CL 124/INF/20


Council

Hundred and Twenty-fourth Session

Rome, 23 - 28 June 2003

IMPACT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL

Introduction

1. The reports of the sessions of Technical Committees held earlier in the year – Committee on Fisheries (COFI); Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP); Committee on Forestry (COFO); Committee on Agriculture (COAG); and Committee on Food Security (CFS) – which the Council is to consider at its present session – contain a large number of recommendations and requests, some of which have direct or indirect financial implications.

2. In the formulation of proposals in the Summary Programme of Work and Budget 2004-20051 (SPWB), the Secretariat sought to anticipate, to the maximum extent possible, the outcome of the deliberations of Technical Committees. However, many recommendations and requests made by these Committees would translate into additional activities and outputs, and attendant resource requirements, beyond those presented in the SPWB document.

3. As was done for its session of June 2001, the present information document has been prepared in order to enlighten the Council about the full impact of the conclusions of the above sessions of its Technical Committees, in the expectation that it would find it useful in the context of its discussion of the SPWB. It aims at providing a broad picture of the incremental activities and an order of magnitude of the additional resources needed to give full justice to the recommendations. In some cases, there is expectation that extra-budgetary resources would be forthcoming to meet the additional requirements. While falling somewhat beyond the scope of this information document, they have been indicated for the sake of completeness.

25th Session of the Committee on Fisheries
(24 - 28 February 2003)

Recommendation (from Report) Paragraph No. Additional Outputs Implied Programme Entity Reference Incremental Resource Requirements for
2004-05
(US$ 000)
Convene a Technical Consultation at FAO Headquarters in Rome in early 2004 to review progress and promote the full implementation of the IPOA-IUU and the IPOA-Capacity.

23

Consultation.

234A1

280
(extra-
budgetary)

Convene a technical consultation to address substantive issues relating to the role of the port State to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. 24 Consultation. 234A1 150
Convene Technical Consultation on Sea Turtle Interactions and Conservation. 25 Consultation. 232A4 100
Dissemination of information on measures adopted by regional fishery bodies relating to deep sea fisheries. 26 Enhanced information collected and disseminated. 234S1 25
Study or convene Expert Consultation on Standardization of Data Formats and Procedures for MCS. 29 Expert consultation. 233S1 70
Convene Expert Consultation on Eco-labelling with a view to elaborating guidelines on the subject. 39 Consultation aiming at inernationally agreed guidelines. 234P3 222
Capacity building and institutional strengthening for WTO multilateral trade negotiations. 40 Workshops and technical guidelines. 233A4
233A5
200
Studies on alleged link of fishmeal for animal feed and BSE. 41 An updated report on fishmeal and BSE. 233A5 10
Improvements in customs classification codes or fish and fishery products. 42 Technical guidelines on improved custom classificaiton. 233A5 10
Work on harmonization of catch certification schemes. 43 A harmonized document on catch certification for use by the regional fisheries management bodies. 233S1 15
Continue work on FAO-CITES Secretariat MoU and related issues. 48 Increased work on monitoring and assessment of fish stocks in relation to CITES. 232A4 200
Implementation of recommendations of the First Session of the COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture.

53

·  Technical guidelines for the elaboration of transparent and non-discriminatory certification procedures;

·  Guidelines and definitions for aquaculture data collection and reporting and field testing in selected countries;

·  Promotion of regional and inter-regional cooperation in aquaculture development through south-south cooperation; and

·   Guideline and Strategy for sustainable rural aquaculture development.

232A1

 

 

 

231P1
232P1

 

 


232A2
 

 

 



232A2

50
 

 

 


200

 

 



200

 

 

 


150

Support to NACA type arrangement in the Americas and Pacific Islands. 56 Study and Workshop on NACA type arrangement in the Pacific islands. 232P1 60
Increased support to promoting aquaculture in Africa. 57 Support to integrated irrigation and aquaculture in Africa. 232A2 100
Dissemination of Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries. 65 Ensuring wide distribution to Members and interested stakeholders. 234A1 50
Accelerate work in relation to the impact of subsidies on fisheries resource sustainability and sustainable development.

71

Technical Paper on impact of subsidies.

234P2

146
Convene Technical Consultation on Subsidies. 73 Consultation aiming at agreed expert statement on the impact of subsidies in fisheries. 234P3 358
Develop an adapted ecosystem approach to fisheries toolbox on small-scale fisheries. 90 Enhanced analyses and monitoring methodologies for small-scale fisheries. 232A5 200
Undertake a range of additional activities to better incapsulate an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF).

