Annex IV "Strategic Plan for the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission"

Strategic Plan for the
Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission

Annex IV

This strategic plan has the following elements:

Position statement
Mission statement
Strategic directions
Goals and objectives

1. Position statement

The primary concern of the Commission on its initiation was the prevention of the introduction of the disease of rubber plants, South American Leaf Blight (SALB), to the region. This remains one of the major concerns for those members that cultivate rubber. The Commission holds biennial meetings, which for many years have been its principal activity. At these meeting members report on the plant protection situation in their countries. Up until recently, the Secretariat published a short bulletin which reported significant plant protection items occurring in the region and lists of the main pest and diseases of major crops.

In the 1990's, the Commission hosted early meetings on the Principles of Plant Quarantine and on Risk Analysis at FAO office in Bangkok. After the revision of the IPPC, the Commission decided in 1997 to review and revise the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific region so that it was aligned with the SPS Agreement and the revised IPPC. The modified Plant Protection Agreement was adopted by the Commission session of 1999. The amendments were proposed in two parts – Part A covering nearly all of the changes to the agreement including the power to make standards and to establish sub-commissions, and Part B covering the provision for the South American Leaf Blight (SALB). The acceptance of Part B depends on the Commission preparing a standard on SALB. This is under preparation with the finalising of a PRA on SALB.

In 2000 the APPPC held its first regional workshop to consider Draft ISPMs. Such regional workshops have been held every year since then.

Commission members have taken advantage of the facility within the revised agreement to develop and adopt regional standards. The Commission established an APPPC Regional Standards Committee. With the help of drafting material from Australia and New Zealand and expert working groups, two regional standards for phytosanitary measures were adopted in 2003 and two more in 2005.

Other activities include establishment of Standing Committees on IPM, Pesticides and Plant Quarantine that meet regularly in the Commission Sessions and support the member countries in reviewing and promoting activities in these areas. The Commission is strongly involved in the promotion of measures to prevent the introduction and spread of pests in the region and has been holding expert consultations on important quarantine pests such as Expert Consultation on Coconut Beetle Outbreak in APPPC member countries in 2004.

The successful implementation of IPM programmes in rice, cotton and vegetables in recent years is a positive example of the achievements of the APPPC member countries. The Commission is supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) with the IPM programmes in the member countries through a programme of Farmer Education following the Farmer Field School approach.

APPPC has worked for the harmonization of pesticides regulations in the region and has especially supported the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides and the Convention of Prior Informed Consent, the apparent disparity existing in capacity to assess pesticides for proper regulation among the APPPC member countries and enforcement of effective control actions demands promotion of harmonization schemes among different member countries.

An APPPC Information Exchange Network is developed through the establishment of an APPPC website within IPP. To build the capacity of the member countries in areas of Quarantine, Pesticide Management and IPM training, workshops and programmes have been supported by APPPC.

As an FAO Commission established under IPPC Article XVI, Supplementary Agreements (of the 1997 version), the Commission was funded by FAO and the Secretariat was provided by the Plant Protection Service of FAO. In 1983, the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific region was amended to include a clause allowing for mandatory financial contributions from member countries. However, though 15 countries have ratified this amendment, it has not yet come into force (still need ratifications of 2 countries more). As noted above, the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific region has been amended again to update its provisions so they are aligned with the WTO-SPS Agreement and the revised IPPC.

The funds made available for the APPPC by FAO is from the regular budget of the Plant Protection Officer in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, which was originally from AGPP, FAO (HQ). These have made it possible to arrange one or two working group meetings per year. Other meetings have been arranged where it has been possible to put meetings back to back and have the participants funded from other sources. Some meetings have been arranged in the region as part of the IPP programme of the CPM or the Technical Cooperation Programme of FAO or the Rotterdam Convention or regional projects.

The increased activity of members has put considerable strain on the few resources provided by FAO for the Commission. The collection of funds for the work of Commission members has become an important issue. Members recognize that more resources must be forthcoming, in order to implement the provisions of the Agreement.

2. Mission statement

To support the common purpose to secure effective action in preventing the introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products to:

protect plant, human and animal health and the environment,
facilitate trade,
protect the sustainability of agriculture

for the Asia and Pacific region

This is accomplished by providing a regional forum for cooperation and promoting the full implementation of the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific region through:

the development of measures for plant protection including the promotion of IPM and the Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides
the development of information management systems
capacity development, including the coordination and training of staff
input into international systems, including assistance for the development of international standards for phytosanitary measures
the development of administration systems.

