los demás temas de desarrollo sostenible en los que la FAO contribuye con otras instituciones.

Apoyamos la iniciativa sobre la reunión interinstitucional organizada por la FAO sobre el seguimiento de la CNUMAD en el sector forestal a fin de: primero; aumentar la cooperación interinstitucional para el fortalecimiento de la capacidad nacional, el asesoramiento sobre la elaboración de políticas y la gestión forestal sostenible; y segundo; dar prioridad permanente al PAFT.

En este contexto y con relación al documento CL 107/13 - sup.l párrafo 6, apoyamos las recomendaciones preliminares que han de incluirse en el informe del Gerente de Tareas que se basan en una amplia gama de aportaciones de dependencias de la FAO y otras instituciones, entre las que figuran el Banco Mundial, el PNUD, el Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA) y muchas ONG focalizando nuestras prioridades en:

Primero. Fortalecer las medidas nacionales e internacionales para la conservación y la utilización sostenible de los recursos zoogenéticos, haciendo que la cooperación y el apoyo internacionales alcancen un nivel semejante al de otras iniciativas en curso relacionadas con los recursos fitogenéticos; y

Segundo. Promover la cooperación internacional y las medidas nacionales en materia de producción sostenible y compatible con el medio ambiente y de utilización de la energía por las comunidades rurales y la agroindustria, por medio de la colaboración de la FAO con instituciones como la UNESCO, la ONUDI, las Comisiones Económicas Regionales de las Naciones Unidas, Banco de Desarrollo y la Organización Latinoamericana de Energía (OLADE).

Asimismo se estima importante el apoyo de la FAO mediante información adecuada para la planificación, la programación, el examen y evaluación sectoriales de las políticas nacionales. Se apoya también la elaboración y difusión de metodologías que faciliten una mejor comprensión de las vinculaciones intersectoriales y el trabajo multidisciplinario sobre programas orientados a los problemas en el marco general de la utilización de la tierra.


Se solicita, así como se hiciera en la 23 Conferencia Regional de la FAO para América Latina y el Caribe, la contribución de la FAO al aumento de la capacidad nacional, centrada en el perfeccionamiento de los recursos humanos y en el apoyo al fortalecimiento y la adaptación de las disposiciones institucionales, tanto en los países en desarrollo como en los países desarrollados, para una cooperación eficaz entre las administraciones forestales, el sector privado, las ONG y las organizaciones rurales, y para actuar con eficacia en un ámbito multisectorial.

Entre las medidas adoptadas deberían destacarse: la aprobación de una estrategia para atender las necesidades de los preparativos de la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible en 1995; disposiciones para el asesoramiento sobre políticas para las actividades futuras de la FAO en el sector forestal; la invitación a autoridades forestales (Ministros) para el 12° período de sesiones; reunir ONG y sector privado; y dar prioridad permanente al ΡAFT.

Finalmente, desearía enunciar, en relación con la Organización, los sectores prioritarios para la República Argentina, vinculados con la producción agrícola, y que se relacionan con las acciones concretas que se están llevando a cabo en nuestro país, a saber:

Erosión de los suelos, tema prioritario para la producción agropecuaria argentina. Insumos químicos (fertilizantes, plaguicidas) y su impacto en el medio ambiente.

Biodiversidad y desarrollo sostenible, a fin de conservar los recursos autóctonos y proteger su intercambio y difusión, como así también la conservación de los recursos naturales marinos y forestales.

Biotecnología para difundir los avances de esta ciencia en los países en desarrollo y facilitarles el acceso a las nuevas tecnologías que se apoyan en la biotecnología y no son contaminantes para el medio ambiente.

Per Harald GRUE (Norway): I have the pleasure to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden and my own country, Norway.

The Nordic countries have for a long time supported FAO's work in the field of sustainable development. In our view, the greatest challenge FAO is facing is to demonstrate how the agreements reached in Rio can be translated into practical action. This will be to the benefit of its member countries in all regions, but particularly to developing countries. We are therefore pleased to see that the issues relating to sustainable development are given a prominent place on the agenda for the Council session.

The Commission on Sustainable Development was established by the UN General Assembly in order to ensure the effective follow-up of the Rio conference. It is entrusted to enhance international cooperation and rationalize the inter-governmental decision-making capacity for the integration of environment and development issues. The document in front of us presents a thorough description of on-going activities in the tasks FAO is carrying out in relation to the work of CSD. FAO is designated as Task Manager for several chapters of Agenda 21. This shows that Agenda 21 is central to the mandate of FAO and that the member countries have a lot of expectations of, and trust in, FAO's abilities to take care of these responsibilities. The important role assigned to FAO should be regarded as a golden opportunity to show the Organization's competence, relevance and creativity in this important field. The activities summarized in the document are therefore, in our view, a central part of FAO's regular activities.

The document raises a serious concern relating to the amount of documentation produced in relation to CSD's sessions. What the member countries have agreed to when establishing CSD is not the production of an increased amount of documents, but an enhanced and effective inter-agency cooperation in order to achieve better practical results. CSD and involved inter-governmental agencies might therefore need to seriously review the possibilities of streamlining their reporting procedures in order to be as effective as possible.

We fully agree with what is said in the document on the need to bring the sectoral ministries and technical competence more strongly into CSD's work. This needs to be given due attention both in the national work and in various CSD meetings.


Therefore, we can not fully support what is said in the last sentence in paragraph 27, if it implies that sectoral issues relating to sustainable development should not be discussed by the CSD. We fully support the objective of avoiding overlap and repeated discussion. The discussion in the various technical agencies and in the CSD will therefore have to be properly planned and well structured. The Task Managers have here an important responsibility. The mandate of CSD has been agreed at UNCED and confirmed by UN General Assembly and is not an issue for discussion by the Council. Issues relating to the mandate and working methods of the Commission should be raised and considered in the CSD itself. CSD's mandate covers all aspects of Agenda 21 follow-up. It is specifically mentioned that it covers integration of both environmental and developmental goals. It would be detrimental to CSD's important role and mandate were the commissions not to consider sectoral issues. Rather than removing sectoral matters from CSD, discussion on sector specific issues will need to be strengthened and held in the integrated manner just mentioned.

Turning to FAO's own work on sustainable development, the Council gave its full support to the establishment of a new department of sustainable development. We think this was an important move to strengthen the cross-sectoral approach and competence within the Organization. We are therefore looking forward to the implementation of this important change. The rapid establishment of the new department will also, hopefully, be important for the efficient execution of the important assignment as Task Manager to the CSD.

Sra. ANA LILIA PEDROSA (México): La Delegación de mi país desea expresar su reconocimiento a la labor que ha venido desarrollando la Organización en cooperación con la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible, para coadyuvar a la aplicación de los acuerdos de la Cumbre de Rio.

Reconocemos la importancia que la FAO le concede a las actividades de desarrollo sostenible y medio ambiente, al haber establecido un Departamento de Desarrollo Sostenible, que fue aprobado en el pasado 106° Consejo.

La preocupación de mi país por alcanzar un desarrollo sostenible, incorporando variables ambientales, se ha manifestado ya en las líneas programáticas a nivel sectorial en el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 1989-1994, especialmente en los casos de agricultura, pesca, turismo, energéticos, minería, industria, comercio y por supuesto en los programas de desarrollo social.

Para finalizar, deseamos señalar la participación que ha tenido nuestro país en los diferentes foros de Naciones Unidas buscando dar continuidad y congruencia a los acuerdos emanados en la Conferencia de Rio.

Dato' Ahmad Zabri IBRAHIM (Malaysia): The delegation of Malaysia would like to comment on Items 6.1 and 6.2.

My delegation feels that the pace of follow-up action on UNCED decisions pertaining to the "Forest Principles" and Chapter II of Agenda 21 relating to Forestry has generally been far from satisfactory. The forthcoming review by the UNCED in April 1995 presents an opportunity to expedite this follow-up process.

FAO as the relevant "task manager", with the technical expertise, can play a catalytic and facilitating role at the said UNCED session.

In this context, my delegation welcomes the several initiatives of the Director-General, in particular that of convening a Ministerial Session of forestry ministers in March 1995.

In the preparatory work for this ministerial session, my delegation would like to invite the FAO Secretariat to consider the various options for action rising from the work of the Inter-governmental Working Group on Forests (IWGF) sponsored by the Government of Malaysia and Canada.

My delegation believes that FAO could usefully undertake some of the required follow-up technical studies which could serve as inputs and help facilitate the work of the Ministerial Session and eventually that of the UNCED.


My delegation believes that with the slow pace of progress, some countries and NGOs have taken the initiative to expedite decisions on concrete action. No less than ten such initiatives have been cited in the Secretariat document, of which the IWGF is one. These spates of actions underscore the importance of forestry issues and the need to give them due emphasis and not just cursory consideration as an adjunct to other issues.

My delegation hopes that the FAO would contribute to expediting multilateral follow-up action as per the consensus reached in UNCED, to forestall unsavoury development such as unilateral measures to impose ECO-labelling and certification on tropical timbers.

Khalil CHOUEIRI (Liban) (langue originale arabe): Malgré les charges supplémentaires qui pèsent sur ses ressources, la FAO continue son action pour mettre en oeuvre les conclusions de la Conférence de Rio et assurer le suivi de ses recommandations. Nous sommes convaincus que la FAO jouera un rôle encore plus important à l'avenir en ce qui concerne le développement de la coopération et de la coordination dans ce domaine avec l'aide des pays membres.

Bien que cette question soit très ample, je ne peux m'empêcher de faire référence à un thème brûlant, à savoir la recherche d'une solution pour remplacer les produits chimiques utilisés dans l'agriculture.

Le chapitre 19 sur les produits chimiques toxiques, fait allusion à la nécessité de préparer des instruments qui soient juridiquement contraignants concernant les dispositions qui doivent réglementer le commerce international de produits chimiques toxiques. De même, les organes de la FAO pourraient, à travers le COAG par exemple, soumettre des documents qui permettent de suivre les recherches faites à l'heure actuelle pour trouver des produits moins nuisibles à la santé. Les produits chimiques devront être limités, et à l'heure actuelle les entreprises ne font pas d'efforts suffisants pour trouver des produits de remplacement.

En outre, nous connaissons bien les problèmes commerciaux qui compliquent la vie des agriculteurs, et ces activités sont très peu réglementées.

Nous lançons un appel à la Communauté internationale pour que les recommandations des conférences internationales puissent jouer un rôle pour que l'Organisation puisse disposer des ressources financières nécessaires pour faire face à ces problèmes.

