FAO Activities Related to Environment and Sustainable Development: Progress Report on
Implementation of Resolution 2911
66. The Council expressed its general satisfaction with the measures taken by the Director-General in introducing sustainability criteria in all FAO activities, streamlining the FAO Special Action Programmes (SAPs) and contributing to UNCED and its follow-up. The Council agreed that environment and sustainable development concerns touch on all the sectors of the work of the Organization and confirmed the priority to be given to these aspects in the preparation of the PWB 1994-95 and the Medium-Term Plan of the Organization. The Council requested that long-term sustainability considerations be given special attention in the ongoing study AT 2010, including related demographic questions. It reaffirmed the importance to be given to the continuation of FAO work on environmental impact assessment, and the wider aspects of sustainability assessments with special reference to field projects.
67. The Council supported the ongoing review of the Special Action Programmes and the five areas of concentration for SAPs proposed by the Director-General. The Council commended the efforts to translate the recommendations of the Den Bosch Conference and of UNCED into a set of well-focused SAPs and closely integrating the Regular and the Field Programmes in selected priority areas. It recommended that the streamlining process be pursued, taking into consideration the diverse regional requirements including those of coastal zones and small islands. It was noted that abolitions, amendments or additions to the existing and proposed SAPs might be necessary, especially following the International Conference on Nutrition. It was recommended that SAPs play an important role in mobilizing extra-budgetary funding to assist Member Nations to implement UNCED's Agenda 21 in the mandate areas of FAO and in preparing national plans, programmes and projects to this effect. The Council stressed the importance of further guidance and monitoring of SAPs and that these be ensured by FAO Governing Bodies.
68. The Council commended the Organization for its contributions to the UNCED process which enabled a substantial coverage of food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors in Agenda 21. The Council agreed that, although FAO was concerned with many programme areas of Agenda 21, it was necessary to concentrate efforts selectively in a number of key programme areas where the Organization had a definite mandate and comparative advantage in playing a lead role in UNCED follow-up. It supported the measures taken by the Director-General to identify in the Agenda 21 those areas which should be given special attention in the preparation of the PWB 1994-95.
69. The Council was informed of the establishment by the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC) of an Inter-Agency Committee for Sustainable Development (IACSD), as recommended by the ACC Task Force on Environment and Development chaired by the Director-General. It noted that the IACSD was expected to provide to the ACC in April 1993 a first report on the allocation of tasks/sharing of responsibilities and on the streamlining of interagency coordination mechanisms for the implementation of Agenda 21 by the UN system. The Council commended the Director-General for his role in this process, and requested that it be informed on inter-agency cooperative arrangements at its next session. It requested that FAO also assume a lead role in facilitating inter-agency coordination for the UNCED follow-up in the mandate areas of the Organization. The Council also supported the close cooperation of FAO with UNDP, UNEP, GATT and other partners in the UNCED follow-up.
70. The Council recognized the need for new and additional funds for Agenda 21 implementation by developing countries, and noted with satisfaction the commitments made by a number of Member Nations to provide substantial increases in financial and technical assistance for this purpose, as well as for debt relief. The Council emphasized that a favourable international economic environment should assist in the process of establishing environmentally-sound and sustainable development. The Council highlighted the need to develop FAO activities to assist the building of national capacities in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors, including research, training, technology transfer and the promotion of partnerships between countries in those aspects for the implementation of Agenda 21.
71. The Council requested the Organization to assist in providing technical and legal assistance to the International Negotiating Committee of the Convention to Combat Desertification to be established by the UN General Assembly. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran invited FAO to make use of this country's expertise and long-standing experience in the implementation of large-scale sand dune fixation and in combatting desertification. France declared its readiness to make available to the Organization its expertise and the technology it has developed in desertification control and environmental protection.
72. The Council proposed the reinforcement of FAO activities related to climate change, biodiversity, environmental monitoring within the mandate of FAO, and the expansion of ARTEMIS as a global system. The Council endorsed the priority to be given to FAO activities related to the chapters of Agenda 21 concerned with soil fertility maintenance, land and water, integrated pest management, conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, biotechnologies, agroforestry, sustainable forestry and responsible fisheries. The preparation of the Fourth International Technical Conference for the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources (ICPGR) should be under the guidance of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources and should contribute to the achievement of the full operation of the FAO Global System for the Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources.