3. Strategic directions

Strategic direction No. 1: Plant protection measures

The major role of the APPPC is to assist members in the development of measures for plant protection. This will include programmes for:

developing and adopting regional standards for phytosanitary measures
the prevention of the introduction and spread of pests
the promotion and implementation of IPM and GAP
the promotion of the implementation of the FAO Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides.
the Rotterdam Convention

Strategic direction No. 2: Information management

This strategic direction covers the development of information management systems to:

review the status of plant protection in the region and the need for action
collect, collate and disseminate plant protection information in the region

Strategic direction No. 3: Capacity development

In furthering regional cooperating, members are encouraged to collaborate and assist in the development of plant protection systems. The Commission will identify specific needs in capacity building and facilitate assistance from APPPC members or other sources.

Strategic direction No. 4: International agreements

The APPPC will provide inputs into international agreements relevant to APPPC functions, including specifically the assistance in development of ISPMs.

Strategic direction No. 5: Administration

To operate the APPPC to implement its goals, the development of administration systems for:

the implementation of the agreement including

Identification and mobilization of financial resources for the Commission's activities
Efficient management of resources
Coordination of information exchange
Development of an appropriate Secretariat capability

the development of relevant bilateral or multilateral arrangements associated with the Agreement
the coordination of the sub-commissions on regional issues
the resolution/settlement of technical issues between members

4. Goals and objectives

Table 1. Strategic direction No. 1: Plant protection measures
	Goals	Timing	Priority	Means
1.1	Develop and Adopt Regional Standards		High	APPPC SC and the biennial session
1.1.1	Establish and operate drafting group		High	SCPQ, SC, Secrt.
1.1 2	Maintain and operate Standards Committee		High	SC, Secretariat
1.1.3	Develop mechanism for selecting topics for standards		High	SC
1.1.4	Develop PRA on SALB Standards		High	SCPQ and SC
1.2	Prevention of Introduction of Spread of Pests
1.2.1	Training workshop for surveillance including use of acceptable methodology		Medium	SCPQ
1.2.2	List of identification experts and identification facilities, and develop pest detection methods for import and export quarantine system		Low
1.2.3.	Development of climate pest damage model to provide advisory information		Low
1.2.4.	Develop procedures for dealing with pest incursion		High	SCPQ
1.2.5	Procedure for pest reporting		Low	SCPQ
1.2.6	Listing and promotion of acceptable phytosanitary treatment for pest/product combination		Medium	SCPQ, SCP
1.3	Promote and Implementation of IPM
1.3.1	Expert Consultations on special pests		Low
1.3.2	Technical assistance for IPM FFS and biocontrol		Low
1.3.3	Promote and support the development of IPM, GAP, food safety programmes		High	SC
1.4	Pesticides Management
1.4.1	Promote implementation of Code of Conduct on High Distribution and Use of Pesticides and Rotterdam Convention		High	SCP
1.4.2	Technical Assistance in Harmonization of Pesticide regulation		Low	SCP and Secretariat
Note: SC – Standard Committee of APPPC; SCPQ – Standing Committee of Plant Quarantine; SCP – Standing Committee of Pesticide Management

Table 2. Strategic direction No. 2: Information management
	Goals	Timing	Priority	Means
2.1	Review the status of plant protection in the region and and the need for action		High	Secretariat information officer
2.1.1	Review reporting system for biennial discussion		High	Secretariat and information officer
2.1.2.	Collect and disseminate plant protection information in the region		High	Secretariat and information officer
2.1.3	Promotion of the provision of information by members to the IPP		Medium	Secretariat and information officer

Table 3. Strategic direction No. 3: Capacity development
	Goals	Timing	Priority	Means
3.1	Specific needs
3.1.1	Training workshops on PRA		High	Secretariat/ Coordinating Countries/Donors
3.1.2	Training workshop on Pesticide Risk assessment		High	Secretariat/ Coordinating Countries/Donors
3.1.3	Training workshop on Pest Free Area and low pest prevalence		High	Secretariat/ Coordinating Countries/Donors
3.1.4	Training workshop on collection & rehabilitation of pest specimen, and develop pest detection methods for import and export quarantine system		Low
3.1.5	Training workshop on management of Medium obsolete pesticides			Secretariat/ Coordinating Countries/Donors

Table 4. Strategic direction No. 4: International agreements
	Goals	Timing	Priority	Means
4.1	Input into international agreement
4.1.1	Conduct Regional Workshop on Draft ISPMs		High	APPPC and IPPC Secretariat
4.1.2	Identify topics for ISPMs		High	Regional Workshop and Members via Secretariat
4.1.3	Promote acceptance/ratification of specified agreements (e.g. IPPC, PIC)		High	IPPC/PIC/APPPC Secretariat etc.

