Annexes (Continue)

Report on 1991 MEDRAP II Activities
By Project Coordinator

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
SECOND SESSION
CAIRO, 16–17 DECEMBER 1991

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

16 DECEMBER 1991

First Work Session

Second Work Session

17 DECEMBER 1991

Third Work Session

Fourth Work Session

PROJECT COORDINATOR REPORT

A - GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Before going on my report, I would like to thank all the National Coordinators, the Sub-regional Coordinators, FAO and UNDP Officials for the help and assistance they provided me and all MEDRAP Staff in our duties.

During my visits to several countries namely Algeria, Morocco, Syria, Cyprus, Libya, Lebanon, and Egypt, 1 have noticed that the respective authorities, have shown a deep interest to our Project. However, they seem to look out for a human and material assistance from MEDRAP. Such means are not available.

It is obviously incumbent to the National Coordinators to explain to their respective authorities, for further information, the MEDRAP second phase mission. They have to emphasize on the fact that cooperation within the region in aquaculture, should progressively be supported by concerned countries. The UNDP and FAO contributions might not be maintained after MEDRAP II.

Meanwhile, this interest shown is reassuring about the aquaculture future in the region and will urge us to evaluate the steps accomplished in out main objectives during this first year of MEDRAP II activities.

All National and Sub-regional centres have been indeed established and the Project was functionning since the begining of 1991. An important work has been committed concerning the Subnetworks. Capabilities and needs, within the region, has been collected and expected. Three seminars, on Training, Research, and Documentation and Information system were respectively held in Montpellier, Cyprus and Cairo. All the them had been given good opportunity to exchange information on present situation and to identify the action to be taken for a permanent cooperation within the region.

Regarding the second immediate objective, which consists in the increasing capacities for human resources development, MEDRAP II offered several opportunities, by holding two workshops, respectively on Diversification on Production in La Valetta (Malta) and on Lagoon Management in Nador (Morocco) and one training course on pathology in Bodrum (TURKEY).

Besides, and in the responsibilities framework of the National and Sub-regional Coordinators, and in order to further develop the activities at each Sub-group level, the Sub-regional Coordinators were invited to hold meetings with the National Coordinators of their respective area. The following meetings were held and the Sub-regional Coordinators will present to you several proposals raised during their meetings, for your approval and decisions :

-   Meeting held in Cyprus on 26th October 1991;

-   Meeting held in Tunis on 28 – 29th November 1991;

-   Meeting held in Tripoli on 3 – 4th December 1991.

The Yugoslav Sub-regional meeting could not take place due to the particular circumstances in Yugoslavia. Nevertheless, Mr. BENOVIC, the Sub-regional Coordinator, was able to make a visit to the Sub-region and will convey to you the details.

B - SUMMARIZED ACTIVITIES DURING 1991

The following is a brief synthesis on the activities held during 1991.

B.1 Workshop on Diversification of Aquaculture Production

• Objectives

The workshop on Diversification of Aquaculture Production in the Mediterranean was held in MALTA, 1 – 6 July 1991, in order to introduce new species, new technics in aquaculture production and to discuss the economical aspects including the environmental impacts on aquaculture.

• Conclusions

The participants agreed to settle recommendations which basically rely on two major poins: Production and Marketing.

The major interest in Production is the diversification of new species particularly the Puntazzo puntazzo, Dentex dentex and Pagrus major. It is suggested to establish more contacts between member countries, to exchange information and advices in the matter.

The same interest was expressed to improve the technology used in Production at reduced costs. Commercialisation and Marketing should be given an intensive attention. The aquaculture Production development should consequently lead to more marketing outlets.

• General comments

The Maltese authorities have to be congratulated for their efforts made for the success of the workshop and for their warm hospitality.

The Participants and Experts agreed to express their satisfaction and their willingness to continue their efforts to improve new species and technics.

However, some lacks have to be mentioned:

-   the new technics were not deeply examined due to the expected absence of specialized Lecturers;

-   some of the Participants were unable to fully profit from the works due to the unsufficient knowledge of the english language.

B.2 Training Subnetworking Seminar

• Objectives

The main objective of the seminar is the establishment of a permanent cooperation between all the Mediterranean countries in aquaculture training field. The identification of regional priorities and needs, and the elaboration of a Regional Strategy, are required.

• Conclusions

The compilation of a Directory on training for which a Consultant should be recruited, must be elaborated and published. Taking into consideration the complementarity of Research, Information and training Networks and their interactions. several actions should be considered and implemented.