En ce qui concerne le paragraphe 26 de ce document, nous appuyons la proposition d'augmenter la productivité par un développement vertical, étant donné que la surface agricole se réduit de plus en plus dans les pays en développement et nous devons les aider à optimiser leurs productions. Nous demandons au Comité des forêts d'étudier à l'avenir le problème de la destruction de la couverture forestière et végétale au profit de l'avancée du béton qui envahit de plus en plus les terres agricoles et aussi assurer le développement durable aux zones montagneuses. Mon pays coopère avec le FIDA et la Banque mondiale dans le but de lancer des projets de construction de lacs collinaires, et des routes agricoles. Il est indispensable de recourir au développement durable dans les zones rurales et cela dans les domaines de l'aménagement des forêts et dans l'aménagement des eaux.

Nous lançons donc un appel à la Communauté internationale pour aider les pays en développement et permettre aux organisations internationales, en particulier la FAO, d'affecter davantage de ressources aux fonds fiduciaires et d'assurer le suivi des recommandations de la Conférence de Rio pour arriver à une situation de développement durable au bénéfice de l'homme.

Hyunki BAIK (Korea, Republic of): Firstly, I should like to thank FAO for performing an important function as Task Manager in many of the chapters of Agenda 21. Land of Chapter 10, Combatting Deforestation of Chapter 11, Sustainable Mountain Development of Chapter 13 and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development of Chapter 14 of Agenda 21 are also important issues for world food and agriculture. I hope the establishment of the Department of Sustainable Development will enhance FAO's capacity to ensure a concerted response in the follow-up to UNCED and to support and coordinate action related to FAO's responsibilities as Task Manager.


I fully agree that food security, poverty alleviation and the intensification and diversification of production systems, together with sustainable management of the resource base, should be the areas of concentration of FAO's efforts.

I believe that the cooperation between the CSD and FAO with regard to the agricultural and rural development field should first give an accurate conceptualization of sustainable development and approach a method toward it.

Secondly, the content should set the guiding principles of the development plan for agriculture, forestry and fisheries under consideration to the conditions in each member country.

Thirdly, it is also necessary to have a common sharing of technology and information necessary for the sustainable development of world agriculture.

Lastly, I hope a substantial report will be provided so that FAO's view can be submitted accurately to the Third Substantive Session of the CSD to be held in April 1995 in New York.

ZHANG XIGUI (China): On behalf of the Chinese delegation we wish to thank Mr Mahler for his very in-depth presentation of this topic.

The Chinese delegation is happy to note that after UNCED, FAO has carried out a series of follow-up activities and provided all-round cooperation for the Commission on Sustainable Development so as to ensure full support, full implementation of the relevant articles of UNCED decisions.

The Chinese Government greatly appreciates the leading role and positive contribution of FAO in promoting sustainable development, conserving biodiversity, preventing desertification, as well as implementing Agenda 21 of UNCED.

The Chinese delegation endorses the views contained in CL 107/13, that is, while the implementation of UNCED agreements is, first and foremost, a responsibility of governments, the UN System is called upon to play a major role in facilitating international cooperation and coordination in the UNCED follow-up.

FAO has been designated as Task Manager for chapters 10, 11, 13 and 14 of Agenda 21. It is our hope that FAO will be able to provide management and policy advice to the agriculture, forestry, land and water resources management sectors of Member State governments, and to transfer appropriate technology with a view to enhancing national executive capacity.

It is also our hope that FAO will coordinate its activities with relevant agencies within the UN System and the donors so as to help developing countries to solicit funds and to provide financial support in general.

The Chinese delegation fully supports the various Special Action Programmes proposed by the Director-General, especially the one aimed at improving food security in low-income, food-deficit countries, which is an issue of primary importance for sustainable development and mankind as a whole.

The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the follow-up activities of UNCED. Our Government has adopted a series of measures to promote sustainable development, including the formulation of a China Agenda 21, by organizing in July this year an international symposium on this subject, which was attended by the representatives of FAO, UNDP and many countries.

During the Director-General, Mr Diouf's visit to China this year, Mr Mahler and Mr de Haen, at the invitation of the Scientific Commission of China explored the issues relating to Agenda 21 of UNCED with the relevant Chinese officials. During the Director-General's visit, Chinese Government leaders briefed him on our country's policies to help the poor design means of improving their ecological environment and conditions for production as well as the farmers' standard of living.

At the same time, the Government has adopted measures to raise the self-sufficiency level of food, to conserve forests and to promote afforestation. It has also formulated China Agenda 21 for forestry. Efforts


have been made to protect water resources vigorously, to promote the rational use of land, implement agriculture of high-yield, fine quality and higher efficiency, enhance the development of township enterprises and increase the nation's awareness in conserving ecological environment and the rational utilization of natural resources.

We have noted that low-quality pesticides and chemical products severely affect human health, sometimes even resulting in human and animal death and seriously polluting the environment. Therefore, the Chinese delegation agrees that the Secretariat continue to draft the legally-binding document concerning the implementation of the prior-informed consent procedure.

Takafumi KOJIMA (Japan): Japan expects that FAO will fully play the role of the Lead Agency for the follow-up to UNCED as Task Manager for chapters 10, 11, 13 and 14. We are pleased that FAO intends to play the key role regarding chapters 17 and 18. In this context we are sure that FAO's restructuring, namely the establishment of the Department of Sustainable Development, would contribute to enhancing FAO's activities in these areas.

We believe that sustainable development will never be successful without a good balance between the development dimension and the environmental dimension. In order to balance those, we believe that FAO as the major specialized intergovernmental body in the agricultural sector, including forestry and fisheries, has a large scope in which FAO has the comparative advantage.

In discussing chapters 10 to 15 of Agenda 21 in the CSD, it is essential that representatives of Ministries responsible for agriculture and forestry sectors participate in the discussion along with the representatives of Ministries concerned to perform the technical-cum-policy task of FAO.

Finally, Mr Chairman, as indicated in paragraphs 24 and 25, we are sure that the CSD should take cost efficiency into account in the reporting process to avoid unnecessary overload and duplication. We hope that the effective cooperation and coordination between FAO and the CSD will greatly contribute to the steady implementation of the follow-up to UNCED.

Noah M. NKAMBULE (Swaziland): I would like to commend the Secretariat for the quality of the documents presented to the Council for discussion on the important subject of sustainable development. FAO's role in the implementation of the UNCED follow-up programme is very well documented. We note with admiration the confidence entrusted to our Organization by other sister organizations in the UN system. We should indeed be proud of FAO's technical input to a number of organizations dealing with the UNCED follow-up programme.

Furthermore, my delegation would like to recognize the substantial progress that has been made towards the implementation of the UNCED follow-up programme. Particularly impressive is the clear allocation of responsibilities by the Commission for Sustainable Development. We welcome the designation of FAO as Task Manager for chapters 10, 11, 13 and 14 of Agenda 21.

The topics dealt with under these chapters are pivotal to FAO and the FAO's mandate. The allocation of specific activities to specific UN Agencies is a commendable move which will minimize duplication and inefficient use of limited financial and other resources. However, we note with concern that a Task Manager for Water Resources has not been clearly defined. It is a known fact that freshwater resources are on the decline due to increasing demands and declining supplies. Africa in particular continues to be haunted by the high incidence of drought in recent years. Concerted efforts must be focused on this problematic area within the framework of sustainable development.

Having said this, I hasten to add my delegation's concern about the complicated nature of the reporting system as outlined in paragraphs 24 and 25 of document CL 107/13.

My delegation agrees fully with the conclusions reached by the Secretariat that a very careful assessment of FAO's role in these activities is made so that the clear and formidable tasks of the FAO are not undermined due to over-involvement in the work of the Commission for Sustainable Development.


The advice to us as Member Governments of FAO to improve the sectoral representation in the delegations dealing with UNCED follow-up is very well taken by my delegation. We strongly believe that future consultations on these matters should involve the relevant disciplines of agriculture, forestry and land management as suggested in paragraph 27 of document CL 107/13.

Lastly, my country applauds the global effort on environmental protection. However, we strongly believe that a global programme that is not complemented by action programmes in member countries cannot be effective. We in Swaziland have moved ahead and established the Swaziland Environmental Authority. This institution will further be supported in its proposed activities by appropriate legislation which will ensure that most, if not all, development programmes and projects take into account environmental considerations during their planning and implementation to ensure sustainable development.

Liano ANGELI (Italy): Regarding sustainable development, the Italian delegation wishes to express its appreciation for document 107/13 and its supplement which have been presented to this Council.

Considering that in the framework of the collaboration with the UNCED's Commission on Sustainable Development FAO was designated as Task Manager for the implementation of some of the main chapters of Agenda 21, we want to stress our special interest in this theme and the importance attached to the rapid establishment of the proposed Department of Sustainable Development. We also agree with the necessity to follow a holistic and participatory approach, and, in view of the multiple interactions between agriculture and forested areas, jointly to address the problems of sustainable development of agriculture and forestry and, among other things, their competing for land and water use.

Regarding sustainable agriculture and food security, we also share the opinion that social and human factors must be considered as important as, if not more so than, physical and technological factors in determining whether natural potentials would be successfully exploited.

We strongly believe that the participatory approach is the cornerstone of the success of all activities aimed at reaching a sustainable development. Consequently, it will be necessary to make special efforts to assist all community members to play their own role in local decision-making as it affects their own livelihoods in particular decisions over access, control and management of common resources. This implies the right to set up community gathering and organizations. Women must be able to participate fully in these processes and capitalize on their role as environmental managers for the benefit of themselves, their households and the whole community.

We would like to conclude on this particular point by remembering that within the Italy/FAO Cooperative Programme some of the ongoing projects have sustainable development as a main focus whilst other pipeline projects - expected to be finalized in the near future - will also share this important concern.

M.A. ARDESHIRI (Iran, Islamic Republic of): In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful.

At the outset I would wish to thank the Secretariat for preparing such a useful and informative document. I would also like to extend my delegation's appreciation to Mr Mahler, the Special Adviser and ADG for Environment and Sustainable Development, for his clear and concise introduction to the documents before us.

Regarding Item 6.1 of our agenda, FAO's cooperation with the Commission on Sustainable Development, my delegation extended its support to this cooperation at the 27th Session of the FAO Conference. Due to the long experience of FAO in the field of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it is our firm opinion that FAO has a vital role to play in the overall activities of this Commission, especially as actions and decisions will be taken in relation to these three major components of rural development.

Firstly, it is my delegation's wish to reiterate its support. Secondly, as regards the issues which have been addressed in document CL 107/13,I would also like to make some specific remarks on some subjects of great concern.


As indicated in document CL 107/13, in addition to the lack of new and additional resources for the implementation of Agenda 21 we are witnessing an overall decrease in Official Development Assistance after UNCED. Due to the fact that the main causes of environment resources degradation in developing countries are poverty and lack of social and economic development, the necessity for providing new and additional financial resources for the implementation of UNCED decisions, particularly for the implementation of programmes in Chapters 10 to 14, which are directly related to rural development, is inevitable.

