M. WARD (United States of America): The United States was an active and enthusiastic participant in the Ninth World Forestry Congress in Mexico City last July. Our experience in the United States and in our cooperation in economic development in other countries has shown very clearly that if we fail to protect our trees we may lose everything else - our agriculture, our rivers, our villages, and our cities. We have seen with growing alarm the advance of desertification, particularly in Africa, and the destruction of trees and bushes to make way for crops and to provide fuelwood. This is happening in many places. It is probably most advanced in the Sahel. A few years ago there was a circumference of about 50 kilometres outside the city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso in which most of the trees and bushes had been cut to supply the fuelwood needs of the people in that radius. Then the perimeter was 60 kilometres, and then 70. It is probably about 80 kilometres now. This theme is repeating itself in very many places.
There seems to be a conflict and separation in the ways in which governments and institutions of other kinds are dealing with the problems of agriculture and forestry. I have seen within the United States Government, within other governments, and I have seen within FAO, the phenomenon that the people concerned with agriculture feel all too often, that is, that foresters are the enemy. Why should one permit the growth of trees where it is possible to grow crops? The foresters have found it very difficult to explain their concerns to the agricultural people.
We all need to try to focus our attention on doing something about this. We clearly need to strengthen the links between our concern for forestry and the growing of trees and our concern for agriculture and the growing of crops. We are very interested in the work of FAO in this area. I believe that there is research which is beginning and going on now, carried out by FAO, which is designed to explore the direct effort which the growing of trees in and around fields has on crop production. There can be much greater use made of the symbiosis between the growth of trees for commercial purposes and the growth of crops for food.
There is an institutional problem here which deserves more attention. A number of organizations have been contributing very good work in the area of forestry and the growth of trees, certainly under programmes of the United States Aid Programme, the programmes of many other bilaterals, the programmes and projects financed by the World Bank and by the Comité Interétat pour la Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS). All of these have made substantial contributions in dealing with the problem of forestry.
We certainly support the intentions expressed by those who gathered at the Ninth World Forestry Congress. We support in very large part the principle of the Manifesto set forth at that Congress. However, the United States associates itself with the position taken at the Congress by the Federal Republic of Germany, by the United Kingdom and by other delegates here. We support the principle underlying the creation of a world fund for the development and conservation of forest resources, but we believe that the proposal needs more detailed analysis and study before we can take further action.
M. RYAN (Australia): Australia maintains the position that it adopted at the last FAO Council meeting on this issue. That is, Australia does not support at this stage - and I emphasize at this stage - the creation of the world fund for the development and conservation of forest resources. We consider that to date there has been insufficient detail provided which would lead us to reconsider our previously expressed view. We would, however, see the possibility of reconsidering this question when a more detailed proposal is put forward, including details of how funds will be spent, whether and how contributing countries would have an input into funding allocation decisions, and the fund's relationship with other international funding and implementing bodies.
We also consider it important to take account of the creation of the International Tropical Timber Organization, which directly addresses the issue of tropical forest resources.
Finally, we would suggest that a more detailed proposal be brought forward for proper consideration by member countries. We believe that the FAO Committee on Forestry meeting in March next year could be an appropriate occasion to present such a proposal.
M.A. FREDETTE (Canada): We thank the Secretariat for its report on action arising out of the Ninth World Forestry Congress held in Mexico City last July. Although, as the Council noted at its Eighty-eighth Session, the Manifesto of Mexico contained no recommendations specifically addressed to FAO, it did address several important forestry issues of direct relevance to FAO's activities in this field. First, it brought home again the fact that forestry and agriculture are intrinsically linked in overall land management practices aimed at preserving and improving the land resource base.
Secondly, in reflecting this strong case made for forestry as an important, often vital, link in the food chain of many countries, particularly with respect to deforestation and desertification, FAO's programming should concentrate on its areas of competence and expertise, which are technical advice, global data' collection and statistical analyses.
Thirdly, one must underline the rather small part which forestry occupies in the FAO Programme of Work and Budget. Canada has on numerous occasions called for an increase of forestry's share within the resources available to FAO. Of course, there was an increase in the Programme of Work just approved, but nevertheless the conclusions of the Mexico Manifesto would justify further increases in forestry's share of the Budget.
These observations reflect Canada 's great interest in forestry. Domestically, we have to deal with acid rain and other environmental and management problems which threaten considerable parts of our vast forest resources. Internationally, Canada 's interest is perhaps best illustrated by the four following examples. First, we were represented on the Task Force which dealt with the Plan of Action of Tropical Forests; second, we hosted the Commonwealth Forestry Conference this September; third, Canada, with an annual forestry development assistance programme of approximately US$40 million is the second largest bilateral donor in this sector; and fourth, we are a founding member and one of the main financial supporters of the International Council on Research in Agro-forestry, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
Returning now to the main proposals which emerged from the Mexico Manifesto, my delegation wishes to outline the Canadian position on the follow-up required at this stage. With respect to the proposal to create a world fund for the development and protection of forests, I refer to paragraph 8 of C 88/REP/5, which states that: "Some members ... considered that this proposal needed more detailed analysis and study before action could be taken thereon". Associating itself with the delegations from the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia and others, my Government cannot take a firm position on such a world fund without more specific information on the practicalities of the fund's operations, project selection criteria and the identification of potential donors, to name only a few.
As regards the plan of action for tropical forests, my Government supports its underlying principles and objectives, but the plan has yet to be finalized. In fact, it was discussed both yesterday and today at a meeting of donor agency forestry advisers in The Hague and we trust the outcome of this meeting will allow us to make progress in the near future.
P. ALHOJÄRVI (Finland): On behalf of the Nordic countries I would like to make some comments about forestry in general and the Ninth World Forestry Congress in Mexico in particular. All the Nordic countries have stated several times already in this Conference that they give high priority to forestry in the work of FAO and as part of rural development in the world. We have also stated several times in this Conference that the work done in forestry organized by FAO has been very successful over the period of these four decades. We would like to see this positive trend continuing in the future. We are highly appreciative of the work done by the Assistant Director-General, Dr Flores Rodas, and his staff in this challenging field.
The Nordic countries consider that world forestry congresses organized every fifth or sixth year play an important role because they provide a constructive discussion forum for professionals to gather ideas from all parts of the world in order to solve the very difficult and alarming problems in the field of forestry. We consider that the Ninth World Forestry Congress held in Mexico proved to be successful, a fact which is mirrored in the Manifesto of Mexico reflecting the most important questions in forestry. We would like to thank the Government of Mexico for organizing this vital Conference. We would also like to thank the staff of FAO for giving their much appreciated professional help to the Conference and we sincerely hope that in future we will also see FAO playing an essential role in these conferences.
I would like to comment on the Manifesto of Mexico in a more detailed way. As the Nordic delegations see the function of the Manifesto, it should arouse general public awareness about certain questions, including the problems relating to forestry, and should also have the function providing giving advice in the decision-making process. For this purpose, the Manifesto should be clear and concrete enough to lead to action. In this sense we consider that the Manifesto could have been better.
The Nordic countries support in general the conclusions presented in the Manifesto of Mexico. However, we will have to put forward a reservation against the establishment of a new world fund, as the Nordic countries consider it essential that such proposals be better investigated before a decision is taken.
N. SRISURAK (Thailand\): I will be brief. May I begin by saying that we are very happy to hear of the progress of the Ninth World Forestry Congress held in Mexico . We were also pleased to hear the lucid and comprehensive introduction by Dr Flores Rodas in highlighting the importance of forests and their contribution to the poorest sections of the community. My delegation strongly believes that forests not only influence the income and standard of living of the poor rural population, in particular the farmers, but they also affect the economic development of the country as a whole.
With regard to forestry development, Thailand has launched many projects to achieve our economic objectives. Many’ have been carried out and are highly satisfactory. In this context we are happy to see that with the help of international bodies, especially FAO, many projects have reached their targets and therefore we thank the staff of FAO for their efforts in assisting Thailand .
My delegation believes that the world fund proposed by the delegation of Austria and endorsed by the Ninth World Forestry Congress, is not a big burden to FAO and the member countries of this Organization even though it needs more detailed analysis and study. So I would like to say that my delegation supports the Manifesto of Mexico.
N.V.K.K. WEREGODA (Sri Lanka): At the very outset my delegation thanks FAO for taking the initiative to hold the Ninth World Forestry Congress in Mexico and to submit this Manifesto of Mexico. We are particularly happy that FAO has declared this year, 1985, as The International Year of the Forest, because it was Sri Lanka that proposed to FAO in 1983 that it should declare what we then termed The Year of the Tree.
Conservation and development of forestry resources helps in agricultural production and in raising standards of living. Forestry resources provide not only goods and services which contribute to environmental stability, but also to rural and industrial development and food security. We in Sri Lanka have given high priority to forestry management in particular, with high emphasis on the resulting benefits of soil conservation and the maintenance of the ecological balance. This is important for our agricultural development which depends heavily on irrigation facilities from reservoirs which have to be prevented from silting due to soil erosion.
