Mr. Javad Amin-Mansour
Report of the Capacity Development Workshop for Improving Agricultural Productivity, Water Use Efficiency and Rural Livelihood
Before the
Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting of CSD-17
By
Mr. Javad Amin-Mansour
Vice-Chair of CSD-17
23-27 February, 2009
United Nations Headquarters
New York
Distinguished delegates;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Dear Participants;
As Vice-Chair in the CSD-17 Bureau, representing Asia region, I am pleased to report the outcomes of an inter-sessional meeting held in Bangkok from 28 to 30 January 2009 under the title of: Capacity Development Workshop for Improving Agricultural Productivity, Water Use Efficiency and Rural Livelihood. This meeting was organized jointly by UNDESA, UNWDPC and UNESCAP.
The workshop was attended by senior Government policy-makers of various countries of the region, four members of the CSD-17 Bureau, representatives of major groups and relevant international institutions.
The summary of recommendations has been issued as an official document of the CSD, bearing reference number: E/CN.17/2009/13.
This workshop was an important step in advancing the implementation of key elements of the sustainable development agenda as articulated in the Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), and in formulating policy options and possible actions to overcome the obstacles and barriers identified by the 16th session of the Commission in last year.
The workshop discussed issues and challenges concerning agricultural development and food security, agricultural water management, rural development, land use planning and management, and the need for adaptation to climate change.
The recommendation emanating from this workshop can largely be grouped in the following five areas:
Increasing agricultural productivity by developing policies with participation of all stakeholders with focusing on achieving sustained food security;
Promoting integrated management of land and water resources to address the interlinked crises of desertification, land degradation, water scarcity and deteriorating water quality;
Building social capital through broad-based investments in rural areas that benefit entire communities, in addition to those who are engaged in agricultural activities;
Providing secure access to tenure, especially to marginalized groups, through formulation of national land policies that allows for participation of the full spectrum of land users;
Adapting to climate change needs to be considered an important element of the coping strategy. Main thrust of such strategy should be at reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening coping capacities of societies and institutions in relation to their respective socio-economic conditions.
Allow me, Mme. Chair, to conclude by reiterating three key messages that the workshop participants decided to convey to this important body. First, addressing sustainable development challenges in areas covered in this workshop require multidimensional efforts and strong political and civic resolve. Second, agricultural development requires long-term vision with the objective to stimulate economic growth with due respect to our environment and natural resources. Third, challenges are well known and considerable knowledge and experience exist to address them. In this regard, policies and actions should be targeted at scaling up and mainstreaming successful practices.
Thank you.
Before the
Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting of CSD-17
By
Mr. Javad Amin-Mansour
Vice-Chair of CSD-17
23-27 February, 2009
United Nations Headquarters
New York
Distinguished delegates;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Dear Participants;
As Vice-Chair in the CSD-17 Bureau, representing Asia region, I am pleased to report the outcomes of an inter-sessional meeting held in Bangkok from 28 to 30 January 2009 under the title of: Capacity Development Workshop for Improving Agricultural Productivity, Water Use Efficiency and Rural Livelihood. This meeting was organized jointly by UNDESA, UNWDPC and UNESCAP.
The workshop was attended by senior Government policy-makers of various countries of the region, four members of the CSD-17 Bureau, representatives of major groups and relevant international institutions.
The summary of recommendations has been issued as an official document of the CSD, bearing reference number: E/CN.17/2009/13.
This workshop was an important step in advancing the implementation of key elements of the sustainable development agenda as articulated in the Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), and in formulating policy options and possible actions to overcome the obstacles and barriers identified by the 16th session of the Commission in last year.
The workshop discussed issues and challenges concerning agricultural development and food security, agricultural water management, rural development, land use planning and management, and the need for adaptation to climate change.
The recommendation emanating from this workshop can largely be grouped in the following five areas:
Increasing agricultural productivity by developing policies with participation of all stakeholders with focusing on achieving sustained food security;
Promoting integrated management of land and water resources to address the interlinked crises of desertification, land degradation, water scarcity and deteriorating water quality;
Building social capital through broad-based investments in rural areas that benefit entire communities, in addition to those who are engaged in agricultural activities;
Providing secure access to tenure, especially to marginalized groups, through formulation of national land policies that allows for participation of the full spectrum of land users;
Adapting to climate change needs to be considered an important element of the coping strategy. Main thrust of such strategy should be at reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening coping capacities of societies and institutions in relation to their respective socio-economic conditions.
Allow me, Mme. Chair, to conclude by reiterating three key messages that the workshop participants decided to convey to this important body. First, addressing sustainable development challenges in areas covered in this workshop require multidimensional efforts and strong political and civic resolve. Second, agricultural development requires long-term vision with the objective to stimulate economic growth with due respect to our environment and natural resources. Third, challenges are well known and considerable knowledge and experience exist to address them. In this regard, policies and actions should be targeted at scaling up and mainstreaming successful practices.
Thank you.