Third Progress Report on the WCARRD Programme of Action and Follow-up to WCARRD Review
2
73. The Council reviewed the report entitled "United Nations Agencies and Rural Development: A Review of the Post-WCARRD Decade and an Agenda for the Future: Director-General's Views and Comments, Proposals for Follow-up Activities". It recalled that the Twenty-sixth Session of the FAO Conference had reviewed, in a general and preliminary way, the Third Progress Report on the WCARRD Programme of Action,3 and the document entitled "United Nations Agencies and Rural Development: A Review of the Post-WCARRD Decade and an Agenda for the Future: Director-General's Views and Comments".4
74. The Council also recalled that in view of the importance of the issues raised by these two reports and the limited time available to Member Nations to study them in sufficient depth to permit a detailed discussion of the issues, the Conference had requested that the Secretariat resubmit the two reports to the Hundred and Second Session of the Council, together with specific proposals for follow-up to the recommendations contained in the WCARRD review report.
75. The Council noted that the document considered follow-up activities related to all issues raised in the report of the WCARRD review and by the 1991 FAO Conference, i.e., people's participation, access to natural resources, credit, inputs and markets, diversification of the rural economy, promotion of rural non-farm employment, development of agro-industries, gender issues and sustainable development. It also noted that most of the proposed follow-up activities were reflected in the Programme of Work and Budget for 1992-93, and that many of them were expected to continue in future biennia within the framework of several major ongoing programmes which involved most, if not all, of the technical divisions of FAO. These activities included follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the Plan of Action on Women in Agricultural Development, and the Plan of Action for People's Participation.
76. The Council recognized the continuing validity of the WCARRD Programme of Action, and appreciated that the 1979 Conference had significantly contributed to promoting rural development worldwide. The Council recognized that WCARRD principles were key ingredients for sustainable agricultural and rural development. The Council broadly agreed with the findings of the Progress Report and the recommendations of the review, as well as the proposals for follow-up action. It called on FAO, governments and concerned non-governmental organizations to strongly support their implementation.
77. The Council noted with concern that the incidence of rural poverty was still extremely high despite efforts by countries to assist the most disadvantaged rural population groups. Recognizing that much more was needed to be done to promote growth with equity and to alleviate rural poverty, the Council stressed the need to intensify efforts to improve the targeting and prioritizing of development policies and technical assistance programmes in order to reach the disadvantaged rural population groups, particularly women.
78. The Council noted the wide scope of activities contained in the Programme of Action of WCARRD, some of which went beyond the responsibility of FAO. It recognized that access to natural resources, investment in agriculture, structural adjustment, fair commodity prices and fair trade arrangements had a fundamental impact on rural development, but stressed that activities at the local level, such as training, access to credit, involvement of grass-roots level organizations, were equally important for sustainable rural development. Rural development efforts in order to be successful therefore required a multi-disciplinary approach. In this context, the Council gave special emphasis to the need for creating opportunities for non-farm employment, and the promotion of agro-industries and crop diversification programmes.
79. The Council noted with concern the slow progress in redressing the large disparities in access to land in a number of countries. While noting that a few countries had achieved progress in distributing land to the poor, the Council emphasized the need for further land reforms, especially in countries with large inequalities in the size of landholdings. The Council requested the Secretariat to intensify its legal and other technical services in promoting agrarian reforms, and to support such related activities-as land titling and computerized land registration, both in developing countries and in countries in central and eastern Europe. The Council also emphasized the importance of improving access to production inputs and services, particularly credit, as well as of introducing modern techniques. The need for improvement in women's access to land, credit and other inputs was particularly underlined.
80. The Council stressed the importance of education, training and agricultural extension for sustainable agriculture and rural development. It noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in several countries in educating rural women, and encouraged FAO to intensify its activities in this field.
81. The Council noted with satisfaction the essential role of FAO in cooperating with UNDP and the World Bank in organizing training activities on gender issues. The Council reiterated its support for the Plan of Action on Women in Development and encouraged FAO to continue its implementation. Special emphasis should be given to the development of appropriate technologies which lessened women's burdens as agricultural producers and household managers.