Massive efforts have to be taken to implement these development programmes throughout the country. We are grateful to FAO and other agencies for their assistance in this area of work, and we look forward to further assistance. In the light of this need, my delegation wholeheartedly supports the Manifesto of Mexico and urges. that it be adopted in this Conference.
Mme E. MAMMONE (Italie): La délégation italienne voudrait exprimer sa satisfaction quant aux résultats du neuvième Congrès forestier mondial qui ont été portés à l'examen de notre Conférence. L'Italie a participé à ce Congrès avec enthousiasme. Je considère que le problème forestier, tant sous l'aspect de la protection de l'environnement que sous l'aspect de la production des ressources économiques, revêt un intérêt particulier pour notre société.
Sur le plan national, l'Italie est très attentive à la santé de ses forêts. On effectue des prélèvements systématiques de l'état phytosanitaire des forêts,surtout pour contrôler les éventuels dangers provoqués par la pollution atmosphérique mais nous sommes surtout engagés dans la lutte contre les incendies des bois qui sont un vrai fléau pour notre pays comme pour la majorité des pays du bassin de la Méditerranée. Très récemment, en Italie, nous avons préparé un plan national forestier qui sera soumis bientôt à l'approbation de notre gouvernement et qui va exactement dans la même direction que les idées qui sont à la base du Manifeste de Mexico, idées que nous appuyons pleinement et nous espérons qu'elles pourront être mises en oeuvre avec l'approbation de tous les Etats Membres de la FAO. De même, ma délégation, en ce qui concerne la constitution du fonds forestier, voudrait que le problème soit examiné un peu plus en détail et nous nous associons à la proposition de l'Australie pour que le prochain COFO examine plus à fond le problème sur tous les points et les doubles emplois qui pourraient se vérifier entre le Fonds de l'Accord des bois tropicaux auquel l'Italie participe aussi, ainsi qu'à ce nouveau fonds.
A. MAGALHÃES COELHO (Portugal\): Mon pays, qui obtient de la forêt une grande partie des recettes du secteur primaire, est particulièrement sensible aux questions forestières.
De ce fait nous acceptons les orientations définies par le neuvième Congrès mondial et toujours dans ce sens nous voulons bien profiter de cette opportunité pour appeler votre attention sur ce qui se passe au Portugal en ce qui concerne quelques essences forestières qui intéressent aussi d'autres pays, notamment ceux du bassin méditerranéen.
Une espèce caractéristique de la forêt méditerranéenne est le chêne-liège qui occupe au Portugal plus d'un demi-million d'hectares destinés à une production non ligneuse - le liège - et qui confère à notre pays la première place dans le monde en matière d'exportations et de transformation industrielle de ce produit. Cependant, la grande importance économique de nos peuplements de chênes-lièges est actuellement menacée par l'âge avancé de ces peuplements, qui sont prêts d'atteindre la fin de la période normale d'exploitation, sans que l'on constate des indices de rajeunissement ni la conquête de nouvelles aires d'expansion. Les causes de cette stagnation, bien qu'essentiellement d'ordre économique, résident également dans quelques difficultés d'ordre technique, sans parler de la nécessité de faire face à la concurrence de l'eucalyptus, qui remplace très souvent le chêne-liège, du fait que les profils écologiques de ces deux espèces coïncident très souvent.
Le problème n'intéresse pas seulement le Portugal, mais bien tous les pays du bassin méditerranéen, en tanj que producteurs, et tous les pays du monde, en tant que consommateurs, étant donné que le liège est un produit indispensable par ses qualités d'isolant et d'étanchéité et que l'on ne connaît aucun produit de remplacement pour l'industrie vinicole.
C'est pourquoi nous suggérons que la FAO prenne l'initiative d'une étude globale sur le problème des peuplements de chênes-lièges pour la production de liège, conjointement avec d'autres pays du bassin méditerranéen, étude à laquelle le Portugal est prêt à apporter toute sa collaboration sur la base de sa vaste expérience.
Aussi, la culture de l'eucalyptus intéresse toute la zone du bassin méditerranéen, ainsi que différents pays du Sud-Est asiatique et de l'Amérique du Sud, où cette espèce a connu une expansion dans quelques cas explosive. C'est pourquoi il nous semble opportun que la FAO élabore un programme d'études, afin d'éclaircir à brève échéance le problème en question. A titre de suggestion, nous pensons que cette étude pourrait commencer par un bref aperçu des travaux déjà réalisés dans ce domaine et dans différents pays, qui seraient soumis à une première analyse critique globale.
Le Gouvernement portugais est prêt à appuyer avec enthousiasme la réalisation d'une étude de ce genre et offre d'ores et déjà la contribution de son expérience de plus de 50 ans en matière d'installation et d'exploitation de peuplements d'eucalyptus en vue de la production intensive de matériel ligneux.
En ce qui concerne le problème de la protection de la forêt, nous ne nous étendrons pas ici sur cet aspect, étant donné que les points de vue essentiels de mon pays ont déjà été exposés dans la Déclaration du Ministre de l'agriculture à l'Assemblée plénière du 19 novembre dernier.
R. PRESTIEN (Federal Republic of Germany) (original language German): We welcome the fact that this year the Ninth World Forestry Congress has taken place in Mexico City at the invitation of Mexico . The Federal Republic of Germany took an active part in this World Forestry Congress, and subscribed in essential areas to the results of the Congress laid down in the Manifesto of Mexico.
Similarly, we welcome the fact that the FAO Secretariat has lent effective support to the World Forestry Congress. My delegation supports the belief of the World Forestry Congress that increased investment is necessary in forestry and forest industries.
With regard to the Austrian proposal to establish a forestry fund, I should like to make only the following points at the present stage. Before knowing in detail what form the fund should take, the fund as proposed in the Manifesto of Mexico - and here I refer to documents C 85/LIM/20 and C 85/LIM/15 - the delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany unfortunately cannot depart from the position adopted in Mexico. The basic position of my country is that the existing international instruments as a source for funding development measures are also suitable for appropriate forestry measures. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has always stated, not only within a national context, but internationally, that activities to protect the forests at national, regional and international levels are of special importance. For that reason we lent our active support to the proposal made by Austria to declare 1985 the International Year of the Forest.
A reduction of pollution in the atmosphere therefore seems to us to be a task of primary importance. The Government of my country has already taken intensive measures at the national level to reduce air pollution. Corresponding proposals have been submitted by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany to the European Community as well.
My country will continue its efforts towards an increased reduction of pollutants in the atmosphere with a view to protecting the forest. We would also like to point out that the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany states its readiness, in pursuance of its active forestry policy, to be the host for one of the next World Forestry Congresses in the capital of Bavaria, in Munich . This is not for the Tenth World Forestry Congress, for which there are already a number of candidates, but the capital of Bavaria would indeed be delighted to host within its walls one of the subsequent World Forestry Congresses. We already stated that at the Eighty-eighth Council Meeting.
O.V. MSISKA (Malawi): Malawi supports the Plan of Action adopted at the Ninth Forestry Congress in Mexico, and welcomes the suggestion to have the International Year of the Forest so that enough awareness in the world community is created. My delegation appreciates the help it has so far received from the international donors, including UNDP and FAO, in forestry development in Malawi and in the training of personnel.
In order for the country to effectively conduct a country-wide forestry programme, involvement of political and civic leaders has been especially useful. A National Planting Day is very well supported and is held annually.
Realizing that an ecosystem balance must be maintained in order for forestry to be of benefit to agriculture as well, agro-forestry is an area which is very well regarded by the country. Social forestry programmes are being conducted and here Malawi would emphasize the need for training of extension staff, because this is an area which is found to be very deficient.
There is also another matter which Malawi particularly takes note of, and that is the conservation of the environment. Malawi has designed a pilot project to try to integrate forestry and husbandry, and fisheries and crop production, in order to rehabilitate areas which have been especially degraded. To this effect, therefore, information on an international forest fund for conservation would be very welcome to Malawi , although more details would be required to make any conclusive decision at this moment.
My Government also attaches much importance to better and more efficient use of forest products, and since there is no possibility of obtaining producer gas, charcoal and pellets would be particularly useful to Malawi . Perhaps here again by using its expertise, FAO could design a programme for the alternative uses of forest resources, as this is normally beyond the competence of a developing country like Malawi .
In conclusion, I would say that investment seems appropriate for a country like Malawi .
T. ISKIT (Turkey\): I ask for the floor to put on record that my country fully endorses the results and conclusions of the Ninth World Forestry Congress and, namely, the Manifesto of Mexico. Turkey has been represented at this Congress at the Ministerial level and has participated actively in its work.
Turkey has substantial forestry resources. The conservation management of these resources is given high priority in our economic development plans and is undergoing expansion. We have accumulated some experience related to policy and technical aspects of silviculture, and we strive to share this experience with interested developing countries, namely those in Africa, within the framework of TCDC activities and to establish training projects in cooperation with FAO. We also believe that FAO continues to accomplish very useful work through Mr Flores Rodas' efficient Department.