Accordingly, on behalf of the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran I would first like to emphasise the need for a global partnership in the implementation of Agenda 21 through an increase of ODA levels in line with the 0.7 percent target as reaffirmed in Agenda 21. Secondly, I wish to stress the need for the continuation of the increased efforts for the provision of new and additional financial resources for the implementation of UNCED decisions.

Concerning the composition of representatives at intergovernmental fora of UNCED follow-up, particularly in follow-up actions related to Chapters 10 to 14, we believe that active participation of the representation from Ministries of Agriculture and Forests in country delegations and active involvement of the competent, specialized organizations like FAO to CSD sessions is very important and crucial in achieving harmonized and scientifically based outputs from the debates. Therefore, on behalf of my delegation I would like to ask all distinguished delegates to pay due attention to this issue and act accordingly.

As has been clearly pointed out in the Declaration on Forest Principles, and emphasized in the outcome of UNCED, conservation and the sustainable management of all types of forests through the effective implementation of the framework for national forestry action plan must be taken into consideration in any forestry-related issue. Accordingly, as regards the lines and principles for collaboration, as was agreed at the inter-agency meeting on UNCED follow-up on forestry, we are of the strong opinion that the issue of "increasing inter-agency cooperation in effective implementation of the framework for national forestry action plans of all types of forests" should be added to the general lines and principles mentioned in paragraph 18 of document CL 107/13.

Finally, my delegation fully and strongly supports the proposals in paragraphs 24 and 25 of document CL 107/13. We believe that unnecessary time allocated to excessive reporting which consumes most of the inter-agency efforts should be reallocated to more effective activities of FAO's programme implementation. We also recommend the streamlining of the reporting process in various intergovernmental bodies so that unnecessary overload and duplications in the reporting process can be avoided.

Triyono (Indonesia): With regard to Agenda Item 6.1, FAO cooperation with the Commission on Sustainable Development, documents CL 107/13 and 107/13 Sup.1, allow me to give a brief comment as follows. The Indonesian delegation would like to express our appreciation and full support for FAO's role as Task Manager of Agenda 21, Chapter 10, Integrated Approach to the Planning and Management of Land Resources; Chapter 11, Combatting Deforestation; Chapter 13, Managing Fragile Ecosystems, Sustainable Mountain Development; and Chapter 14, Promoting Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development. The idea of establishing FAO cooperation with the Commission on Sustainable Development is excellent. In this regard, the Indonesian delegation is of the view that duplication and overlapping of functions should be avoided. Moreover, we should encourage the efficiency of budgeting intercooperation. Recognizing the expanded role of FAO to play in implementing the forest principle and with Agenda 21 of UNCED, my delegation would like to reiterate our appreciation to FAO for establishing the Department of Sustainable Development. It is our wish that this new department will enhance FAO's capacity to ensure a concerted response in the follow-up to UNCED, specifically to support action related to FAO's responsibility as Task Manager.

Ms Rosanne KAVA (Australia): We thank Dr Mahler and the FAO Secretariat for the comprehensive explanation and papers on the Organization's cooperation with the CSD. Australia is committed to a balanced, integrated approach to the implementation of Agenda 21 and other UNCED agreements. We have actively participated in the UNCED process, utilizing inputs from all relevant ministries, including, inter alia as appropriate, those with responsibilities for agriculture, fisheries, forestry and development as well as for the environment, and we would encourage all governments to take a similar approach.


Australia also supports the FAO position that the CSD, in discussing the land cluster of Agenda 21 at its 1995 session, needs to receive appropriate advice from relevant industry ministries to enable the CSD to perform its role effectively. In addition, Australia supports participation by appropriate ministers in the CSD. Such involvement could demonstrate CSD's members' strong political commitment. More important, it should go further and aim to produce concrete outcomes in support of sustainable development.

Like Norway, we are not comfortable with the suggestion in the main document that the CSD should limit itself to cross-sectoral issues. We would be concerned that this could restrict the CSD's capacity to fulfil its own mandate, particularly in the area of examining the implementation of Agenda 21 at the national, regional and international levels. It would also deny the potential gains in coordination and avoidance of duplication offered by the current system of reviewing clusters of sectoral issues. In this regard Australia further considers that the 1995 land cluster review provides an excellent framework to progress in an integrated manner the multiple interactions between not only forestry and agriculture but also bio-diversity, desertification, integrated land management and rural development. To aid the ad hoc working group on sectoral issues, Australia supports the proposal that the FAO, in consultation with other relevant Task Managers, provide the meeting with a comprehensive, consolidated Task Manager's report.

As the only Southwest Pacific country currently on the Council, Australia is pleased to reflect the views of the region, including in particular the Pacific Island countries. On this occasion we have the honour to relay some specific comments on this item by the Government of Western Samoa. It endorses and supports the FAO undertaking of the many roles and responsibilities in the follow-up to UNCED as outlined in the document and referred to by many of the previous speakers. It noted with concern the view that the development dimension in the UNCED follow-up process has not been balanced with the environment dimension. It considers that the development dimension needs to be strengthened in the spirit of the Rio Declaration. The sustainable development of agriculture, forestry and fisheries is seen by the Government of Western Samoa as equally important and it stresses that the importance of the development of these resources for food security and for the economic development of the Pacific Island countries cannot be over-emphasized. FAO's concern regarding lack of sectoral representation in the delegations dealing with UNCED follow-up are acknowledged. The Government of Western Samoa advises that it folly endorses and supports that the Council should bring these concerns to the attention of Member Governments, noting that to fully contribute to these meetings and in order to derive the maximum benefit, it is in the interest of all governments that the delelgations are composed of representatives of all relevant sectoral ministries so that the discussions do not lack the technical substance required.

Ahmed MER'I (Syria) (Original language Arabic): I would like to begin by thanking the Secretariat of the FAO for the excellent reports that they have submitted to us. I also thank the Chairman for his presentation and Mr Mahler for his introduction. The setting up of the CSD followed upon the Rio Conference in order to protect the environment and sustainable resources. That is why all the efforts of all the international organizations should be combined in order to produce a plan for safeguarding land, forests, seas, rivers and lakes, which are all sources of sustainable development in the world. Forests are extremely important and have been allowed to fall into degredation in the past because of disorderly logging or bush fires and forest fires which have meant a loss of thousands of hectares of trees for the world, trees which are necessary in order to produce oxygen. That is why my country is doing everything in its power to implement the decisions taken in Rio by planting trees in vast areas of land as well as protecting natural forests in order to enlarge the vegetable cover of our country. The increasing use of land for agricultural purposes in order to produce the food for populations is undeniable. Furthermore, plant genetic resources and animal genetic resources should not be overlooked either. We have every interest in setting up a commission for sustainable development, the purpose of which is to provide help to developing countries and developed countries also so that they may take the necessary steps to safeguard our natural resources which are a source of food for the whole of humanity.

EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias, distinguido delegado de Siria. Con esto concluye la lista de miembros del Consejo. Pregunto, antes de pasar a los oradores, si hay algún otro miembro del Consejo que desee hacer uso de la palabra. ¿Hay algún otro delegado que desee hacer uso de la palabra? Tiene la palabra el distinguido delegado de la India.


Atul SINHA (India): I begin by congratulating the Secretariat for the excellent documentation on the subject which is very complex and yet very, very important, for all of us. I also congratulate Dr Mahler for an excellent clarification and initial remarks. In respect of the subject of Agenda 4.1, I would wish to inform you that India had participated in the second substantive session of the CSD in May 1994. We have provided detailed information and reports on the specific things which were to be reviewed, like subjects on health, human settlements, fresh water, toxic chemicals and hazardous waste. India also expects to nominate representatives to intersessional work groups which are expected to meet in February 1995 to prepare discussions for the third session of the CSD. We will be proposing the name of Dr M.S. Swaminathan, who has been the former Chairman of the FAO Council, as India's representative to the intersessional working group on sectoral issues. With his background, we do hope that he would be able to contribute substantially to their deliberations.

India and the United Kingdom jointly sponsored a workshop towards sustainable forestry, preparing for CSD '95 in New Delhi in July 1994. The aim of the workshop was to design a draft framework for national reporting to the third session of the CSD proposed to be held in 1995. The framework is a guide to assist nations to provide voluntary information on their progress in implementing the objectives, activities and elements of the forest principles and of Agenda 21, Chapter 11, relating to Combatting of Deforestation. It would also enable countries to communicate their intended action and its purposes to guide and facilitate country papers so that the reports centred on matters of major importance are produced with a degree of uniformity. We do hope countries are preparing those papers.

Insofar as the three major conventions are concerned, it may be mentioned that India has already ratified the Convention on biological diversity on 18 February 1994 and the UN framework convention on climate change on 1 November 1993. India was also represented at the negotiations that adopted the final text of the Convention to combat desertification.

With reference to the global environmental facility, there is a major problem in respect of financing. It is noticed that the four key areas covered are climate change, biodiversity, international waters and ozone layer depletion. The agreement on the restructured GEF further states that activities concerning land degradation, primarily desertification and deforestation as they are related to the four key areas, shall be eligible for funding. We have pointed out that this was a grey area, and it was not clear as to what kind of projects would be within this definition. The replenishment of GEF by US$2 billion was made essentially to keep these four key areas in mind. If the claims of land degradation projects were also to be considered, additional replenishments would be necessary.

This point was made during the negotiations on the Desertification Convention and should be stressed again.

We have said that a large number of projects have been prepared for consideration under UNDP's Capacity 21 programme but there have been no sanctions as to date.

With those remarks we would once again wish all the very best to FAO in its role as Task Manager in addressing the various issues under Agenda 21.

Salah HAMDI (Langue originale arabe) (Tunisie): M. le Président, la délégation tunisienne tient tout d'abord à remercier le Secrétariat de la FAO pour les bons documents soumis au Conseil, qui donnent une vue d'ensemble de la dimension stratégique du développement durable et de ses rapports avec l'environnement, à partir des différentes sections de la Déclaration de Rio de Janeiro sur l'environnement et le développement et des accords correspondants et rappellent les mesures importantes de suivi du Programme "Action 21" entreprises par la Commission du développement durable en coordination avec les gouvernements nationaux, les ONG, les OIG et tout particulièrement la FAO, en sa qualité de maître d'oeuvre pour les chapitres 10, 11, 13 et 14 du Programme "Action 21".

La délégation de la Tunisie, tout en appréciant et en appuyant les mesures prises par la FAO dans les domaines essentiels liés au développement rural, tient à souligner ce qui suit:

- Un accord définitif doit être conclu avec la Commission du développement durable concernant l'organisme qui sera responsable des questions relatives à l'eau, c'est-à-dire de l'élaboration, de la mise


en oeuvre et du suivi de programmes d'aménagement et d'utilisation des ressources en eau, vu leur importance vitale pour l'humanité et la sécurité alimentaire.