Table 5. Strategic direction No. 5: Administration
	Goals	Timing	Priority	Means
5.1	Implementation of the agreement
5.1.1	Promote accept revised APPPC 1983 and 1999		High	Secretariat
5.1.2	Coordination funding for plant protection activities in the region		High	Secretariat
5.1.3	Efficient management of resources		High	Secretariat
5.1.4	Development of appropriate Secretariat capability to Session increase resource		High	APPPC
5.1.5	Develop of appropriate operational procedures as required		Low

BUSINESS PLAN FOR THE
ASIA AND PACIFIC PLANT PROTECTION COMMISSION

Executive summary

The Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) is one of the regional plant protection organisations set up under the framework of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The APPPC complements the activities of the IPPC in the Asia and Pacific region.

The primary aim of the APPPC is the protection of the plant resources of Asia and the Pacific from the introduction and spread of pests of plants. The protection preserves the plant, human and animal health and the environment, facilitates trade and protects the sustainability of agriculture in the region. The protection arises from the developing of measures for plant protection including regional plant protection programmes, regional phytosanitary standards, the developing of information management systems, the developing of phytosanitary capacity and training opportunities and from inputting into the international system for the development of international standards for phytosanitary measures.

The regional phytosanitary standards produced by the APPPC are specifically selected and designed by APPPC members to meet the needs of the region and to support international phytosanitary standards. They offer guidance in some areas not covered by the IPPC or are produced to meet particular requirements of APPPC members. The regional component of this organization could allow for the development of regional programmes for plant protection with effectiveness greater than that achieved by global programmes.

The APPPC supports IPM and Pesticides Management programmes in the region by providing technical assistance & information exchange for facilitation of programmes.

The developing of information management systems, with the consequential increasing availability of information on phytosanitary requirements, procedures and systems is of significant assistance to APPPC members. This is supported by the developing of phytosanitary capacity and training opportunities within the region. The liaison afforded by the APPPC will provide increased opportunities in capacity building and training programmes.

The resources of the APPPC have been limited to those provided by FAO and funds provided for specific programmes by some countries. At present, they support one biennial session for the Commission and three working group meetings per biennium. This level of activity is insufficient for the adequate functioning of the Commission.

The plan stipulates areas of works and projects which could be funded by government or other sponsored organization. These activities described are based on the requirements of member countries in the area of plant protection identity.

The proposed biennium expenditure of the APPPC for the year 2008–2009 would be US$428 000.

BUSINESS PLAN FOR THE
ASIA AND PACIFIC PLANT PROTECTION COMMISSION

1. Members' needs and the APPPC

The protection of plants from pests is fundamental for food security, trade access and protection of the environment and leads to a range of benefits to members, especially poverty alleviation. The APPPC is instrumental in assisting to provide this protection. The needs of the APPPC members include:

effective plant protection measures are important for sustainable and efficient food production and protection of the environment.
IPM and sound pesticides management for reducing costs of production, increasing farmer incomes and reducing contamination that may result from the use of chemical pesticides.
market access to facilitate the establishment of trade in plants and plant products between countries. International standards for phytosanitary measures that provide a fundamental basis for the negotiation of market access for plant products. There is a basic need for the international standards to be understood and implemented by countries. These international standards can also be supported by regional standards.
plant protection information for the operation of phytosanitary systems for the prevention and introduction of pests.
capacity development and training which are fundamental for many of the members of the Commission.

The protection of the health status of plants in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and the environment is
a major priority for the region. As much as possible, the region needs to develop and maintain the infrastructure, appropriate regulations and trained personnel. The Commission has the ability to set up and operate plant protection programmes over the region.

Chemical pest control is a popular option in agriculture. Indiscriminate use of pesticides, however, could create a number of adverse impacts, including agricultural production, human health, environmental effects and economic problems associated with marketing of agricultural produce. APPPC can facilitate the improvement of sound management of pesticides which is vital for a number of member countries through the promotion of implementing related international instruments, standards, codes and guidelines etc. developed by international agencies and other organization.