82. The Council recognized the importance of people's participation in the design and implementation of policies and programmes for rural development, and urged further efforts to promote the implementation of the Plan of Action for People's Participation. It noted that progress had been impeded by lack of adequate financial and staff resources. The Council also urged increased attention to sustainable forestry and fisheries activities and public involvement in these programmes. The Council requested the Secretariat to intensify its efforts in implementing the Plan of Action for People's Participation, and to monitor and evaluate progress at regular intervals.
83. The Council recognized the advantages of local NGOs in promoting rural development and in reaching the rural poor. It called on FAO to involve them in developmental activities and to assist them in strengthening their management capacities without, however, impinging on their independence.
84. The Council recommended increased support to the establishment and strengthening of farmers' organizations, cooperatives and local NGOs, as well as promotion of dialogue between governments, NGOs and FAO. The Council also suggested incorporating participatory approaches in all FAO field activities.
Recent Developments in the UN System of Interest to FAO
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85. The Council noted with interest the information contained in the document before it, which provided an illustrative overview both of developments in other fora which had a bearing on FAO's activities and of FAO's collaboration with other organizations within the UN system in a number of specific areas. The document was selective in its coverage, as FAO's cooperation with other organizations was also reported upon under other items of the Council Agenda, and an effort had been made to avoid duplication in the content of documentation in order to facilitate the Council's deliberations.
86. The Council recognized that the purpose of this item was to keep members abreast of developments elsewhere in the UN system, and that some of the issues reported upon were still under consideration in other fora, in which decisions had not yet been taken. On these issues, the document contained no analysis, but a purely factual narrative, which the Secretariat had updated orally to assist the Council's discussion. On matters for which there were specific decisions to report, such as the establishment of a Department of Humanitarian Affairs in the United Nations, an analysis had been made of the implications for the Organization's work and a full report given of FAO's response.
87. The Council noted the information provided on the process of restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields, deliberated by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at its substantive session of 1992, and currently under consideration by the United Nations General Assembly at its Forty-seventh Session. The Council, in general, welcomed the idea of a process of renewal under way in the economic and social sectors of the United Nations, the objective of which was to strengthen its overall effectiveness and enable it to adapt to a changing world.
88. Several members informed the Council of the general positions they held in the context of the General Assembly discussion. Among these members, there was support for the review taking place in these bodies, which could be highly relevant to FAO.
89. In discussing decisions already taken as part of the process, some members stressed the view that the revitalization at the intergovernmental level within ECOSOC was an important step in enhancing coordination within the system at the broad policy level, between the United Nations, the agencies and the multilateral financing institutions of the UN system. The Council stressed the importance of this coordination. In this regard, the role of the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC) as the main interface between UN System organizations and ECOSOC was also noted.
90. The Council recognized that the focus of restructuring efforts was on the United Nations itself, and UN programmes and funds, and that the outcome of the process would have repercussions on FAO's work. It was recognized that FAO, having recently completed a review of its goals and operations, was already implementing some important new approaches, and should be well-placed to respond to changes as these occurred. Several members stressed the importance of the UN system, including FAO, continuing to have an open attitude towards the constant adaptation of its priorities, its structures and its working methods to its new challenges. They insisted on the need for FAO to continue to fully play the important role which it needed to play in the renewal of the UN system. Other members of the Council stressed that any reform must come from within the Organization, recognizing its autonomous capacity and its specific mandate, and should be in conformity with the basic principles of universality and democratic processes of decision-making.
91. The Council noted that the Director-General, in his opening statement to the Council, had expressed his concern that decisions on matters affecting the Specialized Agencies might be made without benefit of the views of FAO and other organizations involved. In this connection, the Council requested that it be kept closely informed of all major decisions and events in other UN system fora and organizations which could have implications for FAO.
92. Some members placed stress on member involvement in developing the list of objectives in UNCED's Agenda 21, and pointed to this as a guide to the UN system, including the FAO, in establishing priorities.
93. The Council noted that informal consultation was also in progress in the General Assembly on operational activities for development. It was recognized that the proposals being considered by the General Assembly would have an impact on the UN system's work in developing countries, although it was too early to assess this. Previous decisions by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Governing Council had, however, already led to considerable adjustments in FAO's Field Programme. Satisfaction was expressed with the Organization's increasing reliance on the programme approach, and it was noted that FAO was participating actively in the work of the ACC Consultative Committee on Substantive Questions (Operational Activities) aimed at developing system-wide country strategies.