- Les mesures nécessaires doivent être prises pour appliquer des plans et programmes de conservation des ressources en terre et de la protection de la fertilité des sols, d'aménagement et d'utilisation de l'eau d'irrigation à l'échelle nationale, d'amélioration de la productivité des terres agricoles et de développement durable du secteur agricole, de façon à garantir la durabilité de la production agricole et de la sécurité alimentaire.

- Une attention accrue doit être attribuée à la mobilisation de ressources pour le fonds fiduciaire sur la désertification et à la mise en oeuvre des projets prévus dans le Plan d'action approuvé pour l'Afrique, dans le cadre général de l'Accord international sur la désertification.

- Des programmes et projets de conservation des forêts et de reboisement doivent être réalisés vu les liens directs existant entre les forêts, la protection de l'environnement, le climat et la lutte contre la pollution, sans parler du rôle des forêts dans le développement durable, puisqu'elles protègent les sols contre l'érosion et la désertification.

M. le Président, la question la plus importante qui sous-tend tous ces efforts reste la mobilisation des ressources financières nécessaires à la mise en oeuvre de programmes de développement durable dans le cadre d'Action 21. La Commission du développement durable a fait part de sa préoccupation concernant la pénurie de ressources financières car, faute de ressources, elle ne sera pas en mesure d'appliquer le plan d'action approuvé sur le développement durable. Elle a également souligné qu'il fallait absolument améliorer le niveau des ressources financières consacrées à l'aide au développement, pour que celles-ci atteignent le niveau fixé à Rio de Janeiro, soit 0,7 pour cent du produit national brut.

M. Le Président, je ne fais là que rappeler un objectif envisagé depuis longtemps dans le cadre de la coopération Nord-Sud. Or, il est d'autant plus nécessaire de réaliser cet objectif que l'on accorde actuellement une attention accrue à la protection de l'environnement pour permettre à tous les peuples d'accéder au développement durable, dans le cadre dún système de solidarité internationale.

Toutefois, en ce qui concerne la mobilisation des ressources, une lueur d'espoir naît de la restructuration du fonds spécial pour la protection de l'environnement et de l'allocation de 2 milliards de dollars E.-U. à ce fonds. On peut espérer que les pays et institutions donatrices, notamment les pays qui n'ont pas encore atteint l'objectif de 0,7 pour cent, ouvriront à cet effet des crédits plus généreux proportionnels à leurs moyens, témoignant ainsi de leur sens de la solidarité. M. le Président, je voudrais à cet égard rappeler la proposition faite par la Tunisie d'utiliser une partie de la dette nationale pour financer les projets de protection de l'environnement et d'infrastructure nécessaires au développement durable. Si cette proposition est acceptée, il sera possible de mobiliser d'importantes ressources financières sans pour autant alourdir le fardeau financier des pays donateurs, et d'exécuter des projets dans le cadre du Programme "Action 21", outre l'effet positif de cette proposition sur la réduction de l'endettement des pays en développement.

Je tiens à préciser que la proposition de la Tunisie a été favorablement accueillie par certains pays amis comme les Pays-Bas et la Suède, qui ont tous deux commencé à prendre des mesures pour l'appliquer dans le cadre de projets relatifs à l'environnement. D'autres pays donateurs ont pris des dispositions analogues notamment en ce qui concerne les pays les moins avancés.

En conclusion, M. le Président, je tiens à souligner que la délégation tunisienne appuie les propositions présentées par le Secrétariat dans ce document.

Je vous remercie.1

Jaap B. PIETERS (Observer for the Netherlands): Much has already been said about the role of FAO as Task Manager. However, in the view of the Netherlands, being Task Manager means becoming lead agency at the same time. This implies that FAO is expected to demonstrate a substantial vision on the implementation of the relevant chapters of Agenda 21 and to bring this vision into practice and action as soon as possible.

1 Texte reçu avec demande d’insertion au process-verbal


Moreover the active role of FAO with regard to Agenda 21 will certainly not end after the third session of the CSD. The involvement of FAO in Agenda 21 is an ongoing process which should integrate all activities of FAO, including the Special Action Programme. The new Department of Sustainable Development should be the catalyst and we look forward to receiving more detailed information on the mandate of this department and its future staffing.

EL PRESIDENTE: Me voy a permitir darle la palabra al Dr. Mahler para que responda a las preguntas formuladas.

P.J. MAHLER (Conseiller spécial du Directeur général/Sous-Directeur général pour l'environnement et le développement durable, Bureau du Directeur général): Je voudrais d'abord remercier les délégations qui ont bien voulu reconnaître l'ampleur de notre engagement et de nos activités dans notre coopération avec la CDD, et confirmer ce que la Conférence avait déjà souligné l'année dernière, à savoir la nécessité de cette coopération, ceci particulièrement pour la session de la CDD de 1995 qui va examiner des sujets sectoriels, qui relèvent du mandat de l'Organisation.

A ce sujet, je crois utile de dissiper un malentendu. Il entre dans le mandat de la Commission du développement durable d'examiner ce que fait l'ensemble de la Communauté internationale: les gouvernements, les institutions gouvernementales, intergouvernementales, les ONG, dans les domaines sectoriels. C'est pour cela que nous coopérons avec elle. Nous pensons que cette commission - et cela a été dit d'ailleurs - a besoin de s'appuyer sur notre expérience dans ces domaines sectoriels.

Ce qu'il faut chercher, c'est une meilleure complémentarité. Cela a été dit par certaines délégations: il faut éviter de répéter les débats. Je crois qu'à la suite des contacts qui ont eu lieu entre le Dr Diouf et le Dr Töpfer, nous nous acheminons effectivement vers un partage des responsabilités. Cela ne veut pas dire qu'il n'y aura pas un certain chevauchement. Le chevauchement est nécessaire. Le rôle de la Commission est d'examiner les secteurs sous un angle intersectoriel et de voir en particulier quels sont les problèmes d'interface, par exemple, entre les différentes utilisations des terres et voir là où il pourrait y avoir des conflits, des lacunes, ou un manque de coordination.

Pour ce faire, effectivement, il faut une certaine rationalisation dans la préparation des rapports que nous vous présentons sur nos activités dans ces domaines sectoriels et les rapports que nous présenterons à la CDD dans ces mêmes domaines. C'est là le rôle des maîtres d'oeuvre.

Mais il y a aussi, je crois, un rôle pour les délégations et les gouvernements qui assistent aux réunione de ces différentes institutions, de façon à essayer de délimiter les demandes d'information sur nos activités et déterminer celles qui doivent être présentées à la FAO et celles qui méritent l'attention de la CDD. Nous cherchons là une répartition des tâches et des responsabilités.

Cela est d'autant plus nécessaire - je n'en ai pas parlé dans mon introduction - que nous avons les mêmes demandes de la part d'autres commissions des Nations Unies qui nous demandent aussi des informations sur nos activités: la commission qui s'occupe des ressources naturelles, celle qui s'occupe de la science et de la technologie, etc. Il nous faut trouver ici un équilibre entre les rapports sur les activités et nos activités mêmes. Il nous faut avoir des activités concrètes pour pouvoir en rendre compte et faire des rapports! C'est cet équilibre qui doit être recherché.

Je pense effectivement que la participation des représentants des Ministères de l'agriculture et des forêts dans les délégations qui vont siéger à la CDD devrait aider à cela. Elle devrait aider aussi à assurer un meilleur équilibre entre les aspects protection de l'environnement et les aspects développement.

J'ai observé une certaine tendance à la CDD se concentrer vers les problèmes globaux de l'environnement. Ils sont importants, ils affectent le développement. Mais je pense que la participation des ministères sectoriels peut en particulier refléter l'importance du développement dans les secteurs et notamment, dans les pays en développement. Cela a été souligné par le délégué du Burkina Faso.


Evidemment, le Département du développement durable est conçu en particulier pour faciliter la coopération avec la CDD et les représentants de Chypre, du Cap-Vert et des pays nordiques ont souligné l'importance de ce département.

En réponse aux questions du délégué de l'Allemagne, sans anticiper sur les débats qui auront lieu sur le suivi de la cent sixième session du Conseil où le Directeur général présente l'ensemble des activités de suivi des décisions du Conseil sur la restructuration, je rappellerai que, jusqu'à présent, nous avons essayé de répondre aux demandes de la Commission du développement durable avec une petite unité de coordination et de multiples groupes interdépartementaux, sous-groupes de travail, sur des questions diverses: la désertification, la biodiversité, etc., faisant chaque fois appel à la participation de certains collègues des départements sectoriels. Mais avec la demande qui augmente, il est apparu évident qu'on ne pouvait pas répondre à ces requêtes de manière équilibrée, intégrée, sans avoir un dispositif où il y aurait du personnel à temps complet qui traiterait de ces questions, certes en coopération avec les départements techniques sectoriels, mais qui assurerait déjà, au niveau de l'Organisation, l'intégration et la coordination nécessaires. Le Département s'adressera aussi à cette tâche beaucoup plus complexe qui nous est confiée, celle de maître d'oeuvre, qui est d'essayer de favoriser la coopération, la coordination de toutes les institutions intergouvernementales qui travaillent dans le domaine de l'agriculture et des forêts, et d'essayer de rendre compte des progrès faits dans la coopération à la CDD.

Je crois qu'il y a là une des justifications majeures - il y en a d'autres - à l'établissement de ce département.

D'autres interventions qui ont souligné l'importance de la participation populaire, le rôle des femmes, l'importance du développement rural intégré, viennent aussi apporter des justifications à ce département, puisque ce département va traiter de ces sujets.

Un certain nombre d'interventions ont fait référence au rôle des ONG. Je crois que le document que nous avons présenté fait mention de la coopération dont nous jouissons de la part des ONG dans la préparation de nos rapports pour la CDD. Nous les associons à nos réunions interagences. Nous participons à leurs réunions: il y en a eu dernièrement une très importante sur le développement agricole durable à Washington. C'est bien notre intention de continuer ainsi. J'en profite pour remercier les ONG de l'appui qu'elles nous donnent dans ces domaines.

Plusieurs délégations ont souligné le rôle clé de l'eau et de l'aménagement intégré des terres. En ce qui concerne l'eau, je voudrais indiquer que ce sujet a déjà été traité par la Commission du développement durable cette année. Nous avons un Groupe de travail interagences qui suit les recommandations de la Commission dans ce domaine. Il en est d'ailleurs fait mention dans le document.

En ce qui concerne les terres, les dernières consultations que nous avons eues entre maîtres d'oeuvre et avec le Secrétariat des Nations Unies, indiquent que le rapport du maître d'oeuvre sur le chapitre 10, qui traite de la planification et de l'aménagement intégré des terres, servira de chapeau à l'ensemble des autres rapports que nous allons présenter, sur les montagnes, sur la désertification (qui est traitée par le PNUE), sur l'agriculture et les forêts.