The understanding and implementation of standards is of primary importance in maintaining a country's plant health status and the gaining of access for the export of plants and plant products. Regional organizations such as the APPPC can have a major role in this area. The APPPC has the capability to arrange training programmes for the implementation of international and regional standards.

All countries of the region have the need for basic information on the plant health status of neighbouring countries and the regulations of trade partners. The application of all measures is dependent on this basic information. The APPPC can provide a coordinating data base for the sharing of such information.

The region has many requirements for capacity development and training. Having being established under FAO, the Commission is linked to the FAO programmes of capacity development and training in the area of plant protection and possesses the capability to develop programmes and coordinates programmes subject to the availability of funding.

With active participation and contribution from the member countries and other organizations of this regional APPPC, the regional Plant Protection organization – which was the first regional organization to establish a regional working group on Draft ISPMs – could continue to play an active role in furthering the plant protection activities in this region.

2. The APPPC and its current situation

As an FAO Commission established under Article XVI, Supplementary Agreements (of the 1997 version), the Commission was funded by FAO and the Secretariat was provided by the Plant Protection Service of FAO. In 1983, the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific region was amended to include a clause allowing for mandatory financial contributions from member countries. However, 15 countries have ratified this amendment, but it has not yet come into force (still less than 2/3 – 16). Since then, the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific region has been amended again in 1999 to update its provisions so they are aligned with the WTO-SPS Agreement and the revised IPPC.

Commission members meet once every two years and use the forum to share experiences, report developments, develop contacts and discuss problems. Members have taken advantage of the facility within the revised agreement to develop and adopt regional standards. Two regional standards for phytosanitary measures were adopted in 2003 and two more in 2005. The increased activity of members has put considerable strain on the few resources provided by FAO for the Commission. The collection of funds for the work of Commission members has become and important issue.

The funds made available by FAO have been sufficient only to arrange one or two working group meeting(s) per year and the biennial session at the Commission. Other meetings have been arranged where it was possible to put meetings back to back and have the participants funded from other sources.

Some meetings have been arranged in the region as part of the IPP programme of the CPM or the Technical Cooperation Programme of FAO or the Rotterdam Convention.

The APPPC has developed a strategic plan based on the following mission statement and strategic directions:

To support the common purpose to secure effective action in preventing the introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products to:

protect plant, human and animal health and the environment,
facilitate trade,
protect the sustainability of agriculture

within the Asia and Pacific region.

This is accomplished by providing a regional forum for cooperation and promoting the full implementation of the Plant Protection Agreement for the Asia and Pacific region through:

the development of measures for plant protection include the phytosanitary measures, promotion of IPM and the Code of Conduct on Distribution and Use of Pesticides
the development of information management systems
capacity development including the coordination and training of staff
input into international systems including assistance with the development of international standards for phytosanitary measures
the development of administration systems.

Resources for the APPPC have been primarily provided by FAO in the form of funds and a Secretary (part time of the Plant Protection Officer based in Bangkok). The limited nature of Secretary resources restrict the development of the APPPC work programmes. Some meetings have been sponsored by New Zealand, Australia and Republic of Korea. Present resources are only sufficient to fund three working group meetings per biennium and one biennial session of the Commission. The full functioning of the Commission, taking account of its strategic directions, would require considerable more funding.

3. Current work programme

The present work programme for the Commission is limited. It consists of:

Commission meeting

There is one Commission meeting per biennium. The APPPC bears the expenses for the meeting and supports the travel of a number of delegates from the developing countries to the venue of the meeting.

Regional standards

This includes two meetings concerned with the production of standards:

one meeting of a working group to draft the regional standards
one meeting of the APPPC Regional Standards Committee

The APPPC bears the expenses for the meetings and supports the travel of a number of experts from the developing countries to the venue of the meeting.

Other meetings

Within each biennium there have been funds just enough to hold one other meeting dealing with an urgent issue.

Other meetings concerning phytosanitary issues have taken place in the region but they have been initiated by other bodies – e.g. the IPPC Secretariat dealing with training for the operation of the IPP and PCE.

Expert consultations on specific pest outbreaks (i.e. coconut beetle) and implementation of the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides were organized with certain amounts of external financial supports.