93

Assessment and monitoring of EAF impacts. 232A5

130

Intensify collaboration with regional fishery bodies on EAF. 93 Technical assistance to member countries and regional fishery bodies on EAF. 232S1

170

Implementation of strategy on status and trends reporting. The Committee stressed that high priority should be given to capacity-building and the provision of technical assistance to developing countries, as emphasized in the Strategy. 104, 63 and 64 Workshop to be held in conjunction with the 21st Session of the CWP to plan regional implementation of the Strategy concerning capacity building for data collection (with a particular emphasis on small-scale fisheries).

231S1

100

Maintaining the Fisheries Library.

104

Assistance to developing countries to disseminate grey literature on fisheries and aquaculture in digital format using standard methodologies to enrich FAO and other library collections.

231P1

60

TOTAL

     

3,256


16th Session of the Committee on Forestry
(10 - 14 March 2003)

Recommendation (from Report) Paragraph No. Additional Outputs Implied

Programme Entity Reference

Incremental Resource Requirements for
2004-05
(US$ 000)
The Committee recommended that FAO Regional Offices be strengthened to more effectively support the Regional Forestry Commissions. 10 Expanded support to countries in implementing sustainable forest management and building networks.

244S1

900

The Committee recommended that FAO should take the lead in providing support and increasing focus on policy and technical advice to countries on implementing IPF/IFF proposals for action and that it continue its efforts to build capacity in member countries in this area. The Committee requested FAO to be more proactive in identifying funding for these activities. 12 Significantly strengthened field programme and support to capacity building to enable countries to implement sustainable forest management.

243A3

1,200

The Committee recommended that FAO enhance efforts to help mobilize resources for countries to implement the IPF/IFF proposals for action. The Committee recommended that Regional Forestry Commissions facilitate the assessment and implementation of IPF/IFF proposals for action. The Committee recommended establishing a small roster of persons in each region who are familiar with the IPF/IFF proposals for action, to assist countries in assessing and prioritizing them, and that FAO provide information on sources of funding.

13

Enhanced support to countries to implement IPF/IFF proposals for action. Establishment of rosters of experts. Mobilization of resources.

244A
1243A3

600

The Committee recommended that Regional Forestry Commissions be used to facilitate the flow of information between the UNFF and countries. It also recommended that FAO increase awareness of sustainable forest management in countries. 14 Strengthened information capabilities of regional offices.

244S1

200

The Committee recommended that FAO explore ways to report on the linkages between forests and water in the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment and recognized that resources would be needed to collect, compile and analyse such information and data. 25 Inclusion of more comprehensive country information about water resources in FRA 2005.

241A7
241P1

440
The Committee recognized the need for verifiable goals and milestones for reviewing progress and for assessing the contributions of national forest programmes to sustainable forest management. It requested FAO to assist member countries in this regard.

34

Increased assistance to countries to assess and report on the contributions of national forest programmes to sustainable forest management.

243A3

630
The Committee recommended that FAO’s programme of work related to forests and climate change be expanded to continue addressing issues identified under the UNFCCC. 63 Increased support to countries to meet UNFCC standards. 241A8 200
The Committee recommended that FAO provide increased emphasis on socially and ecologically based fire management and foster information exchange, including at a regional level. 65 Support to national fire management programmes. 241A1 480
The Committee recommended that FAO, in collaboration with ITTO, convene an expert consultation on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.

68

Expert consultation on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.

241A1

80

TOTAL

4,730


64th Session of the Committee on Commodity Problems
(18 – 21 March 2003)

Recommendation (from Report) Paragraph No. Additional Outputs Implied Programme Entity Reference Incremental Resource Requirements for 2004-05 (US$ 000)
Increased information, analysis and assistance in developing and implementing appropriate mechanisms for coping with risks resulting from unstable prices and diversification of their (developing countries) agricultural sectors.

9

·  Analytical studies and expert consultations on basic food commodities; and

·   Analytical studies and expert consultations on tropical, horticultural products and raw materials.

223P3

 

 

233P5

100
 

 


100

Assistance to least developed countries to identify market opportunities, to build capacity for export and overcome market obstacles. 9 Increased technical assistance and capacity building. 223S1 500
Improve database, parameters and policy features of the ESC models. 13 Improved ESC models for medium-term projections and policy implications. 223P4 100
Urged the Secretariat to undertake more analyses of growth prospects of these (developing countries’ agricultural) markets. 14 Technical reports.

223P4

50

The Committee expressed the need for continuation of analysis of trends in the composition and direction of agricultural exports and the major factors underlying their movement over time ... and recommended that the Secretariat undertake further work in the following areas:

i) quantifying the economic consequences of protectionist and trade-distorting support policies

ii) identifying winners and losers from agricultural trade reforms and from the current trade system


iii) analysing the impact of standards being set by private sector importers and retailers, notably the large supermarkets, on trade of developing countries

iv) analysing the effects of market concentration and multinational enterprises and the distribution of gains from trade for a large number of agricultural commodity chains, notably on prices at farm gate and consumer level, and

v) the incidence and effects of tariff escalation for value-added products … for developing country exports.