I want to conclude by expressing our full support for this proposal, with a view to adopting the Manifesto of Mexico as a Resolution of our Conference.
I.A. RONQUILLO (Philippines\): The Philippines' Permanent Representative, Ambassador Clave, regrets that he cannot be present and has delegated me to read this intervention for him.
The Philippines is for the greater attention of the forestry programme of FAO. Consequently, therefore, it has in its earlier intervention in the Council proposed a greater share in the allotment of funds for forestry. The Philippine position in forest development takes into consideration not only the economic and ecological value of forests, but the frightening desertification of land as well. In my country the diminution of the forest cover of our mountains has unhappily resulted in the loss of fertility of agricultural lands as well as in floods.
The Philippines , therefore, endorses the efforts of FAO in these particular fields of endeavour. But at the same time it hopes that this awareness of the problem of the deforestation is translated into action programmes that will eventually rehabilitate the forest resources of the world.
In view of the above, we are for any manifestation of concern in saving the forest, but our greater concern will be with the translation of words into vigorous action programmes. We therefore support the Manifesto of Mexico.
B. BEN AMMAR (Tunisie): La délégation tunisienne voudrait tout d'abord féliciter M. Flores Rodas pour l'excellente introduction qu'il a faite du document afférent au Manifeste de Mexico qui fait état de la.situation actuelle du secteur forestier et invite les gouvernements à accorder une importance plus grande à la forêt, eu égard au rôle qu'elle joue dans la survie de l'humanité.
Il est un fait que les ressources forestières mieux gérées et bénéficiant d'une plus grande attention contribueraient mieux au développement économique et social. C'est ainsi que la Tunisie, depuis maintenant près de 30 ans, a accordé au secteur forestier un intérêt particulier par l'institution d'un Code forestier et un effort sans relâche dans les domaines du reboisement et de CES. C'est pourquoi la délégation tunisienne appuie les stratégies ainsi que les principes énoncés dans le Manifeste de Mexico et suggère l'élaboration d'un code international pouvant aider les pays concernés à régir le secteur forestier.
J. THINSY (Belgique): La Belgique a accordé un grand intérêt aux travaux et aux conclusions du neuvième Congrès forestier mondial de Mexico. En effet, la protection des forêts doit être un objectif global de l'humanité, méme si les problèmes se présentent différemment selon les régions.
Par exemple, en Europe, la forêt est maintenant relativement respectée et dans mon pays les surfaces de forêt se sont étendues. Cependant, nos forêts souffrent dans des mesures variables de la pollution par exemple des pluies acides. Les solutions sont peut-être d'autant plus difficiles à adopter qu'elles peuvent remettre en cause un mode de vie.
Dans de nombreux pays en développement, les problèmes sont pour le moment différents. Il s'agit de la déforestation et de ses conséquences, l'érosion et la désertification; les besoins en bois de feu sont un grand problème et l'exploitation du bois pour l'exportation jusqu'à présent ne tient pas suffisamment compte du temps et des moyens nécessaires pour reconstituer la forêt. De plus, pour les pays en développement, les problèmes sont également nombreux et souvent aigus. Depuis de nombreuses années, la Belgique a mis l'accent sur l'importance du programme de reboisement dans les activités de la FAO; nous avons insisté pour qu'une plus grande priorité soit accordée à ce programme dans le budget. L'intérêt que nous portons au problème des forêts fait que la Belgique soutient pour l'essentiel le Manifeste de Mexico; cependant, en ce qui concerne la création d'un nouveau fonds, la Belgique estime qu'il est nécessaire d'obtenir des renseignements supplémentaires avant qu'une décision soit prise. En effet, il devrait être déjà possible dans le cadre des programmes existants et dans le budget actuel de concentrer les efforts nombreux qui existent dans ce domaine. Les ressources disponibles pourraient être rassemblées afin d'arriver à plus d'efficacité
De plus, comme d'autres délégations l'ont souligné, nous nous trouvons dans la phase de mise en place de la nouvelle organisation internationale des bois tropicaux qui devra sélectionner et financer des projets de recherche-développement dans le domaine forestier.
C'est pourquoi, à ce stade, la Belgique estime prématuré d'approuver la création d'un nouveau fonds mondial.
Maintenant que j'en ai terminé avec la déclaration de la délégation belge, en tant que pays ayant la présidence des communautés européennes, je vous prie de bien vouloir accorder la parole à Monsieur le représentant de la mission des communautés.
K.M. EJAZUL HUQ (Bangladesh\): My delegation would like to thank Dr Flores Rodas for his very precise and clear introduction of the subject, the Manifesto of Mexico as contained in the Conference documents.
We would also like to take this opportunity to restate our thanks to the Government of Mexico for hosting the Ninth Congress. We also would like to thank the Director-General of FAO for the initiative in this respect. I hardly need to mention the crucial linkages between forestry, food production, food security, the role of forests in the protection of the environment, ecology, soil conservation, watershed management, preservation of wildlife and the provision of fuel wood as a source of energy, so on and so forth. These are known to everyone.
I recall having read in one of the FAO documents that about 11 million acres of tropical forests are annually being degraded and deforested. This is an alarming event and it calls for concerted action by the world community to reverse this process. In my own country, forest areas has declined to about nine percent, which is far below the desired level. This causes a severe problem not only in terms of supply of industrial raw material and fuel wood, but also because it affects critical areas of soil conservation, soil fertility and its hydrological implications. Bangladesh is one of the countries which has very sizeable mangrove forests. The degradation of mangrove forests has not escaped the general process of deforestation and degradation.
For a country like ours, mangrove forests are crucially important to help land decoration to prevent erosion, and to stabilize the land for agricultural purposes. We have been seeking answers to our problems. In a densely populated country like mine, the depletion of natural or custodial forests is now a very difficult problem. Forest policing is virtually impossible and yet we have to strengthen our institutions to protect what we have and augment what we can. The answer, perhaps, really lies in the area of social forestry, rural forestry, community forestry, whatever you call it. In order to achieve this we do recognize that the traditional rivalry between the food producers and the forestry officials must be set aside and institutional arrangements have to be evolved to effectively implement social forestry projects, where the cooperation between agricultural extension and forestry extension people becomes absolutely necessary.
Given the facts that confront us, it is very likely that the national and international actions are not really adequate to achieve the desired results of alleviating the problems that were discussed in the Ninth Congress. Therefore, greater national and international action is necessary. This is borne out by the facts that we have before us.
Therefore, the Bangladesh delegation fully endorses the strategies and principles set out in the Manifesto of Mexico and proposes that it be adopted as a Conference Resolution. Bangladesh also suggests that the establishment of a world fund for conservation of forestry be expedited.
V. MOE (Trinidad and Tobago): The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago would first of all like to congratulate the Government of Mexico and FAO on the successful organization of the Ninth World Forestry Congress. The Manifesto of Mexico outlines clear principles and guidelines for the adoption of new policies and strategies for forestry development which we all support. We endorse the view expressed by the Congress on the need for increased investment in forestry and forestry industries to intensify conservation, protection, social well-being and industrialization activities. We also see forestry as being very important in providing wildlife reserves, and in the protection of our wildlife species, which I think that the Manifesto should have taken into consideration.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has implemented several programmes in reforestation, conservation and industrialization of its forest reserves. Short-term cropping and soil conservation and effective watershed protection and management in the northern range of Trinidad and Tobago were started with the help of FAO. We have already seen some beneficial results from this joint project.
My Government has also given positive consideration to the creation of a permanent forest resources inventory and management section in the Forestry Department. It is against this background and with the view of developing our forest industry that we fully support this Manifesto, and view it as a very useful document that developing countries should utilize in the development of their forest industries.
While we support in principle the creation of a world fund as proposed, we will await further information on its structure and operation before committing ourselves. Lastly, we would like to draw this Commission's attention to the Twelfth Commonwealth Forestry Conference held in Victoria, Canada , and the recommendations which came out of that Conference. We would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Standing Committee on Commonwealth Forestry for the valuable work which they have performed.
M. A. MAHAMAT (Tchad): Cette question relative à la foret constitue un point spécial et demeure une préoccupation primordiale de mon gouvernement car notre pays est dangereusement menacé par la désertification triste et galopante.
La désertification qui sévit actuellement au Tchad constitue une menace grave contre la vie humaine et animale.
Ainsi les surfaces cultivables diminuent d'année en année à cause de l'ensevelissement des zones de production agricole par le sable, créant ainsi un paysage austère et difficile à vivre. Cette situation a été aggravée surtout dans cette dernière décennie avec la persistance de la sécheresse provoquant la destruction des arbustes par manque d'eau. Face à cette situation,.le Gouvernement du Tchad avait entrepris des mesures pour juguler progressivement le fléau mais c'est un programme de longue haleine, compte tenu de l'immensité du programme. C'est ainsi qu'une semaine de l'arbre a été décrétée sur l'ensemble du pays, où chaque citoyen doit planter un arbre chaque année. Cette action marque la prise de conscience de nos responsables sur le danger que représente la déforestation et les effets néfastes des feux de brousse sur les sols et les êtres vivants.