Information management

The Executive Secretary has been able to deal with some components of an information management system by entering some material on the APPPC website and by publishing some reports and the regional standards.

Capacity development and training

The trainings on IPP and phytosanitary capacity building as well as pest risk analysis were organized with IPPC programme, respectively.

Input into international Agreements

The APPPC has been involved in the annual meetings to discuss and consider draft international phytosanitary standards. These meetings have been a success in the area – with countries increasing their understanding of international standards and increasing their participation in the international standard setting system.

4. Future work programme

4.1 Introduction

The APPPC Business Plan for 2008-2009 proposes an increase in the funding and staffing of the APPPC Secretariat. This increase supports six major thrusts in the development of the APPPC. These are:

the development of emergency planning and pest control procedures
the maintenance of a programme for the development and adoption of phytosanitary measures
the strengthening of the information services of the APPPC Secretariat to ensure full participation of developing countries
the support and improvement of sound pesticide management
promotion and support of IPM and GAP
the development and coordination of a capacity development and training programme

4.2 Surveillance and pest control programmes

It is expected that these programmes will demand attract substantial efforts from members. Surveillance programmes are resource-intensive but essential as the base of phytosanitary systems. It is hoped that coordinated programmes covering adjacent countries can be developed. Likewise, the spread of important pests can be prevented or slowed down by joint actions by affected or threatened states. These programmes should be able to attract donor funds.

4.3 Promotion and support to IPM and GAP

The achievement of IPM programmes and the application of good agriculture practices (GAP) should be promoted and disseminated through the member countries by continuing to provide support for sustainable development in the region.

4.4 Capacity development and training programmes

The programme is expected to emphasize training associated with the implementation of standards for the first years. Programmes will be specifically designed to link training with the implementation of international or regional phytosanitary standards. It is hope that links will be developed with the training systems provided by the IPPC Secretariat. Specific training programmes should be able to find sponsors for support.

4.5 Programme for the development and adoption of regional standards for phytosanitary measures

The programme for the development and adoption of regional standards for phytosanitary measures has so far produced four standards. Two more are to be drafted in 2006-2007. This programme is dealing with the specific needs of the Asia and Pacific region and also supporting the international standards programme. This activity is seen to be an important part of the APPPC function which not only creates regional standards but also increases member's familiarity with the procedures used in formulating phytosanitary standards.

4.6 Programme for the support and improvement of sound pesticide management

Proper assessment of risks and benefits associated with pesticides used under local condition is extremely important for implementing effective control measures. There are a number of global initiatives which could be supported by the APPPC as the windows to the members to improve and harmonize existing management systems. The support programme should be able to find synergies within ongoing global initiatives and programmes by other interested parties.

4.7 Strengthening of the information services of the APPPC Secretariat

All of the programmes for the APPPC will be dependent to some degree on the information management system operated by the Secretariat. The future development of this system will depend on the acquisition of staff support for the Secretariat.

The work programme may be facilitated by directing efforts to specific countries. This could be helped by the establishment of working groups or committees. Administrative procedures will be kept to a minimum.

5. Conclusions

It is noted that:

the APPPC is an increasingly valuable adjunct to each country's plant protection programme, providing opportunities for contact development and discussion
the APPPC has been involved with promotion of IPM and management of pesticides in the region
the APPPC has produced a number of regional phytosanitary standards which has provided valuable experience for members
increased staff and resources are required for the operation of a fully functional Secretariat
members need to cooperate in the delivery of an expanded work programme
it would be desirable for APPPC members to accept the revised texts of the APPPC Agreement (1983 and 1999) in order for the texts to come into force
there is an urgent need for capacity development and training, particularly in the area of standards implementation
the Secretariat will endeavour to develop the information management system for members within the resources available

It is believed that with increased resources, the APPPC will be able to assist the member countries more effectively in improving the plant health status within the region, by executing new activities and undertaking new programmes.

6. Proposed work programme for the 2008-2009 (biennium) (Including cost estimates)

This programme is based on the goals proposed in the Strategic Plan; resources required are listed according to Strategic Directions.