20







 




Trade policy simulation model development.



Country case studies of the impact of trade reforms and the current trade system.

Commodity and country-specific case studies on the cost of compliance.

 

Sectoral studies and expert consultations on effect of market structure and supply chains.
 

 


Commodity-specific case studies on tariff escalation.










 



223P4
 

 

224P4
 

 


223P3
223P5

 



223P3
223P5
223P4


 

 



223P3
223P5









 




150
 

 

250
 

 


50
50

 



50
50
200


 

 



25
75

… the importance of the FAO trade-related capacity building activities relating to multi-lateral trade negotiations, including facilitating participation of low-income countries in standard setting bodies. 21 Capacity-building workshops in developing countries. PAIA-AWTO
224A2
5,600
(extra-budgetary)
(same activity as for COAG under para. 20, and CFS under para. 9)
… the importance of the work of Codex and IPPC … and the need for effective funding of these bodies and capacity building to allow full participation by developing countries in these fora (Codex already addressed in relation to CFS para. 9). 22 Participation of developing countries in IPPC global and regional meetings. 212P1 1,500
(extra-budgetary)
The Committee made a number of suggestions relating to further analyses of … trade (policy) issues (in the context of food security) … 28 ·  Country case studies; and

·  Expert consultations.

224P4


224P4

500


150

… expressed strong support for the conclusions of these consultations and urged FAO to organize more in the future. 33 Commodity-specific studies and conferences/ consultations. 223P3
223P5
50
150

TOTAL

9,700


17th Session of the Committee on Agriculture
(31 March – 4 April 2003)

Recommendation
(from Report)
Paragraph No. Additional Outputs Implied Programme Entity
Reference
Incremental Resource Requirements for 2004-05 (US$ 000)
The Committee indicated the importance of work on transboundary animal diseases and the significant role being played by the Joint FAO/IAEA Division in this context. It was suggested that work on isotopes, for example to improve breeds, had not received the attention it deserved.

16

·  In support of EMPRES/GREP: Training Workshops on rinderpest/PPR and their differential diagnosis; and

·  In support of animal breeds: Training on the molecular characterization of indigenous animal breeds.

215A2

170

Some Members recognized that Regular Programme funding had not been allocated in the preliminary Programme of Work and Budget for the International Year of Rice (IYR) and appealed for extra-budgetary resources to support this event.

17

Promoting, coordinating and implementing observance of the IYR through:

·  Well-targeted information and promotional materials to facilitate observance at all levels, particularly at the national level;

·  Direct assistance to countries both for immediate IYR observance and to initiate long-term development strategies for sustainable rice production and use; and

·  Studies on key topics.

212P5

4,388
(primarily through extra-budgetary resources)

Concern was also raised that there was insufficient Regular Programme funding for the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture acting as the Interim Committee for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Committee appealed for extra-budgetary resources to support this work.

18

Preparations for the 2nd meeting of the CGRFA acting as IC completed, and the MTA for the Treaty’s Multilateral System, its Rules of Procedures, its Financial Rules and Compliance arrangements prepared for the 1st Meeting of the Treaty’s Governing Body.

210P1

746

Some Members indicated the importance of work on biotechnology and FAO’s role to be in the forefront of the international public debate on the benefits and risks of modern biotechnology. The Committee requested that FAO give science-based advice and guidance.

19

·  Technical report on Biotechnology Applications in Fisheries and Aquaculture;

·  Expert Consultation on appropriate Applications of Biotechnologies in Fisheries and Aquaculture;

·  Global Assessment of Biotechnology Applications in Forestry;

·  Analysis of economic and other factors influencing Biotechnology in the Forestry Sector, including synergies with developments in the crop and other sectors; and

·  Technical Expert Consultation and Publication on Biotechnology for Livestock Development in Developing Countries.

Bio-
technology PAIA

195

The Committee stressed the need for greater participation of developing countries in the formulation of a rules-based food agricultural trading system, and contributions to the goal of ensuring access of all to safe and nutritious food (cf. also paragraph 22 on capacity building).

20

Capacity building workshops in developing countries.

PAIA-
AWTO,
224A2

5,600
(mostly extra-budgetary)
(same activity as for CCP para. 21 and CFS para. 9)

The Committee noted that the Joint FAO/WHO Evaluation of Codex Alimentarius and other FAO and WHO Work on Food Standards had been reviewed by an extraordinary session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in February 2003, and strongly urged that FAO provide its share of the additional resources required for the recommendations to be implemented in full.