Plusieurs délégations ont souligné l'importance des ressources financières pour le suivi de la CNUED. Effectivement elles sont limitées. Nous essayons d'utiliser celles que nous avons le mieux possible. Nous devons reconnaître que beaucoup de donateurs multilatéraux et bilatéraux soutiennent nos actions sur le terrain. Je n'ai pas parlé des multiples projets que nous pouvons exécuter grâce à cela. Mais je dois dire que pour le moment la facilité pour l'environnement global (GEF), auquel a fait référence le délégué de l'Inde, se concentre sur des problèmes globaux de l'environnement, tels que le changement de climat ou la biodiversité, et que même dans le domaine de la biodiversité nous avons eu des difficultés à insister sur l'importance de la biodiversité créée par l'homme, celle des varietés des cultures, des races de bétail. Nous voyons maintenant le GEF s'ouvrir à ces problèmes et soutenir certaines actions sur le terrain.

Il est certain que notre action ne s'arrêtera pas là. Il s'agit d'un processus continu. Le Directeur général a d'ailleurs lancé un examen et une analyse des Programmes d'action spéciaux pour voir comment ils pourraient mieux s'associer à ses initiatives. Le résultat de cet examen sera présenté dans le cadre des propositions pour le Programme de travail et budget du prochain biennium.


EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias, Dr. Mahler, por sus aclaraciones y respuesta a preguntas específicas.

Si no hay ningún comentario al respecto me voy a permitir resumir brevemente nuestros debates, que por cierto, levantaron un enorme interés, a pesar de que el tema era fundamentalmente para información.

El Consejo expresó su satisfacción por los documentos presentados y por los esfuerzos de la FAO para cumplir con la preparación de informes de seguimiento de la CNUMAD, en su calidad de gerente de tareas para los capítulos 10, 11, 13 y 14 de la Agenda 21.

Se destacó, entre otras cosas, que el nuevo Departamento de Desarrollo Sostenible deberá jugar un papel central, deberá ser un punto focal para canalizar estas tareas de la FAO en el futuro.

El Consejo tomó nota, con satisfacción, de la reunión que tuvo el señor Director General Jacques Diouf con el señor Klaus Töpfer, Presidente de la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible y de la cooperación más estrecha y complementariedad mayor entre la FAO y dicha comisión.

El Consejo expresó todo su apoyo a la ejecución de los planteamientos y objetivos de la CNUMAD y de la Agenda 21 y se hicieron referencias a varias acciones a nivel nacional y otras de mayor alcance en cumplimiento de dichos objetivos.

El Consejo examinó algunas de las dificultades que se presentan en el proceso de seguimiento de la CNUMAD y, en particular, tres pruebas estrechamente vinculadas que no permiten que la FAO pueda dar una contribución totalmente efectiva de acuerdo a su mandato y a las ventajas comparativas de su función sectorial en su colaboración con la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible.

Se tomó nota, entre otras cosas, de las siguientes tendencias en el proceso de seguimiento de la CNUMAD. La proliferación de reuniones y de iniciativas, muchas de ellas paralelas al proceso que conduce la CDS, que conlleva una duplicación de esfuerzos y que entorpece el logro de un consenso en la definición de propuestas de acción. También la multiplicación de solicitudes provenientes de muchos foros intergubernamentales, comités y agencias que crean una excesiva presión de trabajo a la Organización para el suministro de información y preparación de informes. La transformación del proceso de seguimiento de la CNUMAD, en un proceso en que las reuniones parecen reemplazar la acción concreta que se propuso la Cumbre de Rio para promover el desarrollo sostenible. Esto es debido a la escasez de recursos financieros catalíticos y a la disminución preocupante de la ayuda al desarrollo.

En vista de lo anterior, hubo exhortos a la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible para que, en su labor de revisión de la Agenda 21 y de promoción de los acuerdos de Rio, se sirva más eficientemente de los foros sectoriales y proponga modalidades de trabajo que permitan orientar la capacidad técnica y operativa de los organismos especializados hacia la puesta en marcha de programas a nivel nacional y regional que realmente contribuyan al desarrollo sostenible y, en particular, con el apoyo financiero de la comunidad internacional que se consideró fundamental.

Sin embargo, se recordó que todo cambio en los métodos de trabajo de la Comisión es materia de debate en Nueva York. En todo caso, se instó a la FAO a que continúe fortaleciendo su colaboración y complementariedad con la CDS y a que se atenga al formato y requerimiento de información de la Comisión.

Se expresó confianza en que, a pesar de la carga de trabajo adicional para la FAO, se continuará ofreciendo todo el apoyo a la CDS. Algunas delegaciones manifestaron no concordar con la propuesta de limitar las funciones de la CDS, pues esto podría llevar a duplicaciones.

El Consejo tomó nota y dio su apoyo a las propuestas de acción que serán sometidas a la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible respecto a los cuatro capítulos de la Agenda 21, para los cuales se designó a la FAO como gerente de tareas.

El Consejo invita a la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible a examinar con detenimiento dichas propuestas y a servirse de la orientación de los comités técnicos del Consejo, de la COAG y del COFO, sobre todo en virtud de la fase ministerial del COFO, así como del trabajo de la Secretaría para su mayor elaboración y para la formulación de programas de acción que den respuesta a las expectativas de los países en el sentido de buscar


el desarrollo sostenible que venza el flagelo del hambre, la pobreza y la inseguridad, reforzando así la dimensión del desarrollo en un proceso de seguimiento de la CNUMAD.

El Consejo instó a los países miembros para que en el proceso de revisión del conjunto de los capítulos sobre tierras en 1995, así como la revisión de los capítulos sobre océanos y recursos vivos del mar en 1996, la presencia del sector sea más significativa en las delegaciones ante la CDS, dando así un aporte más sustantivo de orientación técnica y política en las deliberaciones.

Se recalcó, en particular, la importancia de la participación activa del sector privado y la participación fundamental de las ONG. El espíritu participativo debe ser la clave del éxito del desarrollo sostenible.

Se solicitó a los comités técnicos del Consejo que estudien los resultados de las discusiones del grupo de trabajo en especial, con la finalidad de presentar a la CDS, en su tercera reunión, una opinión especializada que contribuya a enriquecer el debate y la formulación de acciones concretas.

Distinguidos delegados, en este resumen he debido tomar nota también de lo que ha aclarado la Secretaría de la FAO pero, desde luego, en el informe de nuestro Consejo ustedes podrán balancear adecuadamente las distintas posturas y expresar otros comentarios que yo no he incluido en mi resumen.

Si no hay ninguna observación respecto a este tema, lo doy por concluido y pasamos ahora al Tema 6.2 de nuestra agenda relativo a las actividades forestales, la función de la FAO en la ordenación forestal y sostenible y en las actividades complementarias de la CNUMAD.

Doy de nuevo la bienvenida al Señor Subdirector General, quien actúa como jefe del Departamento de Montes de la FAO y quien presentará este tema. Sin embargo, y antes de concederle la palabra deseo señalar a la atención del Consejo los documentos CL 107/6 y CL 107/6-Sup.1 que contienen la información básica que servirá para el debate del Consejo. Al mismo tiempo, como ya se indicó durante el examen del Tema 6.1 del programa, se propone que en los debates del Consejo sobre este tema, se incluyan también los aspectos forestales de la cooperación de la FAO con la CDS.

En el 27° período de sesiones de la Conferencia se pidió al Director General que preparase un informe con propuestas concretas para el fortalecimiento de la función normativa de la FAO en relación con las actividades forestales. El Consejo recordará que la Conferencia recomendó a la FAO que adoptase una función directiva en el proceso preparatorio para la aplicación de las decisiones de la CNUMAD sobre los bosques, especialmente los principios forestales y naturalmente los aspectos relacionados con la Agenda 21, de manera que se pudiera informar de los progresos efectivos en el examen de temas de los bosques en la reunión de la CDS en 1995. Sin embargo el concepto más amplio de este informe del Director General sobre las actividades formativas de la FAO en relación con los bosques radica en la constante insistencia de los anteriores períodos de sesiones de la Conferencia y del Consejo así como del Comité del Programa y del COFO en la importancia de los programas de la Organización relativos a la silvicultura.

La eficacia de la Organización en su apoyo a la acción nacional e internacional en el sector forestal, depende fundamentalmente de la relevancia y la calidad de la función normativa. Deseo recordarles que en el 106° período de sesiones del Consejo, celebrado en el pasado mes de junio, se señaló que la propuesta al Director General de una consignación adicional para la silvicultura permitiría a la FAO mantener el impulso de importantes iniciativas de carácter normativo vinculadas a la conservación de los bosques mundiales. Ahora bien, esto sólo se puede considerar como el comienzo de una tendencia que podría continuar en los bienios futuros. En consecuencia, las propuestas básicas presentadas en el documento CL 107/6, tienen particular interés para el Consejo.

En este momento no deseo señalar temas específicos que el Consejo tal vez no deseará abordar, ya que deberán surgir durante el propio debate. Sin embargo, propongo que el Consejo se ocupe por una parte de las actividades de la FAO propuestas para hacer frente a las necesidades inmediatas de los exámenes de la CDS para 1995-1997 sobre las actividades forestales y, por otra parte, las perspectivas a largo plazo para una acción más firme y enérgica de la FAO en el sector forestal; es decir, una renovación de su liderazgo.

Espero que haya un debate a fondo sobre este tema y deseo recordarles que, en virtud de lo atrasado que estamos en nuestros debates y lo avanzado de la hora, espero que las declaraciones que ustedes formulen,


distinguidos miembros del Consejo, y los señores observadores, sean breves. Les comunico mis intenciones para esta noche ya que algunas delegaciones han llamado mi atención respecto a compromisos contraídos anteriormente. A su insistencia de que no prolonguemos nuestros debates hasta muy tarde, vamos a continuar hasta las 7 de la noche, es decir, una hora más. Veremos entonces cuanto hemos avanzado y continuaremos con este tema y con el 6.3 mañana por la mañana. Sí les advierto desde ahora que mañana tendremos que empatarnos con el calendario por ustedes aprobado, de manera que si es necesario mantener sesiones, inclusive nocturnas, así lo haremos hasta concluir con los temas especificados para el día de mañana.

Le otorgo la palabra al Señor Hjort.

6.2 The role of FAO in Forest Sustainable Management and in the UNCED follow-up
6.2 Le rôle de la FAO dans l'aménagement durable des forêts et dans le suivi de la CNUED
6.2 La función de la FAO en la ordenación forestal sostenible y en las actividades complementarias de la CNUMAD

DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: Before I begin with my introductory statement, I wish to apologize for my statement being longer than I would have desired, primarily because some of the essential documents have only recently been provided to you.

Under this agenda item the normative role of the Organization in sustainable forest management and the cooperative role in UNCED follow-up are for discussion. A brief document, CL 107/6, was prepared to facilitate the debate. However, the paper "Overall Strategy for FAO Involvement in Post-UNCED Activities in Forestry," which was sent to all member countries in June and was before the Programme Committee at its Seventieth Session in September and is referenced in paragraphs 2.56 and 2.57 of CL 107/4, which is before you, is also relevant, as is the report of the High-Level Panel of External Experts in Forestry, which met only from 19 to 21 October 1994, and has recently been made available as CL 107/6-Sup.1.

To my knowledge there is only one Member of the Council who is fully familiar with the Report.

In addition, the documents on FAO cooperation with the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), which you already have considered, contain information of relevance to this item.

First allow me to address the preparations for the April 1995 meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development, and then turn to the normative role of the Organization.

As you know, FAO serves as the Task Manager for the Forest Principles and Chapter 11, Combating Deforestation, and, as the ad hoc defacto principal adviser to the CSD on all forestry matters, is in the process of preparing for the UN Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (UN-DPCSD), the draft report of the Secretary-General on forests to the CSD 1995. The Task Manager's report will be the basis for preparing the Secretary-General's report to the CSD. The latter will pull together the major issues on all forests as seen by the entire community of interest - governments, UN agencies, IGOs, NGOs and the private sector.

The report to the CSD will be presented in draft form to the Intersessional Working Group at its 27 February - 3 March 1995 session, and to the forest industry, the NGOs, COFO and ministers in March 1995. The revised version will be submitted to the CSD for its April 1995 session.

Inputs to the Task Manager and Secretary-General reports are being obtained from a wide range of sources, including the many initiatives referenced in paragraph 10 of CL 107/6, concerned UN system agencies, the financing institutions, other inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as the private industry. The reports of governments which are required and are to be taken into account are only now beginning to arrive.

At this early stage it appears that the proposals for action to be covered in the report to the CSD will include the following:


First, ensure retention of the momentum of UNCED by organizing a post-CSD forum and associated mechanism to prepare prioritized proposals for concrete action and to secure early convergence of the proliferation of international initiatives, both governmental and non-governmental.

Second, ensure continued commitment to action programmes and to improve their funding from all sources and, in this connection, provide guidelines on means for improving mobilization of additional resources in developing countries, including domestic and private sector investment.

Third, given the particular importance of forests for, or close linkage with, other UNCED agreements, especially in areas of biodiversity, desertification and agriculture and land use, develop practical guidelines regarding policies, planning and programmes needed in the external sectors which facilitate attainment of sustainable forest management.

Fourth, explore common ground regarding further progress, if warranted, in evolution of the Forest Principles towards a legally-binding instrument.

Fifth, have a forum for dialogue leading to a more balanced perception of the environmental and developmental roles of forests and promote consensus among currently rather polarized positions.

Sixth, promote agreement on a working definition of sustainable forest management and a harmonized system of criteria and indicators for assessment of progress towards achieving it, taking account of the different capabilities of member countries and their sovereign rights over their forest resources.

Seventh, improve information on forests, including through strengthening forest resources assessment and development of methodologies for valuation of forest goods and services to provide more sound justification for public and political support for sustainable management of forests.

Eighth, secure support for priority attention to capacity-building, both for governments and other stakeholders, including improved capabilities for intersectoral work, assist in defining appropriate sharing of responsibilities among interest groups, and more widely disseminate guidelines for stakeholder participation in forestry. An important aspect here is to search for ways for strengthening the public institutions charged with responsibility for forests and raising their hierarchical stature with a view to improving their ability to influence policy or attract the degree of resources and political support essential for success.

Finally, support technology transfer and development, including efforts to marry modern science with indigenous knowledge and practice.

As recommended by the 27th Session of the Conference, the involvement of regional forestry commissions in the post-UNCED process has been enlisted. A special meeting of the bureaux of all commissions took place in September of this year. The regional concerns, as voiced by the commissions, will be further elaborated through joint FAO/UNEP workshops in Asia, Africa and Latin America for presentation to the CSD. In addition, the High-Level Panel of External Experts in Forestry addressed the UNCED follow-up process, making specific recommendations in paragraph 53.

From the foregoing, the Council will note that FAO is playing a crucial role in facilitating policy and technical inter-agency and inter-governmental/non-governmental dialogue on forests in general and with the particular purpose of enhancing the preparations for the 1995 CSD review on forests. These activities are, however, further expanded by initiatives and proposals for a strengthening of the normative role of FAO in sustainable forest management and its cooperative role in the follow-up to UNCED.

The response by the Director-General to the request by the 27th Session of the FAO Conference to prepare a report containing concrete proposals for a strengthening of the normative role of FAO in forestry is embodied in the previously referenced "Overall Strategy for FAO Involvement in Post-UNCED Activities in Forestry". This strategy document addresses primarily the immediate requirements for the preparations for the 1995 CSD session. What remains to be done is to expand this strategy with a longer-term perspective well beyond 1995. This is envisaged within the framework of the preparation of the Medium-term Plan and the Programme of Work and Budget 1996-97, which will be considered by the ministers with responsibility for forestry in March


1995 as well as the Programme and Finance Committees and the Council later in 1995. In addition, the advice of the High-Level Panel of External Experts in Forestry has been obtained.

In their report the experts aim at a revitalization of FAO's normative activities in forestry in accordance with the Organization's mandate. Their report has implications for the forestry activities of the Organization far beyond the current biennium. I highlight the following among the recommendations of the experts regarding areas of focus:

First, increased focus to forestry-related priorities and programmes in general. Second, collection, analysis and interpretation and provision of reliable data.

Third, provision of policy and technical advice to countries to prepare national forestry action plans and promotion of sustainable forestry, including seeking international cooperation, partnership and dialogue.

Fourth, reviewing current initiatives on criteria and indicators for sustainable forestry management and facilitation of harmonized core criteria for all types of forests.

Fifth, preparation of the ministerial meeting and thereafter formulation of a priority agenda for action for consideration by CSD in 1995.

Finally, convene a broadened Consultative Group involving all key constituents for dialogue on all FAO forest activities.

The panel also made a number of recommendations for the Director-General to consider which would serve to give prominence to forestry and FAO's role in it.

I wish to inform the Council that the Director-General has in general accepted the recommendations of the panel and intends to implement them in a manner commensurate with the availability of resources. Immediate action is being taken to implement three of the recommendations so that the related outputs are available in time for consideration by the 12th Session of COFO and the meeting of ministers responsible for forestry in March 1995. These are: a comprehensive statement on the "State of the World's Forests"; a seminar or workshop on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management in February 1995; and a paper on the advantages and disadvantages associated with moving towards a legally-binding agreement on forests.

Through its technical committee COFO, the Council will have the opportunity to make final inputs into CSD 1995. The first meeting ever to be convened of ministers responsible for forestry will provide an opportunity for the sector's highest policy forum to send its "message" to the CSD where normally forestry ministers are not present. This will provide a unique opportunity to converge all initiatives and concerns of Member Nations, IGOs, non-governmental organizations and the private sector as regards the need for effective conservation and sustainable development of forests into a singular opportunity for action.

Mr Chairman, of the many issues on which action is required, I encourage the Council to focus on the content of the report to the CSD, as indicated previously, which is to cover the concerns of the entire community of interest, and the recommendations of the High-Level Panel of External Experts in Forestry, in providing guidance to the Director-General especially on the future normative role of the Organization on forestry matters.

Thank you, Mr Chairman. I apologize for taking so long.

EL PRESIDENTE: Gracias, señor Hjort. Creo que sus observaciones van a permitir guiar el debate de una manera más constructiva. Abro ahora la lista de oradores. Entre los observadores, Portugal y Países Bajos han pedido también hacer uso de la palabra. Tiene la palabra la distinguida delegación de Hungría.

Mrs Maria GALVÖLGYI (Hungary): Mr Chairman, being the first speaker on this item will you allow me to congratulate and at the same time thank Mr Hjort for the introduction which he has given on this subject.


My delegation wishes to express its satisfaction at document CL 107/6 because it fully takes into consideration the outcome of the last session of COFO as well as that of the Timber Committee and the European Forestry Commission held in October 1993. In that fora it was decided that the FAO would undertake a leading role in formulating the requirements and conditions of resource management, especially the sustainable forest management, in collecting information on forest resources and processing, as well as coordinating all international activities aimed at achieving this important objective.

Due to her geo-political position, Hungary is not directly affected by all global programmes like sharp falls in forestry areas or desertification. At the same time, however, my country is an active participant in both the Helsinki and Montreal processes, and for this reason the formulation of general basic principles of sustainable management is very welcome.

Special appreciation goes to paragraph 25 of the document, which I mentioned before, where a proposal is found to apply the accumulated knowledge of countries undergoing economic transition in a wider form. My country is ready to take an active part in its implementation.

Our intention is to take a similarly active part in the high priority programme of Forest Resource Assessment - FRA - as well as in NFAP, National Forestry Action Plan. We feel that Hungary has some results from the assessment of resources and the long-term management that could readily be made available.

We fully agree with the statement made in paragraph 24 of the document where priorities are listed for countries in transition from centrally planned to market economies, like enhancing the technical expertise and developing human resources and so on.

Beyond the support required by these countries, it will be necessary to review how they could contribute to the global forestry objectives of each of the areas, that a donor role could also be played by them on the basis of their technical knowledge.

Mr Chairman, a lot is expected from the 12th Session of COFO which through the political actors will link FAO activities with the Helsinki process. After the Unit of Experts, it is hoped that the matter of forests will also be handled by the politicians according to its significance and on the basis of its basic UNIFOR principles. In the field of cooperation with other international organizations, it is important to emphasize that FAO should take a leading role to avoid unnecessary overlapping and thus to promote the most efficient utilization of scarce resources.

Finally, we feel that FAO should meet the challenges both as coordinator and as a source of information and technical expertise. Therefore, it is inevitable that the forestry sector be represented also in the budget of FAO as it was earlier emphasized by COFO and EFC.

Jürgen OESTREICH (EC): I make this statement on behalf of the European Community and its Member States.

The European Community and its Member States are strongly committed to the conservation and sustainable management of their forest heritage. Forest cover and production are constantly increasing. The conservation of forests is a basic element of all national forest policies and legislation, through which a high level of sustainability in forest management has been achieved.

In the light of the Rio Conference, the Member States of the European Union are currently updating their forestry strategies and policies and preparing national action plans for the implementation of the Rio Statement on Forest Principles. Furthermore, they are preparing specific national or regional guidelines to be incorporated into their forestry plans and programmes for the implementation of the general guidelines for the sustainable management of forests in Europe, as adopted by the European Community and its Member States at the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe, in Helsinki in June 1993.

As illustrated by the Helsinki resolutions, the current efforts of the European countries aim to achieve, without delay, the highest standards of sustainability in forest management, notably by promoting international


cooperation and developing criteria and indicators for the evaluation of sustainable management of forests in Europe.