6.1	Plant protection measures
To fund programmes on:
	Development and adoption of regional standard	38 000
	Workshop on pest incursion management	20 000
	Workshop to promote and support the development of IPM, GAP, food safety programmes	20 000
	Commission study and review of the implementation of Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides	15 000
6.2	Information management
To fund preparation of:
	Resources for information management projects	140 000
6.3	Capacity development
To fund preparation of:
	Workshop on PRA	25 000
	Workshop on manual for preparation of pesticide residue assessment	20 000
	Workshop on PFA and ALPP	20 000
	and course material	10 000
6.4	International agreements
To fund preparation of:
	Regional workshop on draft ISPMs	70 000
6.5	Administration
To fund preparation of:
	Promote acception of revised APPPC	20 000
	Coordination of funding for plant protection activities in the region ** Information and Coordination officer already costed	30 000
	TOTAL COST	428 000
for biennium
Note: This estimate is based on 2006 costing.

OPTIONS FOR FUNDING

Section 4 of the report presents a summary of the discussions of the SGSP on options for funding. The discussions are reported here in note form at greater length.

A number of basic points arose from the discussions: some of these are fairly obvious but need to be borne in mind when attempting to find sources of monetary support for an organization such as the APPPC. The group then tried to sketch out a series of actions to try to obtain such support.

1. Basic points to be considered when setting up a funding programme

1.1 FAO funding

FAO has supplied the resources for the operation of the APPPC. These have included part of the time of the Plant Protection officer and funds for some meetings.

These funds have been supplemented by monies from the IPPC Secretariat, Australia and New Zealand.

1.2 Types of activities of the Commission

There are two different types of activities that funds are required for:

the long-term continuing functions of the commission (the basic administration, the biennial commission session, the biennial meetings related to standards, pesticides, and IPM).
the one-off or non-regular activities or projects that are also part of the APPPC biennial programme

1.3 Types of funding

Funds could be received by the APPPC in several ways but funding is of two main types:

Funding as a result of a legal agreement (i.e. as in the APPPC agreement 1983 Article III or 1999 Article X) where countries undertake to contribute to the budget. (This has been referred to as mandatory contribution.)
Funding in the form of voluntary contributions. Two forms of such voluntary contributions are:

voluntary contributions on a regular basis (e.g. annual or biennial) at a predetermined level agreed to by all the contributing countries. Such contributions are generally called voluntary assessed contributions.
voluntary contributions on an ad hoc basis:

to a Trust Fund for use as decided by the Commission
for specific purposes or projects identified by the contributor.

Likely that voluntary contributions would still be needed if mandatory funding was in place

other organizations: from joint initiatives
sponsored projects
cost recovery projects

1.4 Joint initiatives

On some occasions the Commission collaborates with another organization with a joint project. This has occurred in the past with programmes associated with the Rotterdam Convention. Funding may therefore be joint or provided by the collaborating organization depending on the level of input.

1.5 Sponsored project

This type of project would be resourced by voluntary funding (as noted above) with funds from a government, international organization, funding organization or possibly a commercial enterprise.

1.6 Cost-recovery projects

This type of project is where training is supplied to commercial operators who provide fees that offset the cost of the exercise.

1.7 Trust Funds

A Trust Fund mechanism would need to be established in FAO to deal with the receipt and expenditure of funds. Expenditure approval procedures would also need to be set up.

2. Recommendations for action programme to obtain support

2.1 Commission members contributing funds

The preferred option by the SGSP is to further the system with Commission members contributing funds to the APPPC (as per Article III of the 1983 revision).

It was noted that:

this may not be a rapid process, so it will take some time. This will not solve funding problems in the short term.
the procedure for doing this still has to be determined. This will involve discussions with the Headquarter, FAO.

2.2 Trust Fund for voluntary contribution to cover 2007

It is suggested that a Trust Fund be set up to receive funding donations if any are sent to the Secretariat as
a result of requests to be made later in the year. It will not be possible to set up a funding system to supply funds for 2007.

2.3 Voluntary assessed contributions

In case action 1 described above does not succeed in setting up a funding system, it is suggested that the Secretariat prepare documents ready for submission to the 25^th session of the Commission describing the voluntary assessed contribution system so that it could be considered at that meeting.

2.4 Voluntary contributions

It is recommended that the Commission investigate sources of voluntary funding. Such supplementary funding could be of the types already noted:

Sponsored project by government or aid organization
Jointly funded programme
Project with cost recovery
sponsored by commercial firms

It was suggested that a programme be initiated to identify likely sponsors, to contact them by correspondence, and possibly invite them to the 25^th session. This suggestion requires further consideration by the Secretariat and the SGSP (if it is to continue in operation).