21

·  Further increase in the number of recommendations for Maximum Residue Levels to the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues;

·  Additional Codex Sessions;

·  Establishment of Coordinator and Scientific Committee;

·  Additional sessions of JEMRA & JECFA; and

·  Other expert advice.

212P2
221P2
221P6

162
310
339

The Committee reaffirmed that priority should be given to capacity building for strengthening national statistical systems and reaffirmed the continued importance of the Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping System (FIVIMS).

23

·  Increased technical assistance to developing countries; and

·  Statistical development for FIVIMS.

222P3
220A1

500
1,500

The Committee noted the important role of the Organization in responding to emergency situations and called upon the Secretariat to examine closely the linkages between rehabilitation and development and, in collaboration with the World Food Programme, to improve the methodology for the assessment of food aid needs.

25

·  Further analytical studies linking emergency operations to rehabilitation and development; and

·  Expert consultations and analyses for improvement of the methodology for the assessment of food aid needs.

224P2
223P6

1,000
1,200

The Committee requested FAO to identify and document specific examples where applications of the rural livelihoods approach had led to success in reducing rural poverty.

46

Case studies and synthesis report.

253A4

60

The Committee endorsed the concept and further work on the International Portal on Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health, in cooperation with the relevant international organizations.

56

A fully functional and operating Portal, with a maximum number of countries linked to it.

212P1
(Bio-security PAIA)

1,839

The Committee noted that such side events, which had involved Members of FAO and of other organizations and non-governmental groups, as well as FAO staff, provided a welcome opportunity for delegates and stakeholders to discuss in a less formal setting a number of important topics and initiatives. It encouraged the Organization to continue to provide a platform for such side events in conjunction with future meetings of COAG, while considering possible improvements in their scheduling.

58

Five side events, with full interpretation and translation of documents.

210S1

15

It was agreed that Members of the Committee would meet as soon as possible, to review the Report of the Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation on Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases.

59

One half-day session of COAG, with report to Council.

210S1

72

TOTAL

18,096


29th Session of the Committee on Food Security
(12 – 16 May 2003)

Recommendation (from Report) Paragraph No. Additional Outputs Implied Programme
Entity
Reference
Incremental Resource Requirements for
2004-05
(US$ 000)
Report on the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on food security in a holistic manner and incorporate HIV/AIDS related key data in FIVIMS.

9

·  Analytical report; and

·  Inclusion of an HIV/AIDS module in FIVIMS.

224P2


220A1

50
 

150

Document and analyse ways in which trade, including trade distortions, have affected food security in countries and how the potential of trade liberalization can serve as an instrument to promote development.

9

Pertinent analytical reports.

224A2
224P2

200
200

Continue to seek extra-budgetary resources for expeditious implementation of the new programme (Umbrella II) that assists developing member countries in their multilateral negotiations through training, analyses and capacity building of institutions and human resources so that they can take advantage of trading opportunities in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

9

Capacity building workshops in developing countries.

PAIA-
AWTO
224A2

5,600
(mostly extra-budgetary)
(same activity as for COAG para. 20 and CCP para. 21)

Analyse the effect of developed countries’ support to agriculture on developing and least developed countries.

9

Analytical report.

224P1

200

Estimate the total amount of tariff revenues collected on developed countries’ imports of agriculture, fishery and forestry products from developing and least developed countries.

9

Specific report.

222P2
224P1
224A2

50
150
150

Promote the participation of developing countries in Codex meetings through the recently established FAO/WHO Trust Fund for Participation in Codex so that they can participate equally and effectively in food standard setting processes.

9

·  Participation of members of executive committee in meetings of the Codex Executive Committee; and

·  Participation of developing countries in Codex meetings.

221P2

 

 

221P2

180

 

 

3,300
(mostly extra-budgetary)

Support capacity building in developing member countries, especially with regard to the scientific, administrative and infrastructure capabilities to deal with food safety, plant and animal health as essential aspects of food security.

9

Enhanced capacity building and technical assistance.

PAIA-
BIOS
221P5
212P1
213A6

10,460
5,810
7,440
(essentially through extra-budgetary resources)

Strengthen activities of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture. 21 Technical guidance for strengthening national capacity on policy and management practices.

232P1

50

Provide technical assistance and guidance to improve the benefits of aquaculture to the poor. 21 Related capacity building and technical assistance.

232S2

180

Review standard indicators and methods for assessing vulnerability to disasters. 23 Revised standards and methods. 224P2 50
Analyse the impact of climate change on poverty, natural resources degradation food production systems and food security. 23 Specific analytical report. 224P3 120
Analyse man-made disasters and their effects on food security bearing in mind that civil strife and wars can be a leading cause of food insecurity. 23 Specific analytical report. 224P2 150
The Committee expressed its appreciation for the five side events.

26

Side events organized and held.

224S1

15

TOTAL

34,505

____________________

1 CL 124/3