The European Community and its Member States reconfirm their commitment to the decisions taken at UNCED for the conservation, sustainable management and development of all types of forests. They are ready to cooperate and support those initiatives that are consistent with the above objectives and help reach a global consensus.

Therefore, they welcome the FAO's designation by the UN Inter-agency Committee on Sustainable Development as Task Manager charged with promoting coordinated UN Agency action to follow up UNCED decisions in the land segment, including forests. It is essential that FAO shows it is worthy of this task.

In this context, FAO should consider and propose appropriate arrangements and means to foster greater dialogue of the various UN organizations and coordination of the various forest-related initiatives, as well as to make available its expertise on specific forestry issues to these initiatives.

FAO needs to reinforce the work undertaken by its regional structures including its regional forestry commissions and its regional offices in order to respond to the above tasks.

FAO should also facilitate the harmonization, adoption, dissemination and application of relevant norms, codes of conduct or practice, criteria, indicators and associated certification systems by making its expertise available to ongoing initiatives.

In this context, the use of one of its programmes by FAO (Forest Resources Assessment) for strengthening continuous monitoring of the status and development of the world's forest cover is essential.

The European Community and its Member States recommend that the TFAP instrument should be strengthened in a way that it could serve as a real instrument for the implementation of sustainable management and conservation of forests.

Even more emphasis should be given now to the development and support of participatory country-driven national forestry programmes with emphasis on policy reform and intersectoral coordination; decentralized planning and implementation; institutional reform and capacity-building; and country-based aid coordination.

In addition, FAO should be encouraged to adapt its coordination function within the TFAP and to make operational the consultative group as already approved by the FAO Council and to ensure an effective exchange of experience with other parties not members of the FAO.

Finally, the European Community and its Member States estimate that the FAO Ministerial Meeting on Forestry next March is a most welcome and necessary opportunity to consider ways of strengthening FAO's global role in the forest sector to give guidance for future activities in this field and to make concrete proposals at a high political level for the preparation of the third session of CSD in April 1995.

The European Community and its Member States will certainly participate actively in this meeting.

Christian BERGER (France): Le Secrétariat a préparé une documentation très complète sur la situation internationale et les activités des principaux partenaires institutionnels qui collaborent au suivi de la CNUED dans le secteur forestier. En complément des commentaires à peine formulés devant ce Conseil par la présidence de l'Union européenne, ce sujet appelle quelques observations supplémentaires de la part de la délégation française.

Tout d'abord, la France n'est pas favorable à la multiplication des enceintes internationales pour discuter des questions générales de politique forestière; cette situation nuirait à la clarté et à la continuité des débats. La CDD et la FAO semblent des enceintes suffisantes à cet égard, notamment dans la mesure où les deux institutions travaillent de façon coordonnée.


La question forestière touche à de multiples domaines, notamment pour ce qui concerne l'articulation entre la forêt et l'agriculture, la forêt et l'aménagement rural, la forêt et la satisfaction des besoins énergétiques, la forêt et la question de la désertification, etc. C'est pourquoi il est important que la FAO s'engage pleinement dans le suivi de la CNUED en valorisant peut-être mieux qu'actuellement la synergie potentielle entre ses départements techniques.

La France se réjouit de voir la FAO souligner l'importance de son rôle normatif en matière d'aménagement durable des forêts. Plus que les interventions de terrain, il s'agit en effet de la vocation première d'une agence spécialisée des Nations Unies qui se doit de faire autorité en la matière par la qualité de son expertise et par son indépendance.

Nous regrettons qu'un travail conjoint et solidaire de la FAO, du PNUE, du PNUD et de la Banque mondiale sur les questions forestières ne soit pas plus facile à organiser. Le suivi de la CNUED offre l'occasion d'un changement de culture permettant de mettre en place une véritable coordination au sein du système des Nations Unies et avec les institutions de Bretton Woods. Si cette évolution ne se manifeste pas concrètement dans le secteur forestier, il est à craindre que la forêt ne devienne rapidement un enjeu institutionnel de nature à remettre en cause les attributions actuelles de la FAO.

La France apporte un soutien actif au travail d'élaboration de critères et d'indicateurs de gestion durable des forêts déjà entrepris dans plusieurs régions du monde. Il est souhaitable que les commissions régionales des forêts de la FAO servent d'enceintes de négociation pour ces critères et indicateurs lorsqu'il n'existe pas déjà un processus intergouvernemental actif dans ce domaine. Aussi, le département des forêts de la FAO devrait être en mesure d'apporter son expertise technique aux pays ou groupes de pays qui le souhaitent.

Enfin, notre délégation prend acte avec satisfaction des progrès méthodologiques récemment enregistrés par le Programme d'action forestier tropical. Il est nécessaire que le processus de synthèse nationale soit conduit et maîtrisé par le pays concerné, qu'il soit intersectoriel et ouvert à toutes les parties prenantes. Evitant le statut de catalogue de projets, les plans nationaux doivent engendrer un mécanisme de réflexion continue; ils offrent un cadre idoine pour mettre en oeuvre le chapitre 11 d'Action 21 et la Déclaration des principes forestiers de la CNUED. Ce type de processus n'est d'ailleurs pas adapté qu'aux seuls pays tropicaux: le Programme d'action forestier méditerranéen qui se met actuellement en place pourrait, en effet, tirer profit de cette réflexion.

Won Gil BAE (Korea, Republic of): First of all, I would like to thank you for providing an opportunity to discuss the FAO's role in Sustainable Forestry Management and in the UNCED follow-up. I hope that this meeting will lead to more tangible results for sustainable forestry management in the world.

As shown in paragraph 6, document CL 107/6,1 am glad that the importance of Sustainable Forestry Management in carrying out FAO programmes was recognized so that additional resources were allocated to Major Programme 2.3 and various other actions were taken.

FAO's task is to work toward improving the situation with sustainable forestry management through afforestation, reforestation, and the international technical cooperation.

The Government of the Republic of Korea has been actively participating in quite a number of international discussions and has been making various efforts in order to implement the "Statement of the Forestry Principle of UNCED". In addition, in order to achieve sustainable forestry management, the framework principle was set as the "harmonization of development and conservation", and many changes are being effected; for instance, the forestry law and related regulations are being revised, while the scheme of utilizing mountainous land was restructured for a more efficient management of forestry.

A sustainable management of forestry resources enables us to get diverse benefits from forests for the future generations and is an important task for each and every country to perform. I believe that to this end, the process of setting up standards and targets of sustainable forestry management, now under discussion in the international community, must be accelerated, and global cooperation in this process must be strengthened.


In this context, Korea has a plan to participate actively in the meeting of ministers responsible for forestry in March 1995, and the Head of the Forestry Administration is going to attend the meeting.

I also urge FAO to continue to fulfil the vital normative role in sustainable forestry management and to strengthen its cooperative role in the UNCED follow-up activities.

Per Harald GRUE (Norway): I have the pleasure to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and my own country, Norway.

Let me first thank Deputy Director-General Hjort for his introduction today.

The Nordic countries welcome the actions taken by the Director-General and the FAO Secretariat, in response to the request of the 1993 Conference, to strengthen the normative role of FAO in sustainable forest management and its role as Task Manager in the UNCED follow-up on forest issues in close collaboration with the Commission on Sustainable Development.

The many initiatives taken in the preparations for the 1995 CSD review on the implementation of the UNCED forest decisions have highlighted the importance of FAO's leading role in the preparatory process as requested by the 1993 Conference, especially for a harmonization of the various initiatives. The first FAO meeting of ministers responsible for forestry to be held neck-to-neck with the 1995 session of COFO, will be the forum providing the authoritative intergovernmental forest sector input to the CSD review. In our view, this represents an excellent possibility for FAO to demonstrate its role as leading agency in this area.

The Nordic countries are looking forward to the ministerial sessions of COFO, which we hope will prove to be an important event. The session will, however, require proper technical preparation. It is therefore important that the Forest Department be provided as soon as possible with the necessary leadership and manpower to carry out that task. A positive result of the ministerial session will constitute a solid basis for the strengthening of FAO's global role in the forest sector, and might prove such sessions to be desirable also in the future.

The Nordic countries would like to stress the strengthened role of FAO Regional Forestry Commissions on the follow-up of the UNCED forests decisions. The special joint meeting of the bureau of all the Commissions this autumn was the best way to obtain their input in preparing for the 1995 CSD review.

The regional dialogues on the implementation of the UNCED forest principles are, in the view of the Nordic countries, of the greatest significance in the follow-up process. Stronger regional offices could contribute to these regional dialogues as well as to regional action in support of implementation of the forest principles inter alia, through the promotion of policy reform and a capacity building in the field of sustainable management of forests. In this connection, we would like to encourage a closer cooperation with the private forest sector as well as with NGOs.

The expansion of the Forest Resources Assessment Programme is welcomed by the Nordic countries. The convening of an Intergovernmental Panel for a comprehensive assessment of all types of forests has our full support. In questions related to biodiversity, advice should be sought from other relevant bodies.

The Nordic countries share the concern regarding efforts to establish new bodies or structures working in areas within FAO's mandate. Duplication of efforts should be avoided. The moves taken and prepared to strengthen the normative role of FAO in sustainable forest management and in the follow-up of the UNCED forest decisions should ensure that no new formal intergovernmental structures will be needed in this important area.

Finally, while noting with appreciation the measures taken so far in response to the challenging and far-reaching 1993 Conference decision on UNCED follow-up on forestry matters, we look forward to further intensified action in this central area of FAO's work. And we take it that such activities will be clearly and visibly demonstrated in the proposal or the Organization's PWB 1996-97.


J.C. MACHIN (United Kingdom): Let me say at the outset that this is one of the most important Council agenda items for my delegation. It relates very obviously to FAO's future role in global forestry issues. Like many countries, the United Kingdom has a strong commitment to the conservation, wise management and sustainable development of all types of forests.

We have published our action plan for sustainable forestry. This sets out our domestic programme for the management of the forest estate and to increase our forest cover, and our increasing support to helping other countries towards sustainable forest management. We will shortly be forwarding our national report to the CSD.

We believe that the focus of activity must be at the national level. A clear understanding of the causes, and agreement on the solutions, must be the basis of action. This, in our view, points to the importance of sovereign nations sharing information on the current situation, challenges and objectives, since solutions will be based on partnerships and collaborative action across all sectors. We therefore believe that national forestry plans are the basis of progress.

Let me say a brief word now about national reports and progress with the forest principles. FAO, as other speakers have said, has been given a vital role by UNCED as the Task Manager for forestry issues. It has several essential tasks. The most important of these is to prepare for next year's meeting of the CSD an analysis of progress in implementing the forest principles and Agenda 21 agreed on at Rio. This analysis is to be based on national reports.

The governments of India and the UK, with FAO, and through a workshop in Delhi last July, developed and agreed a format to assist countries to develop their national reports on forests to the CSD.