It appears that training should be organized in each country. MEDRAP is only invited to assist in training at a higher level, closely with the focal points, to be nominated, in each country. In this regard, a greater involvement of International Organisation and private sectors should be explored.

• General comments

The information and Documentation collected from several Institutions were not sufficient to the concretisation of the Training Subnetwork.

The communication presented by some Regional Institutions familiar with Networking Systems showed that MEDRAP should cooperate with these Institutions on the Training field.

B.3 Workshop on Lagoon Management

• Objectives

Three objectives were fixed:

1. exchange of information between the regional Experts in lagoon management;

2. the use of modelling for a better management;

3. the elaboration of technical document for the lagoon management to be used by the Mediterranean countries concerned.

• Conclusions

The workshop brought out several recommendations regarding the lagoon management. The targets are to preserve the ecological equilibrium of the lagoon systems, to develop the biological, hydrodynamical and socio-economical modelling.

Member countries should work on a better organization of aquaculture activities in lagoon by insuring integrated planning and connection between Research and Production and by providing good level of Technicians.

It was noted that the legal support is necessary to insure any Project viability.

• General comments

Special mention to be pointed out for the warm hospitality and good organization provided by Morrocan authorities with special thanks to MAROST Management.

The scientific contribution of Experts and high level of Participants made this workshop benefit.

The importance of the lagoon management on aquaculture and the preservation of its environment has been pointed out. However, the lagoon is complex and needs further Research and surveys to insure a better management.

Finally and to insure the full participation of the member countries, the opening session was postponed to the following day as some Participants were not able to get their DSA and air tickets on time.

B.4 Research Subnetworking Seminar

• Objectives

The seminar was held to identify the Research priorities, and to establish a Research subnetwork strategy.

• Conclusions

The major conclusion of this seminar is the identification and the establishment of the following Networks and the nomination of focal points accordingly:

1. “Diversification of Production” in Cyprus.

2. “Nutrition” in Portugal.

3. “Fresh water Aquaculture” in Bulgaria.

4. “Interactions between Aquaculture and Environment” in Tunisia.

5. “Pathology” in Malta.

6. “Lagoon Management” in Morocco.

It was also proposed that a promoting publication dealing with aquaculture development in the Mediterranean and particularly on MEDRAP activities might be published.

The importance of cooperation and exchange between producers has been mentioned.

The meeting on Production Subnetwork has been proposed to be held in Morocco in 1992.

• General Comments

The Cypriote authorities have been very helpful at all the organisational level of the seminar and did their best for its success. This has to be mentioned and a hard thanks have to be addressed to them.

The contribution of Experts and Representatives of Regional and International Institutions dealing with Mediterranean Research and Environmental helped reached the objectives and concretising the following steps in the establishment of Networkings.

B.5 Basic Level Training Course on Diagnosis and Prevention for Aquatic Species

• Objectives

The main objective is to give Technicians of aquaculture farms a basic level in disease diagnosis and prevention for aquatic species to enable them participate in their respective countries in preventive actions against disease.

• Conclusion

The participants of different level beneficiated from the theorotical and practical sessions on Pathology problems in the fish farms and have exchanged experiences and expertises.

• General Comments

It was very well organised course. The Institute of Fisheries of Bordrum provided all the material required included lecture rooms, laboratories equipment, etc… It is worth to mention that although it is the first opportunity given to the Turkish National Coordinator to organise such course he made it a full success for which he is congratulated without omitting to thank the Turkish Authorities for their hospitality.

Although the participants knowledge was enriched by the course, they still feel the need for the following:

• Specialised courses on Bacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, Immunology, Histopathology and Microbiology.

• Short laboratory practical training on identification of sea bass and sea bream diseases to be held by MEDRAP in the near future

• An expert mission to assist MEDRAP Countries to elaborate a legislation on introduction of new species, eggs, larvae, fry importation of the common species in the Mediterranean Countries.

• They also felt the need of a librarian reference and recommended that a central library be created for easy reference.

C - BUDGET SITUATION AND PROPOSALS

C.1 General Comments

One of the major problems in the budget management is the monitoring and the follow up of expenditures which comes under the relevant FAO Department in Rome.

Despite the willingness of the fisheries Department Staff and the improving collaboration plan between this lnstitution and the Project, the solution to the restricting system is far away to come out.

During the last Steering Committee meeting, held in Tunis on April 1991, it was decided and agreed to open an imprest Account in Tunis which was not possible to realise until October 1991. However, this imprest Account will not provide any facilities to the Project Coordinator regarding the issuance of tickets and DSA. The procedures remained unchanged.

