REPORT

1. MEDRAP II Second Network Steering Committee meeting took place between 16–17 December 1991, at the Ministry of Agriculture in Cairo.

2. The meeting was attended by 13 countries representatives, 2 associated countries, 3 sub-regional Coordinators, FAO and UNDP. (Annex 1).

3. Mr. Bechir TRITAR, National Coordinator of Tunisia opened the session in his capacity of Chairman of the Steering Committee meeting in Tunis. He welcomed all participants, and pointed out that Greece for the first time, is present. He also welcomed Mr. M. BOULAARES (UNDP) and Mr. R. ZIESLER (FAO).

4. 1. Mr. M. BOULAARES (UNDP) expressed satisfaction at the progress thus for made, and underscored the respective governments continue to show active interest in aquaculture and MEDRAP.

   2. B/ Mr. R. ZIESLER (FAO) gave a brief introductory speech thanking the excellent arrangements in hosting this meeting.

5. The Chairman of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development, Mr. T.YOUSSEF, on behalf of the Egyptian authorities welcomed all participants, expressing his wish to see the meeting produce positive results for the benefit of our region.

6. Officers of the meeting were elected as follows :

   -	Mr. A. SHINAWY	Chairman
   -	Mr. G. MEMISOGLU	Vice-Chairman
   -	Mr. H. KOUYOUMJIAN	Reportor
   -	Mr. A. BERRAHO	Vice-reporter

   
   

7. After preliminary discussions, the agenda was approved as presented, however, it was decided to discuss the reports of past major activities before the national and subregional reports. "Other" was added to the agenda.

8. The Project Coordinator, Mr. H. AKROUT presented a review of 1991 activities. He mentioned many successful activities, and also some deficiencies, which should be remedied as the project progress. He underlined a number of technical and procedural issues in the implementation process with FAO, such as problems of travel authorisation, DSA, etc. He acknowledged the special assistance of FAO and UNDP to MEDRAP II.

9. The group leaders of the major activities carried out in 1991, briefly reported on the respective activities as follows:

   1. Ms. Diane SPITERI (in the absence of Mr. C. AGIUS) : Workshop on Diversification of Aquaculture Production in the Mediterranean.

   2. Mrs. D. STEPHANOU : Training Subnetworking Seminar.

   3. Mr. A. BERRAHO (in the absence of Mr. RAMI) : Workshop on Lagoon Management.

   4. Mrs. D. STEPHANOU (in the absence of Mr. A. DEMETROPOULOS) : Workshop on Research Sub-networking.

   5. Mr. G. MEMISOGLU : Training Course on Pathology;

   6. Mr. S. R. COPPOLA (in the absence of Mr. A. KHATER) : Seminar on Information and Documentation System on Aquaculture.

10. Additionally, the following remarks and comments were made:

    • many representatives highlighted the importance of seeking additional sources of financing;

    • the importance of integrating most. if not all countries in the major activities;

    • as regards item 9 (3), the representative of France said it would be relevant to take into consideration: (a) the multidisciplinary research programme (ECOTHAU) carried out for 6 years in France in the Thau lagoon, and (b) a new proposal made to the Group of 10 (UMA and Western European countries) for the establishment of a network on Lagoon management. He recommended to explore the possibilities of benefiting from the outputs of those two initiatives. This was adopted.

    • The Project Coordinator stressed that the subnetworks under the research network-9 (4)-must operate on their own except for initial organisation of the initial meeting(s) by MEDRAP II. The success of the networks depend on the initiative and the role of the lead country. He also stressed the importance of linking-up with related regional programmes, and pointed out that mechanisms for operating the networks, as well as identifying priorities and sources financing, must take presedence over other considerations. The lead centre(s) must initiate these actions immediately. This was adopted.

    • The steering committee asked the MEDRAP II Coordinator to link-up the above meetings with other activities in the work plan.

11. Concerning training activities, it was suggested (1) to provide the trainers a certificate at the end of the session, (2) to request the lecturers to supplement their lectures with notes prepared in advance to be distributed to the participants.

12. As regard the proposed budget for the information network system, the Steering Committee reiterated the importance of having a regional information network system involving all the countries. (Refer to report of Steering Committee held on Tunisia 26 April, 1991).

    The Steering Committee also adopted the recommendations of the information seminar held in Cairo 11–13 December 1991, and conveys it through the Project Coordinator to UNDP for a quick consideration.