The Malaysian/Canadian International Working Group on Forests has also worked very productively with FAO to identify and develop ideas for addressing the key issues associated with achieving sustainable forestry.

The European Forestry Commission attaches high priority to the follow-up to UNCED and to Helsinki. The January 1995 session of the Commission will discuss the criteria and most suitable indicators for sustainable management and development of European forests.

I should like to spend a few brief moments on the meeting of Forestry Ministers planned for next March. This is the first time that such a meeting has taken place. It takes place at a critical time before the CSD review in April. It is essential that the meeting is a success and that Ministers are given adequate opportunity to consider what they would like to see emerge on forests from the CSD meeting. I would echo here the point made by my Norwegian colleague that it is absolutely important that the papers for this meeting issue in good time for them to be considered in capitals, a point we heard reiterated earlier in our proceedings. It is vital also that FAO consults as widely as possible on the contents of these papers. These two elements will, in our view, be very critical to the success of this meeting.

The Ministers' meeting should focus on constructive action on developing national action plans, on the criteria for sustainable forest management and on how international cooperation and multilateral organizations can help. It should consider whether, and in what form, we may need additional international instruments to take forward the Rio principles.

Finally, I thought Mr Hjort's statement was very helpful in bringing us up to date on preparations for the Ministerial meeting. I hope his statement is available generally. If it is not, we would very much appreciate a copy of it. In addition, when we come to the end of our discussion, we would find it helpful if he could augment that statement with some comments on how FAO sees the likely outputs of this Ministerial meeting.

EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias por su declaración en relación con la distribución de los comentarios introductorios del Sr. Hjort. Me informa que la traducción podría estar disponible aunque no de inmediato. Quizás le podamos informar al respecto más adelante.


Giovanni ARRU (Italy): First, the Italian Government wishes to compliment the Secretariat for the report on the Normative Role of FAO in Sustainable Forest Management and Cooperative Role in UNCED Follow-up.

As regards the document CL 107/6, the Italian Government agrees with the decisions already taken by F AO in response to the Conference remit and to implement the decisions of the 106th Council, especially for refocusing FAO's priorities, strengthening of the forest policy advice, continuing the support to the Tropical Forest Action Plan and giving priority to sustainability and integration of forest with agriculture and aquaculture.

We consider of outstanding relevance the actions to arrest and/or alleviate deforestation and forest degradation through conservation and sustainable use of the existing forest resources and reducing the pressure on forests; to increase the forest resources and the income generated by wood and non-wood forest products and by related industries; and to increase the diffusion of a participatory approach and of programmes aimed at women.

In this connection Italy has already given new priorities to the Italian participation in the FAO Government Cooperative Programme to meet the recommendations of the Council. The ongoing projects, especially when a second phase is foreseen, have already been reoriented.

As regards the new project proposals taken into consideration, first priority is being given to fields of sectoral connection such as Environment and Sustainable Development and Institutional Support, Policy Advice and Structural Adjustment.

Great importance is attached to capacity-building, policy formulation and implementation of national forest action plans, which must be based on sector review and evaluation, and, in general, to all the ongoing programmes on sustainable forestry. A contribution has already been secured to the Mediterranean Forest Action Plan recently presented by FAO.

Finally, the Italian Government supports the proposal for the promotion of international cooperation and coordination and for the "greening" of the world.

Takafumi KOJIMA (Japan): Japan welcomes, in general, the fact that FAO, as a specialized agency responsible for forest and forestry, intends to strengthen the normative role in sustainable forest management and its cooperative role in the UNCED follow-up under circumstances where many initiatives aimed at UNCED follow-up in forestry are being prepared for CSD in 1995 and beyond.

With respect to the March 1995 meeting of Ministers responsible for forestry, we think this opportunity provided by FAO is important from the viewpoint of both reviewing past activities and their results and clarifying FAO's future strategy for sustainable forest management.

In order to have a fruitful outcome from the meeting through active participation of member countries, it will be very important to ensure enough time for member countries to make preparation for the meeting. From this point of view, we would appreciate the FAO Secretariat's providing substantive information concerning the meeting as soon as possible.

We have been actively participating in the Montreal process from the viewpoint that it is essential for sustainable forest management to formulate scientifically based and internationally agreed criteria and indications. Therefore, if FAO is to provide a forum to discuss and coordinate various initiatives in this area, we would be very happy to continue to participate actively in such a process.

Moreover, Japan, as the host country of ITTO, has been making efforts towards the formulation of "Target Year 2000" and other guidelines for sustainable forest management in the tropics. In this sense also we are ready to play a more active role in coordinating activities and strengthening cooperation between FAO and ITTO for this most important objective of sustainable forest management.


Dieter LINK (Germany): The German delegation would like to thank the Deputy Director-General for his informative introduction which went beyond the information given in document CL 107/6. My delegation would like to make the following comments on FAO's role in addition to those made on behalf of the European Union.

In future FAO strategy and proposed UNCED forestry activities we expect the Organization to be more active in the policy strategy sector. FAO should not leave it to other agencies but should raise its own voice more and put forward its own proposals for objectives, strategies and concepts for the forestry sector.

We see a necessity for a further assessment of the forest decisions of the Rio Summit with regard to priority areas for potential international arrangements, advantages and disadvantages of such arrangements, proposals for a future programme of UNCED follow-up on forestry and assessment of global criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management, proposals for timber labelling, and so on.

In addition, we expect from FAO a higher flexibility and efficiency through better preparation of FAO bodies, lean agendas, more ad hoc consultative mechanisms, avoiding duplication of deliberations in the various committees, etc. In concrete terms, that means that the two forest-related committees of FAO could be united to form one central forest body dealing with all forest matters. This would be in line with the approach of Rio and strengthen FAO's ability to exercise its leadership.

With regard to TFAP, this instrument should in future respond to the special needs of developing countries. This also applies to the Consultative Group. It should be convened soon and deal specifically with issues of implementation within the framework of TFAP.

Cooperation with other international organizations in forestry must be improved to avoid duplication and dispersal of efforts. As Task Manager, FAO should draw up a concrete plan of action with the aim of making activities transparent and putting forward proposals for effective division of labour.

Against the background of the forthcoming Forestry Ministers' conference in March and the third CSD session in April, it is high time to accelerate preparations for these meetings.

David A. HARCHARIK (United States of America): I shall try to be as brief as possible but I recognize that this is a very important item on the Agenda. I shall only highlight the main points that I had intended to make.

I agree with the delegate of the UK and others who have recognized how extremely important this item is. It is a reflection of the recognition that forests and good forest practices have enormous contributions to make towards economic development, environmental health and indeed to world stability. Forests contribute tremendously to meeting basic human needs of food, water, shelter, fibre and energy. Helping people meet these needs is the fundamental core mission of FAO and thus it is important that this Organization maintain a strong, effective and efficiently managed Forestry Department. We are therefore very pleased with the efforts made by FAO over the past year to review the role, structure and function of its Forestry Department. We encourage the Organization to continue with this open, consultative process.

I should now like to highlight some of the main comments that we have to make on the normative roles of FAO. I apologize for the fact that we are unable to comment in great detail about the report of the Technical Panel. However, I think you will see from my comments that we agree with many of the items in it.

First, we feel that it is essential that FAO maintains its very strong technical capabilities on a wide range of forestry matters. FAO has been the leading organization that develops technical forestry skills. It develops guidelines and makes a number of recommendations on a number of issues. We think it is important that the Organization maintain its strong role in this. In particular, we feel that FAO needs to build its regular programme capacity in the area of continuous forest resource assessment, as has been mentioned by other delegations here. This resource assessment, however, should not be limited to the traditional aspects of forests and woodlands. It should relate to a broader analytical mandate to address indicators of sustainable forest management. It is important that FAO disseminate the results of these assessments in annual, or at least biennial, reports which describe the state of the world's forests, much as it does in food and agriculture.


We also feel that these reports on forest assessment need to take into account other statistical data and be used for long-term strategic planning on global forest issues. There is a need to better integrate the analytical projections of deforestation rates with supply and demand, economic changes, and population growth, in order to prepare now for future conditions which would affect the ability of the forests to meet human needs.

My second point deals with the role of FAO in promoting international policy dialogue. This international forest policy dialogue has evolved over the past decade. Nevertheless, FAO can continue to convene decisionmakers and provide a forum where policy dialogue can be conducted. We recognize that efforts to participate in discussions of a global nature, as mentioned in the Secretariat document, can become politicized and detract from the progress made from UNCED. We therefore encourage FAO to identify ways in which it can advance the dialogue in a broad, apolitical nature.

Third, we feel that it is important for FAO to encourage collaboration with other international organizations. I know that other delegations have spoken on this, but I would like to reiterate that we think it is an extremely important role for FAO. It is time to stop worrying about who is the world leader on policy, and it is time for the various leaders to implement programmes and to build true partnerships. We would like to see in this paper, for example, more mention of the role of UNEP and UNDP. If FAO is to perform its role as a task manager within the UN system, it must recognize responsibilities of other organizations such as UNEP and UNDP, and seek to coordinate work with them.

Fourthly, we think it is important that FAO intensifies efforts to more effectively use its organizational structures. We appreciate the many changes that the Director-General has proposed and has already made in improving the efficiency of the Organization. We suggest that the role, structure and function of all the technical bodies of FAO continue to be examined, and that we identify additional steps that can be made to stimulate a technical dialogue on forestry.

We also support the suggestions for strengthening the role of the Regional Forestry Commissions, and we support the concept of an independent ad hoc advisory mechanism.

Finally, this vision that we have of a strong, effective and efficient FAO Forestry Department simply cannot be realized without the necessary financial resources. We would like FAO to demonstrate its commitment to forestry and to demonstrate its understanding of the role forests and natural resources play in economic development and environmental health by making greater regular programme budgetary allocations to the Forestry Department. We believe this is consistent with the very clarion call from the Earth Summit. We are pleased that the Director-General took an important step in the current Programme of Work and Budget to increase the amount of money made available to the Forestry Department, and we would encourage him to continue in this direction for future biennial budgets.

EL PRESIDENTE: Con esto concluimos la cuarta sesión plenaria de nuestro Consejo. Para el día de mañana les propongo que continuemos con este Tema 6.2 hasta concluirlo; luego trataremos el Tema 6.3 y el Tema 7 y por la tarde el 8 y el 10. El Tema 11, que en principio se proponía comenzar a revisar mañana por la tarde, lo vamos a empezar el viernes por la mañana. Les advierto, señores delegados, que mañana estoy decidido a terminar con la discusión de estos temas que les he señalado. Por favor, les ruego que cualquier compromiso que tengan lo pospongan para otro día ya que es necesario empatarnos.

Muchas gracias, distinguidos delegados, se levanta la Sesión.

The meeting rose at 19.15 hours.
La session est levée à 19 h 15.
Se levanta la sesión a las 19.15 horas.


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