Dans ce contexte, desmesuresde luttecontre la désertification ont été également prises au niveau du CILSS et d'autres organisations sous-régionales pour lesquelles nous tenons àtemoigner de notre reconnaissance à la FAO pour les actions entreprises en vue de lutter contre ce fléau.
Nous approuvons les recommandations du Plan d'action stipulées dans le Manifeste du Mexique; et compte tenu de la situation spécialement critique de la forêt dans mon pays, nous souhaitons que la FAO entreprenne toutes les démarches utiles et nécessaires pour la réalisation des objectifs de ce Manifeste; nous souhaitons que la communauté internationale prenne à coeur cette situation et donne une suite favorable à la création du fonds mondial pour le développement et la protection de l'environnement forestier qui constitue un volet indissociable avec la mise en place des nouvelles politiques et stratégies forestières dans l'intérêt de nos peuples.
GETACHEW TEKLE MEDHIN (Ethiopia\): Forestry has always been an integral part of man's history, economic development and livelihood, including food. In the developed world it provided the essential backing for the infrastructure and energy development to the extent oí paving the way for other alternative sources. Thus, resort to alternate energy sources has served to relieve the forest and has led to the care of the ecological and environmental balance, which could not otherwise be instituted.
Forests in developing countries, however, are still the major sources of energy and construction materials, thus being continuously depleted without a sign of replacement. It is not an exaggeration to say that forests in developing countries are depleting at an alarming rate, with environmental and ecological problems getting out of control, and as a consequence, increasing the magnitude of hunger and malnutrition.
In the Ethiopian case, 40 percent of the total land mass was under forest cover. In less than a century that amount has been now reduced to less than 4 percent This has caused a problem of ecological imbalance which has resulted in drought, shortage of food production, fuel and construction material shortages. Therefore, we have keen interest in observing the increased interest of FAO and the international community in the development of forestry. The Ethiopian Government is aware of the problem and is now taking steps to change the train of deforestation. In the 10-year development plan which was launched in 1984, special emphasis is given to national resource conservation, of which' forestation and forest conservation are the major recipients.
In addition to the 10-year development plan, a special nation-wide campaign is being prepared, and this is going to be launched within the coming year and is going to involve all people of different ages and sexes. The Ethiopian delegation, with this background, finds the Mexico Manifesto to be appropriate. It encourages the FAO Member Nations to adopt the Manifesto. The Ethiopian delegation supports the creation of a special fund for forest development and environmental protection.
Ms HOANG THI CU (Viet Nam\): My delegation is very grateful to Mr Flores Rodas for his brief but very clear and precise presentation of the document. My country pays great attention to food production, and we think that the combination of agriculture and forestry is of great importance. That is the reason why we fully endorse the strategies and measures taken by FAO. Viet Nam strongly supports the Manifesto of Mexico and hopes that it will be adopted by the Conference without any difficulties.
G. DESESQUELLES (Communauté économique européenne): Je voudrais tout d'abord indiquer que la Commission des communautés européennes approuve les objectifs du Manisfeste de Mexico dont l'appel a notamment pour objet, en ce qui concerne les forets européennes, de lutter pour la protection des forêts contre les incendies et contre la pollution atmosphérique. Je voudrais aussi préciser que nous nous félicitons de l'excellente collaboration entre la FAO et la CEE en matière de foresterie et des résultats de la vingt-deuxième session de la Commission européenne des forêts de la FAO.
La Communauté européenne a pris des initiatives par des actions de sensibilisation des gouvernements et de l'opinion publique dans le cadre de l'Année internationale de la forêt. Lors de la Commission européenne des forêts de la FAO, dont j'ai parlé précédemment, qui vient de se tenir à Budapest, la Commission des communautés européennes a présenté un bilan des actions en la matière. La Commission des communautés européennes considère en effet que la forêt a une grande importance pour l'environnement et la protection de la nature; que le problème des incendies de forêts et de la pollution atmosphérique sont des sujets de préoccupation majeurs; qu'il est nécessaire de veiller à une bonne hygiène des forêts.
Mais nous devons aussi penser aux problèmes des forêts des autres continents et c'est pourquoi la Commission des communautés européennes, en association avec la FAO apportera une contribution à la préparation de la conférence forestière à haut niveau politique qui se tiendra à Paris du 3 au 7 février 1986. D'ores et déjà, j'aimerais attirer l'attention sur les travaux actuels de la Commission des communautés européennes qui, en matière de lutte contre la désertification, prépare un plan d'approche global qui, dans un premier temps, mettra l'accent sur les actions de reforestation avec les pays africains concernés.
pour conclure, je voudrais à nouveau me féliciter de l'excellente collaboration entre la FAO et la CEE en matière de foresterie.
M.A. FLORES RODAS (Subdirector General, Departamento de Montes): Trataré de ser lo más breve posible, Sr. Presidente, en esta discusión en la cual han participado 42 países y un observador. Tratando de resumir el punto de la agenda, podría decir que el Manifiesto de México mereció la aprobación total de la Comisión, con diversos énfasis, lo que significa que el producto de un Congreso Forestal Mundial,en el cual estuvieron representados 105 países y más de 2 200 participantes, ha podido en alguna forma reflejar las necesidades del sector forestal, las necesidades de la sociedad que espera algo del sector forestal y la oportunidad de este sector para participar en la solución de los problemas de desarrollo.
Es indiscutible que ante los problemas analizados por los distinguidos miembros de esta Comisión, representantes de 42 países, en los cuales prácticamente hemos escuchado todas las formas ecológicas del mundo en desarrollo y desarrollado, no puede ser específico de ninguna manera, pero sí lo suficientemente claro y pragmático como para que pueda ser aplicado en planes de acción a nivel de que cada país o cada subregión tenga problemas e intereses comunes.
Por estas razones Sr. Presidente, el Congreso, a conocimiento pleno, decidió no ser muy específico en su Manifiesto para no excluir a ningún país, o a ninguna situación específica. Además de esto, Sr. Presidente, prácticamente los 42 países que tomaron la palabra en el día de hoy, estuvieron presentes en la ciudad de México en alguna delegación y tuvieron oportunidad de participar en la redacción del Manifiesto.
Específicamente, Sr. Presidente, querría mencionar que a nivel de Europa, y haciéndome eco de la inquietud del distinguido representante de España, el tema de los incendios forestales se está tomando en cuenta por la FAO y en este sentido quería recordarle la reunión de la silva mediterránea en el próximo mes en la ciudad de Montpellier, de Francia, para discutir específicamente un punto principal: los incendios forestales en el área mediterránea.
En segundo lugar, el distinguido representante de Iraq hizo mención, entre otros puntos, de la necesidad de las especies de semillas arbóreas y cepas que se puedan adaptar a las zonas áridas y semiáridas.
Querría llamar la atención del Comité en el sentido de que el Departamento de Bosques, en su División de Recursos Forestales, tiene programas sobre mejoramiento genético forestal que se concentran en la selección, el abastecimiento y el intercambio de semillas de algunas especies y de variedades particularmente resistentes a cuestiones climáticas áridas como las especies de acacia y prosopis. Por supuesto, tenemos algunas publicaciones que están a disposición del representante de Iraq, o cualquier otro representante, si así lo desea.
Finalmente, querría mencionar la inquietud que expresó el distinguido representante de Bangladesh respecto al manejo y al uso de los manglares. Este es un programa conjunto entre el Departamento de Bosques y el Departamento de Pesca de la FAO en los programas de manglares, en el uso del mantenimiento y ordenación de los manglares, para la producción de programas de desarrollo que tengan que ver con la zona ecológica.
También como comentario general, Sr. Presidente, el Manifiesto de México hace ver muy claro la participación del bosque en la solución de problemas sociales; las preocupaciones de algunos colegas aquí presentes en el día de hoy por la desaparición y la constricción del recurso forestal, es simplemente un indicador de la capacidad en ese sector y hasta dónde ese sector o a ese sector se le ha permitido participar en la solución de problemas sociales de cada uno de nuestros países.
El Congreso reconoce específicamente y hace mucho énfasis en la participación popular en la toma de decisiones y hace énfasis también en la no participación policial de parte del sector forestal en la solución de tales problemas así como en la necesidad de industrias forestales apropiadas que puedan dar un desarrollo económico, una mejora en las rentas de cada una de las personas rurales de nuestros países.
Hubo un apoyo general a la propuesta de la distinguida representación de Austria hecha con ocasión del Congreso, sobre el fondo Forestal y creo que en ese sentido, Sr. Presidente, el párrafo mencionado en el documento del Consejo tiene nuevamente un valor importante y podría ser prácticamente transcrito en las notas de esta Comisión.
Solamente esto, Sr. Presidente, como un resumen general; por supuesto sigo estando a la disposición de los Sres.'delegados si tienen algunas preguntas específicas.