94. The Council stressed the importance of system-wide coordination at the field level. Several members strongly supported an enhanced role for the Resident Coordinator on the understanding that the ultimate responsibility for coordination of external assistance lay with the national governments. While expressing support for national execution of development projects, members noted that a step-by-step approach was necessary, taking into account the available skills and capabilities in the countries concerned. Concern was voiced at the slow progress in the issuance of guidelines and briefings by the UNDP regarding implementation of the successor support costs arrangements. It was noted that the delay in operationalizing the new complex system had adversely affected UNDP delivery, as well as FAO's Field Programme. Several members expressed the view that increased member oversight over decision-making regarding field operations was a desired aim.
95. The Council was informed that the Ad Hoc Committee, established by the World Food Council (WFC) to consider its mandate, functions and options for its future role, had met in New York in mid-September, and that a document containing the views expressed by members of the Committee had just been submitted to the General Assembly for discussion in the near future. Among the proposals, two of them were warmly welcomed by a certain number of members, especially the strengthening of the Committee on World Food Security and the holding of meetings of Ministers of Agriculture on the occasion of the Conference of FAO. Some members informed the Council of the positions they would be taking in the General Assembly debate. The Council was informed that, if the decision eventually taken resulted in increased responsibilities for FAO, the Organization was well-equipped to take on these additional responsibilities. Support was voiced for FAO's work on food security, and for further enhancement of its functions in this area, particularly in monitoring, analysis and policy advice.
96. The Council noted the strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the UN system with the creation of the United Nations Department for Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 46/182. It attached great importance to FAO's activities in response to the increasing number of emergency situations. It welcomed FAO's close and effective collaboration with the DHA, including its participation in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. It fully supported the lead role played by FAO in providing early warning on the food and agriculture situation, crop and food supply monitoring and food needs assessment, through the Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS). Appreciation was also expressed for the swift and efficient manner in which FAO's Office for Special Relief Operations (OSRO) had handled donor contributions for assistance in emergencies in Africa.
97. The Council emphasized that FAO's activities involved the continuum from relief to rehabilitation and development. In this connection, it agreed that the Organization could play a vital role in helping the affected countries to document their agricultural rehabilitation needs more carefully and comprehensively, and in helping to obtain funds for the purchase and distribution of needed inputs.
98. The Council reiterated the importance it attached to the advancement of women, particularly rural women in view of their key role in food production in many developing countries. It expressed appreciation for ongoing work carried out within the framework of the FAO Plan of Action for the Integration of Women in Development, which targeted rural women. It also welcomed the various activities which were being undertaken in collaboration with other UN system organizations, including through a training-of-trainers programme being developed with UNDP and the World Bank. It noted that FAO had contributed substantively to the Summit on the Economic Advancement of Rural Women organized by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It was mentioned that it was important for a greater number of women to accede to positions of higher responsibility in international organizations, including FAO. The Council was informed that priority continued to be accorded to increasing the percentage of women in the professional and higher categories, and that in October 1992, women constituted 12.9 percent.of total staff in these categories, compared to 8.9 percent in 1983. The percentage was higher at Headquarters (19.4 percent, compared to 15.5 percent in 1983), and somewhat lower in regional and field locations.
99. The Council supported FAO's continuing commitment in the area of drug abuse control and its contribution to UN system and international activities in this field, particularly in collaboration with the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP). The Council also noted the support FAO was providing in connection with the United Nations New Agenda for Development of Africa for the 1990s. FAO's important role in providing assistance to Africa was recalled
100. Concerning trade and commodity issues, the Council received information from the Secretariat on the latest developments in the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. FAO's assistance to the negotiations in providing information and technical assistance to the countries concerned was encouraged and appreciated.
101. The Council was informed of the status of preparations for the International Conference on Nutrition (ICN), scheduled to take place at FAO Headquarters from 5 to 11 December 1992. It noted that, with regard to the Rules of Procedures of the Conference, the General Rules of FAO would apply mutatis mutandis to the ICN. Therefore, the PrepCom.2, scheduled for 4 December 1992, would appoint a Nominations Committee comprising nine members, which would propose to the Conference the names of the Conference Chairperson and other officers.