In such situation, the Project Coordinator may not be able to elaborate an accurate expenditure statement in which any amount submitted would be provisional and do not display any efficient data.

The management of RER budget is worth to mention. During the last Steering Committee, it was agreed the following :

1. to seize UNDP on the low credits allocated to the European countries;

2. to charge RAB Budget of Consultants and Experts fees whom contribution is requested in several Project activities.

The answer to the letter, sent to UNDP regarding the review of RER Budget, is still pending (see Annex 1).

Regarding the RER Budget, the FAO Representative will provide us with the credit situation.

C.2 Budget Adjustment

The work plan submitted and adopted during the last Steering Committee, pointed out the possibility of decreasing the number of Consultants. This will allow the contribution of the Member Countries Experts instead.

An adjustment number 1 retained by FAO/UNDP allowed to decrease the amount allocated to CMT 1151 from US Dollars 400,945 to US Dollars 350,000.

In the new adjustment number 2 submitted for your adoption, it is proposed to decrease the amount to US Dollars 300,000.

The Duty Travel subscribed under CMT 1500 and the Mission Costs CMT 1600 are not deemed proper to cover the travelling expenses of the Project Coordinator, the Sub-regional Coordinators and the Consultants. The intitial previsions and those also retained in the adjustment number 1, are, in fact, not sufficient. Consequently, a necessity to increase the Missions Costs credit from US Dollars 70,000 to US Dollars 110,000 for 1992, and to US Dollars 70,000 for 1993, is obvious.

On the heading Study Tours, CMT 3200, rely activities of the Project. This item covers the travelling expenses and stay fees of Technicians and Experts who participate in seminars, workshop, training courses and any other activities of the Project.

The establishment of new Research networks and other Subnetworks as well as the increase participation of private sectors (Managers, Producers,…) require further travel costs and stay fees. It is then proposed to increase the amount allocated to Study Tour Column from US Dollars 70,000 to US Dollars 150,000 for 1993. The amount for 1992 will be the same.

I wish, the Steering Committee can come to a decision regarding the above mentioned propositions.

I also wish that the Steering Committee invite once more, the FAO and UNDP, to urgently take necessary actions relevant to the amendement of the regulations governing the Chiefs of Regional Projects, to allow the “Nationals” enjoy the same working conditions as the “internationals”, who are assuming the same tasks. This should bring no doubt about the willingness and the swiftness of the FAO Staff in Rome and in Tunis and it is worth to mention that they have provided a full support to the Project Coordinator activities.

UNDP Contribution (in US Dollars)

C.3 / CREDIT INITIAL PRODOC

C.4 / CREDIT ADJUSTMENT № 1 APPROVED BY UNDP/FAO

C.5 / NEW CREDIT ADJUSTMENT PROPOSAL

C.6/ BUDGET SITUATION STATEMENT AS COMMUNICATED BY FAO
RAB/89/005/B/01/12

C.7 / BUDGET SITUATION STATEMENT AS COMMUNICATED BY FAO
RER/87/009/G/01/12

D- Global Activity Programme 1992 – 1993

The following schedule of activities has been elaborated with respect to the ambitious Project objectives. However, several national and subregional activities will come to enrich the programmes submitted for your approval.

I - Activities on a National Level

The global activity programme, for the next two years, has been elaborated with the concern to favour several activities on a national level and to induce the exchange of information between the Mediterranean countries on the following themes. All technics of communications, such as conferences, workshops, seminars, etc…, could be used for the purposes. In this way, the National and sub-regional coordinators are more involved in the Project activities and in the realisation of its objectives.

1 - Hatchery Assessment (January – April 92)

Several aspects related to Hatchery, should be developped:

-   Hatchery realisation Functionning and appropriate technologies;

-   the selting of Hatcheries in the aquaculture development process : roles and impacts…

-   training of Experts, Technicians, Workers, etc…;

-   research to be carried out on the matter;

-   Hatchery management etc…

2 - Aquaculture and Environment (May – July 92)

The interrelations between Aquaculture and Environment, should be pointed out for further development :

-   identification of suitable sites to aquaculture;

-   evaluation of different types of aquaculture;

-   appreciation and study of the aquaculture effect on the land, as well as in the sea;

-   Efects of environment on aquaculture.