CHAIRMAN: Thank you, Mr Flores Rodas, for responding to some of the points raised by delegates. In fact, you have provided some of the summary which I had wanted to make. With Mr Flores Rodas' summary and response to some of the points raised, we are now ready to conclude our discussion on this agenda item, but, before we do, I should like to inform you that Angola, Cameroon, Niger and Zaire have submitted a written statement to be included in the verbatim report.
I shall now try to summarize some of the points raised by the delegates. The delegates expressed their appreciation to the people and Government of Mexico for hosting the Ninth World Forestry
Congress in Mexico this year. Delegates also expressed their appreciation to FAO for the support given to the Forestry Congress to make it a success. Delegates endorsed the principles and conclusions contained in the Mexico Manifesto and recommended that this be adopted by a conference resolution. This resolution is now with the Resolutions Committee and it will come up for discussion tomorrow morning in the Commission.
Most delegates welcomed the suggestion for creating a special fund for forestry. However, some delegates felt that there was a need for more information about this fund before it was created and invited FAO to provide this information to the Member Nations.
There was a unanimous appreciation by delegates for declaration of 1985 as the Year of the Forest.
Many delegates informed this Commission of the programmes of their countries regarding forestry, particularly in the areas of agro-forestry, social forestry and environmental forestry. Many delegates requested that priority should be given in the FAO Programme of Work and Budget to the area of forestry.
The delegates of Austria offered to host the Tenth Forestry Congress and therefore informed the Commission of his country's intention in that direction. The delegate of the Federal Republic of Germany also offered to host any subsequent Forestry Congress meeting in his country.
Ï now conclude the discussion on this agenda item. There will be some consultation before we take on the next agenda item. Meanwhile, I thank the Assistant Director-General of the Department of Forestry and his staff.
P.A. KANGA (Angola\): En premier lieu ma delegation tient àféliciter le Secrétariat pour la présentation claire et concise du Manifeste qui nous est soumis pour analyse.
Notre gratitude s'adresse aussi au Directeur général pour l'intérêt qu'il attache aux problèmes forestiers et qui s'est traduit par la tenue du 9ème Congrès forestier mondial de Mexico.
Mon pays, l'Angola, possède de grandes superficies recouvertes de forêts tropicales au Nord. Au Sud, nous assistons à la désertification, donc à l'avancée du désert de Kalahari et ceci constitue une grande prêoccupation pour mon gouvernement. De ce fait, nous avons élaboré un vaste programme pour le développement forestier au niveau national. Ce programme se butte à des difficultés diverses, en particulier à l'absence de spécialistes forestiers pour sa mise en exécution.
Toutefois, mon pays reste convaincu qu'avec la préoccupation et l'assistance technique de la FAO, l'exécution de ce programme sera intensifiée.
Ma délégation appuie les objectifs de l’"Année internationale de la forêt", ainsi que l'importance et l'urgence du Plan d'action sur les forêts tropicales adopté par le VIIème Comité de la FAO sur la mise en valeur des forêts dans les tropiques, et appuie sans réserve toutes les initiatives qui accéléreront la mise en oeuvre des actions définies dans les cinq domaines prioritaires.
Pour terminer, nous saluons la création d'un Fonds mondial pour le développement et la protection de l'environnement forestier, en particulier pour aider les pays en développement et nous invitons les pays qui ont émis des réserves de suivre l'exemple si louable de l'Autriche. 1 /
D. DANG MEKOULA (Cameroun): La délégation du Cameroun a suivi avec intérêt la brillante introduction du Secrétariat sur cet important point de l'ordre du jour.
1/ Texte reçu avec demande d’insertion au procés-verbal.
En effet, durant la menace évidente de la dégradation progressive des écosystèmes forestiers liés à l'appauvrissement génétique, la disparition des espèces, les détériorations écologiques, hydrologiques et climatiques, l’épuisement des sols et la réduction de leur productivité, l'insuffisance de mesures visant le renouvellement des ressources forestières, ce manifeste constitue une réponse positive dela Communauté internationale à la grande tâche qui nous revient dans le processus de la restauration, pour l'avenir, du patrimoine forestier commun dont l'impact sur nos économies et la vie de nos sociétés ne sont que bien établies. Cette donnée fondamentale justifie toute l'attention que les gouvernements se doivent d'accorder à la formation de nouvelles générations de cadres forestiers à tous les niveaux dans le souci de rationaliser les méthodes de conservation, de protection, de gestion et d'exploitation des ressources des forets de manière à permettre l'intégration de la foresterie dans l'appareil national de développement économique global. La nécessité d'accorder au secteur forestier la priorité qu'il mérite dans le cadre de l'exécution des plans nationaux de développement économique et social se justifie donc parfaitement.
L'attention particulière que nous devons accorder à la recherche et à la diffusion technologique dans ce secteur, tout spécialement en zones critiques, et précisément les forêts tropicales, les terres arides ou fortement érodées,rencontre notre entière adhésion.
C'est dans cet esprit que le Gouvernement camerounais a mis en place un plan général d'aménagement de régénération de la couverture forestière tant en forêts denses qu'en zones de savanes humides -et sahéliennes avec un accent particulier sur la participation effective de la population à l'exécution du programme de reboisement que supervise l'Office national de régénération des forêts.
Nous pensons que l'enrôlement des populations dans ce programme est essentiel pour la protection et la lutte contre les feux 1/.
MAMANE MARICHATOU AMADOU (Niger): Le Niger, à l'instar des autres pays du Sahel, fait face au douloureux problème qu'est la désertification due essentiellement à: l'accroissement des superficies cultivées de l'ordre de 5 pour cent en moyenne (pour compenser les baisses de productivité des écosystèmes) et aux systèmes et modes d'élevage.
A cet effet, cette croisade contre le désert demeure une de nos priorités. Ceci s'est traduit par l'organisation d'un séminaire à l'issue duquel des recommandations ont été proposées et adoptées par le gouvernement et qui reflètent les grandes lignes développées dans ce Manifeste, à savoir: la participation responsable et volontaire des populations; accorder la priorité au secteur environnement dans la recherche de financements; l'intégration d'un volet forestier dans tout projet; l'association des pays dans les décisions, l'élaboration et la gestion des stages; la recherche de substituts pour les besoins énergétiques, notamment le charbon, les foyers améliorés et l'utilisation du gaz.
Pour terminer, permettez-moi d'apporter tout le soutien de mon pays à ce Manifeste et à la création du fonds de développement de l'environnement 1/.
SAMBA MOONI te AVELELA (Zaire): Monsieur le Président, la délégation du Zaire tient tout d'abord à vous féliciter pour l'excellente présentation ainsi que pour la qualité du document soumis à notre examen.
Le Zaire est un grand pays forestier et pour nous, la forêt constitue la base même de la sécurité alimentaire. C'est pourquoi sur le plan international, le Zaire appuie les objectifs de l'Année internationale de la forêt.
Sur le plan national, cette conviction est traduite par une loi qui veut qu'à chaque naissance dans une famille, les parents sont tenus à planter un arbre.
La forêt est un domaine auquel nous attachons beaucoup d'importance et nous sommes convaincus que toute amélioration des techniques d'exploitation forestière a un effet positif sur la production agricole l/
1/ Texce reçu avec demande d’insertion au procéd-verbal.
The meeting was suspended from 16.25 to 16.45 hours
La séance est suspendue de 16 h 25 à 16 h 45
Se suspende la sesión de las 16.25 a 16.45 horas
THE CHAIRMAN: I would inform you that although we are a little ahead of time, in fact we are in some way behind time in discussing some of these items. The Resolution on the Critical Situation in Africa has not yet come back to Commission I. There is another resolution which we have just discussed in connection with forestry which will come tomorrow, so we have to make progress today and the only way we can do it is to move ahead to Agenda Item 9 and start discussing that today, in the hope that tomorrow we will be able to finish.
J.E. CARROZ (Assistant Director-General, Fisheries Department, FAO): Document C 85/22, which is rather slim, summarizes the major results of the World Fisheries Conference and the follow-up measures already taken or envisaged. I should like to stress at the outset that it is not one of the formal and substantive progress reports requested by the Fisheries Conference. The first such report will be submitted in early 1987 to the Committee on Fisheries and. subsequently, to the governing bodies of the Organization.
Before highlighting the main points in the document before you and bringing to your attention events which have taken place since the document was prepared several months ago, I should like to say just a few words about the world fisheries situation.
1984, the year of the World Fisheries Conference, happened to be a record year - some 82.5 million tons against the 77 million tons in 1983. This significant increase in production in no way invalidates the analysis of the overall situation which was made at the time of the Conference. According to preliminary estimates, the catch in 1985 is not expected to exceed the record level reached in 1984. However, the demand for fish is likely to double by the end of the present century. Without a substantial increase in the rate of production, there will be a gap between available supplies and potential demand. It is therefore essential to continue and reinforce efforts (i) to increase yield through better conservation and management; (ii) to promote the development of inland fisheries and aquaculture; and (iii) to make better use of the fish once caught, through the use of by-catches and the reduction of post-harvest losses.
