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Redesigned web page If you have a question about gender and development, if you want information on land tenure in Eastern Europe or if you need to find a specific FAO document regarding biological diversity, click on the redesigned Web site of FAO's Sustainable Development department. The new site, which highlights the broad range of activities under the domain of FAO's Sustainable Development Department, is extensive and easy to navigate. The site is available in English, French and Spanish. An Arabic version is currently under development. 28 March 2001
Multi-stakeholder forum on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development
These are the two major questions to be discussed at a multi-stakeholder forum on Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) taking place on 29 March, concurrent with the 16th Session of the FAO Committee on Agriculture (29-30 March). The forum brings together representatives from indigenous people, trade unions, farm workers, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, the private sector and governments. The purpose of the forum is to improve collaboration between the groups and to find ways to mobilize more resources for sustainable agriculture and rural development. In addition, participants will formulate recommendations for the May meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) to be held in South Africa in 2002. An electronic conference, "Towards Rio+10 and Beyond: Progress in Land and Agriculture", leads up to the multi-stakeholder forum. The purpose of the e-conference is to get different perspectives on progress made since the "Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and to spur further achievements. The contributions to the e-conference will be used in the report on Land and Agriculture being prepared for the meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development. 27 March 2001
FAO Committee on Forestry meets in Rome 12-16 March
The main topics on the agenda are:
In addition, items in FAO's Medium-Term Plan 2002-2007 concerning forestry will be discussed. 9 March 2001
New FAO tool for combating animal disease outbreaks
Animal disease emergencies, including transboundary outbreaks, can result in food shortages, destabilize markets, trigger trade barriers and devastate national economies. But if a new disease can be identified quickly while it is still confined to a relatively small area, and if prompt action is taken to contain and progressively eliminate it, the chances of its successful eradication are greatly increased. FAO has now released a new multimedia program to help countries set up effective procedures for coping with animal disease emergencies. The Good Emergency Management Practices (GEMP) program was produced as part of FAO's Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES) for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases. It comprises a three-pronged approach that includes early warning, early reaction and control measures. The aim is to help countries to develop emergency preparedness contingency plans for each animal disease. The GEMP program details standard control measures to be implemented during an emergency -- from the first suspicion of the disease to its eradication. Other tools include readiness and planning checklists to help those charged with responding to emergencies clarify their objectives and procedures. GEMP also provides information on laboratory techniques for disease detection and includes an extensive photo library illustrating disease symptoms to aid in diagnosis. In addition, it contains training materials, video clips and links to laboratories worldwide as well as organizations involved in emergency management. The program is available on CD-ROM and on the FAO Website. Click here to access the program via the Web. 6 March 2001
Jamaican and Mozambican leaders honoured with Agricola medal
Prime Minister Percival James Patterson of Jamaica and President Joaquim Alberto Chissano of Mozambique have been awarded the Agricola medal, FAO's highest distinction. Prime Minister Patterson was recognized for his achievement in boosting food production in his country. He was also cited for his efforts to develop the agricultural sector with the ultimate objective of guaranteeing food security and for promoting international solidarity in the struggle against hunger and malnutrition. President Chissano was commended for his commitment to the elimination of hunger and malnutrition in his country and throughout Africa. The medal acknowledged his dedication to the welfare of rural populations and to the development of the agricultural sector in Mozambique, even in the face of last year's devastating floods, which destroyed crops and livestock in large parts of the country. The Agricola medal honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of sustainable food production and the eradication of poverty. Other recipients of the award have included the late Keizo Obuchi, former Prime Minister of Japan, President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien of Canada. 30 January 2001
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