3 - Farm Design Engineering (September – December 92)

Technical aspects of aquaculture farming should be developped such as:

-   conception of aquaculture stations, its structure;

-   its pumping station, its aeration circuit, its heating etc…

4 - Pathology (January – April 93)

Several diseases should be considered in order to preserve species:

-   bacterial, viral, mycotic and parasitical diseases;

-   preventive actions, etc…

5 - Nutrition (May – July 92)

-   different types of food, its composition;

-   increase local food production.

6 - Hatchery and Farm Management (September – December 93)

-   Technical, financial and commercial management;

-   evaluation of rentability average;

-   ensuring of production and development aspects.

It is worth to mention that the financial implications of the mentioned activities will be supported by each organiser country. MEDRAP will follow up and will elaborate a sythesis report.

II - Constitution of Research Networks

According to the recommendations of the Research Subnetworking seminar, it was proposed the establishment of 6 Networks and the nomination of their respective local points.

The Network Steering Committee is invited to discuss and adopt the following proposals :

These Networks, will be effectively operational begining their first constitution meeting. However, this meeting should partially include discussions on procedures and conditions of functionings and works. The focal points will ensure the coordination and will mainly conduct the works on Research and exchange of discussions and views.

In the meantime, the travel fees and DSA expenses occuring from the first meeting of constitution of the Network will be supported by the Project, for one Researcher per country. In the future, all the activities organised, will be supported by the respective participating countries. Hence, the countries involved will have to consider their financial commitment to the participation fees to the Networks activities.

III - Seminars

Among the five seminars to be held, two will treat the Aquaculture Development in general:

The remaining three seminars will deal with the Subnetworkings constitutions:

IV- Workshops and Training Sessions

The most important activities during the coming couple of years will deal with Trainings. The conclusions raised from the Training subnetworking Seminar held during 1991 are mostly inviting the countries to locally organise training sessions in order to improve the aquaculture level. MEDRAP intervention will mainly consist in training and in recycling of Experts and Researchers which is scheduled thru the following activities:

MEDRAP II

RAB/89/005-RER/87/009

GLOBAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMME : 1992 – 1993

E. Miscellaneous

A- Special Assistance

Several countries namely Lebanon, Albania, Syria, Libya would appreciate special effort from MEDRAP for the development of their aquaculture activities (Annex 2).

1. They propose to be allowed to send two Technicians or Experts at technical activities, particularly Training, in charge of the Project.

2. They also propose a long period Training for their Technicians in qualified centres on aquaculture and request MEDRAP assistance.

B- Associated Countries Situation

France, is the only associated country, who joined the Project and supported its activities. We feel grateful towards this valuable assistance and hope that they continue to provide the Project with the same interest and efforts.

However, it is still necessary that UNDP and FAO will continue their contact with Italian, Spanish and Greek authorities to join the Project and to contribute to technology transfer in the region and to help the development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean.

C- Committee for Permanent Cooperation Structure

Following the last Steering Committee, held in Tunis on April 26, it was decide the constitution of an ad hoc committee to elaborate a legal document on the regulations governing the cooperation in aquaculture field after MEDRAP ii achievement phase.

The Mediterranean countries members of the Committee will have, after consultation, to adopt the above mentioned document.

In addition, it was decided the constitution of this Committee during the second session of the Steering Committee and to convene the Committee parallel with the seminar on Planification for Aquaculture Development to be held Algiers in, on 26.30 May 92.

The Network Steering Committee is hereby kindly requested to decide the constitution of the Committee and to designate the following:

-   an FAO Expert specialized in International Law and mainly initiated to multinational conventions;

-   two Jurists specialized respectively in Public Law and Private Law and initiated to aquaculture problems;

-   an economist specialized in aquaculture;

-   two Experts in Aquaculture (if possible among the National Coordinators).

Finally, it is proposed the designation of a Consultant for the preparation of a Project Document, in collaboration with the Project Coordinator, to be submitted to the ad hoc Committee at his first session which document will constitute the first work basis.

D- MEDRAP Publication

One of the major points raised during the Research Subnetworking seminar was the proposal of a promoting publication dealing with aquaculture development in the Mediterranean and particularly MEDRAP activities.

Two possibilities could be envisaged:

-   the first consists in the publication of a double leaves journal of approximatively 8 pages total. The subject will be limited to general information and will be a means of communication between the region. It will have no deep scientific approach. The English will be the language to use. Nevertheless, the Arabic and French languages could be used without necessity to translate the items.

The journal will be published on a monthly basis and will approximatively cost 1,000.00 US $ for 1000 units in one colour, and 1,1250.00 US $ in two colours.