The problem of conservation of fish stocks will of course receive particular attention. I could mention tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean or the fishery resources of West Africa. Also, with the support of some delegations who spoke in Plenary last week, the Director-General has agreed that FAO will carry out, within the limits of its competence and mandate as a specialized technical agency, an assessment of the state of fish stocks in the South West Atlantic, including migratory stocks on the Patagonian shelf. Its report will also cover as far as possible the impact of fishing on the ecosystem of the area. Indeed, we have been following developments closely since 1983 and the document on the state of world fishery resources submitted to our Committee on Fisheries in April of this year draws attention to the seriousness of the situation. There are indications that the level of fishing efforts in the area might increase significantly in the forthcoming fishing season.
As most of you are aware, the World Fisheries Conference adopted a Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development, five associated Programmes of Action and a number of Resolutions relating to specific aspects of fisheries management and development.
As regards the implementation of the Strategy, the document before you provides in some detail information on the format, content and periodicity of progress reports to be prepared by governments and by FAO. I will not repeat this. I should perhaps say a few words on that part of the Strategy which deals with international trade in fish and fishery products. It recommends regular consultations in order to ensure that international trade contributes effectively to fisheries development. Acting
on this recommendation, the Committee on Fisheries at its last session in April of this year decided to establish a Sub-Committee on Fish Trade which will be the forum for such consultations. The Sub-Committee will endeavour to identify opportunities for fishery commodity development and improvements in quality, and for increasing the participation of developing countries in fish trade. Close cooperation is in the interests of both exporting and importing countries. Preparations are underway to hold the first session of the Sub-Committee on Fish Trade in October 1986.
Still regarding the Strategy, I should bring, with your permission, two recent events to your attention.
The Government of Spain convened in La Toja, from 15 to 18 September last, a Ministerial Conference on Fisheries which was attended by 24 countries and a number of international organizations. It was addressed by the President of the Spanish Government and the Director-General of FAO. Its main objective was to promote an exchange of views on the measures taken by the Participationg countries and organizations to implement the strategy adopted by the World Fisheries Conference, and this with particular reference to international cooperation in the area of fishing management and development. At the request of the Spanish Government, FAO prepared a Summary of the Proceedings of that Conference which is being made available to you today as document C 85/INF/22.
I should also mention, as a follow-up to the World Fisheries Conference, that we have had preliminary discussions with UNIDO on the organization of a Consultation on the Fisheries Industry. UNIDO has had a system of consultations with governments and industries for a number of years now but this would be the first one dealing with the fishery industry. The meeting is tentatively scheduled to be held in June 1987.
I should like to turn now to the five Programmes of Action adopted by the World Fisheries Conference. These programmes, as you know, provide a basis for comprehensive and concerted assistance to fisheries in developing countries for a period of five years. Their implementation requires extra-budgetary resources amounting to some US$15 million per year. For 1985 - for this year - if I take into account only the funds channelled through FAO for the execution of regional projects, and the assistance in kind provided to FAO for the execution of these projects, the target figure has already been exceeded, but to a modest extent. Indeed, the consultations referred to in paragraph 30 of the document before you, with Italy for support to aquaculture development in Latin America, and with the United States for support to fisheries management and development in West African countries, have been successfully concluded.
In so far as the funds channelled through FAO are concerned, we are very grateful to UNDP, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United States and the EEC. We also greatly appreciate the assistance in kind which had already been provided by China, France, Norway, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom .
As mentioned by the Director-General in his opening statement to the Conference here we are con-continuing to negotiate for further pledges with potential donors. Our preoccupation is also to correct the imbalances that still remain in the distribution of funds between geographic areas and the different Programmes of Action, since in practice we often depend on priorities of donors. In this respect, I can mention that we are working with UNDP on a fisheries programme for the next UNDP cycle starting in 1987. We have also approached the EEC, which is in the process of identifying and formulating projects to be funded under the Lomé III Convention.
With respect to the resolutions of the World Fisheries Conference concerning specific aspects of fisheries management and development, I will limit myself to mentioning the decision of the Director-General to select "Fishermen and Fishing Communities" as one of the two major themes for World Food Day 1986.
Lastly, I should like to invite the attention of the Commission to the draft resolution appearing as appendix to document C 85/22. I should mention in this regard that, this is not mentioned in the document, that at its Eighty-sixth Session in November 1984, the Council reviewed the Report of the World Fisheries Conference. On that occasion, the Council recommended that the FAO Conference adopt a special resolution endorsing the outcome of the World Fisheries Conference. That is why a draft resolution has been prepared for your consideration on this subject.
CHAIRMAN: I thank you Mr Carroz for this clear introduction to the agenda item number nine. The resolution referred to by Mr Carroz is appendixes as C 85/LIM/24 and has been to the Resolutions Committee ended before this Commission.
I would like to open the list of speakers now, so I call on delegates to submit their names for inclusion.
N. SRISURAK (Thailand\): The Thai delegation wishes to thank Mr Carroz for his clear and constructive introduction and wishes to express its appreciation to the Director-General of FAO for initiating the World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development and the wonderful follow-up afterwards.
Fisheries in Thailand have been rapidly developed during the past two decades. Marine fisheries, in particular, is the most important contributor to the increase of national fish production. The increase in fish production has led to a massive investment both in pre- and post-harvest activities as well as other associated fishing industries. As a result, the fisheries sector is overcapitalized and the resources are over fished. Most of the large-scale fishing vessels have to operate further from Thai territorial waters into the South China Sea or in the Andaman Sea . Only the medium- and small-scale fishing vessels remain to fish in the coastal area. The situation has worsened since the adoption in 1982 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; all Thai vessels have to come back to our waters which have already deteriorated. This calls for an immediate action for the management and development of our fisheries resources. The Strategy, with all its major elements endorsed by the Conference is very useful, and is a great help to the Government of Thailand in formulating its national fisheries policy. Thailand is, at present, adopting guidelines and principles on the Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development to be used in the planning of the Sixth National Economic and Social Development Plan commencing in 1987.
With regard to Programmes of Action, my delegation would like to express our gratitude to FAO in having initiated these programmes at just the right time to alleviate fisheries problems that we are presently encountering. The recent seminar on the management and development of fisheries organized jointly by FAO and South East Asia Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC) in Bangkok in October 1985, is one of the best examples that reflects the benefit gained by all member countries in the region.
Though the concept of Exclusive Economic Zones has generated a greater benefit to most maritime states, Thailand is badly affected. We would like, therefore, to request FAO to play a more active role in promoting international collaboration in fisheries such as joint ventures or joint fishing cooperation. We do believe that the neutral role of FAO will be able to promote the proper utilization of marine resources for the maximum benefit of all mankind.
In conclusion, my delegation duly endorses the result of the World Fisheries Conference. My delegation would also like to support the endorsement of a draft resolution on the Follow-up to the World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development as indicated in document C 85/22. In this connection, we would like to propose the insertion of a paragraph after the paragraph beginning with "Noting". The proposed paragraph reads as follows:
"1. Commends the Director-General for having taken the initiative of convening the FAO World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development;"
DATO ALWI JANTAN (Malaysia\): To begin with I should like to congratulate Mr Carroz on his comprehensive and clear introduction to this agenda item. The World Fishery Conference, on Fisheries Management and Development, held in 1984, was indeed most timely and it was held at the crucial moment when the world was undergoing dramatic changes with respect to the jurisdiction of the seas. The signing of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in December 1982, and the subsequent proclamations by many coastal states have given new dimensions to the fisheries of this country. Developing coastal states now have the opportunity to expand their fisheries without undue competition from the advanced fishing fleets of more aggressive and developed countries, which have been habitually fishing near their coasts.
The regime of the sea also imposes responsibilities on coastal states to exploit their fishery resources in the most rational manner in order to derive the optimum benefit. Recognizing the limitations in terms of expertise, finance and infrastructure in developing coastal states, it is imperative that the international community, together with the relevant agencies, especially FAO, play their role in assisting these countries in the rational development of their fisheries. The world has recently seen a record landing of 82 million tons of fish, which is most heartening in view of the ever increasing demand for fish. Nevertheless, since most of the coastal regions of the world are presently heavily exploited, further increases from these traditional fishing areas are not likely. Further increases can only be expected from non-traditional stocks or from deeper waters, the exploitation of which requires highly sophisticated technology and huge financial resources.
In the foreseeable future, fisheries development will still be confined to inshore areas and the areas within the exclusive economic zones. Due to their proximity to the coast, inshore areas are most vulnerable to over exploitation. It is for this very reason that my delegation feels that the most important single activity that coastal states, and FAO, should concentrate on is the rational management and conservation of inshore marine fishery resources.
It is therefore most appropriate that the World Fishery Conference adopt this element as one of its prime strategies. Good sound management is the key to sustained yields and income for the fisherman. However, national objectives go beyond sustained catches; they usually aspire to a suitable income, ownership and better socio-economic status for those involved in the fisheries sector. For this reason my delegation also fully endorses the strategy and the special role and needs of small-scale fisheries.
We are all too familiar with the situation of widespread poverty existing among fishermen. The reasons cited for this unfortunate situation include overfishing due to uncontrolled fishing efforts, inequitable share of productive assets, lack of infrastructure, a high level of post-harvest spoilage, lack of credit facilities and unfair market practices.
All these factors must be addressed carefully by developing countries which aspire to realize objectives of adequate fish supply, increased export earnings and increased socio-economic status for their fishermen. One of the most important programmes of action which my country is actively pursuing is agricultural development. We view agriculture as the single most important field, where surplus labour from the over-exploited inshore fisheries could be devoted.
The potential for agriculture is tremendous, provided the appropriate technologies are available and applied. In this respect, we look forward to the FAO to provide all the necessary help in promoting the transfer of the required technology to its various programmes of training, TCD, TCDC, field programmes, as well as the newly proposed twinning of the research institutions under TCP.
It has been one year and four months since the World Fisheries Conference was held. Progress in the follow-up action can be considered to be quite remarkable. FAO during this short span of time has managed to get the endorsement of various international agencies for the strategies and programmes of action, as well as for the resolutions. It is commendable, too, that the indicative annual target for the 1985 figure of 15 million U.S. dollars for the financing of projects is likely to be'reached. We would like to congratulate FAO for its efforts in mobilizing this force. We wish to appeal to the members of the international community to make the necessa'ry commitments to ensure the implementation of the programmes of action. Concerted efforts must be made to help developing countries realize their objectives of self-sufficiency in protein supply, as well as of improving the socio-economic situation of the fishermen.
We wish to endorse the proposal for a slight increase in the FAO budget for fisheries. This increase is cognizant of the increasingly important role of fisheries in the economy and food supply of member governments. To ensure successful implementation of programmes of action, effective monitoring through regular reports is considered necessary by my delegation. We support the proposal to employ standard formats for the compilation of data from the member countries for the purpose of consolidation and analysis.
On fish trade, my delegation lauds the proposed establishment of a sub-committee of COFI to serve as a multilateral framework for consultation on international fish trade. International fish trade is still in a healthy state compared to trade in other agricultural commodities. We wish to preserve this healthy state and believe that this sub-committee could ensure its perpetuation and make further improvements. My delegation wishes to reiterate our full endorsement of the strategies and programmes of action as well as the resolutions put forth by the World Fisheries Conference of 1984 and urges their expeditious implementation. Finally, we fully endorse the proposed resolution as contained in document C 85/LIM/24 in its entirety.
E. MUYANGA (Zambia\): Firstly, I would like to congratulate FAO for producing such a clear and concise document I would also like to congratulate Mr Carroz for the introduction which was very comprehensive.
My delegation is happy with the speedy manner in which FAO has taken follow-up action on the World Fisheries Conference. The FAO World Fisheries Conference brought an awareness to policy makers throughout the world of the need to develop fisheries for the benefit of mankind as it touched on a number of issues which were agreed upon by the delegates. This clearly shows that the Conference was a success.
My delegation would like now to comment specifically on paragraphs 16-18. We fully agree with the suggestion of submitting progress reports regarding progress achieved in implementing the strategy. But before these reports are submitted, FAO should prepare and send formats to member governments on time so that the officials who will be preparing the reports can have adequate time to familiarize themselves with the type of information that will be required.
As for the periodicity of the reports, we fully agree that the first reports be submitted in 1987. My delegation would like to suggest that in countries where, due to lack of resources, they will not be able to prepare these reports, FAO should use its good offices to assist the countries concerned in preparing the initial reports, which my delegation considers to be very important as they would indicate the momentum in which the strategies are being implemented.
My delegation would also like to fully support the draft resolution appended to this document.
Finally, my delegation would like to register its satisfaction with the work being done by FAO in fisheries. In my country, FAO has been assisting us in the development of aquaculture.
The assistance in aquaculture has brought an awareness to the people of the possibility of taking up fish farming at both the commercial and village levels, So far we have a good number of farmers who are taking up fish farming. During the year, FAO organized three workshops in my country. These workshops were on fish technology, stock assessment and aquaculture in the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference countries and were intended to improve the knowledge of fisheries personnel in Africa in these fields. In organizing the workshops, FAO was already implementing some of the strategies adopted by the World Fisheries Conference. My delegation would like, therefore for FAO to continue with its good work and would like to appeal to donor agencies to assist in the implementation of strategies adopted by the FAO World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development. The success in implementing these strategies and programmes of action requires concerted efforts by member states, bilateral and multilateral agencies.
Sra. M. LIZARRAGA SAUCEDO (México): Ante todo, Sr. Presidente, mi delegación desea felicitar al Doctor Carroz por la excelente presentación del tema, la revista que ha hecho de la situación panorámica de la pesca mundial es muy orientadora y en esta ocasión también muy alentadora ya que muchos aspectos son muy positivos, como las capturas récord de 1984, y la respuesta tan positiva de los países donantes.
México, Sr. Presidente, le da una gran importancia a la pesca y a su desarrollo, ya que su ubicación geográfica lo ha dotado de importantes recursos pesqueros y porque en sus litorales y lagos hay un gran número de comunidades pesqueras que practican la pesca artesanal. Además existen diversos tipos y niveles de acuicultura los cuales, sumados a la pesca industrial que se desarrolla activamente en los últimos tiempos, constituyen un sector que nos es muy importante consolidar y desarrollar para cumplir nuestras metas de alimentación, empleo, intercambio comercial y generación de divisas.
Por todas estas razones, Sr. Presidente, mi país concede especial importancia en su Plan Nacional de Desarrollo Pesquero a la participación activa en los organismos y foros internacionales, consciente de la necesidad de apoyar la armonización de las políticas y medidas que aseguran el mejor aprovechamiento y la conservación y mercadeo de los recursos pesqueros en beneficio de los pueblos.
La deferencia de que nuestro Secretario de Pesca, el Licenciado Pedro Ojeda Paullada, presidiera la Conferencia Mundial para la Ordenación y Desarrollo de la Pesca constituyó no sólo un privilegio, sino una responsabilidad que estamos empeñados en cumplir.
Estamos participando activamente en la consecución de las medidas complementarias a la Conferencia y la puesta en práctica a nivel nacional y regional de los principios contenidos en la Estrategia y Programas de Acción.
Nuestra delegación, Sr. Presidente, desea expresar su complacencia por las activas gestiones que la FAO ha realizado para conseguir los fondos extrapresupuestarios requeridos para financiar los programas de acción y se congratula y felicita a los países donantes que harán posible su puesta en práctica.
Asimismo deseamos apoyar el que la FAO continúe con estas gestiones para lograr un mejor equilibrio en la ejecución de proyectos y que regiones menos beneficiadas como la nuestra puedan complementar mejor sus propios esfuerzos, que ya están realizando a través de su órgano regional que yahaforma lizado sus relaciones con FAO paraestablecer líneas de colaboración.
Como ya ha sido dicho insistentemente, el apoyo de la CEPD y la CEPD es un camino muy apropiado y . el área de la pesca y la acuicultura es indudablemente uno de los campos más fértiles para practicarla.
La delegación de México quiere refrendar asimismo su apoyo a la presentación de los informes previstos en la Estrategia y Programas de Acción refrendados por el COFI y por el Consejo. Nuestra delegación, Sr. Presidente, desea felicitar al Director General por haber puesto en práctica la resolución respectiva para que el tema de los pescadores y sus comunidades sea adoptada por el Día Mundial de la Alimentación del próximo año.
Finalmente, damos todo nuestro apoyo al proyecto de resolución sobre las actividades complementarias de la Conferencia Mundial de Pesca.
K.T. SALMAN (Iraq) (original language Arabic); The Iraqi delegation would like to thank the Assistant Director-General for Fisheries for his elaborate and clear introduction of this document. We would also like to thank the Secretariat for providing us with this document and for crystalizing its objectives.
We would like to make the following observations on this document: (1) With regard to international trade in fisheries and fish products, the strategy as well as the programme of action have tackled this question from several angles. The strategy provided information on the market situation and trends, diversification of export transactions, removal of obstacles impeding trade exchange, improvement of products ' quality and cooperation between concerned organizations.
However, we believe that the call to achieve these objectives and to establish statistical organs to furnish prices, such as INFOSAMAK, INFOFISH and INFOPESCA, are not sufficient to achieve the objectives of deriving additional benefits from fisheries.
Production costs have become so high that they do not justify trade in some kinds of fish with low prices, particularly the pelagic catch. Therefore, this Conference should adopt some necessary recommendations which could help cut down expenditures. For example, we could recommend a decrease in the fees of catch rights; the laying down of principles for price control, the establishment of an organ to stop speculation; thus a balance could be struck between costs and selling prices. Another recommendation should be adopted in order to weaken the domination of some merchants in the world fish market. (2) Fishing projects in developing countries: The Strategy also made reference to this question. It said that joint projects could be an effective tool in activating the development of fisheries. The Strategy called upon the interested developing countries to take part in fisheries joint projects.
