Japan
Statement by the Delegation of Japan
(Desertification)
Thank you, Madam Chair,
Please also allow me to thank the two experts for their informative presentation.
As the Secretary-General?s Report pointed out, the use of traditional knowledge has
proven to be an effective way to combat desertification. Japan conducted a pilot
project for the transfer of traditional knowledge in a village in Burkina Faso from 2004
to 2007. My delegation would like to share the lessons learned from this experience.
First, in terms of securing ownership, local residents in the project area should be
encouraged to visit other communities and select the traditional knowledge or local
technology for their own use through their own decision-making processes.
Second, it is important to review and evaluate the activities conducted by a trial group,
which applied the newly introduced technology in advance, in order to determine
whether the technology transfer should be stopped, continued or expanded.
Third, the traditional knowledge or local technology to be introduced cannot be
expected to have a uniform effect, if the conditions are different, such as topography,
vegetation and soil.
Finally, in order to make technology transfer sustainable, it is desirable that the project
be established as a part of national or local government policy, and that the activities
related to technology transfer be systematized.
Madam Chair,
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has been playing
a significant role in the global efforts to prevent desertification. Japan will continue to
support developing countries in their efforts, particularly, for conservation of water
resources, forestation and reforestation and agriculture development.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
(Desertification)
Thank you, Madam Chair,
Please also allow me to thank the two experts for their informative presentation.
As the Secretary-General?s Report pointed out, the use of traditional knowledge has
proven to be an effective way to combat desertification. Japan conducted a pilot
project for the transfer of traditional knowledge in a village in Burkina Faso from 2004
to 2007. My delegation would like to share the lessons learned from this experience.
First, in terms of securing ownership, local residents in the project area should be
encouraged to visit other communities and select the traditional knowledge or local
technology for their own use through their own decision-making processes.
Second, it is important to review and evaluate the activities conducted by a trial group,
which applied the newly introduced technology in advance, in order to determine
whether the technology transfer should be stopped, continued or expanded.
Third, the traditional knowledge or local technology to be introduced cannot be
expected to have a uniform effect, if the conditions are different, such as topography,
vegetation and soil.
Finally, in order to make technology transfer sustainable, it is desirable that the project
be established as a part of national or local government policy, and that the activities
related to technology transfer be systematized.
Madam Chair,
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has been playing
a significant role in the global efforts to prevent desertification. Japan will continue to
support developing countries in their efforts, particularly, for conservation of water
resources, forestation and reforestation and agriculture development.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
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