-   the second possibility will be a scientific and general information review to be published in English. It will include at the same time studies, communications, research results as well as synthesis on the Project activities in addition to general information. The review will be of 40 to 50 pages, in order to be substantive, and will cost 3500 US $ in one colour and 4500 US $ in two colours for 1000 units considering that the number printing will be limited.

It is obvious that for this publication, a real administration is required for its management.

The Network Steering Committee is kindly requested to decide on the publication.

Annexes

Annex 1

LE COORDINATEUR DU PROJET
MEDRAP II

A

MONSIEUR LE REPRESENTANT RESIDENT
DU PNUD EN TUNISIE

Le Comité Directeur (NSC), du Projet MEDRAP it, m'a chargé, lors de sa réunion tenue à Tunis le 26 Avril 1991, de sensibiliser les autorités concernées du PNUD à l'insuffisance des ressources disponibles pour la participation des pays Européens members aux activités du Projet.

Ces pays, au nombre de spel: Albanie-Bulgarie-Chypre-Malte-Portugal-Turquie et Yougoslavie, ne disposent, en effet, que de Quatre Cent Milles (400.000) Dollars de budget. Ils considèrent ce montant, à just litre, insuffisant, enégard à l'importance du projet et aux multiples activités qui y sont prévues.

Le Comité Directeur, tout en étant convaincu de la nécessité de faire participer davantage les pays members au financement du Projet et conscient du bien fondé des options retenues en la matière par le PNUD, n'en demeure pas moins convaincu qu'un effort supplémentaire des donateurs et en particulier du PNUD, devrait être consenti en faveur du Project dans sa phase actuelle et pus spécialement au profit des pays Européens en question.

Je vous saurais done gré des dispositions que vous, voudriez bein faire prendre auprés des autorités compétentes du PNUD pout faire aboutir la présente requête et de bien vouloir me tenir informé des suites qui lui seraient réservées.

Ja saisis cette occasion pour vous renouveler l'expression de ma haute considération.

Annex 2

TRANSMISSION FACSIMILE

TEXT:

Some Member Countries of the Project, in the aim of developing their aquaculture, wish to ensure the training of their senior staff and technicians in countries who have reached an advanced level of development in aquaculture.

In consideration to the level of your institutions and Research and Training Centres in aquaculture, I would like to have your views and comments regarding the training of these experts and technicians in your Centres.

I would appreciate your filling the enclosed questionnaire sheet and returning back at your earliest convenience, obviously no later than end of November.

Looking forward to reading from you soon, I remain.

Sincerely yours,

HASSEN AKROUT
PROJECT COORDINATOR

Mr.

MEDRAP II
RAB/89/005-RER/87/009

Annex 3

Dear Colleague,

It has been decided, during the Networking Steering Committee meeting held in Tunis on April 26th 1991, that the National Coordinators should transmit, to the Regional Coordination Centre, the national programme of activities for the development of aquaculture in their respective countries, mainly in the fields of Training and Research.

You are therefore, requested to elaborate these programmes as soon as possible to keep me informed of this.

These programmes should concern the activities undertaken by public agencies, as well as private ones, which are, directly or indirectly, concerned by aquaculture development in member countries.

It is obvious that the programmed should take into account the regional and sub-regional activities agreed upon during the Steering Committee meeting and should contribute to complete and improve them.

HASSAN AKROUT
PROJECT COORDINATOR

Annex 4

TRANSMISSION FACSIMILE

TEXT:

During its meeting on 26th April 1991, the NSC has adopted a recommendation on the creation of National Committees for the Development of Aquaculture (NCDA) in the member countries.

The NCDA are meant to have the National Coordinator assisted by representatives from all the concerned parties, at the Research level (universities) as well as that of Production (inter-professional organisations) in order to favour a rational and global aquaculture development, and to ensure continuity in the evolution of the project at the level of each of the member countries.

The NCDA, presided and animated by the National Coordinator, should, contribute to the elaboration of the national programmes of activities and look after their execution on one hand. On the other hand they are to participate to the design and implementation of the sub-regional and regional activities.

The setting up, composition and organisation each NCDA will depend on the national authorities of the member countries within their respective competence.

The National and Sub-regional Coordinates are requested to look upon the creation of these committees within the shortest delays in order to provide more efficiency for the Project and the good functioning of these committees.

The Project Coordinator should be informed of the different steps undertaken for the purpose.

Best regards.

HASSAN AKROUT
PROJECT COORDINATOR