102. The Council expressed support for the Conference, and welcomed the preparations which had taken place at country, regional, and international levels, culminating in the submission to the Conference of a Declaration and Plan of Action for Nutrition. It also stressed the importance of ensuring appropriate follow-up to the Conference.
103. In presenting the Seventeenth Annual Report of the Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes (CFA) to the Council, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted some of the developments that had taken place since the preparation of the report.
104. She emphasized in particular the tremendous increase in emergency interventions around the world, and the additional pressure put on the Programme and its staff to meet the needs of. the affected populations in areas of conflict and under circumstances of serious security risks.
105. She referred to the initiatives she had taken since assuming office, some seven months ago, to enhance transparency and dialogue, ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency, and address issues related to the long-term financing of WFP activities. To give the Programme the right orientation to cope with the challenges ahead, and the staff the necessary encouragement to achieve the objectives, she was making certain changes in the organizational structure of the Programme and its management style.
106. With a view to mobilizing resources and fostering greater comprehension of donors' concerns, as well as of the Programme's activities and resource requirements, she had visited a number of capitals. The Pledging Conference held earlier this month in New York showed some encouraging signs.
107. As regarded the Programme's resource situation vis-à-vis resource commitments, the Executive Director referred to adjustments being made that were commensurate with resource availability, and to efforts under way to meet challenges associated with the long-term growth of the Programme's development portfolio. She emphasized that the partnership between recipient governments, donor governments and WFP staff was crucial to achieve the intended results.
108. The Council welcomed Ms Catherine Bertini, at this her first appearance before it, as the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, and assured her of its support.
109. The Council commended the Executive Director for her initiatives and forthright approach. It welcomed the report for its conciseness and clarity of information.
110. While recognizing the dual role of the Programme in providing food assistance for development purposes and for meeting emergency humanitarian needs, the Council expressed the hope that resource availability for the Programme's development activities would improve and emergency-development linkages would be promoted wherever feasible.
111. The Council noted that resources for emergency operations had grown dramatically in 1991 and since, and lauded WFP for its effective response. At the same time, it expressed regret that the pressure on resources had not enabled the WFP to fully meet its commitments to ongoing development projects in 1992, and that this would also lead the Programme to review downwards its development portfolio for 1993. It noted with satisfaction the management actions outlined by the Executive Director to ameliorate the situation thereafter.
112. The Council appreciated the establishment of the Immediate Response Account (IRA) under the International Emergency Food Reserve (IEFR) to enhance the Programme's ability to meet emergency requirements more expeditiously.
113. The Council noted the sustained effort being made by the Programme to purchase commodities in developing countries, in an effort to spur trade among them. It called for increased non-food contributions in the interest of effective implementation of projects.
114. The Council urged donors to provide more cash resources to ease the Programme's difficult cash situation which was under review by the CFA. It welcomed the determination of the Executive Director to find solutions to the long-term financing of WFP operations, in consultation with governments, and on a sustained basis.
115. The Council commended the close collaboration existing between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and WFP. It lauded the enhanced cooperation between the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and WFP, and further expressed satisfaction with the improved coordination of emergency and humanitarian assistance within the United Nations system in general, and between WFP and the United Nations Department for Humanitarian Affairs in particular.
116. The Council welcomed the Executive Director's intention to intensify collaboration with NGOs. It put on record its appreciation for the good work done by WFP staff even in the face of great personal risks to themselves.
117. The Council endorsed the report of the CFA.
- Election of Seven Members of the WFP Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes
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118. In accordance with the terms of Resolution 9/91 adopted by the Conference on 26 November 1991, the Council elected the following seven Member Nations to the WFP Committee on Food Aid Policies and Programmes for a term of office of three years from 1 January 1993 to 31 December 1995: Australia (list D), Bangladesh (list B-II), Burkina Faso (list A), Canada (list D), Senegal (list A), Sri Lanka (list B-II), United States of America (list D).
1 CL 1026; CL 10217 paras 1.30-1.33; CL 102PV/6; CL 102PV/7; CL 102PV/18.
2 CL 1028; CL 102PV/9; CL 102PV/18.
3 C 9119.
4 C'9119-Sup.l.
5 CL 10212; CL 102PV/8; CL 102PV/18; CL 102PV/19.
6 CL 1029; CL 102PV/13; CL 102PV 19.
7 CL 10211; CL 102PV/11; CL 102PV/19.