Yet, the establishment of such bilateral or multilateral joint projects may not be enough unless the necessary elements of rendering these projects successful are provided.
On our part, experience has shown that many of these joint projects may fail as a result of low technology on the part of the contracting parties.
In order to render this trend successful in the developing countries, this Conference must adopt recommendations on the effective assistance to be extended to the developing countries and on the . measures to be taken to achieve this assistance. Perhaps the establishment of an advisory technical body to which the developing countries could resort directly to solve problems that may arise and to provide continuous advice on the joint projects between developing countries could be one solution.
P. SEBASTIÃO (Angola\): Tout d'abord nous vous félicitons pour votre élection à la présidence de cette Commission. Nous sommes sûrs que vous ne ménagerez aucun effort pour la réussite de nos travaux. Nous félicitons également le Secrétariat pour nous avoir soumis un document clair et complet.
Avec la réalisation de la Conférence mondiale de la FAO sur l'aménagement et le développement des pêches, ici, à Rome en 1984, une nouvelle page dans l'histoire de notre Organisation a été ouverte. La Conférence mondiale a été un forum international d'une extrême importance car il a permis d'identifier tous les éléments pertinents visant à développer les peches. La République populaire d'Angola,ayant un littoral de 1 600 km et une zone économique exclusive en ressources marines, a pris part à la réalisation de cette Conférence avec beaucoup d'intérêt. Elle oeuvre dans le sens d'une mise en place de ces résolutions. Considérant l'importance de la pêche dans la diète alimentaire des populations, son impact social et économique, son effet dans la promotion de valeur nationale et la promotion des échanges internationaux, il est facile de comprendre l'attachement du Gouvernement angolais pour le développement des pêches.
Des investissements portant sur l'exploitation des ressources marines, leur transformation et leur distribution, la formation des cadres à tout niveau et la construction des structures sont en cours. L'intégration des populations dans les activités des pêches à travers la création des associations et des coopératives de pêcheurs ainsi que le renforcement des coopératives déjà existantes sont en voie d'aboutissement.
La République'populaire de l'Angola participe et contribue avec ses modestes expérience dans la Conférence internationale d'une façon générale et priviligie pour la coopération sud-sud avec la signature des accords des pêches. Le moment n'est pas encore venu de dresser un bilan des résultats de l'application des recommandations de la Conférence mondiale de la FAO sur l'aménagement et le développement des pêches. Ma délégation saisit cette occasion pour appuyer inconditionnellement le document qui nous est soumis et plus spécialement le point suivant: les rapports nationaux sur notre vie devront être le plus simple possible pour ne pas constituer un fardeau pour les Etats Membres. A notre avis, ces rapports doivent être remis chaque quatre années puisque c'est le temps minimum permettant une observation sur les éléments de la stratégie. Nous sommes pleinement d'accord avec la suggestion du Sous-Comité des commerces des produits et des pêches et nous sommes également d'accord avec le projet de résolution sur la suite à donner à la Conférence mondiale de la FAO sur l'aménagement et le développement des pêches.
A.D. WEYGANDT (United States of America\): Allow me to begin by expressing my delegation's appreciation to Dr Carroz for his clear and useful introduction on this subject. The US considers the World Fisheries Conference to have been very successful and a testimony to the useful forum that FAO can provide for governments to discuss technical, substantive issues of importance. In bringing together fisheries experts from around the world to discuss ideas and approaches to solve common fisheries problems, the Conference reaffirmed the singular role that FAO plays.
The US believes the Strategy for Fisheries Management and Development and its associated Program of Action together provide useful guidance to coastal states on how to manage their fisheries resources and on where development assistance may be needed.
In general, the US also approves of the various follow-up actions taken, and proposed, to implement the results of the Conference, with, of course, the proviso that the results of Conference constitute guidelines and that their implementation is at the discretion of individual coastal states.
The US delegation supports COFIS decisions on the presentation of progress reports on following activities.
For our part, we are reviewing development assistance programmes for fisheries in several areas of the world, including West Africa, the Caribbean and the South Pacific - although no decisions have yet been reached, or commitments made.
My government attaches great importance to FAO's Fisheries Programme. We consider this work to be of major importance both for developed and developing countries alike, and we intend to continue our support for it.
I.A. RONQUILLO (Philippines): The Philippine delegation joins other countries in giving tribute to the Director-General for his foresight in the timely convening of the FAO World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development in 1984 here in Rome .
I wish to thank also Mr Jean Carroz, Assistant Director-General for Fisheries, for his comprenensive summary of the Document C 85|22 on the report of the said scientific conference.
The Philippines is one of the few countries where agriculture has been given great attention, especially mariculture, which is now rapidly developing. We are thankful to FAO for the considerable assistance given to the Philippines , which has led to the increase in our fish production from the sea, lakes, fresh water farms and deep-waters surrounding the country, and now especially to the development of mariculture in the shallower areas in Sulu.
Upon the termination of the UN Law of the Sea Conference, most developing coastal states realized that fisheries resources could be better exploited if they had more knowledge on the management and the development of fisheries. It became their responsibility, after the new regime of the exclusive economic zone to practice their sovereign rights to such living resources.
The Philippine delegation fully supports, therefore, the strategies for fisheries management and development, .as well as the five Programmes of Action. We call upon multilateral and bilateral donors and financial institutions and donor countries to support these Programmes of Action.
The Philippine delegation commends the Committee on Fisheries on the steps already taken to implement the strategy. We appreciate the actions already taken by the Director-General after the termination of the Fisheries Conference, welcome the establisment of a Sub-Committee on fish trade and approve the terms of reference.
We are thankful to the Director-General for the funds provided to implement the Programme of Action, as well as to the major donors to the Programme, especially the UNDP and other countries, for their financial support in the attainment of the target 15 million US dollars required to implement the Programme.
We endorse "Fishermen and Fishing" Communities" as one of the themes to be celebrated on World Food Day in 1986.
Finally, we request Member States to take timely action to fill in the questionnaires as soon as they are received. The data on the progress achieved in national fisheries as regards the strategy endorsed by the Fisheries Conference and the implementation of the Programme of Action is needed by the Fisheries Department for their subsequent report in 1987.
We urge those fishing nations that fish for highly pelagic species - the migratory species -in the high seas and the EEZs of developing countries to contribute generously to FAO to support the Programme of Action and to reduce the imbalance in the distribution of funds between geographic regions and between the different Programmes of Action.
The Philippine delegation fully supports and endorses the Resolution in C 85/22, as amended by the distinguished delegate of Thailand . We would add the following sentence after the paragraph starting "Noting": "Commends the Director-General for having taken the initiative of convening the FAO World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development".
N.V.K.K. WEREGODA (Sri Lanka\): The Sri Lankan delegation wishes to join the other delegates in endorsing appreciation of the FAO in taking the initiative in conducting the World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development and for the concise and informative document numbered C 85/22 submitted to this Commission.
In Sri Lanka fish production can be categorized as coastal fishing, deep-sea fishing and inland fishing. Coastal fishing is fairly close to the shore within about 20 to 30 kilometres of shelf area. The area beyond that is the deep-sea fishing out to the 200 mile economic zone. Inland fishery resources are in the freshwater reservoirs and in the brackish water coastal lagoons.
Fish represents 60 percent of the animal protein consumed in Sri Lanka , with an average per capita consumption of 15 kilograms in 1983. Sri Lanka is now facing a situation in which coastal fishery production is nearing maximum sustainable yields, and, as a result, already many fishermen have low incomes and are under-employed. Therefore, the Sri Lankan Government is taking all possible steps to develop aquaculture in inland waters and the coastal lagoon areas.
In this context the Sri Lankan delegation is particularly happy to note that in the five Programmes of Action adopted at the FAO World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development there is specific reference to the area to which we have already decided to give high priority in Sri Lankan fishery development programmes.
Finally, the Sri Lankan delegation endorses its support in adopting the resolution before us on follow-up to the World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development.
T. KUME (Japan\): To begin with, my delegation would like to thank the Assistant Director-General, Mr Carroz,'for the excellent presentation of this important agenda item.
Our comments will be very brief. We have no intention of reiterating our comments already made at the World Conference and the 86th Session of the Council. We should like to remind the Commission of our position on paragraph 14 of the Strategy which was mentioned in the report of the World Conference.
In view of the need to assist the development of fisheries, my Government has been extending financial and technical cooperation to various developing countries through bilateral and multilateral channels. We will continue to do so within the framework of our assistance schemes.
Concerning the concrete cooperation projects relating to the Programmes of Action, I am pleased to inform the Commission that my Government will contribute US$700 000 this year for aquaculture and for the tuna stock project in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Apart from this, taking into consideration the requests from developing countries, we will continue our bilateral cooperation as well.
The meeting rose at 17.50
La séance est levée à 17 h 50
Se levanta la sesiơn a las 17. 50 horas