    In view of the inability of UNDP to provide funds for equipment for national needs, the proposal of the representative of France (to secure funds from the French Trust Funds under the FAO, to procure basic EDP equipment to the 4 countries in order to be used as terminals) is acknowledged with thanks.

13. Budgetary Consideration and Discussions

    Mr. H. AKROUT, the Project Coordinator made a number of general remarks about the Project Budget, and submitted the revised and approved Budget by UNDP for consideration. New proposed revisions were also made available. He mentioned some technical difficulties and suggested to increase certain budget lines, such as training. On the other hand, he indicated that there are some savings under the budget line for consultants.

14. Mr. R. ZIESLER, FAO, informed that the budget has been periodically adjusted to reflect updated expenditures and commitments, this includes amendments related to increased expenditures in travel costs. Furthermore, he informed that UNDP agreed to transfer the balance of the preparatory phase of the RAB project to phase II (53.000 USD).

15. Mr. M. BOULAARES informed that it is more relevant to talk about budget revisions rather than credit adjustments. He commented on the proposed revision and expressed no objections to the adjustment which will better reflect the project commitments. As regards the cancellation of one UNV post in RER budget he suggested that a replacement solution should be found. He added that RER budget cannot be increased.

16. National and Regional Activities

    National Coordinators presented a progress report each on the state of aquaculture and related activities. These presentations were completed by additional information given by the Sub-regional Coordinators. (Annex 2).

17. Programme 1992–1993

    -   In line with previous recommendations, it was decided to couple several activities whenever possible. The Project Coordinator will note all the recommended changes and introduce the amendments in the relevant documents.

    -   As regards activities at the national level, proposed by the Project Coordinator, and after thorough discussion, it was decided not to include them in the programme of work. Refer to working document presented by the MEDRAP II Coordinator to the meeting. Annex 3).

18. As regards item on "Workshops and Training sessions", it was decided to also include trainers as beneficiaries, Other changes in the programme and timetable are given in (Annex 4).

19. Miscellaneous

    The following recommendations and amendments were made :

    1. Special assistance recommendations were accepted for countries needing special assistance. However, some countries who are in position to offer training might need additional information as regards exact needs of the Coordinator, to discuss matters with countries able to offer training.

       This will be done within budget limits.

    2. Concerning associated countries, the Project Coordinator will continue, with the help of UNDP and FAO, to pursue contacts with Italian and Spanish authorities and EEC, to contribute to the project.

    3. It was agreed to establish an Ad-hoc Committee composed of technical and legal experts for the elaboration of a legal document on the regulations governing the cooperation in aquaculture after completion of MEDRAP II, for discussion at the next Network Steering Committee.

       The Coordinator requested participants to submit names of legal experts, economists and other experts.

       The Project Coordinator will finalize the establishment of the Committee in consultation with FAO. It was suggested to have some of the experts from associated countries such as France. The task of the consultant proposed will be the preparation of a feasibility study.

    4. Concerning a MEDRAP publication, it was decided that it. was too early at this stage to embark upon this activity.

    5. Others

       -   It has been difficult to recruit UN Volunteers. In any case, because of budgetary constraints, one was cancelled.

       Cyprus said that if positions are cancelled, it can not be assumed that the authorities in the Sub-regional centres can assume the responsibility to provide the necessary staff from the national staff. In the case of Cyprus this is not possible.

       -   The Coordinator underlined the difficulties related to travel authorisation, DSA and other technical matters. It was suggested that the National Coordinators should inform the Project Coordinator and FAO about the best way to overcome these difficulties.

       -   The National Coordinator, of Yugoslavia pointed out the difficulties in Yugoslavia, with regard to Croatia where these activities were primarily located. He asked the steering Committee to recognise the need that the original project document is to be signed by Croatia. This was noted by the Steering Committee who shared the difficulties the National and Sub-regional Coordinators based there face in furthering their responsibilities. It is further hoped that UNDP and FAO keep the Steering Committee informed about this matter.

       -   The representative of Greece expressed her satisfaction at being here. She was willing to share expertise and information in this field. She also gave an informative talk about the status of aquaculture in Greece.

20. Text meeting will take place in Albania, October 1992.

21. Meeting adjourned 2:30 p.m. 17 December 1991.

Travel Authorisations and DSA
Recommendations

These are suggestions formulated by the member countries participants concerning the dispatching of travel authorisations and DSA: