70 Years of Fao (1945-2015) Has Been Prepared by Fao Office for Corporate Communication

1945

2015

70 Years of fao (1945-2015) has been prepared by fao Office for Corporate Communication

The publication was prepared by a core team led by Pedro Javaloyes. The Art Director was Rubén Bruque and was supported by Monica Umena for the English edition and Fabrizio Puzzilli for the French and Italian editions. Del Hambre is the author of all the illustrations in this book. Sherri Dougherty and the FAO photography team produced, selected and digitized the images. Thomas Canet took most of the photographs of the Portfolio (The FAO Headquarters, a neutral forum).

The different chapters were written by (in the following order): Síle O’Broin (FAO in seven decades); Alberto Trillo (A New FAO of the 21st Century, The Greatest Challenges of FAO and Partnerships for a world free from hunger) Patricia Pascau (A global FAO, regional offices); Belén Delgado (The 10 Greatest Achievements of FAO); Eleonora Boni (FAO Headquarters: a neutral forum) and Beatriz Beeckmans (An FAO Open to Everyone).

The English edition of the publication was edited by Alison Small and Síle O’Broin. Sophie Ditlecadet edited the French edition. Eleonora Boni edited the Italian edition and coordinated the translation into English, French and Spanish.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

ISBN 978-92-5-108970-5

FAO encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of FAO as the source and copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, products or services is not implied in any way.

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FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/publications) and can be purchased through [email protected]. contents

CHAPTER 1. page 16 ABOVE: Meeting of the United Nations for Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) delegation in Washington D.C. 1950 to commemorate the first FAO Conference in Quebec, Canada in October 1945. LEFT: Chateau Frontenac, Quebec (Canada) where FAO was founded. RIGHT: On 16 October 1945 Quebec, Canada, FAO was born, after its Constitution was signed. Contents 1

FAO IN seven decades

14 FAO is born 17 First decade (1945-1955) 20 Second decade (1956-1965) 26 Third decade (1966 -1975) 30 Fourth decade (1976-1985) 34 Fifth decade (1986-1995) 38 Sixth decade (1996-2005) 42 Seventh decade (2006-2015) 46 FAO member states 48 Portfolio: Those early years

CHAPTER 1. page 48 A FAO expert photographing an Olive plantation in Assaba, LIBYA

©FAO/J. Moser 2

A new FAO for THE 21st CENTURY

82 The 5 Strategic Objectives 90 FAO today 91 Director-General: A life dedicated to the fight against hunger 94 The millennium development goals (MDGS) 95 The sustainable development goals (sdgs)

a global FAO REGIONAL OFFICES

98 FAO in the world 100 A journey around the globe: Asia and the Pacific 102 Latin America and the Caribbean 104 Near East and North Africa 106 Africa 108 Europe and Central Asia

Headquarters of FAO’s five regional offices in the world.

Bangkok, THailand Santiago, Chile Cairo, EgYpt Accra, Ghana Budapest, HungaRY Contents

THE 10 GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF FAO

112 The Eradication of Rinderpest 118 The Treaty on Plant Genetic Re- sources for Food and Agriculture 124 Codex Alimentarius 128 The Fight Against Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean 132 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries 136 Guidelines on the Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests 140 The Committee on World Food Security 144 The Eradication of River Blindness in West Africa 148 The Green Revolution in Asia 152 Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS)

chapter 4. PAGE 112 Kenya. Maasai women herding cows to a watering hole in a village approximately 50 kilometres southwest of the capital Nairobi, which has been free of rinderpest since 2011. 5

the greatest CHALLENGES of FAO

161 Eradicating hunger and achieving food security 164 Hunger map 166 combating rural poverty and inequality 170 Feeding a growing population 174 Food losses 176 raising levels of nutrition 179 Improving the resilience of the most vulnerable people to CHAPTER 5. page 166 threats and crises Philippines. Family scene. Food insecurity is directly 183 Climate change in agriculture related to rural poverty. 184 Management of sea and ocean resources 188 coping with water scarcity 191 Healthy soil for healthy living 194 promoting conservation and sustainable use of land ecosystems

FAO HEADQUARTERS A NEUTRAL FORUM chapter 6. PAGE 200 200 Virtual tour through the most FAO Experts photographed representative rooms of FAO in the King Faisal Room.

chapter 7. PAGE 240 7 Enrique Yeves, FAO Director of Communication interviewing Samuel Santos Lopez, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua. FAO OPEN TO EVERYONE 234 Partnerships 240 Communications 248 FAO Ambassadors and friends 252 World Food Day 254 The UN at Milan Expo 2015 foreword

eradicating hunger is possible

those early years; like the seven Directors-General With this publication that have preceded me, who have all left their we want to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding legacy; and like the many thousands of FAO of FAO as a United Nations Agency for Food and professionals who, in these 70 years, have devoted Agriculture. But, in all honesty, what I would really their lives and work to the mission for which FAO have liked to celebrate today with an announcement to was created. But the book also had to be a record of declare to the world that: “We have eradicated hunger the Organization’s actions, which is why we share from the world”. That will be the time when we truly some of the success stories in which FAO has played can celebrate. Because this generation – mine, ours a part. Let’s not forget that in these decades we have – has a real chance to achieve this: all we need is the managed to eradicate animal epidemics like political will, social awareness and a universal effort. rinderpest. Only once before had humans been able Today, we are in a much better situation than we to wipe out a disease, when smallpox was were 70 years ago. There is no doubt about that. eliminated in 1980. Important agreements have When FAO was founded, the world was emerging been reached, such as the Treaty on Plant Genetic from a cruel war. Most European countries were Resources, vital to ensuring the planet’s biodiversity, suffering from the devastating effects of hunger. On and the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, 16 October 1945, the FAO Constitution set out the which is essential for the conservation of the marine Organization’s vision: “A world free of hunger and ecosystem. FAO also coordinates or is actively malnutrition where food and agriculture contribute to involved in important committees like the one on improving the living standards of all, especially the Food Security, the Codex Alimentarius – protecting poorest”. We had to fight against an enemy, hunger, consumer health around the world – or the whose effects we knew all too well, but about the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), causes of which, we knew far too little. We had to created to prevent food price crises. start virtually from scratch. The first World Food We have now left behind the Millennium Survey coordinated by FAO was published in 1946 Development Goals, adopted in 2000, which helped to and made it very clear: “It is well known that there is lift 700 million people out of poverty in the last 15 much starvation and malnutrition in the world [yet] years. The new Sustainable Development Goals vague knowledge that this situation exists is not enough; (SDGs) recently adopted at the United Nations facts and figures are needed if the nations are to attempt Summit in New York in September 2015, which I to do away with famine and malnutrition”. attended as Director-General of FAO, will set the This book tells the story of these seven decades political agenda for the next 15 years. The main of the history of FAO, its protagonists and their objective of these goals will be to eradicate – I repeat, endeavours. Protagonists like the visionary David eradicate, not reduce – poverty and hunger, as well as Lubin; like Frank L. McDougall, an inspiration in to improve nutrition.

10 fao 70 YEARS In these 70 years, the world has grown more We wanted to mark this anniversary with a book complex, more global, more interactive, and the that could reach everyone, written in simple language major problems that we have decided in this book to and with an attractive design that the whole world could call challenges are all interconnected. For instance: understand, because we believe that issues relating to the problem of hunger cannot be tackled without hunger and nutrition affect us all, and it is our duty to taking into account the fact that, very soon, by 2050, communicate our message in the clearest, most there will be nine billion inhabitants of this comprehensive and most rigorous way possible. planet. We must therefore plan how we I have spent more than 30 years are going to feed a growing working and fighting in various population, raising its nutrition spheres to put an end to the levels and doing so, moreover, scourge that is hunger. We can in a responsible way which now say that the number of means promoting the people going hungry in conservation and the world has been sustainable use of reduced to around 800 marine resources and million. That is 200 land ecosystems. We million fewer than in must also decide 1990. This is an which measures we achievement, certainly, will adopt to combat but it is still an climate change, unacceptable figure, considering its effects despite the many on agriculture. These are advances that have been just some of the major made in many countries. issues and challenges that We have 15 years ahead we must address in the of us to end world hunger: 2030 coming years, which we also is the horizon when, if we adopt discuss in this publication. the right policies and work together, Last June of 2015 I received the we will achieve it. We are the generation mandate of all of the FAO member states for a that can and must do it. I believe that one day my second term. My role in the coming years will be to life’s dream will come true. I hope to celebrate then with prepare this organization to achieve the goals set the satisfaction of having contributed, along with so by its members states. To do this, FAO is many others, to one of the greatest causes to which a restructuring to become a fully integrated human being could devote his life. organization underpinned by five Strategic Objectives that enable us to tackle the challenges I have mentioned, in a more dynamic and effective way. FAO is also moving towards greater José Graziano da Silva decentralisation in order to be closer to its Director-General members and to be on the ground, wherever it is needed. Let’s not forget that FAO is currently running some 2 000 programmes and field projects around the world, promoting the sharing of knowledge and offering technical support.

70 YEARS fao 11 14 FAO is born 16 First decade (1945-1955) 20 Second decade (1956-1965) 26 Third decade (1966 -1975) 1 30 Fourth decade (1976-1985) 34 Fifth decade (1986-1995) 38 Sixth decade (1996-2005) 42 Seventh decade (2006-2015) 46 Map of member states 48 Portfolio: Those early years FAO in seven decades

12 fao 70 YEARS 70 YEARS fao 13 1

FAO in seven decades

ROMe, 1905 David Lubin with the staff of the International Institute of Agriculture (IIA) on the steps of the Institute ‘Villa Umberto’ (renamed ‘Villa Lubin’) in Villa Borghese, Rome. © Nat. Board Canada/FAO FAO IS BORN The history in seven decades of an organization born with one goal: to free humanity of hunger.

he origins of FAO are where he finally found a willing ear. indelibly linked to one name: On 7 June 1905 the Italian David Lubin, a successful government convened the first Californian businessman conference of the International Twho turned to farming in the 1880s. Institute of Agriculture. The seed In the late nineteenth and early of what would later become FAO twentieth centuries, the importance was sown. The number of member of agriculture in the global economy states rapidly rose from 46 at its first was declining. The problems were far- assembly to 74 in 1934. reaching. On the one hand, farmers The work of the Institute was were poorly organised. On the other, it essentially technical in nature. was a sector with little prestige which, However, at that time, agriculture’s unlike industry, lacked innovation. problems were compounded by To put it more plainly, prestige and growing economic and political forces, wealth were found in sectors such as as seen during the Wall Street crash. industry, trade and finance. The post-1929 world depression Lubin was quick to understand had a devastating effect on agriculture that trade played a major role in and left the farming community on agricultural price-setting. Only an its knees. The financial crisis saw international organisation could food-importing countries hastily successfully defend farmers’ interests. erecting tariff barriers and increasing He campaigned tirelessly in the United their domestic food production. States of America to garner public From 1929 to 1933, wheat imports support for agriculture. Finding no in industrialised Europe fell by 60 support for his ideas at home, he set percent. Faced with falling demand, off for Europe. Rebuffed on his travels farmers in many countries produced to London and Paris, it was in Italy, surpluses. In June 1933, the League and with king Victor Emmanuel II, of Nations held a Monetary and

70 YEARS fao 15 1

FAO in seven decades

Economic Conference in London in 16 OCTOBER 1945, QUEBEC, CANADA. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations an attempt to find a solution to the (FAO) was born on the afternoon of 16 October 1945 when its constitution was signed by 34 countries. problem of surpluses. It failed. The By the end of the sessions, FAO had 42 members. © FAO international community was not yet ready to harmonise their economic policies and pool resources to overcome the crisis. At the same time, research was being conducted on poverty and nutrition, inspired by John Boyd Orr, who was widely regarded for his work in the field. It was common knowledge, for example, that a third of Britain’s population was malnourished due to an inadequate intake of milk, fruit, vegetables and other foods vital for good health. The underlying cause was poverty. A paradox had emerged. Nutritionists were calling for increasing consumption while economists were urging cutbacks in production. This situation was analysed by the Australian nutritionist, Frank McDougall, who advocated “to David Lubin marry health and agriculture” and to (1849-1919) integrate various disciplines in order A Californian of Polish to address the issue of malnutrition. origins, in 1905 he His proposals were widely accepted founded the International by governments and the public alike. Institute of Agriculture (IIA) with its headquarters The time seemed ripe for collective in Rome. The Institute’s action, however the outbreak of World mission was to help War II halted any further progress. farmers share their In 1942, McDougall, in knowledge, establish Washington DC for discussions a system of rural credit unions and take control on the new international wheat of their produce in trade. agreement, found that there was At the first meeting, great interest in preparing for food 46 countries were problems in the post-war period. He represented. The IIA therefore resumed the task he had ceased operations in 1945. FAO took-over the started seven years earlier and drafted mandate of international a second memorandum on the subject coordination in agriculture, of a United Nations programme to and named its library combat food shortages. after David Lubin. Lubin’s McDougall’s proposals eventually personal archives are kept there, including his essays came into the hands of Eleanor and treaties. His novel, Let Roosevelt, who organised a meeting There Be Light, proposed a with the then President of the United universal world religion. States of America. During a dinner

16 fao 70 YEARS Frank Lidgett McDougall (1884 – 1958)

The Château An eminent Australian Frontenac, Quebec economist, McDougall City, Canada where played a key role in the FAO was founded. creation of FAO and its early © FAO activities. In 1934 he wrote the document known as the ‘McDougall Memorandum’, which was instrumental in raising awareness of the problems of food distribution to underfed populations. After the establishment of FAO, he was Counsellor and later Special Assistant to the Director- General. McDougall died in LEFT: ROMe, ITALy, 1955. Eleanor Rome on 15 February 1958 Roosevelt with Frank McDougall at the age of 74. In that same during her visit to the United Nations year the FAO Council instituted Food and Agriculture Organization in the McDougall Memorial Rome. © FAO Lecture in his memory, to be given to a person of world RIGHT: Washington DC, 1946. standing on a subject related John Boyd Orr, FAO Director-General, to issues including global food on the left, and Stanley Bruce, and agriculture, population Chairman of the FAO Preparatory and food supply. Commission, leaving the US Department of Agriculture, following the commission’s opening session. © FAO KEY EVENTS FIRST DECADE 1945-1955 at the White House, McDougall passionately argued for a United FIRST DECADE SPECIAL MEETING ON URGENT Nations programme to tackle food as FOOD PROBLEMS its first global economic issue and for 1945-1955 In early 1946, FAO calculated agriculture to be considered essential that there would be a wide gap between demand and supply in to raising the living standards of On 16 October 1945, 34 governments the 1946-47 harvest period, and people throughout the world. signed the constitution for the proposed a series of corrective President Roosevelt made no permanent organisation in the field measures. Boyd Orr, FAO Director- General, proposed that FAO visible reaction, but the discussion at of food and agriculture at a historic take responsibility for mobilising that dinner must have struck a deep meeting in Château Frontenac in resources to contain the crisis. chord, as a year later he convened Quebec. By the end of the sessions, The first Special Meeting on Urgent Food Problems involved the United Nations Conference on FAO had 42 members. FAO was born, 70 governments, and it was the Nutrition and Agriculture. the United Nations organization itself first ambitious, large-scale project The conference was held at did not come into existence until 24 of its kind to provide evidence of Hot Springs, Virginia in the United October, eight days later. The United the rate of hunger. States of America in 1943, with the Nations Charter had been signed the WORLD CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE participation of 44 governments. previous June in San Francisco, but did Launched in 1950, the World It decided on the establishment of not come into force until it had been Census of Agriculture was a permanent organization in the ratified by the ‘Big Five’ powers and by FAO’s first programme in compiling statistical information field of food and agriculture. That a majority of the other signatory states. on 81 countries and provided decision brought the International The creation of FAO could not have a complete and current picture Institute of Agriculture to an end and come at a better time: with Europe of agricultural production and its structure, which had never its functions were transferred to the in ruins, hunger had become a real been done. new organisation. threat to many. At that meeting,

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FAO in seven decades

1951: FAO HEADQUARTERS MOVE TO ROME 1 A ceremony by the Italian government celebrates the move of the FAO headquarters to Rome. 2 Two ships, Saturnia and Vulcania, set sail from Washington in the early spring of 1951 with 76 families on board. The picture shows wooden crates filled with the office supplies to be loaded onto the ships 3 At the Port Terminal in Naples. 4 FAO Special Assistant welcoming the third FAO contingent and telling them how to reach their hotels. 1

2 3 4 © FAO

timeline

1945. FAO is created 1952. Second World The First sessions of the newly created UN, held in Quebec establish Food Survey FAO as the first specialised agency of the United Nations. FAO springs This survey finds that to life with 42 members. The British nutritionist John Boyd Orr is the average calorie appointed as its first Director-General. Washington DC is designated supply per person temporary headquarters of FAO. has fallen to below 1952. pre-war levels, and Launch of alarmingly, the gap 1945 Desert Locust 1955 between the better 1948. Election of American Programme Norris Edward Dodd (USA) as second and worse-fed nations FAO Director-General. 1950 has widened.

1943 1944 1946 1947 1948 1949 1951 1952 1953 1954 1956 1950. 1954. First World Philip Cardon 1943. An organization 1946. First world Census of 1951. Headquarters (USA) is dedicated to food food survey Agriculture move to Rome appointed as conducted The member states decide the third FAO and agriculture This survey provides a full picture of after the war. to move FAO headquarters Director- Government representatives the world food situation, confirming Covered 81 to Rome. General. of 44 countries meet in Hot that widespread hunger and countries. Springs (USA) and agree malnutrition are pressing concerns. to create a permanent The survey covers 70 countries and organization for food is an innovative attempt to analyse and agriculture. the global food situation.

18 fao 70 YEARS KEY EVENTS FIRST DECADE on 16 October 1945, the first Director- by FAO, the United Nations and General was also elected, John Boyd other organizations, in dealing with Orr, a Scot who was widely admired food emergencies. In August 1951, The programme assists countries by providing guidelines for his extensive work on nutrition. the United Nations Economic and to generate internationally FAO still needed to prove to Social Council recommended that comparable figures on variables governments that poverty lay FAO should keep the global situation defining the structure of agriculture, such as number and at the root cause of hunger and under continuous surveillance and area of farms by size, number malnutrition. This is why FAO report on any instances of “pending of livestock by type and age/ convened a Special Meeting on critical food shortages or famine”. sex classification, land tenure and land use, crops grown Urgent Food Problems in May This meant that FAO could perform and agricultural inputs. FAO 1946. The meeting not only tackled on-the-spot investigations and encourages countries to develop the immediate food crisis but also convene meetings with governments their programmes of censuses and surveys, keeping in view their prepared a set of proposals for ‘to devise the most practical lines priorities, practices and resource dealing with age-old issues related to of action’. It drove FAO to begin availability within the framework food production. Undertaking world studying the viability of establishing of a modular approach. censuses regularly, dealing with a food reserve to be used in cases PRINCIPLES OF SURPLUS plant pest control and responding of serious food shortages or famine DISPOSAL AND GUIDING LINES These principles were designed to emergencies with food relief were caused by war, natural catastrophies as a code of international some of the key issues addressed. or pest infestations such as the behaviour in food relief while Improving soil fertility was one of the desert locust. avoiding disruption to regular trade and discouragement of most pressing issues discussed. In this first decade, the possibility food production in recipient of solving two problems at the same countries. The principles taking stock of the post-war time was emerging: using surpluses embraced the view that surplus commodities can be utilized situation to ease the pressure on agricultural for the promotion of economic After World War II, soil fertility had prices and supplying more food to development, for special welfare to be repaired in many countries. malnourished populations. distribution and for emergency relief. In fact, the guidelines Nations were keen to increase While the risk of famine, and principles constituted that internal crop production. Farmers catastrophies and pest infestations the most desirable ways of wanted to maintain high productivity, was still prevalent, food surpluses disposing of surpluses were to raise nutritional levels of particularly in the light of favourable were building up in developed vulnerable and underprivileged prices for agricultural production. This countries. There was an urgency groups, as well as to mitigate resulted in a growing demand globally to mobilize the surpluses to those famine conditions. for fertilisers. Governments were faced countries in need while making UNITED NATIONS with an increase in demand for food sure farmers could benefit from SPECIAL FUND The Special Fund was created and needed to understand where appropriate mechanisms that would to support the development their farming industries stood if ensure that the prices of their of the necessary infrastructure they were to improve their overall produce remained competitive. The in recipient countries. It was also created to focus on large agricultural output. FAO Committee on Commodity projects “including assessing This was why FAO coordinated Problems devised the Principles of and developing manpower the World Census of Agriculture Surplus Disposal and Guiding in various industries, such as handicrafts and cottage in 1950 which proceeded to gather Lines. Adopted by the FAO industry, agriculture, forestry, statistical information in 81 countries Council in 1954, the Guiding Lines transport and communications, and provided a comprehensive and principles were designed as building and housing, health, education, statistics and public picture of agricultural production a code of international conduct, administration”. The Special and its structure at that moment. while safeguarding the interests Fund was launched in 1959 It was a significantly more of commercial exporters and local with a total contribution of US$26 million promised by sophisticated endeavour than any producers. The Guiding Lines have participating governments. Of pre-war censuses. Although by the been used ever since by food aid the first 13 projects approved late 1940s the post-war food crisis programmes as an effective code for by the Special Fund’s Governing Council, five were was coming to an end, this did not monitoring food and agricultural to be implemented by FAO. mean any diminishing of interest commodity assistance initiatives.

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FAO in seven decades Directors-General

1 JOHN Boyd Orr 2 Norris E. Dodd 1945 – 1948 1948 – 1953 SECOND DECADE Scotland (1880-1971). His USA (1879-1968). Before 1956-1965 proposals for a World Food his appointment he held Board led to the creation of various roles in agricultural the FAO Council in 1946. associations and agencies In its first ten years of existence, Nobel Peace Laureate in in his country. Under his FAO worked with governments 1949 for his studies in the leadership FAO moved from to tackle urgent issues of worldwide field of nutrition. Washington DC to Rome. hunger and malnutrition. During the second decade, the Organization started addressing long-term 3 Philip V. Cardon 4 Binay Ranjan Sen issues contributing to the fight 1954 – 1956 1956 – 1967 against hunger. Reducing global hunger, did not USA (1889-1965). India (1898-1993). only imply bringing food to people, Received an MSc in He was Secretary of the it also entailed an overall increase agricultural economics Ministry of Agriculture in investments in agriculture and from the University of and Ambassador. First in farmers’ know-how and access California. Before joining Director-General from a to technology. Farmers worldwide FAO, he was Director developing country he needed technical assistance, support of the US Department of launched the Freedom from and advice to improve their crop Agriculture. Hunger` Campaign in 1960. production. This is also why one of the most important developments in the Organization’s work has been 5 Addeke Hendrik 6 Edouard Saouma an increased emphasis in helping Boerma.1967 – 1975 1976 – 1993 farmers with assistance and support. Netherlands (1912-1992). Lebanon (1926-2012). On 14 October 1958, the FAO Special He was Director-General He was FAO Director Fund was created to widen the scope for Food in his country of Land and Water of the UN Programme of technical in 1945. First Executive Development until 1975. As assistance in certain basic fields. Director of the World Director-General he set up A large proportion of the projects Food Programme in 1962 the Technical Cooperation adopted by the Special Fund’s before taking on the role of Programme for the provision Governing Council were assigned FAO Director-General. of urgent assistance. to FAO as the implementing agency. This came as no surprise, and put FAO on the road to becoming a major 7 Jacques Diouf 8 José Graziano 1994 – 2011 da silva. 2012 – world technical aid agency. The Special Fund was to Senegal (1938). A Member Brazil (1949). Graduate concentrate on large projects in of Parliament, Secretary in Agronomy, University the fields of resources, including, General of the Central Bank of São Paulo. He led the assessing and developing for West African States, and Zero Hunger programme manpower in various industries Senegalese Ambassador to in Brazil as Extraordinary such as handicrafts and cottage the United Nations. Minister for Food Security agriculture, forestry, transport and He holds the longest tenure and the Fight against communications, building and at FAO of any other Hunger. In 2015 he was housing, health, education, statistics Director-General. re-elected to office. and public administration.

20 fao 70 YEARS 1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 © YU CHENG S ONG

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FAO in seven decades KEY EVENTS second DECADE

Since agricultural performance of Assistance took the form of WORLD SEED CAMPAIGN all crop inputs needed improvement, As part of the Freedom from surveys, research and training, Hunger Campaign, from and as fertilisers delivered the most demonstrations with pilot projects, 1957 to 1961 the World far-reaching results, in 1961 FAO also and was implemented by providing Seed Campaign received launched a Fertiliser Programme valuable support from over staff, experts, equipment, supplies 79 governments and a large under the Freedom from Hunger and services, as well as by number of international Campaign, to improve crop production establishing institutes and funding organizations. This support by increasing the use of fertilisers. The came mainly in the form of other appropriate initiatives, such as training facilities and expertise programme soon expanded its scope scholarships. in breeding and seed to include all aspects of efficient crop improvement. It also came production, such as improved varieties, in the form of international, cultivating fertile land regional and national training land management and weed control, as to increase centers. The latter assistance well as more efficient plant protection. crop production was considered to be among It is estimated that, overall, fertiliser Improving overall agricultural the most constructive means usage increased by 14 percent annually for promoting the aims of the production by advocating for high Campaign. during the 1960s. quality seeds and fertilizers, mapping The Campaign caught the out the world’s soil landscape were world’s attention as the use mapping the world’s soil of enhanced seed varieties all priorities set in that period as a was not only one of the most resources contribution to the overall hunger effective and economical The use of high-quality seeds and reduction strategy. ways to increase production, fertilisers was only a part of the overall but it was also a smart In order to push for the use investment for the future, strategy for poverty reduction. A good of high-quality seed of improved since these high-quality seeds knowledge of soils, their properties varieties, FAO launched a World Seed reduced production costs and distribution was also considered while improving the quality of Campaign in 1957, which culminated the end-product. strategic for more accurate and useful in World Seed Year in 1961. predictions as to how soil would react to

timeline 1963. The World Food Programme is born 1961. Soil Map 1963. Codex FAO and the United of the World Alimentarius Nations General FAO and UNESCO join forces Created in 1963 by Assembly adopt to produce a Soil Map of the FAO and WHO, the parallel resolutions that World. The map was based Codex Alimentarius establish the World 1956. Binay on information from 10 000 Commission comes Food Programme to 1955 Ranjan Sen (India) existing maps. into full operation to deliver urgent food 1965 is elected fourth establish international aid in real time to FAO Director- food standards. affected areas. General 1960

1953 1954 1956 1957 1958 1959 1961 1962 1963 1964 1966 1964. FAO/World Bank 1960. Launch of Cooperative 1957. World Seed the Freedom from Programme Campaign Hunger Campaign 1963. Third World Food Survey boosts investment with the aim of in agriculture in the FAO launches a World mobilizing non- The Third World Food Survey, which now covers developing world. Seed Campaign involving governmental support. almost 95 percent of the population, finds that 10 to 79 countries, which will 15% of the planet’s inhabitants are suffering culminate in World Seed from undernutrition and almost half of the population Year in 1961. is suffering from hunger, malnutrition, or both.

22 fao 70 YEARS specific production initiatives. However in the late 1950s, understanding the world’s soil cartography was chaotic at best and non-existent at worst. The International Union of Soil Science (IUSS) - at its Seventh Congress in Wisconsin, USA, in 1960 - recommended that soil maps of continents and large regions be published. As a follow-up, in 1961 FAO and UNESCO embarked on preparing a Soil Map of the World at 1:5 000 000 scale. The ambitious project took 17 years to complete and was the fruit of worldwide collaboration between innumerable soil scientists. The map’s purpose was to enable farmers to understand how soil would react to different farming techniques and give the best yields. The map has remained, until recently, the only global overview of soil resources. launch of freedom from hunger campaign As years went by, food problems in the poorest and most populous parts of the planet showed little sign of improvement. The conviction grew that if hunger were to be eliminated successfully, an all-out effort would be needed by governments, NGOs and private citizens. On 16 March 1955, Eleanor Roosevelt and Frank McDougall travelled to FAO to mobilize the United Nations Programme into creating the

Freedom from Hunger Campaign. It 1963, WASHINGTON DC. took five years of negotiations before threat to social and international John F. Kennedy, President FAO officially launched the campaign peace”. The campaign’s purpose was of the United States of America, addressing the in 1960. Its ambitious aim was to two-fold: first, to heighten awareness World Food Congress. eradicate hunger in the world once and worldwide of the problems of hunger for all. Governments agreed that “the and malnutrition that afflict more than persistence of hunger and malnutrition half of the world’s population, second, is unacceptable morally and socially, is to promote a climate of opinion in incompatible with the dignity of human which the solutions to these problems beings and the equality of opportunity could be organised on a national and to which they are entitled, and is a international basis.

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FAO in seven decades

Work on standards for food FREEDOM FROM HUNGER commodities also began in earnest in CAMPAIGN the early 1950s. At the first meeting The 104 member states that of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert attended the FAO biennial conference in November Committee on Nutrition, international 1961 unanimously agreed trade and nutrition experts stated: on the importance of this «Food regulations in different campaign for the future well- countries are often conflicting and being of the world. contradictory. Legislation governing The campaign was a preservation, nomenclature and milestone in the history of acceptable food standards often varies FAO, since it contributed significantly to its transition widely from country to country. New from a technical to a legislation not based on scientific development organization. It knowledge is often introduced, was launched with a five-year and little account may be taken of term, seeking to raise global nutritional principles in formulating awareness of the issues of regulations». hunger and malnutrition and Noting that the conflicting nature help find solutions. It was extended several times until of food regulations presented an the early 1980s. obstacle to trade and affected the distribution of nutritionally valuable FERTILIZER PROGRAMME food, the committee suggested that The FAO Fertilizer Programme was set up in 1961 under FAO and WHO should study these the Freedom from Hunger problems more closely. Established Campaign with the aim of in 1961, FAO/WHO Codex improving crop production Alimentarius Commission is one of and farmers’ incomes the best known and most successful through the efficient use of cooperative projects between two fertilizers. The increased United Nations agencies, and its usage of fertilizers began to show improvements in work centres on international food crop production, and the standards. Programme soon expanded its scope to include all aspects responding to food shortages of efficient crop production, One of the founding motives for such as improved varieties, creating FAO was to address the issue better soil management and of food surpluses in the advanced weed control, as well as more countries, directing them to areas of efficient plant protection. Overall, the use of fertilizers need in developing countries, while increased by 14 percent protecting the interests of farmers annually during in international trade by ensuring the 1960s. that prices for agricultural produce Codex Alimentarius remained attractive. The Codex Alimentarius, is the half of the 1950s, as did food aid. The FAO Principles of Surplus Latin for “food code”. Its role At this stage it was important to Disposal and Guiding Lines (1952) as coordinating mechanism devise “a workable scheme [...] for were used as a bluprint in many for the development of providing food aid through the UN studies on famine carried out by food standards at regional system”, as US President Dwight independent FAO experts in various and international levels is Eisenhower declared to the UN parts of the world in the 1950s. unquestioned. The purpose General Assembly in 1960. What of the published Codex These studies showed that surpluses Alimentarius was needed was a clear definition of continued to build up in the second roles in the United Nations system.

24 fao 70 YEARS PREVIOUS PAGE: 1960, Rome. Opening ceremony of the freedom from Hunger Campaign. ©FAO above: 1963, WASHINGTON DC. From left to right, the former FAO Directors-General posing at the World Food Congress: Norris E. Dodd, 2nd Director-General ; Philip V. Cardon, 3rd Director-General; and Binay R. Sen, 4th Director-General. ©FAO below: 1963, WASHINGTON DC. The Freedom from Hunger Campaign included on the World Food Congress flag. ©FAO

is to protect consumer health and ensure good practices in the food market. Its committees of governmental experts produce detailed procedures for formulating standards, paying particular attention to issues related to food additives and pesticide residues, based on the pioneering work of FAO and WHO in the early 1950s. The focus In December 1961, FAO and the UN until January 1963. In reality, it was on trade, as a means to General Assembly adopted parallel up and running several months strengthen food security and consumer protection, resolutions establishing the World early, as an earthquake hit Iran, a can be traced back to the Food Programme as the agency to hurricane swept through Thailand decisions made by the 1943 deal with bringing emergency food and newly independent Algeria Conference in Hot Springs, relief in real time to afflicted areas. was overwhelmed by five million in which representatives from This was a three-year returning refugees. Food assistance 44 countries established a programme to “free the world experimental programme that was was urgently needed and WFP was from want” and malnutrition. not due to enter into operation given the mandate to supply it.

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1970, OTTAWA (CANADa). A. H. Boerma, Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) from 1967 to 1975, sitting on the left, and H. A. Olson, Minister of Agriculture. Commemorative ceremony in Ottawa, 25th anniversary of FAO. ©FAO

During the 1950s and the first half KEY EVENTS THIRD DECADE of the 1960s, global food production third DECADE grew steadily, increasing by over 50 1966-1975 percent. However, in this period, boosting agricultural political gridlocks and economic INDICATIVE WORLD PLAN FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT production crises, such as the dramatic rise This plan analysed the main Attitudes toward mechanization in oil prices, meant that FAO was issues in global agriculture in changed considerably between faced with the task of containing the 1970s and 1980s. Its main the mid-1950s and the mid-1960s, the resulting threat of famine, while purpose was to find a solution to the problems of food shortages largely due to the Green Revolution continuing its research work and that were expected to occur in Asia. In 1966, the UN/FAO implementing its strategy aimed at over the next two decades. The World Conference on Land Reform increasing food security and long- aim of the plan was to provide a framework that would help emphasised the need for an term food production. governments formulate and integrated approach to agriculture. implement their agricultural By 1968, the Organization’s annual livestock development: policies. It also provided a focal State of Food and Agriculture disease eradication point for the Organization’s operational activities in its task report looked at raising agricultural To help developing countries increase of collecting, analysing and yields through “technological their crop and livestock production, distributing information on food improvements” as a way to free up FAO began to pay particular attention aid activities. Its purpose was spelled out in the title of the Plan, lands that could be used to feed to ways to eradicate diseases that it would indicate, not dictate. people. affected farm animals.

26 fao 70 YEARS In 1947, the Organization’s first major project was a campaign against rinderpest in China. Funded by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, the project enjoyed initial success and was later extended to other Asian countries. By the late 1950s, this highly contagious viral disease that affected cattle, buffaloes and other cloven-hoofed animals, had been eradicated from most countries in Asia. Among other livestock diseases that FAO began to tackle during this period was the foot- and-mouth disease, which had been kept at low levels. A number of European countries had been free from the disease for several years. During this period FAO also spearheaded the fight against 1970, THE HAGUE (NETHERLANDS). Second World Food Congress. ©FAO African swine fever, which afflicted Spain and Portugal in the 1960s and the Western Hemisphere generally in the 1970s, and is still an ongoing battle. In 1975 a major long-term programme against trypanosomiasis was launched in Africa. protection of natural resources From the 1950s to the early 1970s, the existence of large cereal reserves in North America was taken for granted throughout the 1975. FAO Director-General world. In 1972, however, world Edouard Saouma’s speech after his production of grains fell for the election during the 18th Session first time in two decades. Demand of the FAO Conference, FAO headquarters in Rome. for imports grew and surpluses ©FAO/ F. Iovino disappeared almost overnight. Added to this equation a series of environmental issues ranging from land, water and air pollution to the destruction of the world’s heritage 1974. Henry Kissinger US of plant genetic resources, the result Secretary of State addressing would be a world crisis. delegates of the World Food The global state of affairs was Congress during the opening ceremony at the Palazzo dei reviewed in the UN Conference Congressi in Rome. on the Human Environment in © FAO/S. Pierbattista

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Stockholm in mid-1972. FAO was CRISIS IN THE SAHEL the food crisis and oil prices asked to act to conserve the earth’s In 1968, the African region of In 1973 the world was in the agricultural, forestry, fishery and the Sahel entered a period of middle of a food crisis. To make drought that reached serious other natural resources and to proportions in 1972. It was matters worse, the political strengthen its ongoing work. One only when FAO sent its first embargo and soaring oil prices of the issues that emerged from disaster assessment mission to led to a drop in global factory and the conference was the recognition Mali, Niger and Upper Volta farm production, while sharply that the alleviation of poverty (now Burkina Faso) that the increasing inflationary pressures magnitude of the catastrophe helped protect the environment. which governments were already became evident. With the Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of task of acting as a focal point struggling to control. This led India mentioned this connection for the entire relief operation, the United States of America to in her speech at the conference: including non-food aid, FAO convene the 1974 World Food “We do not wish to impoverish the oversaw the transportation Conference to address two urgent environment any further and yet of supplies through its new needs: how to respond to food Office for Sahelian Relief we cannot for a moment forget the Operations. FAO supplied emergencies while ensuring grim poverty of large numbers of 20 000 tonnes of cereals and adequate supplies to narrow people. Are not poverty and need foods to the region, carrying the gap between developed and the greatest polluters?” out air transport operations to developing countries. FAO immediately set to work remote areas because road Henry Kissinger, the US after the Stockholm conference transportation was impossible Secretary of State, in his keynote due to the onset of the wet to establish a framework for its season. By 1975, the crisis speech advocating greater global programme on Natural Resources had subsided and over investment, confirmed the and the Human Environment. 1.5 million tonnes of grain, commitment of the United States This programme had two main 70 000 tonnes of protective of America to making sure that components: the first was to assess foods and smaller quantities “no child will go to bed hungry of seeds, insecticides and aid the state of natural resources, and supplies had within ten years”. Governments the second, to manage them. examined the global problem of

timeline

1970. Second World Food Congress 1975. Committe for Is held in The Hague in the Netherlands, for the first time it draws the public’s attention to the issue of hunger World Food Security and malnutrition around the world. The global situation is discussed and five areas for immediate action are Created in the FAO identified in line with the Organization’s strategy: promoting widespread use of high-yielding varieties of basic Conference which is being food crops, reducing waste, filling the ‘protein gap’, improving the quality of rural life and increasing earnings celebrated this year. This and savings in foreign currency in developing countries. organization already has 1965 136 members. 1975 1967. Election of Addeke Hendrik Boerma (Netherlands) as fifth FAO Director-General. 1970

1963 1964 1966 1967 1968 1969 1971 1972 1973 1974 1976

1972. United Nations Conference 1965. 1966. A group of experts on the Human Environment is appointed to assess World Land Reform Conference Held in Stockholm, Sweden, this conference is possible methods to The conference, held by FAO and International Labour organised by the United Nations Environment protect plant genetic Organization (ILO), emphasises the need for an integrated Programme (UNEP) and FAO makes 108 resources. approach to land reform in order to boost economic and social recommendations, of which 36 FAO is asked progress. Ideas on land reform from all over the world are pooled to implement, in the areas of agricultural at the conference, paving the way for a greater consensus on the conservation activities in forestry and fisheries action that would be taken in the coming years. resources, as well as other natural resources.

28 fao 70 YEARS food production and consumption, been delivered. To make Operations, with a global reach that and recommended the adoption matters worse, the political covered all forms of emergency aid embargo and the sharp rise of an International Undertaking in prices of oil, both lead to a in the agricultural industry. on World Food Security, solemnly fall in production in factories proclaiming that: “Every man, and farms throughout the capitalising on woman and child has the world and to a sharp increase agricultural research inalienable right to be free from in inflation pressures which In the 1960s, researchers noted an governments were already hunger and malnutrition in order struggling to control. alarming decline in biodiversity to develop fully and maintain their due to a variety of factors, not least physical and mental faculties”. WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE diseases, environmental pollution The FAO World Food One of the outcomes of the Conference was held as the and some farming practices. World Food Conference was food crisis was reaching Protecting biodiversity was the establishment of the FAO its peak. The Conference crucial to boost ecosystem Committee on World Food Security. proposed a three-point plan productivity, Well planned and to prevent similar crises in the This committee would review and future: 1. The establishment implemented research on its follow-up on global food security of a World Food Bank to conservation could pay remarkably policies, food production, nutrition facilitate continuous access high dividends. and access to food. to around 10 million tonnes In 1965, a panel of experts was In the same period, in the of stored grain that would brought together to study ways to be made freely available light of the deteriorating situation in times of need. 2. A protect endangered plant genetic worldwide, FAO introduced a five- new International Fund for resources. At that time FAO was point action plan and together with Agricultural Development that involved in over 615 projects the World Bank and the United would commit US$5 billion a assisting research at national level year for ten years to improve Nations Development Programme tropical agriculture, not least in various fields, ranging from (UNDP) formulated multilateral at the level of subsistence sorghum and millet development food-aid and production plans to farmers. This was more than to irrigation and to tick-borne strengthen food security and to three times the worldwide cattle diseases. ensure that national supply policies investment at that time. 3. A Along with FAO, there were new food forecasting system that were tailored to specific that would provide early four different research centers criteria were adopted by individual warning of future crises. in Europe which cooperated states. These measures could not COMMITTEE ON WORLD and shared their findings. In have come at a better time for the FOOD SECURITY 1971, the Consultative Group areas that most needed them, such The Committee on World on International Agricultural as the countries affected by the Food Security (CFS) was Research was created to integrate Sahel Crisis. set up in response to the these research centers and harness recommendations of the 1974 Thirty years after the end of World Food Conference. At their strengths. Sponsored by FAO, World War II, the planet was a that time, the CFS focused the United Nations Development very different place politically. its efforts on increasing Programme (UNDP) and the World With FAO as focal point and global grain production Bank, CGIAR was established and stabilising world grain facilitator, huge strides had been markets on the assumption as an informal association of 44 made by governments, NGOs and that these actions would governments and donor agencies donor organizations in the field of be enough to ensure that to conduct stable long-term cooperation and food security. It everyone everywhere had research programmes that would be was becoming increasingly clear enough to eat. In 2009 the beyond the capability of individual committee was restructured that concerted global action was to increase the participation countries. essential in order to tackle the real of international members. The World Bank provides the threat of famine. It was also reshaped to CGIAR secretariat, while FAO After the Sahel Crisis, the Office respond to short-term crises as provides that of the Group’s well as to address long-term for Sahelian Relief Operations structural issues. Technical Advisory Committee became the Office for Special Relief (TAC).

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FAO in seven decades KEY EVENTS FOURTH DECADE

TECHNICAL FOURTH DECADE COOPERATION PROGRAMME 1976-1985 The FAO Technical Cooperation Programme united in the fight against (TCP) was launched in hunger 1976 to make use of the Organization’s technical When FAO conducted its fourth World expertise in support of Food Survey in 1977 on the state of development efforts in hunger and malnutrition in the world, member states and their regions. The Programme the overall picture was grim: 10 to 15 now provides assistance percent of the world’s inhabitants were in all areas under the undernourished and 50 percent suffered Organization’s mandate. from hunger or malnutrition or both. GLOBAL INFORMATION Despite the harsh conditions AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEM of rising poverty, hunger and FAO Global Information malnutrition, developing countries and Early Warning System fought back with resilience and began (GIEWS) on Food and to consider the idea of collective Agriculture tracked global and national food supply and self-sufficiency. demand. In response to the Given that developing countries continuous food shortages shared similar socio-economic in several African countries, the system intensified its conditions, the United Nations found monitoring activities and above: 1981. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, that a similar approach to finding prepared monthly reports, delivers the McDougall Lecture at the 21st FAO Conference. solutions to food-related problems providing information on © FAO/Franco Mattioli. crops and the supply of right: 1985. A special ceremony commemorates the 40th could yield positive results in these emergency food aid. anniversary of FAO at the FAO headquarters during the countries. 23rd Conference. © FAO.

timeline 1982. International Seed Information System Managed by a microcomputer, the system included computer 1981. First World Food Day. Held on 16 techniques and management October in over 150 countries practices both for commercial 1975 seed banks and forestry 1985 1977. The Global Information research programmes. Over and Early Warning System 20 000 seed samples were (GIEWS) is up and running 1980 sent in this year.

1973 1974 1976 1977 1978 1979 1981 1982 1983 1984 1986

1976. Edouard Saouma 1979. World (Lebanon) is elected fifth FAO 1983. The forestry 1984. The World Director-General. 1978. Conference on resources information Conference on Fisheries Fourth World Agrarian Reform and system named FORIS Management and enters into service as a Development held in Food Survey Rural Development computerised data system Rome is the first important In the developing The conference, in Rome, on tropical forests. step towards adopting world, around 455 adopts the “Peasants’ Charter” the new maritime laws. million people suffer to enable people to have undernutrition. access to land.

30 fao 70 YEARS Promoting effective technical timely and reliable information on Crop information missions cooperation between countries could were sent to the African those countries facing serious food be vital to the achievement of countries affected by drought. emergencies so that governments common goals. Today, the GIEWS continues and the international community The Buenos Aires Plan of Action, to monitor food supply and could take appropriate measures. demand, conveying early adopted in 1978 by 138 states, to warnings of imminent crises to One instrument set up in this period promote and implement technical countries. worth noting was the FAO Global cooperation among developing THE FOURTH WORLD FOOD Information and Early Warning countries (TCDC), represented SURVEY System on Food and Agriculture, in a bluprint for major changes in This fourth survey detected an 1977. approaches to development aid, alarming rise in the number The setback in agriculture of countries experiencing a and guided the Organization’s decline in per capita food caused by the economic crisis of the subsequent work in this region. production. The evidence 1970s meant that FAO, governments While southern countries began obtained from a group of and donor agencies had to work to share their technical expertise states classified as the “most even more closely together in seriously affected” by the and noted improvements in their economic crisis revealed that different sectors to eradicate communities, the United Nations 25 to 50 percent of young hunger and stimulate public realized that the region, as a children were suffering some support. The idea that the actions of whole, was far from being food form of undernourishment, governments, organizations, groups primarily protein-energy secure. FAO needed to continue to malnutrition. and individuals should be pooled to monitor the situation and provide fight the injustice of hundreds of

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millions of people being denied the right to food was gathering support within the United Nations family, culminating in the first World Food Day in 1981.

new agricultural techniques: improved small-scale irrigation FAO had always been an active promoter of good agricultural practices, including irrigation methods, to support and provide relief to communities affected by crises or sudden disasters. The climate-related shocks that repeatedly struck the southern regions of Africa and the Indian Ocean had always had a negative effect on the fragile economies and 1979. Pope John Paul II and Edouard Saouma, FAO Director-General during the 20th FAO Conference at FAO headquarters. livelihoods of local communities, © FAO/F. Mattioli. undermining their ability to recover fully from these crises, and further increasing their vulnerability to using marine resources to future disasters. WORLD FOOD DAY alleviate hunger In 1979 the FAO Conference For this reason, FAO unanimously decided to When FAO was set up, the seas gave greater attention to the observe World Food Day were regarded as available to development of small-scale each year on 16 October, the all, the responsibility of no one irrigation systems during its fourth anniversary of the founding under the ‘freedom of the high decade of existence. Such systems of FAO. The objectives seas’ principle. In the following were to raise awareness provided an attractive way to re- among governments and the years, FAO understood that the establish production and income population of the nature and development of this underused and significantly increase the magnitude of the global food resource could help to alleviate resilience of local communities to problem, and to involve them hunger in many farming overcome subsequent emergencies. in the fight against hunger, communities in developing regions. malnutrition and poverty. By contrast, large irrigation Thanks to some revolutionary systems required huge investments WORLD CONFERENCE ON technological developments, global and involved extremely long FISHERIES MANAGEMENT fisheries production quadrupled AND DEVELOPMENT gestation periods. They were also This Conference was from 1940 to 1970. But success came highly demanding in terms of attended by the largest at a cost. Uncontrolled expansion, management, maintenance and number of high-level political primarily by industrialised training of farmers. Although delegates ever assembled to countries, gave rise to overfishing small-scale irrigation projects discuss the industry’s problems of many species. By the mid-1970s, in Rome in 1984. had a more limited impact, they During the Conference total global fisheries production could be carried out much faster agreement was reached began to level-off. and yield immediate results such on long-term goals for For developing countries the as increasing food production for fisheries. The fundamental situation was different. Many were farmers and their resiliency to issue discussed was the unable to benefit from the freedom control of open access to future threats while creating stable fishing grounds. of the seas. Moreover, they had to employment conditions. compete with foreign fleets fishing

32 fao 70 YEARS close to their shores. This issue was raised in international fora. After much discussion it was agreed that a coastal state’s jurisdiction over fish resources would extend to 200 miles seawards. This was embodied in the 1982 United Nations above: 1981. World Food Day is held, with Willy Brandt, the West German Chancellor giving an Convention on the Law of the Sea, opening speech in his capacity as Chairman of the Independent Commission on International Development which made it possible to properly Issues, FAO headquarters. © FAO below, left: 1985. Suharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia; Edouard Saouma, FAO Director- manage this valuable resource. The General and François Mitterrand, President of the French Republic. © FAO FAO World Conference on Fisheries right: 1984. King Juan Carlos addresses the delegation during the opening of the World Fisheries Management and Development, Conference at FAO headquarters. © FAO held in Rome in 1984, provided the first major overview of the world’s new maritime laws with a strategy The expansion of countries’ expense of livestock development. named the World Fisheries Charter. national coastal jurisdiction, Ten years later, incomes were agreed two years earlier, was While developing countries a necessary but inadequate rising and the demand for animal strove to gain a bigger share of the step towards achieving this products increased dramatically. world fishing trade and fisheries goal. Alternative management The average intake of animal mechanisms were badly products, FAO began to provide needed, in particular protein, including fish, rose by 20 information services on regional territorial distribution systems, percent in developing countries. fish markets. including usage rights. FAO turned its attention to This strategy meant fundamental institutional containing and preventing diseases, increasing livestock changes, including licensing and to technologies that would production programmes, assigning increase production. This was individual total fishing quotas In the 1960s, policy makers focused or territorial usage rights. achieved by improving livestock primarily on crop production at the breeding and feed.

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1995. World coins minted to mark the 50th Anniversary of FAO. FAO© G. Gasponi FIFTH DECADE KEY EVENTS 1986-1995 fifth DECADE

FIFTH WORLD FOOD SURVEY This was the decade of the first nuclear The Fifth World Food Survey disaster to affect agriculture in two found that the number of people continents. The decade witnessed an suffering from hunger was on the rise. To mitigate this upward increased sense of the urgent need to trend, the survey proposed free the world from hunger once and counter measures such as for all. This was also the decade that food subsidies and nutritional began to recognise the important role of education. women in agriculture. LAUNCH OF FAOSTAT FAOSTAT (known as AGROSTAT The Fifth World Food Survey released until the mid-1990s) is an by FAO in 1985 once again provided electronic edition of FAO a full picture of the global food and yearbooks and to date it is considered the world’s largest nutrition situation. The survey found source of agricultural information that the proportion of undernourished and statistics. people in developing countries had The FAOSTAT system integrates all of the statistics fallen. Even so, the number of people relevant to agriculture into a single suffering from hunger was large enough database, thereby enabling to warrant action. Finding solutions to users to analyse the industry’s performance in a simple way. undernutrition was no longer optional. The system went live in 1986 and In 1992, FAO and the World Health since then it has worked directly Organization convened the first World with states, offering free and easy Conference on Nutrition (WCN), access to the statistical data of 245 countries and 35 regions, 1992, ROMe. Pope John Paul II and Edouard Saouma, devoted solely to addressing the world’s from 1961 to the most recent FAO Director-General, FAO headquarters. nutrition problems. That conference available year. saw a tidal wave of commitment by AFRICA REAL TIME governments that pledged to eliminate ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING INFORMATION starvation, widespread chronic hunger, SYSTEM (ARTEMIS) toxicity in food: malnutrition, undernutrition, especially The Africa Real Time the chernobyl disaster among children, women and the Environmental Monitoring As if the problem of undernourishment Information System (ARTEMIS) is aged, before the next millennium. installed at FAO headquarters in the world was not enough, Governments pledged to address a to collect data on rainfall and governments had to contend with man- number of food-related issues ranging vegetation. This system uses made disasters aggravating the situation. satellite images in near real-time. from micronutrient deficiency to non- The data is received directly by The nuclear catastrophe known communicable diseases, inadequate ARTEMIS from the European as the Chernobyl Disaster on that sanitation and unsafe water. Lest anyone satellite and is used to capture fateful day of 26 April 1986, saw the images of the cold clouds over should forget the need for urgent action Africa every 10 days. These release of radioactive materials into to eradicate starvation and chronic images provide rainfall estimates. the environment with a devastating undernutrition, the world food situation INTERNATIONAL PLANT effect on trade in agricultural and food was confirmed again in 1993 at the PROTECTION CONVENTION commodities. The effects were felt not FAO Conference as it reviewed World The International Plant Protection only near the nuclear power plant in Convention is an international Agriculture: Towards 2010. This report treaty on plant health. It was Chernobyl or in the Ukraine where stated that despite an increase in food initially adopted by the FAO the accident happened, but the fallout production and food security there were Conference in 1951. It entered of radionuclides into the atmosphere into force in 1952, replacing still 800 million undernourished people previous agreements on plant spread over a wide geographic area of in the world. Europe and Asia.

34 fao 70 YEARS 1995, QUEBEC (CANADa). Photograph of a group of participants at the 50th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held in Quebec, Canada, where the organization was founded on 16 October 1945.

food crisis in the horn was done to improve the monitoring protection. The Convention of africa was revised in 1979 and of indicators that led to famine. In 1984 and 1985, no less than its amendments entered into One important instrument 30 African countries experienced force in 1991. In 1997 further created during this period was the amendments were made and life-threatening famine that led to it became an organization that Africa Real-Time Environmental massive loss of human and livestock sets plant health standards. Monitoring Information System life. In East Africa as a whole, 42 The Convention’s new wording (ARTEMIS), installed at FAO in percent of the population was must now receive approval 1988. Policy makers realised that from member states and the undernourished, and the figures for revised Convention will come they needed to protect and cultivate Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia were into in force 30 days after its their lands if they wanted famines among the highest in the world. acceptance. to be a thing in the past. The response of the international First international community reflected a remarkable conference on NUTRITION information systems wave of solidarity from the public The World Declaration and Advances in information Plan of Action for Nutrition was in non-affected countries. Almost adopted at the International technology have permitted FAO 7 million tonnes of cereal aid were Conference on Nutrition to create a number of information pledged to the 21 countries hit by organised by FAO and held at its systems, databases and data banks, headquarters in Rome from 5 to shortages. This crisis showed that 12 December 1992. in response to the various needs famine was still present. Much work of member countries. Indeed,

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these systems lie at the heart of FAO and the World protecting plants from pests FAO’s work. The FAO constitution Health Organization (WHO) Although the devastating effects of called the first world conference (Article 1 paragraph 1) states that exclusively on nutritional plant pests, including diseases and the Organization’s function is to problems around the world. weeds, have been known throughout ‘collect, analyse, interpret and The Conference was attended history, it was only recently that legal by over 1 300 participants disseminate information relating including representatives from standards were drafted to prevent the to nutrition, food and 159 member states and the spread of plant pests and to protect agriculture.’ European Community, as well plant resources. In fact, with the rise as 140 at ministerial level. The most basic form of Governments were in international mobility of people information is statistics over the committed to eliminating or and goods and borders between years, FAO has gone from having reducing significantly a number countries becoming more porous, of issues before the next four punching machines, two millennium. plant pests were beginning to travel verifying machines, one collating These included hunger and more rapidly. The international machine and a couple of tabulating famine; widespread chronic community set about course hunger; malnutrition especially machines in 1963, to creating one among children, women correcting in a number of ways. of the UN’s most sophisticated and the elderly, micronutrient Firstly, the International Plant information systems, one which deficiencies; inadequate Protection Convention came sanitation and poor hygiene governments can have access on and unsafe water. into force in 1991 to address these

using when setting their own WORLD AGRICULTURE: changing circumstances and to national agenda in the field of TOWARDS 2010 keep abreast of the successful agriculture. World Agriculture: Towards international interventions led by The same year, FAO launched its 2010 was the product of the FAO, with regard to plants and plant collective work of all FAO comprehensive statistical database technical units, carried out with products. Secondly, that same year covering the world’s agricultural contributions from specialised the FAO Conference on Agriculture information, changing its name in experts. It presented a complete and the Environment convened study on issues relating the mid-1990s to Faostat. in the Netherlands, discussed

timeline

1986. AGROSTAT launches 1988. Environmental control 1995. FAO celebrates 1994. The world’s most important source of system in Africa Election of 50th anniversary agricultural information and statistics. This real-time system using satellite Jacques Diouf An International Symposium images, ARTEMIS, processes the data (Senegal), is held in the Canadian city received from satellites on rainfall seventh FAO of Quebec, followed by a and vegetation. Director- Special Ministerial General. Meeting on 1985 Food Security. 1995 1986. FAO has FAO has 158 members. 1990 171 members.

1983 1984 1986 1987 1988 1989 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996

1987. Measures against radioactive FAO Regional 1994. Special Programme 1995. Emergency Conference for Prevention System contamination in food Africa adopts for Food Security for Transboundary In 1986 the release of radioactive particles from the International The goal of this Programme is to Animal and Plant Chernobyl spread across Europe and Asia, causing Plan for the support low-income food-deficit Pests and Diseases serious problems for food production and trade. As preservation and countries in their efforts to improve (EMPRES). measures taken by national authorities lack cohesion, re usable of lands food security, reduce the variability FAO makes a series of recommendations to control the in Africa. of agricultural production year on trade in foodstuffs at risk of accidental contamination year, and improve their people’s with radionuclides or other contaminants. access to food.

36 fao 70 YEARS requirements for sustainable place of the woman as the ‘unequal to natural and agricultural agriculture and rural development. half’ in a male dominated society. crop resources, including food commodity and trade The conference acted as a precursor This reason alone was enough to projections. It also assessed to the United Nations Conference warrant efforts to secure the social the nutritional aspects of the on Environment and Development advancement of women in rural food commodity demand (UNCED). Three years later, FAO areas. Secondly, there was a sex bias projections and chronic undernutrition estimates. launched the Emergency Prevention in institutions prevented women System for Transboundary Animal from being able to access credit, EMERGENCY and Plant Pests and Diseases PREVENTION SYSTEM FOR and join cooperatives. Worse still, TRANSBOUNDARY ANIMAL (EMPRES), which strengthened under some systems of traditional AND PLANT PESTS AND the organization’s contribution to law, women were unable to inherit DISEASES (EMPRES) preventing, controlling and, where land. To address such issues Fighting hunger is not just possible, eradicating diseases and blocking women, FAO carried out about producing more food. It also means protecting livestock pests. substantial programmes to assess from disease and preventing the impact of its actions on women, diseases from spreading the role of women in and introduced measures to ensure across borders. Against this agriculture that women obtain real benefits. background, in 1994, FAO set up an Emergency Prevention There were many reasons for Over US$24 million received by System for Transboundary paying special attention to the FAO from UNDP has funded a wide Animal and Plant Pests and role of women in agricultural range of special projects for women. Diseases (EMPRES). FAO development, especially as women The Special Programme for Food EMPRES-Livestock programme continues to play an important have traditionally constituted the Security (SPFS), that FAO launched role in the fight against the principal labour-force for both cash in 1994, targeting low-income food- persistence and spread of crop and food production. deficit countries (LIFDCs), has transboundary diseases In the 1980s and 1990s, there touched and improved the lives of globally, with an emphasis on developing countries. was a general issue of inequity: the many female farmers.

left: The FAO ARTEMIS system provides ongoing satellite monitoring of weather and vegetation. Map of the number of days of rainfall in Africa from 1 to 10 September 1990, illustrating the distribution of rainfall over a ten-day period. © FAO. right: 1994. Newly elected FAO Director-General, Jacques Diouf (L) attending the handover ceremony with E. Saouma. Jacques Diouf of Senegal was elected on 8th November 1993, and began his first six-year term in January 1994. ©FAO/Luigi Spaventa

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SIXTH DECADE: KEY EVENTS 1996-2005 sixth DECADE

WORLD FOOD SUMMIT Despite all efforts, as a result of natural The World Food Summit or man-made disasters, the food was called in response to situation in the world had not improved the continued existence of widespread undernutrition and the number of hungry people had and a growing concern about not decreased. In fact, the numbers were the ability of agriculture to actually increasing at an alarming rate. meet future food needs. From 1996 to 2005 a series of important In this context, the World Food Summit was held from initiatives were launched with the aim of 13 to 17 November 1996, halving the number of hungry people in and was attended by high- the world by 2015. level representatives from 185 states. This historic event, held at the FAO headquarters in world summit on food security Rome, brought together some Despite the commitment at the FAO 10 000 participants and provided a forum for debate conference in 1974 by heads of states on one of the most important and governments to eradicate hunger, issues faced by world leaders the food situation showed little sign of in the new millennium: the eradication of hunger. improvement. The purpose of the summit In order to renew the global high- was to renew the global level commitment to eradicating commitment at the highest level to eliminate hunger and hunger and malnutrition and achieving malnutrition and to ensure lasting food security for everyone, FAO sustainable food security for convened the World Food Summit in the entire population. November 1996. This was attended by heads of state or government and ROME DECLARATION ON WORLD FOOD SECURITY other high officials from 186 countries. The Rome Declaration on This was the first time in history when World Food Security and the world leaders turned their attention to World Food Summit Plan of Action were approved during ‘food security’ and the way in which the World Summit that was their citizens could access the food they attended by 112 heads of needed in order to live healthy lives. At state and government, as well as over 70 high-level this Summit, they adopted the Rome representatives from other Declaration on World Food Security and countries. the World Food Summit Plan of Action. In the Rome Declaration, the heads of state reaffirmed The Summit was not intended to be every person’s right to safe 1996, ROMe. The World Food Summit a pledging conference nor was it aimed and nutritious food. The was held in FAO Headquarter with 185 at creating new financial mechanisms, World Food Summit Plan governments and member states. of Action had seven points institutions or bureaucracy. Countries ABOVE: Jacques Diouf, FAO Director- aiming to ensure: i) conditions General, and his wife Mrs Diouf (R) meet had complete freedom as to how they conducive to food security; ii) Queen Noor of Jordan (C). were going to achieve the objectives access to food for everyone; ©FAO/Luigi Spaventa. iii) sustained increases in outlined in the Plan of Action. The food production; (iv) the midle: Jacques Diouf meets Fidel Castro Ruz, process received a boost in 2002 contribution of trade to food President of Cuba, and Romano Prodi, Italian following a series of intergovernmental security; v) emergency relief Prime Minister. © FAO/Luigi Spaventa when and where necessary; below: Jacques Diouf with Joaquim Alberto negotiations under the Declaration (vi) necessary investments, Chissano, President of Mozambique. of the World Food Summit: ©FAO/Luigi Spaventa

38 fao 70 YEARS 1996, ROMe. View of the Plenary Hall during the World Food Summit at FAO headquarters. © FAO/Luigi Spaventa

five years later. The FAO Council to farmers to help them achieve the and vii) concerted efforts so unanimously adopted the Voluntary that countries, organizations capacity to produce more and better food Guidelines to Support the Progressive and people achieve results for their families. These projects were Realization of the Right to Adequate individually or collectively. grassroots micro-projects where farmers

Food in the Context of National Food FAO LAUNCHES THE were able to buy tools to grow crops, Security, known as the Right to Food TELEFOOD CAMPAIGN raise livestock or fish, and to process Guidelines. TeleFood was the food to sell it at a higher price. Over the Organization’s annual fund- years, the money has been invested in raising campaign, organising telefood campaign radio programmes, concerts seeds and fertilisers, irrigation pumps, To sustain the momentum generated and other events on World silos and even fish smoking ovens. by the 1996 World Food Summit, Food Day. The goal of the The most successful marathon campaign was to raise public FAO increased public awareness of awareness of global hunger TeleFood event was the Spanish telethon global hunger and advocating action and mobilise resources for “Gala FAO”, which raised over US$ 15 by launching a fundraising campaign anti-hunger projects. million. Although the maximum cost named TeleFood. of an individual initiative was During its first year, in 1997,T eleFood US$10 000, the TeleFood establishment of the code of reached a global audience of 500 million projects had a huge impact conduct for fisheries in various countries around th and, up to the year 2001, the campaign the world. In 1995 FAO celebrated its 50 had raised over US$ 28 million, which With just US$40 a hive anniversary. To mark the occasion, was used to fund over 1 000 projects in could be bought, producing it returned to its birthplace, the city 15 kg of honey per year. over 100 countries. TeleFood sent the With US$125, a farmer of Quebec, to hold an international donations, with no administrative costs, symposium in the same ballroom

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FAO in seven decades

in Château Frontenac where FAO could buy a pump to 34 descriptor fields for each record had been created decades before. The irrigate 2 500 m2 of cultivable and contained information on 1 927 theme of the symposium was ‘People land. With US$300, 60 agreements dating back to the year 1351. farmers could buy enough at the heart of development: food seed to plant 20 hectares of security through know-how’, and it vegetables. Half of the funds controlling trade in pesticides aimed to reflect intergovernmental, raised by TeleFood were used Pesticides and industrial chemical governmental, academic or private- in projects involving women products that were banned or heavily sector concerns. In these 50 years, FAO and young people. Many restricted for health or environmental people all over the world state membership had grown from 44 in – celebrities, agricultural reasons in developed countries were 1945 to 179 in 1995. school groups, communities finding their way, through trade, to Following the symposium, a special and individuals – gave their developing countries. ministerial meeting on food security support to TeleFood, offering In order to limit the severely their time and adding their was held which resulted in the Code of voice in the fight against hazardous pesticide formulations that Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. This hunger. presented a health risk when used by code provided a framework for national farmers from developing or countries with and international efforts to ensure ROTTERDAM CONVENTION economies in transition, FAO brokered a sustainable exploitation of living aquatic ON THE PRIOR INFORMED legally binding convention to control the resources, and do so in harmony with CONSENT PROCEDURE trade in pesticides and other hazardous the environment. However, for a code to FAO promotes a legally chemicals. The convention was adopted binding agreement to be effective, it must be adhered to, and a regulate trade pesticides and on 10 September 1998 in Rotterdam monitoring system be put in place. other products hazardous (the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior FAO built a Fisheries Agreement chemicals. This Convention Informed Consent Procedure) and it Register (FARISIS), an easy-to- was adopted in Rotterdam entered into force on 24 February 2004. Its search computer database on bilateral and ratified the Rotterdam objectives were twofold. Firstly, it sought Convention on the prior and multilateral agreements related informed consent procedure. to promote shared responsibility and to fisheries, that provided up to cooperative efforts by traders of certain

timeline

1996. World Food Summit 2002. World Food Summit: The World Food Summit convened at FAO headquarters in Rome, comprised five years later of meetings at the highest level with representatives from 185 countries and the Attended by delegations from 179 European Community. The Summit saw 10 000 participants and provided a countries, including the European forum for debate on one of the most important issues facing world leaders in the Commission. The World Food Summit new millennium - the imperative of eradicating hunger. reaffirms the international community’s commitment to halving the number of 1995 people suffering hunger by 2015. 2005 19 97. FAO launches the TeleFood campaign 2000

1993 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2001 2002 2003 2004 2006 2000. FAO develops 1999. FAO Goodwill a strategy for 2001. International Treaty on Plant Ambassadors for fight against chronic hunger Genetic Resources for Food and The purpose of the programme is to in the Horn of Agriculture raise public and media awareness of Africa. the unacceptable situation of a billion The treaty enters into force in 2004 as a legally people suffering hunger and malnutrition. binding agreement that promotes sustainable farming Nobel Laureate Rita Levi, the actress by ensuring equitable access to plant genetic Gong Li and footballers Roberto Baggio resources and by sharing their benefits among plant and Raúl take part, among others. breeders, farmers and public and private institutions.

40 fao 70 YEARS ABOVE, LEFT: 1996, Rome. Walter Veltroni, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, Italy, speaking at a ceremony at the Colosseum on the occasion of the World Food Summit. © FAO/Luigi Spaventa. above, right: 1999, florence. TeleFood Gala. (From right to left) Jacques Diouf, FAO Director-General with Lamberto Dini, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, his wife, the Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida, and Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti and his wife. © FAO/Luigi Spaventa left: Musicians playing at the Japanese TeleFood concert, held in December 1999 and broadcast in Japan in January 2000. ©FAO

hazardous chemicals in order to protect FISHERIES AGREEMENT adopted the legally binding International human health and the environment from REGISTER (FARISIS)) Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food potential harm. Secondly, it aimed to When it was created, FARISIS and Agriculture, which supported the work contribute to the environmentally sound was a unique global database of breeders and farmers everywhere. The use of those hazardous chemical products, on fisheries agreements. The Treaty encouraged sustainable agriculture by facilitating information exchange entries have been useful in through the equitable sharing of genetic about their properties, by providing for a understanding and analysing material. It encouraged sustainable national process for decision-making on certain aspects of international agriculture through the equitable sharing importing and exporting these chemical fisheries cooperation and of genetic material and its benefits among products, and by disseminating these development. Elements of plant breeders, farmers and public and decisions to the stakeholders. the Register have been used private research institutions. The Treaty was in elaborating international considered vital to permit the continued sustainable farming through instruments in fisheries, in availability of plant genetic resources that plant protection particular, the Agreement to countries needed to feed their people and Crops, a product of natural evolution, Promote Compliance with for future generations, and was enforced in selection by farmers and selective breeding, International Conservation and 2004. Over the course of that year, through Management Measures by were in grave danger. Serious threats a number of initiatives for improving Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, included pollution, resource degradation, rice production and access to rice, the was adopted in November the destruction of habitats and alterations 1993 by the Twenty-seventh International Year of Rice was promoted to to ecosystems. After seven years of Session of the FAO Conference. highlight the strategic role of rice in local negotiations, the 2001 FAO Conference economies both in Asia and Africa.

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FAO in seven decades KEY EVENTS seventh DECADE

CRISIS MANAGEMENT SEVENTH DECADE CENTRE for animals The Crisis Management 2006-2015 Centre - Animal Health is FAO rapid response mechanism for emergency Despite natural emergencies and situations related to animal man-made disasters occurring in diseases. The centre is a joint-arm of the Animal this period, setting development Production and Health goals against a tight timeframe saw and the Emergency and a paradigm shift in food security Rehabilitation Divisions, and agricultural development. and it sends rapid response missions to Finally, some measurable progress countries to help assess was being made towards radically epidemiologic situations, reducing the number of people diagnose outbreaks of suffering from chronic malnutrition animal diseases, and set up immediate measures to worldwide. prevent or stop the spread of disease. responding to flood, famine With a global and disease network of veterinary and operations experts The year 2011 saw two major within FAO and partner natural emergencies in Asia and organizations, the centre above: 2009. View of the panel at the World Summit on Africa. Pakistan was hit with the can provide a rapid Food Security. © FAO/Alessandra Benedetti. worst floods ever that wiped out response by dispatching below: 2014. Director-General José Graziano da Silva experts teams to any welcoming Pope Francis on his arrival to attend the Second seed stores and killed millions of region of the world. International Conference on Nutrition. head of livestock. FAO responded © FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto

timeline

2009. World Summit on Food Security 2011. Eradication of Rinderpest 2014. The purpose of this summit is to add urgency to the fight In a historic victory for veterinary science, FAO The Blue Growth against hunger. 60 heads of state and government and the OIE announce that, after decades of joint Initiative is a new and 192 ministers unanimously adopt a declaration efforts at international level, rinderpest – a deadly approach to marine renewing their commitment to eradicating hunger cattle disease – has been successfully eradicated resources which is from the world as soon as possible. from the natural environment. necessary to protect 2005 world food security 2015 and sustainable 2010 development.

2003 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2 011 2012 2013 2014 2011. Jose Graziano Da Silva (Brazil), is named eighth FAO Director-General. 2007. Committee on Fisheries: 2008. Conference a legally binding on Climate Change 2015. Jose global agreement FAO organises a conference involving 43 Graziano da Silva (Brazil), 119 countries approve a proposal to develop heads of state and 100 government ministers is re-elected with 177 votes a legally binding measure to address the on the impact of climate change and the rise of for a second term. The widest illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing bioenergy on food security and food prices. consensus achieved in an practices responsible for serious economic, A resolution is approved to increase support election for Director-General social, biological and environmental damage. and investment to develop world agriculture. in the history of FAO.

42 fao 70 YEARS to monitor disease outbreaks and dispatch experts to any hot spot in the world in under 48 hours.

voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests In addition to responding to emergencies, during its seventh decade of existence, FAO has continued to work to promote and ensure the sustainability of agricultural development in a world whose natural resources above: were being depleted and becoming 2011. Election of the new progressively scarse. FAO Director-General, José Graziano da Silva (Brazil). Supporting sustainable © FAO/Alessandra Benedetti development and protecting the left: 2008. Luiz Inácio Lula environment were in fact among da Silva, President of the the major goals that were set Federative Republic of Brazil, at the opening ceremony in behind the landmark endorsement the Plenary Hall. High-Level by the Committee on World Food Conference on World Food Security (CFS) in 2012 of the new Security: the Challenges of Climate Change and FAO Voluntary Guidelines on Bioenergy. © FAO the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests. These guidelines called by distributing wheat seed to FAO VOLUNTARY for a commitment from both the half a million farming families in GUIDELINES ON public and private sectors, and time for the planting season. An RESPONSIBLE they included recommendations additional 235 000 families received GOVERNANCE OF to safeguard the rights of local TENURE OF LAND, feed, medicine and shelter for their FISHERIES AND FORESTS populations in the event of large- animals. In a historic decision, scale land acquisitions and to In Africa, two regions of Somalia on 11 May 2012 the ward off the phenomenon of land Committee on Committee suffered from famine due to the on World Food Security grabbing. worst drought in 30 years, killing (CFS) approved the FAO launched a major over 260 000 people and putting Voluntary Guidelines on the fundraising and advocacy campaign Responsible Governance millions more at serious risk. FAO of Tenure of Land, Fisheries to secure US$ 20 million to and the international community and Forests in the Context implement the guidelines that responded with US$120 million to of National Food Security. aimed at helping governments the droughts in the Horn of Africa. The cornerstone of the safeguard the rights of people to agreement, Principle 1, The experience of the Bird flu states that responsible own or access land, forests and (avian influenza) epidemic and investment in agriculture and fisheries. Two beverage giants, other animal health or food safety food systems contributes to PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, joined food security and nutrition, emergencies, set FAO to work on particularly in the most the campaign and gave their providing assistance in real-time vulnerable sections of the official support. In addition to their around the world. In 2006, the local population, and that it commitment to fair and legitimate “supports States’ obligations Organization unveiled its high- regarding the progressive negotiations on land transferrals tech Crisis Management Centre and acquisitions in developing

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FAO in seven decades

realization of the right to countries, the companies vowed to adequate food”. This meant increasing increase their participation in the productivity and CFS and pledged to carry out social sustainable production and environmental assessments of healthy, nutritious and culturally acceptable across their global supply chains. foods, reducing food loss For PepsiCo, the work began in and wastage, improving Brazil, its top sugar-sourcing incomes and alleviating poverty, while increasing country, while Coca-Cola worked the efficiency and equity of alongside Oxfam in several major markets, with a particular sugar-sourcing countries. In 2014, emphasis on the interests of small farmers. Other CFS approved the Principles principles address other for Responsible Investment in important – and sometimes Agriculture and Food Systems, controversial – issues, such as genetic resources, which were founded on the indigenous rights and guidelines. climate change. THE SECOND land protection INTERNATIONAL In the last decade, FAO renewed its CONFERENCE ON NUTRITION commitment to improve the health To help re-direct the global of the world’s limited soil resources nutrition agenda, FAO and stop land degradation. In partnered with WHO to organise the most important fact, 33 percent of the world’s global event on this issue soils are still moderately to highly of the last 20 years, the degradated due to erosion, nutrient Second International Conference on Nutrition depletion, acidification, salinisation, (ICN2), held in Rome in compaction or chemical late November. contamination. ICN2 brought together Cross and Red Crescent Societies national policy makers Recognising that urgent in the agricultural and (IFRC), the largest humanitarian action was required to improve health sectors, as well as network in the world. According to the situation, the Global Soil other relevant ministries the agreement signed by the two and organizations, with Partnership adopted a series of the heads of United organizations, FAO would provide action plans in 2014 to safeguard Nations agencies, technical guidance to support the the soil resources that support the other intergovernmental IFRC’s extensive network of 13 organizations and civil world’s agricultural production. To society, including NGOs, million volunteers to reach some raise public awareness, the United researchers, the private 150 million people – and help Nations declared 5 December sector and consumers. poor households cope with the as World Soil Day and 2015 PRINCIPLES FOR threats and disasters that impact International Year of Soils. RESPONSIBLE agriculture, food security and INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD nutrition. widening the circle of SYSTEMS To guide the new Global alliances The purpose of the Nutrition Agenda, in 2014 FAO Principles is to encourage In this decade, FAO also responsible investment partnered with WHO to organise strengthened its network of in agriculture and food the first important world event partners to improve food security systems that contribute on these issues in 20 years. The to food security and and the resilience of vulnerable nutrition and support the Second International Conference communities all over the world. In progressive realisation of on Nutrition was held in Rome in 2013, for example, FAO signed a the right to adequate food late November. At the conference, in the context of national new partnership agreement with food security. Pope Francis urged world leaders to the International Federation of Red do more, and the event ended with

44 fao 70 YEARS stringent objective set by the 1996 World Food Summit, which was to halve the absolute number of undernourished people. A year later, in 2014, FAO honoured the achievements of 13 countries for their outstanding progress in the fight against hunger, an achievement that included reaching the MDGs before the 2015 deadline. On 7 June 2015, FAO recognised another 14 countries for achieving the third MDG 1 target to halve the percentage of people suffering hunger by 2015. At the start of 2015, encouraged by the success of other countries, Vietnam launched the Zero Hunger JUNE 2015, ROMe. Challenge (ZHC) to eradicate Award ceremony recognising progress in the fight against hunger in Vietnam by 2025. hunger. The majority of the countries evaluated by FAO Vietnam had already reduced the – 73 of 129 – have achieved the Millennium Development Goals to halve the proportion of people who suffer from proportion of undernourished hunger by 2015. people by over 70 percent since ©FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto 1990 - 1992 and reached the MDG 1 target, thereby achieving zero hunger in the near future does not seem an impossible target. the adoption, to universal acclaim, In the light of Vietnam’s success, GLOBAL SOIL of a general political commitment – PARTNERSHIP it is hoped that other countries the Rome Declaration on Nutrition The Global Soil Partnership will launch similar campaigns – and a supportive framework supports the processes that and, in doing so, deliver on the for concrete action, by 172 lead to the adoption of vision of the founders of FAO who sustainable development governments. goals for soils. It will imagined “a world free from want”. contribute to the well-being However ambitious or achievable fao awards for outstanding of the environment, for this goal may be, it is clear that instance, through preventing achievements soil erosion and degradation, much remains to be done. Food Since setting a series of time- reducing greenhouse gas production needs to grow or, at bound targets with a deadline of emissions, encouraging least food needs to be saved and carbon capture, promoting 2015, known as the Millennium the sustainable use of not wasted to meet the expected Development Goals (MDGs), agricultural inputs for soil demand from a projected population progress has finally been made in health, and ecosystem of nine billion by the year 2050. reducing the number of chronically management. It will also In the words of José Graziano da contribute to human undernourished people in the wellbeing through improved Silva, the current FAO Director- world’s poorest regions. use and governance of soil General: “Political commitment at In 2013, FAO awarded 38 resources, finding alternatives the highest level is fundamental to to soil degrading practices countries for reducing by half the through participatory advancing towards food security. proportion of people who suffer experimental processes, We have the opportunity to end from hunger. Eighteen of these while remaining sensitive to hunger within our lifetimes. This is gender issues and the rights countries were recognised both of indigenous peoples. the greatest legacy we can leave to for this goal and for the more future generations”.

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FAO in seven decades

FAO MEMBER STATES And dates of accession to the Organization.

AFGHANISTAN 1 December 1949 CAMBODIA 11 November 1950 ERITREA 8 November 1993 ALBANIA 12 November 1973 CAMEROON 22 March 1960 ESTONIA 11 November 1991 ALGERIA 19 November 1963 CANADA 16 October 1945 ETHIOPIA 1 January 1948 ANDORRA 17 November 2007 CAPE VERDE 8 November 1975 EUROPEAN UNION - Member Organization 26 November 1991 ANGOLA 14 November 1977 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 9 November 1961 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 7 November 1983 CHAD 9 November 1961 FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA 29 November 2003 ARGENTINA 21 November 1951 CHILE 17 May 1946 FIJI 8 November 1971 ARMENIA 8 November 1993 CHINA 16 October 1945 FINLAND 27 August 1947 AUSTRALIA 16 October 1945 COLOMBIA 17 October 1945 FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA 27 August 1947 COMOROS 14 November 1977 MACEDONIA 8 November 1993 AZERBAIJAN 20 October 1995 CONGO 9 November 1961 FRANCE 16 October 1945 COOK ISLANDS 11 November 1985 BAHAMAS 8 November 1975 COSTA RICA 7 April 1948 GABON 9 November 1961 BAHREIN 8 November 1971 CROATIA 8 November 1993 GAMBIA 22 November 1965 IRAQ 16 October 1945 BANGLADESH 12 November 1973 CUBA 19 October 1945 GEORGIA 20 October 1995 IRELAND 3 September 1946 CYPRUS 14 September 1960 GERMANY 27 November 1950 BARBADOS 6 November 1967 ISRAEL 23 November 1949 CZECH REPUBLIC 8 November 1993 GHANA 9 November 1957 BELARUS 19 November 2005 ITALY 12 September 1946 GRANADA 8 November 1975 BELGIUM 16 October 1945 IVORY COAST 9 November 1961 BELIZE 7 November 1983 DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC GREECE 16 October 1945 OF KOREA 14 November 1977 GUATEMALA 16 October 1945 BENIN 9 November 1961 JAMAICA 13 March 1963 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE GUINEA 5 November 1959 BHUTAN 7 November 1981 CONGO 9 November 1961 JAPAN 21 November 1951 GUINEA-BISSAU 26 November 1973 BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF DENMARK 16 October 1945 JORDAN 23 January 1951 VENEZUELA 16 October 1945 GUYANA 22 August 1966 DJIBOUTI 14 November 1977 BOLIVIA 16 October 1945 DOMINICA 12 November 1979 KAZAKHSTAN 7 November 1997 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA HAITI 16 October 1945 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC KENYA 27 January 1964 8 November 1993 16 October 1945 16 October 1945 HONDURAS KIRIBATI 15 November 1999 BOTSWANA 1 November 1966 HUNGARY 6 November 1967 KUWAIT 9 November 1961 BRAZIL 16 October 1945 ECUADOR 16 October 1945 ICELAND 16 October 1945 KYRGYZSTAN 8 November 1993 15 June 2013 BRUNEI DARUSSALAM EGYPT 16 October 1945 BULGARIA 6 November 1967 EL SALVADOR 19 August 1947 INDIA 16 October 1945 LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC BURKINA FASO 9 November 1961 EQUATORIAL GUINEA INDONESIA 28 November 1949 REPUBLIC 21 November 1951 BURUNDI 19 November 1963 7 November 1981 IRAN 1 December 1953 LATVIA 11 November 1991 LEBANON 27 October 1945 NAMIBIA 14 November 1977 REPUBLIC OF KOREA SOUTH AFRICA 9 November 1993 UGANDA 19 November 1963 25 November 1949 LESOTHO 7 November 1966 NAURU 2 November 2001 SOUTH SUDAN 15 June 2013 UKRAINE 29 November 2003 ROMANIA 9 November 1961 LIBERIA 16 October 1945 NEPAL 21 November 1951 SPAIN 5 April 1951 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES RUSSIAN FEDERATION 11 April 2006 LIBYA 24 November 1953 NETHERLANDS 16 October 1945 SRI LANKA 21 May 1948 12 November 1973 RWANDA 19 November 1963 LITHUANIA 11 November 1991 NEW ZEALAND 16 October 1945 SUDAN 13 September 1956 UNITED KINGDOM16 October 1945 LUXEMBOURG 16 October 1945 NICARAGUA 26 October 1945 SURINAME 26 November 1975 UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA NIGER 9 November 1961 SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS 7 November 1983 SWAZILAND 8 November 1971 8 February 1962 MADAGASCAR 9 November 1961 NIGERIA 11 October 1960 SAINT VINCENT AND THE SWEDEN 13 February 1950 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MALAWI 22 November 1965 NIUE 12 November 1999 GRENADINES 7 November 1981 16 October 1945 SWITZERLAND 11 September 1946 MALAYSIA 9 November 1957 NORWAY 16 October 1945 SAMOA 12 November 1979 SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC URUGUAY 30 November 1945 MALDIVES 8 November 1971 SAN MARINO 12 November 1999 27 October 1945 UZBEKISTAN 2 November 2001 MALI 9 November 1961 OMAN 8 November 1971 SANTA LUCIA 26 November 1979 MALTA 5 October 1964 SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE TAJIKISTAN 20 October 1995 MARSHALL ISLANDS 12 November 1999 PAKISTAN 7 September 1947 14 November 1977 VANUATU 7 November 1983 THAILAND 27 August 1947 MAURITANIA 9 November 1961 PALAU 12 November 1999 SAUDI ARABIA 23 November 1948 VIETNAM 11 November 1950 29 November 2003 MAURITIUS 12 March 1968 PANAMA 16 October 1945 SENEGAL 9 November 1961 TIMOR-LESTE YEMEN 22 May 1990 MEXICO 16 October 1945 PAPUA NEW GUINEA 8 November 1975 SERBIA 2 November 2001 TOGO 23 May 1960 14 November 1977 TONGA 7 November 1981 MOLDOVA 20 October 1995 PARAGUAY 30 October 1945 SEYCHELLES ZAMBIA 22 November 1965 MONACO 2 November 2001 PERU 17 June 1952 SIERRA LEONE 9 November 1961 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ZIMBABWE 7 November 1981 MONGOLIA 12 November 1973 PHILIPPINES 16 October 1945 SINGAPORE 15 June 2013 19 November 1963 MONTENEGRO 17 November 2007 POLAND 9 November 1957 SLOVAKIA 8 November 1993 TUNISIA 25 November 1955 MOROCCO 13 September 1956 PORTUGAL 11 September 1946 SLOVENIA 8 November 1993 TURKEY 6 April 1948 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: MOZAMBIQUE 14 November 1977 SOLOMON ISLANDS 11 November 1985 TURKMENISTAN 20 October 1995 FAROE ISLANDS 17 November 2007 MYANMAR 11 September 1947 QATAR 8 November 1971 SOMALIA 17 November 1960 TUVALU 29 November 2003 TOKELAU 25 June 2011 1

FAO portfolio: the Early Years

THose EARLY YEARS Previously unpublished photographs rescued from FAO’s historical archives

represent some specific projects that FAO’s photo archive contains the FAO undertook in the remotest over a million images offering a corners of the planet. visual testimony to its seven decades in existence. For months, the FAO This portfolio is also a tribute to the photography team delved into this FAO photographers who worked in archive to select a representative extremely tough conditions with sampling of photographs that would cumbersome early cameras and with offer an authentic picture of the the sole purpose of capturing what the Organization’s early years. I mages FAO was doing in the far reaches of were chosen that reflect the various the globe. The result is a captivating fields the agency was beginning journey back to those early years, the to work in (agriculture, livestock, toughest and yet the most exciting fisheries, forestry, land and water time, with the people who married management, nutrition, etc), spanning professionalism with a sense of hope as much of the globe as possible. The that their work would begin to uncover black-and-white photographs presented and change the world. here were selected and scanned to

48 fao 70 YEARS PERU, 1958. Peru was home to the Census Training Centre for Latin America, organised by the United Nations, FAO and the Inter-American Statistical Institute (IASI). One of the centre’s main activities was the experimental, population, housing and agriculture census, conducted in the province of Canta, a mountainous region near Lima. The trainees worked in small villages where farming takes place on mountain slopes at an altitude of 2 500 to 4 500 metres above sea level. Pictured: an FAO expert is using a llama as an improvised table to note down information provided by a farmer in Lachaqui. Photograph: © FAO/V. Bianchi.

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FAO portfolio: the Early Years

LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL HEALTH

KENYA, 1967. In the late 1960s, the Kenyan Government formulated an The future role of wild animals on Kenya’s rangelands ambitious and comprehensive plan to make the livestock was closely studied as part of the project. Animals industry more efficient and boost exports. The plan was were often hunted using a helicopter and stunned with subsidised by the United Nations Development Programme an anaesthetic dart fired from an air gun, so that they (UNDP) Special Fund and FAO. The experts studied could be examined and marked to track their future land use, rangeland use, wild animal biology, livestock movements. improvement and game control. Wild animals had to be taken into account in rangeland management plans, since In this image, a wildebeest is examined by a FAO they were a valuable tourist attraction for the country and expert, on the right, who led a UNDP/FAO project team their meat could help to feed people. These wild animals assigned to the Kenyan Range Management Division. also had to be controlled, because they could spread Next to him are a journalist and two assistants. diseases to livestock and compete for pasture lands. Photograph: © Kenyan Ministry of Information/FAO.

50 fao 70 YEARS AFGHANISTAN, 1969. The Afghan Government undertook a five-year plan to improve sheep, cattle and poultry quality and production throughout the country, with the help of the UNDP Special Fund and FAO. Animal health assistants and animal husbandry workers received training at a school for non-professional assistants in Kabul and at a field training centre in Baghlan, where a demonstration area was set up for animal health and husbandry development work. Agricultural workers were offered short training courses. Photograph: © FAO/F. Botts.

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FAOFAO portfoportfolio:lio: THEthe Early Yearearss

LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL HEALTH

MONGOLIA, 1966. A veterinary laboratory technician from the former USSR who worked for FAO, was assigned to Ulan Bator from September 1964 to September 1966 to help the government diagnose and control infectious animal diseases. Pictured: horses being lassoed in the Central Province. Photograph: © FAO/N. G. Ipatenko.

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FAO portfolio: the Early Years

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NICARAGUA, 1964. Bananas are being harvested for packing at the San Pablo Farming Cooperative plantation in Posolotega, near Chinandega. Photograph: © FAO/Y. Nagata.

54 fao 70 YEARS BANGKOK, THAILAND. FAO coordinated a National Training Centre for the Grading and Inspection of Rice and the Economics of Rice Storage Operations. An FAO instructor, gives rice milling and storage demonstrations using equipment that includes a rice mill. Photograph: © FAO.

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FAO portfolio: the Early Years

FISHING AND AQUACULTURE

ZAMBIA, 1965. To increase local food supplies and encourage growth in the fishing industry, the Zambian Government, with the help of the United Nations Special Fund and FAO as the implementing agency, set up a research institute to study hydrobiological, technological and economic factors in order to assess the fisheries potential of Lake Kariba. The project included demonstrations and training programmes in fisheries activities. At the institute’s research laboratory, a fisheries biologist observes a fish sample caught on Lake Kariba through a microscope. Photograph: © UN/FAO.

NEPAL, 1969. In 1965, the Nepalese Government put together a five-year plan, according the highest priority to the development of fishing. Due to the shortage of meat, and certain religious restrictions, the population’s diet lacked animal protein. The government asked FAO for technical support to develop and expand existing aquaculture facilities and, through demonstrations, encouraged people to build and use fish ponds. Two publicly owned commercial fish farms were set up: one in Pipley Hetsura on the Terai Plains, the second in Bhandara Hardi, on the Rapti plains. In Bhandara fish ponds are dug by hand. To ensure that the bottom of the pond is level – essential for drainage – the excavated earth is spaced out in evenly sized mounds before being removed. Photograph: © WFP/FAO/E. Woynarovich.

56 fao 70 YEARS INDONESIA, 1951. In Southeast Asia, fish production in ponds has long been a tradition. It was estimated that, in a given area, a pond full of fish could produce significantly more protein than any other kind of livestock activity. Flooded rice paddies could be populated with fish for an integrated fish farming and rice cultivation system. FAO contributed to the introduction of tilapia, a fish particularly suitable for farming in ponds. A farmer’s son catches carp fry. Photograph: © FAO/Eric Schwab.

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FISHING AND AQUACULTURE

58 fao 70 YEARS CEYLON*, 1953. (*SRI LANKA SINCE 1972) fishermen also wanted them. Under the Colombo The oceans cover over half of the earth’s surface primary activity was fishing, but they caught Plan, 40 small diesel motors were sold under but only provided around 1 percent of the food just 30 000 tonnes of fish a year, an average favourable conditions to fishermen, and some consumed by humans. This was mainly due to of little more than 9 kg per fisherman per week. private enterprises began to sell motors to meet the fact that most fishermen around the world In late 1951, there were no fishing vessels the growing demand. did their jobs using only the power of the wind equipped with motors, with the exception of and their muscles. FAO argued that, even in one steam-powered trawler. FAO sent a master This picture shows fishermen handling their drag extremely poor fishing communities, installing fisherman and a marine engineer to the country nets on an island off the north coast of Ceylon. motors on boats would pay dividends because to advise on the mechanisation of the industry. It took up to two hours and 30 men to cast these the fishermen’s catches would be larger. In Within six months, many fishermen had taken the nets, which measured over 1.5 kilometres. Ceylon there were around 60 000 people whose opportunity to buy motors, and other Ceylonese Photograph: © FAO/Alan Glanville.

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FAO portfolio: the Early Years

FORESTRY

NIGERIA, 1967. Due to a shortage of timber and growing demand for wood for construction, Nigeria needed to improve rainforest management and reforest the savannahs. UNDP and FAO worked together for over six years to set up the Faculty of Forestry at the University College of Ibadan. Created in 1963, the university course offered training in forestry policy, legislation, management, use and technology. Most graduates ended up working for the Nigerian Forest Service. Students using a theodolite to calculate the relative height of a plot as part of the practical training provided by the Faculty of Forestry. Photograph: © UN/FAO.

60 fao 70 YEARS GREECE, 1964. A joint FAO and Greek Government team took a forestry inventory for an area of over 12 000 km2 in northern Greece. The project assessed the size of the forests and helped the country prepare its resources and train qualified personnel for future expansion and development of the forestry industry. This image shows a Greek forestry technician measuring the spacing between the trees and the timber’s density on a sample forest plot. Photograph: © FAO/J. Olsen.

THAILAND Province of Lampang (northern Thailand); teak logging. Photograph: © FAO/S. Bunnag.

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FORESTRY

62 fao 70 YEARS LIBYA, 1953. Following the declaration of independence by Libya, FAO sent a large delegation of experts in agriculture, forestry activities, agricultural statistics and commercialisation to the country. One of the main aims of the programme was to stabilise and reforest sand dunes. A significant part of the country was unsuitable for any kind of permanent crop cultivation, with the only option being forestation. In the foreground, this picture shows dune fixing experiments using the plant Saccharum aegytiacum, under the supervision of an FAO forestry expert. In the background, experiments conducted in 1951-52 by private enterprise using various types of grass failed due to a lack of resources. Photograph: © FAO.

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FAO portfolio: the Early Years

LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT

indonesia, 1951. These images show the construction of a 70 km canal by local workers using primitive tools and virtually no machinery. It was a government project to irrigate 6 000 hectares of land. FAO sent a large number of specialists to Southeast Asia to help governments recover land through the use of irrigation or drainage. An increase in agricultural production is the first step towards a more prosperous economy and therefore an improvement in the population’s quality of life – a key part of the Organization’s mission. Photograph: © FAO/Eric Schwab.

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LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT

66 fao 70 YEARS INDIA, 1967. INDIA, 1969. As part of the global Freedom from A team of FAO experts undertook a five-year project (1966-71) for the Rajasthan Hunger Campaign, the people of canal area. Subsidised by UNDP Special Fund, the aim was to carry out a Finland helped coastal villages in survey and a detailed study of the land area and to conduct experiments and Maharashtra to meet their urgent demonstrations to make optimum use of the land and water, ensuring efficient need for drinking water. Eight crop production. villages in the Ratnagiri district The project involved mapping the land to understand its characteristics and received water from a mains supply suitability for cultivation, and making recommendations for developing irrigated or well, after which similar plans for agriculture over a surface area of more than 20 000 km2. Training programmes other villages were proposed. in edaphology, agronomy and land and water management were launched. A boy washes in water from a Work on the Rajasthan canal dykes. Persian wheel. Photograph: © FAO/T. Loftas. Photograph: © FAO/T. S. Satyan.

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FAO portfolio: THE Early Years

NUTRITION

CHILE, 1968. Since its establishment in 1963, the World Food Programme (WFP), jointly sponsored by the United Nations and FAO, gave impetus to a wide range of development projects. The projects for which the Chilean Government requested the help of WFP included one in the Punitaqui Valley – some 400 km north of Santiago – aimed at encouraging volunteers to take part in rural community development work designed to boost the area’s economy. Distribution of WFP supplies in Punitaqui. Photograph: © UN/FAO.

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NUTRITION

INDIA, 1959. The Anand Dairy Cooperative Programme increased the area’s milk supply from 2.7 million to 27 million litres a year in just eight years. The programme began with the creation of the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union in 1946. By the end of the 1950s, the union comprised 138 village dairy societies with a total of 40 000 member farmers. It had milk processing plants that received financial and technical support from the government, the United Nation’s International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Colombo Plan and FAO. Though initially it was a project that focused only on milk production, the prosperity that the programme brought to the area led to donations that were used for scholarships and building schools, hospitals and libraries. In addition to playing a role in India’s fight against malnutrition, the programme became an important driver for community development. Pictured: children wait in line at a milk distribution centre. Photograph: © FAO.

70 fao 70 YEARS THAILAND, 1953. The FAO Nutrition Division undertook a wide range of activities, with most of them centring on improving children’s diets in regions of the world with higher levels of malnutrition. However, before a comprehensive nutritional programme could be planned, existing nutrition levels had to be analysed. In most countries, this information was not available. The picture shows a FAO nutritionist, examining two children. The younger boy is showing symptoms of an enlarged spleen, caused by malaria. Photograph: © FAO.

TURKEY, 1964. The aid that WFP and FAO provided to Turkey benefited some 36.5 million people through 12 projects. These initiatives had a wide range of objectives: to recover damaged forests and eroded farmland; to connect villages to the secondary road network; to resettle displaced families; to control flooding and soil erosion; and to boost production of fertiliser, cellulose and paper pulp, coal and steel. Children from a village in the Kizilcahamam district, a hot springs area 70 kms from Ankara. In this area, WFP’s aid was used to supplement the wages of workers undertaking land recovery, building terraces on arid slopes and planting trees to stop soil erosion. Photograph: © FAO/Emmet Bright.

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FAOFAO portfoportfolio:lio: the Early Years THE Early Years

PLANTS AND PLANT HEALTH

ETHIOPIA, 1968. More than 40 countries, from West Africa to the Indian subcontinent, were under threat from the biggest desert locust outbreak since 1959, when the last great plague was recorded. International initiatives to fight the desert locust were coordinated by FAO, which provided specialised assistance. In response to the threat from swarms of locusts and the need to save crops, in East Africa the work to control the plague was carried out in a joint effort among Ethiopia, Somalia, the French Territory of Afars and Issas (previously French Somaliland), Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, through the Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa (DLCO-EA) with the help of the United Nations. A locust swarm. Photograph: © FAO/G. Tortoli.

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FAO portfolio: the Early Years

PLANTS AND PLANT HEALTH MOROCCO, 1960. With the help of FAO and the Agricultural Research and Experimentation Service, an exhaustive study was conducted on the biological control of the Sunn pest and California Red Scale, which attacked citrus trees. At the Research Service laboratory in Rabat, FAO expert artificially infests citrus trees to establish timetables. Photograph: © UN/FAO.

Laboratory of the Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa in Asmara, Eritrea. Measurements of the insects’ wings and other parts of their bodies were taken periodically, since this data was an indicator of their reproductive density. When this information is combined with other analyses performed in the field, the source of the locusts can be found. Photograph: © FAO/G. Tortoli.

74 fao 70 YEARS INDIA, 1951 In the Terai area, FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) worked together to eliminate malaria and promote food production. This picture shows farmers harvesting. Photograph: © FAO/Eric Schwab.

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT

TRIPOLI, LIBYA, 1963 NEPAL, 1968. After Libya’s declaration of independence, FAO sent a large delegation Increasing population pressure, soil erosion of experts to the country specialising in agriculture, forestry activities, and land hunger were pushing a growing agricultural statistics and trade. number of farmers in the northern mountains Libya’s main exports included animal hides but last century deficiencies of Nepal to the plains of the south. In recent in flaying and tanning prevented the country from increasing its trade in times, the migratory flow has increased. these products. To ease the problem of a resettled population FAO experts saw immediately that the main factors that devalued the – aggravated by the return of emigrants from skins produced in Libya were the scar marks caused by the flaying, Myanmar and Assam – the government set as well as cuts and holes due to rotting. With the help of the Libyan up new settlements on the Terai Plain, along authorities, FAO drafted a law on animal skinning and introduced a the border with India. What was previously new tanning method that would ensure a much higher quality product. wasteland was distributed free-of-charge. Before long 90 percent of hides were skinned correctly, and constant, Through WFP and FAO, 1 350 000 daily albeit slow, advances were made in tanning methods. European and rations were sent to help families on the American markets were beginning to pay a higher price for Libyan settlements during the first growing season, hides tanned using the newly introduced method. until they could harvest their own crops from The owner of a hide warehouse examining a skin tanned using the the lands assigned to them at the border village “new method”. Unlike traditional skin tanning methods, the new hides of Nepalganj. were now odour-free and the hair remained firmly in place. Settlers’ children at a village school. Photograph: © FAO/P. Morin. Photograph: © WFP/FAO/D. Mason.

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT

GHANA, 1969.

The construction of the Akosombo Dam Much of the work clearing land and The photograph shows a on the Volta River created the world’s building homes for the 52 resettlement newly built school in one of largest man-made lake. Where once villages around the lake was done the resettlement villages. As some 85 000 people farmed the valleys by hand. children’s nutrition improved with and hills, there was now a lake spanning the help of WFP food aid, so 8 500 km2. The hydroelectric power Until the new farms became productive, did their school attendance and obtained from the dam was hugely families needed to be supplied with food. academic qualifications. important for Ghana’s industrialisation In 1964, WFP and FAO started distributing but the resettlement of 12 000 families food to the value of US$7 million, donated Photograph: © WFP/FAO/ created problems for the government. by a dozen countries. Payton Johnson.

78 fao 70 YEARS 70 YEARS fao 79 80 The 5 Strategic Objectives 90 FAO today 2 91 FAO Director-General: A life dedicated to the fight against hunger 94 Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) a new FAO for THE 21st CENTURY

a new FAO THE 5 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FAO reinvents itself to win the battle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty by going back to its roots.

1 2 3 4 5 Help eliminate Make Reduce Enable Increase the hunger, food agriculture, rural inclusive resilience of insecurity and forestry and poverty and efficient livelihoods to malnutrition fisheries more agricultural threats and productive and and food crises sustainable systems

In an interdependent and ever-changing five Strategic Objectives. The Strategic Objectives world, and in a context of growing demand (SOs) account for new concepts like sustainability for food, of food insecurity and persistent and resilience, but they also signal a return to the malnutrition, poverty in rural areas, Organization’s roots, as encapsulated in the preamble economic instability and climate change; to FAO’s basic texts. These days FAO is a more FAO decided to rethink its ways streamlined dynamic and flexible organization, with of working in order to be more effective. a stronger presence in the field. All of its activities are organised around the five SOs, with the aim of To do this, a broad and inclusive process was aligning efforts, working together and improving designed, starting in 2012 and ending in 2013 with coordination to achieve results in the areas that a new Strategic Framework that encompasses member states consider to be priorities.

82 fao 70 YEARS A NEW FAO CROSS-CUTTING “FAO used to fight food insecurity in the world from a trench; now, with THEMES the Strategic Objectives and the new Good governance, nutrition and gender Strategic Framework, it has gone on issues are cross-cutting themes present the offensive: joining forces, with well in all of the Strategic Objectives. These equipped specialists, clear objectives principles are embraced in each SO and good alliances”. to contribute to them and to produce Eugenia Serova, SO4 coordinator. tangible results.

THE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES HAVE GENDER. A good example of gender mainstreaming REVOLUTIONISED the way the in the objectives is the gender indicators Organization works because “they adopted in SO1, related to food and nutritional make it clear what we want to achieve security, to produce gender-disaggregated and why”. information in the selected countries, which Dominique Burgeon, SO5 coordinator. supports the analysis of progress in gender “The new objectives have focused our issues. “The existence of gender inequalities is efforts, especially in what we do at central to all SO3 work”, says Rob Vos. country level, and they have forced all of the technical divisions to work GOVERNANCE. Is a central feature together with the same goals”. of SO5 work, which advocates inclusive Rob Vos, SO3 coordinator. governance mechanisms to reduce “Working towards a common set the risks associated with disasters. of corporate results has improved “Governance is a cornerstone of the coordination, collaboration objective related to risk and political and interdisciplinary work crises”, says Dominique Burgeon. throughout the Organization. The This cross-cutting principle also objectives are the basis for better encourages the creation of multi- accountability, control and evaluation stakeholder platforms to build of implementation”. inclusive governance systems. Kostas Stamoulis, SO1 coordinator. This way in which FAO approaches NUTRITION. SO2 promotes its work “ensures efficiency and a biodiversity as a way focus on results to make a bigger impact to improve nutrition. at all levels with fewer resources”. “Considering that just three Clayton Campanhola, SO2 types of crop provide coordinator. 60 percent of the “FAO has reinvented itself to human diet, we meet global objectives”, adds are neglecting a Campanhola to illustrate the large amount of agency’s strong ambition to fulfil the food available”, the mission embodied in the says Clayton new SOs. Campanhola.

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84 fao 70 YEARS im H afeez ©FAO/As

1 Help eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition

TODAY THE WORLD can produce enough food to adequately feed its entire population. And yet, despite the progress made in the last two decades, almost 800 million people still suffer chronic undernourishment. Among children, it is estimated that 161 million under-fives suffer from chronic malnutrition (stunted growth), almost 99 million are underweight, and around 51 million suffer from acute malnutrition (emaciation). FAO supports its member states in their efforts to ensure that people have regular access to enough high quality food. The Organization also promotes political commitment to food security and nutrition, making up-to-date information on the challenges and solutions related to hunger and malnutrition readily accessible.

“EVERYONE IN FAO WORKS IN THE SAME

2010, MUZAFFARGHAR DIRECTION” (PAKISTAN) A relief camp in Sultan Colony KOSTAS STAMOULIS, for internally displaced people. SO1 COORDINATOR

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2 Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable SOME OF THE HIGHEST RATES OF POPULATION GROWTH are predicted to occur in areas that depend heavily on agriculture (including crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries areas), which also show high levels of food insecurity. The growth of the agricultural sector is the most effective way to reduce poverty and achieve food security. The goal is to ensure that the increase in productivity does not just benefit a few, and that the natural resource base provides increasingly sustainable services. “In SO2, in late 2014 almost 1 200

anfung D enni s ©FAO/D SAMANGAN (AFGHANISTAN) results were obtained in over 100 FAO field staff assess the results of a pest countries. More than 20 technical control system used on a farm. divisions contributed to the 13 results’ indicators”, says Clayton Campanhola, the SO2 Coordinator. YOKO FOREST (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO) Researchers measure a tree in the Yoko Forest. “FAO HAS iulio N apolitano ©FAO/G REINVENTED ITSELF TO MEET key GLOBAL CHALLENGES” CLAYTON CAMPANHOLA, SO2 COORDINATOR

86 fao 70 YEARS ilipe B ranquinho ©FAO/F

LIOMA (MOZAMBIQUE) A lack of infrastructure makes access to markets difficult for rural populations.

had dropped to 35 percent. Reduce rural But rural poverty remains “The poverty widespread, especially in South Asia and Africa. These challenge Most of the world’s regions have also seen the facing farmers poor live in rural areas least progress in improving affected by hunger and food rural livelihoods. FAO is to be active insecurity. strives to help small farmers Reducing rural poverty is improve productivity, whilst participants therefore central to any FAO seeking to increase non- throughout mission. In 1990, 54 percent of agricultural employment people living in rural areas in opportunities and, through the value developing countries lived on social protection, finding chain” less than US$1.25 a day and better ways for those living in were considered extremely rural areas to manage risks in ROB VOS, SO3 poor. By 2010, this percentage their environments. COORDINATOR

70 YEARS fao 87 2 2015, TIGRAY (ETHIOPIA). The new Strategic Framework has enabled a new FAO new partnerships like the one with Eataly, which has resulted in this women’s cooperative that exports prickly pear jam. ilippo B ra s e co ©FAO/F

Enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems

WITH GLOBALIZATION, agriculture as an independent sector “I FEEL THAT will cease to exist, becoming instead just one part of an integrated I’M PART OF value chain. This poses a huge challenge for small-scale farmers and agricultural producers in many developing countries where FAO’S COMMON they can easily be excluded from important parts of the value MISSION” chain. Increasing their participation in food and agricultural systems is critical to achieving the Organization’s goal of a world EUGENIA SEROVA, SO4 without hunger. COORDINATOR

88 fao 70 YEARSYEARS 2006, AN THUONG (VIETNAM) Vets vaccinate poultry to prevent the spread of bird flu at a station set up by the Vietnamese Government. oang D inh N am ©FAO/H

5 “The strategic Increase the resilience of livelihoods to objectives threats and crises HAv e ENABLED EVERY YEAR, millions of people who depend on the production, US TO OBTAIN trade and consumption of crops, livestock, fish, forests and other natural resources, are confronted by disasters and crises. They can MEASURABLE strike suddenly – like an earthquake or a violent coup – or unfold slowly, like drought-flood cycles. RESULTS IN A These emergencies threaten production and access to food on GIVEN PERIOD” a local, national and sometimes regional and global scale. The Organization’s mission is to help countries control, prevent and DoMinique mitigate risks and crises, as well as to help them prepare for disasters, burgeon, SO5 responding in a way that will minimise their negative effects. COORDINATOR

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FAO TODAY How many people work in FAO? What is its budget? What does Fiat Panis mean? These are some of the questions that will help us learn more about the Organization at the turn of the Twenty-First Century.

FAO has 194 member 1 528 support staff. states, two associate These numbers refer members (the Faroe solely to personnel Islands and Tokelau), with permanent or and one member rolling contracts. Fifty organization, the percent of staff are European Union. in Rome, while the With headquarters in rest work in offices Rome, FAO is present worldwide, as part in some 130 countries. FAO IS THE UN FOOD of a decentralisation AGENCY. “FIAT process that seeks to The Conference is distribute resources the forum where PANIS” IS THE FAO to all the regions. representatives of MOTTO. In total, including the member states the regional offices, meet every two years A LATIN EXPRESSION MEANING there are over to discuss global “LET THERE BE BREAD”. 11 800 employees. governance and IT APPEARS ON THE FAO regulatory issues The last Conference and international EMBLEM ALONGSIDE THE held in 2015, frameworks, as well ORGANIZATION’S INITIALS AND approved a regular as to assess the work AN EAR OF WHEAT. budget of just over that has been done a billion dollars and approve the approved for the budget for the next programme of two years. food and agriculture have rotating tenures work between situation, and to of three years for the 2016 and 2017. In The Council. This the Organization’s executive supervision addition, voluntary executive body acts in activities, governance, of the programme and contributions by the period between financial management the budget. countries and Conference sessions and constitutional other partners are within the powers matters. Council In 2015, FAO expected to total it has, such as those members are elected employed 1 742 US$ 1.6 billion in related to the global by the Conference and professionals and 2016 to 2017.

90 fao 70 YEARS a life dedicated to the fight against hunger José Graziano da Silva, FAO Director-General

he Brazilian José 1 Graziano da Silva has very clear views. He is convinced that Teradicating hunger is a goal within our grasp, provided that we work together: governments, institutions, civil society, the private sector, academia, and the general public. This firm belief is the product of his personal experiences, first in Brazil, later in Latin America, and now at the apex of FAO. Born in the United States of America on 17 November 1949, Graziano da Silva is a Brazilian and Italian citizen. He has two children and three grandchildren. He holds a Degree in Agronomy and a Masters in Rural Economics and Sociology from the University of São Paulo, and a Doctorate in Economics from Campinas State University. He also holds post-doctoral degrees in Latin American Studies (University College of London) and Environmental Studies (University 1. 2015, Rome. 2. 2003, Brasilia. 3. 2003, Teresina of California, Santa Cruz). Director-General José Graziano Graziano da Silva announces (Brazil). President Lula da Silva re-elected to a second the agreement between introduces the Minister for He gained his extensive term in the Organization’s top Caixa, the second largest Food Security Graziano da experience during his years post with the highest number of bank in Brazil and the Zero Silva during his visit to the as a leading expert in rural votes (177) ever in the history. Hunger Program. State of Piauí. iu s eppe C arotenuto /M arcello a al / V ictor Soare ©FAO/G development and food security, during his political career as a minister for food security in an exporter and the country’s poverty and food insecurity. His Brazil, and now, heading FAO. consolidation as a major academic work, contained in over But none of this happened by commodity producer was at 25 books spanned three decades accident. In the 1970s and 1980s, odds with the tens of millions of at the University of Campinas Brazil’s growing potential as Brazilians who suffered extreme (UNICAMP), where he was a

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4 5 6 / Simon M aina ennier K az è ame s B elgrave ©FAO/J

lecturer in agricultural economics In 2006, Graziano was as well as director of Masters appointed FAO Regional of the Institute of Economics The Zero Representative for Latin America and Doctoral Programmes in Hunger plan and the Caribbean. In this role he Economic Development and the succeeded in building the political Environment. managed to lift commitment of all of the region’s In 2001, at the request of over 20 million countries to end hunger by 2025. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, then Brazilians In 2011, Graziano da Silva was leader of Brazil’s Workers’ Party, elected as the first FAO Director- Graziano was responsible for out of General from the Latin America coordinating the development malnutrition. and Caribbean region. and later the implementation of Graziano da Silva has been the Zero Hunger Programme. a leading voice in the global Zero Hunger became the movement to end hunger. He has centrepiece of Lula’s successful Zero Hunger broke played a key role in securing a presidential election campaign, new ground by combining Latin American, Caribbean and the signal of his commitment investments in targeted social African commitment to ending to ensure that every Brazilian protection with measures hunger and malnutrition, and he was able to enjoy three decent to improve family farming is an active supporter of the “Zero meals a day by the end of his yields as the main drivers of Hunger Challenge” inspired term in office. hunger reduction and rural by the Brazilian Zero Hunger When Lula assumed the development. The initiative is Programme and launched by the Presidency on 1 January 2003, he credited with reducing hunger UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- immediately appointed Graziano and malnutrition on a massive Moon at the Rio+20 Conference as his Special Minister for Food scale, benefiting more than 20 on Sustainable Development. Security and the Fight against million Brazilians, reducing During his first term Hunger, a formidable task that income inequality, increasing as FAO Director-General, involved creating an entirely new the participation of the poor Graziano da Silva was able Ministry and launching a massive in the labour market and to implement several of his multi-faceted programme across stimulating economic growth in proposals, advocating for more the entire country. deprived communities. sustainable food production

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8 and consumption systems, making food management fairer, strengthening partnerships and South-South Cooperation, and completing the process to reform FAO, with an emphasis on decentralization and a more results-based structure. The implementation of these far-reaching changes in the Organization during his first term of office, as well as their confidence in his political expertise and leadership, led the member states to offer their overwhelming support for him in this anniversary of 70 years of FAO’s existence. In a historic vote, he was elected to a second term with 177 votes in favour and just one against. This full support from the member countries was also an 4. 2014, Philippines. 6. 2015, Binguela, 7. 2015. Graziano da acknowledgement of Graziano da José Graziano da Silva visiting Cameroon. Graziano da Silva with his mother, Tacloban and surrounding areas Silva exchanges ideas with his son and Silva’s work and vision – a major four months after typhoon Haiyan students attending the agriculture grandchildren in Brazil. paradigm shift from reducing (known locally as Yolanda). training centre of Binguela, a township 32 km south west 8. 2015. The Director- hunger to ending hunger, the 5. 2012, Dollow, Somalia. of Yaoundé, the capital. This General and his wife at same shift that was adopted when Assisting a deworming exercise center trains youth in agro- a traditional bakery in of a goat herd by the Juba River pastoral techniques, as well as Baku on an official visit we moved from the Millennium near the border with Ethiopia. opportunities for management and to Azerbaijan. Development Goals to the entrepreneurship in agribusiness. Sustainable Development Goals.

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THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDGs)

At the beginning of this millennium, world millions of lives and improved living conditions for leaders gathered at the United Nations to shape many more. The figures and analysis presented in a broad vision of how to fight poverty in its many this report show that, with specific interventions, forms. This vision, which was translated into eight sound strategies, adequate resources and political Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), remained will, even the poorest countries can make drastic the predominant development framework for the and unprecedented progress. The report also world over the last 15 years. At the end of the MDG recognises the disparity in achievements and the period, the international community has reason shortcomings in many areas. Our work is not to celebrate. Through concerted global, regional, yet done and it must continue in the new era of national and local efforts, the MDGs have saved development.

UNPRECEDENTED EFFORTS HAVE RESULTED IN FAR-REACHING ACHIEVEMENTS

EXTREME POVERTY RATE IN Extreme poverty GOAL 1: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES in 2015. The number The percentage Eradicate extreme has been Globally, the of people in of people in poverty and hunger 1990 47% significantly number of the working developing GOAL 2: 2015 14% reduced. In people living middle class regions who are 1990, almost half in extreme who live on over undernourished Achieve universal PEOPLE LIVING IN primary education EXTREME POVERTY of the population poverty has 4 dollars per has almost GOAL 3: in developing halved, from 1.9 day has trebled. halved, going Promote gender regions lived billion to 836 This group now from 23.3% in equality and

million on less than million. Most of makes up half the 1990-1992

empower women 1.9 billion 1.75 billion 836 US$1.25 a day. the progress has of the workforce period to 12.9% GOAL 4: This percentage been made since in developing in the 2014-2016

Reduce mortality of 1990 1999 2015 has fallen to 14% 2000. regions. period. children under five years of age GOAL 5: SINCE 1990, 1.9 BILLION PEOPLE HAVE GAINED Substances that protected landmass to improved 95 countries have Improve maternal ACCESS TO MAINS-SUPPLIED DRINKING WATER deplete the ozone increased from drinking water reached the target health layer have been 8.8% to 23.4% sources, 1.9 billion for sanitation, and GOAL 6: 2.3 BILLION 4.2 BILLION virtually eliminated from 1990 to did so with a mains 77 countries have Combat HIV/AIDS, and the ozone 2014. water supply to their reached both. malaria, and other layer is expected home. Over half the Globally, 2.1 diseases to recover by the In 2015, 91% global population billion people have middle of this of the global (58%) now enjoy gained access GOAL 7: century. population uses this higher level of to improved Ensure 1990 2015 improved water service. sanitation. The environmental SINCE 1990, 98% Protected land sources, compared percentage of sustainability OF SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER and sea areas to 76% in 1990. Worldwide, 147 people who GOAL 8: HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED have increased in countries have defecate in Develop a global many regions. In Since 1990, of the reached the target the open has partnership for Latin America and 2.6 billion people for access to almost halved development the Caribbean, the who gained access drinking water, since 1990.

94 fao 70 YEARS THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

The MDGs have numerous meetings involving contributed to halving governmental institutions, UN poverty, and the hunger THE SDGS WILL agencies, representatives from target is within our reach. ALLOW US TO the private sector and civil society But some 800 million people organizations. These debates have remain hungry. And in the ACHIEVE BY 2030 been held in a spirit of cooperation, meantime, other challenges A WORLD THAT but reaching a consensus has have emerged. Food security, not been easy. Establishing the nutrition, the transition to IS SUSTAINABLE number of goals and targets, sustainable farming and the AND INCLUSIVE, deciding on resources and climate sustainable use of natural change (ahead of the Climate resources – water, farmland, LEAV ING NO- Change Conference held in Paris soils, forests and oceans – are ONE BEHIND in December 2015) were the main now among the world’s most topics of discussion. Given the urgent priorities. sheer ambition of the goals, the In September 2015, the Post-2015 Development Agenda UN member states agreed on a new framework for could come to be a symbolic indicator of the changes global development, spanning the next 15 years. The that we have been going through in the world since the new goals were proposed by a panel of experts after end of the twentieth century.

THESE ARE THE NEW GOALS

GOAL 1: End poverty for all. full and productive production patterns. degradation and halt in all its forms GOAL 5: Achieve employment and GOAL 13: Take urgent biodiversity loss. everywhere. gender equality and decent work for all. action to combat GOAL 16: Promote GOAL 2: End empower all women GOAL 9: Build climate change and peaceful and hunger, achieve and girls. resilient infrastructure, its impacts. inclusive societies food security and GOAL 6: Ensure promote inclusive GOAL 14: Conserve for sustainable improved nutrition and availability and and sustainable and sustainably use development, provide promote sustainable sustainable industrialization and the oceans, seas access to justice for agriculture. management of water foster innovation. and marine resources all and build effective, GOAL 3: Ensure and sanitation for all. GOAL 10: Reduce for sustainable accountable and healthy lives and GOAL 7: Ensure inequality within and development. inclusive institutions at promote well-being for access to affordable, among countries. GOAL 15: Protect, all levels. all at all ages. reliable, sustainable G OA L 11: Make cities restore and promote GOAL 17: Strengthen GOAL 4: Ensure and modern energy and human settlements sustainable use of the means of inclusive and for all. inclusive, safe, resilient terrestrial ecosystems, implementation equitable quality GOAL 8: Promote and sustainable. sustainably manage and revitalize the education and sustained, inclusive GOAL 12: Ensure forests, combat global partnership promote lifelong and sustainable sustainable desertification, and for sustainable learning opportunities economic growth, consumption and halt and reverse land development.

70 YEARS fao 95 98 Map of FAO around the world 100 A journey around the globe: Asia and the Pacific 103 Latin America and the Caribbean 105 Near East and North Africa 3 107 Africa 108 Europe and Central Asia a global FAO REGIONAL OFFICES

FAO IN THE WORLD

FAO is present in over 130 countries with a decentralised network of five Regional Offices, nine Subregional Offices and 80 FAO Representations. Another 38 countries have multiple accreditation agreements under which an FAO Representative is based in another country and has an Assistant Representative EUROPE or National Correspondent locally. AND CENTRAL ASIA (REU) BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

EUROPE AND LIAISON OFFICES CENTRAL ASIA EUROPEAN UNION AND BELGIUM SUBREGIONAL OFFICES BRUSSELS, BELGIUM CENTRAL ASIA UNITED NATIONS ANKARA, TURKEY GENEVA,

SWITZERLAND

INFORMATION OFFICE MADRID, SPAIN LISBON, PORTUGAL NORTH AMERICA LIAISON OFFICE NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON, USA UNITED NATIONS NEW YORK, USA

aFRICA (RAF) Accra, Ghana

FAO REGIONAL OFFICES Responsible for coordinating the FAO response to regional food security and agricultural and rural development priorities. They represent FAO and, on its behalf, liaise with AFRICA organizations throughout the SUBREGIONAL OFFICES LATIN region, including regional CENTRAL AFRICA AMERICA LIBREVILLE, GABON economic integration AND THE SOUTHERN AFRICA organizations, regional CARIBBEAN HARARE, ZIMBABWE institutions of the United (RLC) EASTERN AFRICA ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA Nations system, development SANTIAGO, and regional NGO partners, CHILE the media and other regional stakeholders.

FAO SUBREGIONAL OFFICES These offices provide LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN cutting-edge expertise to SUBREGIONAL OFFICES THE CARIBBEAN BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS the subregion’s countries MESOAMERICA PANAMA CITY, PANAMA when governments request assistance. These offices act as a first point of contact for the provision of technical support to member states.

98 fao 70 YEARS COVERAGE BUDAPEST OF THE REGIONAL OFFICES

CAIRO LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN BANGKOK Africa ACCRA

europe AND central asia

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC SANTIAGO

NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (RNE) CAIRO, EGYPT

ASIA AND THE ASIA AND THE PACIFIC PACIFIC SUBREGIONAL OFFICE PACIFIC ISLANDS APIA, SAMOA (RAP) LIAISON OFFICE BANGKOK, JAPAN YOKOHAMA, THAILAND NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA SUBREGIONAL OFFICES NORTH AFRICA TUNIS, TUNISIA MEMBER STATES OF THE GCC AND YEMEN ABU DHABI, UAE

FAO COUNTRY REPRESENTATIONS The Representations support governments in policymaking and developing programmes and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, as well as help them to strengthen the agricultural, fishing and forestry industries and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable way.

70 YEARS fao 99 3

FAO IN THE WORLD A JOURNEY AROUND THE GLOBE to discover concrete examples of the work that FAO carries out every day, adapting to the political, geographical Land Sinoun, a and cultural diversity of TeleFood project beneficiar y, the countries it serves. showing a home garden to visitors.

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Member countries: 46. Office in Bangkok, Thailand. REGIONAL Perspectives ➊ Strengthening food ➌ Fostering agricultural and nutritional security production and rural in the region development ➋ Coping with the ➍ Improving capacity impact of climate to respond to food and change on food and agricultural threats and agriculture emergencies e P r i c / A. K . Kimoto ©FAO/Su

100 fao 70 YEARS has been present in Cook Islands: FAO Asia and the Pacific information for since 1948, when the Regional decision-making Office was first established. This While in Cambodia an outcome vast region is home to around of FAO’s work is reflected in 4 billion inhabitants, 55 percent of the expressions of hope and the world’s population. Here FAO thanks by producers like Sina has offices in 33 countries where, as and Duch, in the Cook Islands, in all FAO Representations around a 240 km2 paradise in the South the world, work ranges from data Pacific, the ambitious goal is to analysis and the formulation of ensure food security and the policies and standards, to very sustainable management of specific and tangible projects resources through work yielding focusing on technical assistance, less immediate results but no social protection and training. less important. Making sure that political Training in finance decisions meet people’s real needs for small business depends to a large extent on a development country’s ability to collect and The project, working in five analyse objective, relevant and provinces of the Mekong up-to-date data that can be used

Heather Topou, a family lowlands of Cambodia, is an as the basis for policymaking. farmer in the Cook example of an FAO training Since the Cook Islands joined the Islands, produces fruit and initiative in finance. Thousands Organization 30 years ago, FAO vegetables for market. FAO support is given to of farmers in the region lack has worked with its government improve the agricultural the basic skills needed to keep to create and analyse databases industry’s ability to supply track of their expenses. This and then design policies and local food with a high nutritional value such as means that the institutions strategies for action. fruit and vegetables to that grant micro loans consider An example of this is the domestic markets. small farmers to be a high-risk country’s participation in the investment. FAO has set up a regional initiative ‘Value Chains project, alongside other local for Food Security and Nutrition and international partners, to in the Pacific Islands’. offer the most disadvantaged This FAO initiative provides a rural population finance and response to a situation common skills’ training focusing on small to most of the Pacific Islands: the business development. This data indicates that, firstly, their project is leading to a real change farmers’ and fishers’ exports in many people’s lives. Such is have become less competitive, the case of Tep Sina, a 40-year- and secondly, they are becoming old farmer who, with the skills increasingly dependent on she has acquired, plans to open imported food. To address her village’s first food shop in the these two realities, FAO works near future; or Duch Seangdy, a closely with governments and mother of four who is expecting the private sector to improve her initial investment of US$ 50 the agricultural industry’s to treble in four months. ability to supply local food

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with a high nutritional value like (MDGs) by reducing the proportion fruit and vegetables to domestic of undernourished people by half markets, including the growing by 2015, and it is committed to tourism markets. The initiative eradicating hunger once and for all also supports a shift towards off- by 2025. season growing systems to supply FAO plays a central role in this these markets access to low-interest regional political commitment, financial and technical services to supporting the Hunger-Free Latin improve farmers’ competitiveness, America and the Caribbean Initiative and the coordination of fiscal that was launched in 2005 as a and customs policies to create a common pledge between all of the favourable climate for the growth region’s countries aimed at ending of the agricultural sector, and to hunger within the present generation. improve nutrition. FAO has also been instrumental in FAO supports the producing a pilot version of the Plan reform of school canteens like this From sugar and bananas for Food Security, Nutrition and one at the Claudio to cassava Hunger Eradication, undertaken Barrera school in Several thousand miles away, in by the main body for regional the community of Cañadas in the another island region, the Caribbean, integration, the Community of Latin municipality of FAO works alongside governments American and Caribbean States Belém, Costa Rica. to address a similar situation. For (CELAC). This plan has become the decades, sugar and bananas have most important embodiment of the played an important role in economic political approach adopted by the The Third Summit of the Community of growth, employment, revenue, food region in its fight against hunger. Latin American and security and sustainable development. In addition to this work at Caribbean States But exports of these crops have the highest political level, FAO (CELAC) was held in January 2015 in declined, and they no longer generate undertakes other much more practical Costa Rica. FAO has sufficient income to cover the cost of activities such as the Sustainable been instrumental importing food. FAO works alongside Schools project in Brazil, which in producing the pilot version of this local governments, the private sector improves the quality of school food organisation’s Plan and various regional and international through nutritionally appropriate for Food Security, organisations to promote alternatives menus, refurbishes kitchens, builds Nutrition and Hunger Eradication. such as cassava cultivation, small canteens, installs washbasins, ruminant production, aquaculture promotes the use of family farming and vegetable production. This is the products for school menus, invests in goal of the ‘FAO Regional Initiative training in food and nutrition, and for Agricultural and Food Value develops vegetable gardens at every Chain Development’, just one of participating school. many examples of FAO’s activities in the Latin America and the Better seeds for a better life

Caribbean region. Also in Latin America, in the Andes, FAO’s experts are beginning to see Hunger-Free Latin the results of a project called Andean America and the Seeds, which after four years in Caribbean operation, has increased family This region is among those that have farmers’ potato, maize, quinoa, bean made the most progress in reducing and broad bean crop yields by 50 hunger in recent years: it has already percent in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. achieved the hunger target of the FAO data indicates that 80 percent

Millennium Development Goals of agricultural exports from Latin ©M auricio M u ñ oz / P re s idencia de la R ep ú blica

102 fao 70 YEARS Quinoa Seeds. After four years in operation, the Andean Seeds project has increased by up to 50 percent, crop yields of potatoes, corn, quinoa, broadbeans and other kinds of beans.

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Member countries: 33. Office in Santiago, Chile. REGIONAL Perspectives ➊ Food and nutrition and environmental /FAO/ Cla u dio Gu zm Á n a r gas /FAO/ security sustainability ➋ ➍ V atiana Indigenous peoples Food safety and ➌ Climate change animal and plant health R L C / T ©FAO/

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America and the Caribbean are the country’s groundwater from family farming. It is therefore recovery capabilities and its use particularly important to take of groundwater have resulted in measures to promote, provide access the Sana’a river basin being in to and use of quality seeds for family serious danger of drying up. FAO farmers, as they produce most of the and its partners in the project are food consumed in the region. working to reduce the excessive The results of the Andean and unplanned use or extraction of Seeds project show that agricultural water, adopting instead sustainable productivity is directly linked to the and intelligent climate-based quality of the seeds that are used, agricultural systems. The ultimate and that preserving, recovering and goal is for institutions and water improving seeds has many other users’ associations to be able to benefits. “For instance, we have control and manage the limited managed to rescue forgotten varieties groundwater resources available to of quinoa. In addition to producing them in a sustainable manner. more and better crops, we are ensuring biodiversity”, explains Candy Diseases that cross Condori, representative of a Peruvian borders seed producers’ organization. Another example of the wide- ranging work that FAO carries Water, too scarce out with countries is the Building a commodity Resilience for Food Security Wherever it is present, FAO tries to and Nutrition Initiative on respond to specific problems and the border between Syria and difficulties. While in the Andes its Lebanon. Transboundary animal objective is to improve the quality of diseases and the risks these pose seeds, in another region of the world, to food are a serious threat to the Near East and North Africa, a key food security. In the case of the part of FAO’s work is to address the conflict in Syria, in addition to chronic shortage of water to which the terrible cost to the country’s the area is naturally susceptible. population, neighbouring In the last 40 years, the per capita countries are also affected. In availability of fresh water in the Lebanon, FAO supports the region has fallen by two-thirds, and government in undertaking a it is likely to decline by half of this general vaccination campaign for again by 2050. Agriculture, which livestock that graze on the border currently uses over 85 percent of between the two countries. the available fresh water resources, Quality feed has also been will have to address this crisis. At supplied to increase livestock FAO’s Regional Office in Cairo, a production and therefore the technical team is seeking to meet incomes of poor farmers. Field this challenge by offering support to schools have been set up to countries in various ways under the enable farmers to share best ‘Near East and North Africa’s Water practices in common interest Scarcity Initiative’. groups, such as small-scale dairy In Yemen, one of the most cooperatives, which receive An alfalfa field water-scarce countries in the training in mastitis control for using controlled world, the imbalance between dairy cows, for instance. irrigation from treated wastewater within the project for the Sana’a River Basin, Yemen. 104 fao 70 YEARS A herder looks after his goats, received through an FAO project. To improve food security on the border between Lebanon and Syria, herders receive animals and quality feed to increase livestock production.

Drought tolerant plants grown in a controlled environment in order to be distributed to farmers in the project areas within the Sana’a basin.

NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA Member countries: 19. Office in Cairo, Egypt. REGIONAL Perspectives ➊ Food loss and ➎ Promoting waste equitable, productive ➋ Nutrition and sustainable ➌ Water scarcity management and ➍ Building resilience to use of natural improve food security resources M esso r i Kai W iedenhoefe r/ E d u a r do S ote as / Rosetta ©FAO/

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A researcher for FAO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Joint Division observes tsetse flies. The Eradication Programme successfully adopted in the Niayes region in Senegal uses radiation to sterilise male flies.

In June 2014 in Malabo, the Summit of the African Union adopted the Declaration of Malabo. One of the fundamental principles is the commitment to end hunger in Africa by 2025.

Africa Member countries: 47. Office in Accra, Ghana. REGIONAL Perspectives ➊ African agriculture ➌ Forestry transformation ➍ Fisheries ➋ The Great Green ➎ Africa Solidarity Wall Trust Fund

106 fao 70 YEARS Or the field schools for groups in also for farmers”, says Loulou the poultry industry which, once Mendy, a local pig producer. trained, receive 50 laying hens “Now we can even sleep and pledge to each train two more outdoors, which was unthinkable vulnerable farmers, who in turn before because of the risk of receive 15 chickens. tsetse fly bites”. The fight against Ending hunger in Africa sleeping sickness We now travel from Senegal to On the other side of Africa in Equatorial Guinea. In June 2014, the Niayes district of Senegal, the capital, Malabo hosted the it is inspiring to see how the African Union Summit that area is now almost totally adopted the ‘Malabo Declaration free of the tsetse fly – which on Accelerated Agricultural used to decimate cattle – after Growth and Transformation several years of an eradication for Shared Prosperity and programme using nuclear Improved Livelihoods’. One of techniques. Every year the tsetse the fundamental principles of fly kills over three million head this declaration is a commitment of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa, to end hunger in Africa by 2025. causing US$4 billion in annual FAO has always been a driver of losses. The tsetse fly transmits this pledge, which it instigated in parasites that give livestock a 2012 alongside the Commission disease known as nagana that of the African Union, the causes weight loss. In some parts New Partnership for Africa’s of Africa the fly also transmits Development (NEPAD) Planning sleeping sickness to humans, and Coordinating Agency, affecting the nervous system and and the Lula Institute. FAO causing various other symptoms, also runs a regional initiative eventually leading to death. in response to requests for The Eradication Programme support from the governments has had the support of FAO of Angola, Ethiopia, Malawi and through its Joint Division with Niger to improve their domestic the International Atomic Energy planning, coordination and Agency (IAEA), based in Vienna. funding capabilities for food With far reaching results, security and nutrition. FAO Senegal has adopted an insect provides support to improve control technique that uses productivity, reduce post- radiation to sterilise male flies, harvest losses and increase which when released to mate investment in social protection with the female insects over time programmes. It also backs the reduces the insect population. The creation of an African Centre technique has already eradicated for Best Practices, Capacity the fly population in the Niayes Development and South-South district and eliminated 98 percent Cooperation, as well as a group of the insect population in that provides an opportunity for another area. In 2016, it will be top-level analysis, reflection and used in a third region. “Life has recommendations in the pursuit

/ Kai W iedenhoefe r/ B aba S all i u lio N a p olitano ©FAO/G become safer for animals, and of eradicating hunger.

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Farmers scything near Caucasia in Georgia. FAO organises consultations on disease in small farms, and helps improve family farmers’ access to loans.

Women pick maize in Jalal-Abad Oblast, Kyrgyzstan. FAO is providing special support for women and young people through rural skills’ training programmes and field schools.

EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA Member countries: 53. Office located in Budapest, Hungary. REGIONAL Perspectives ➊ Food Security and Nutrition ➋ Animal, plant and food safety hazards ➌ Management of natural resources ➍ Policies for smallholder farming ➎ Research and innovation ➏ Regional trade integration

108 fao 70 YEARS Understanding the rules food insecurity of small-scale of international trade farmers and family farms. Small- Our journey ends in Europe and scale agriculture currently offers Central Asia, the largest region in very low yields, and this has terms of the number of FAO member made a significant percentage of states that fall within it. FAO has had the rural population poor and an official regional office here since vulnerable. ‘The Empowering 1961, first in Geneva and, since 2007, Smallholders and Family Farms in Budapest. Initiative’ helps these small In this region, FAO work on farmers increase their productivity the ground focuses on supporting and therefore their incomes, low- and middle-income countries, intensifying their production in where agricultural systems a sustainable way, improving are still significantly affected their organization and access to by the process of political and adequate services, and integrating economic transition. This support them into agri-food value chains. takes the form of activities like As part of this initiative, FAO those coordinated under the supports aquaculture and fishing ‘Agrifood Trade and Regional in Armenia and Tajikistan to Integration Initiative’, which encourage alternative uses of the seeks to strengthen countries’ available water. In Georgia, FAO ability to meet the challenges of organises expert consultations on a globalised world as it affects disease, pest and weed control on international trade. The region’s small farms, and helps to improve countries play an increasingly family farms’ access to loans. In important role as suppliers of Kyrgyzstan, it is providing special basic agricultural products in the support for women and young international markets, and they people with rural skills training need to understand and prepare programmes and field schools. themselves to compete in a changing scenario. Where knowledge is FAO offers education and turned into action training to countries to formulate The Cook Islands, the Andes, and adopt trade agreements, Yemen, Senegal and Kyrgyzstan harmonise national policies with provide just a few examples of international regulations like those the Organization’s work, which of the World Trade Organization takes place in over 130 countries (WTO), among others, and increase through its regional, subregional, the profits from their commercial country, information and liaison

a u ll activities. All of this is done by offices, or the more recent liaison working with governments and and partnership offices. All of other stakeholders. these decentralised offices, as they are known within FAO, strive Coming out of rural every day to bring their experience poverty and know-how to the countries On a less regulatory level, closer where they are based. This will to the people who work with always be the ultimate goal of FAO the land and its resources, FAO around the world: to go wherever

e r gey Kozmin / SE R GEI K HOMEN O/ J on Sp ©FAO/S contributes to combating the it is most needed.

70 YEARS fao 109 112 The eradication of Rinderpest 118 The Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 124 Codex Alimentarius 4 129 The fight against hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean 132 Code of conduct for responsible fisheries 136 Guidelines on the tenure of land, fisheries and forests 140 The Committee on World Food Security 144 The eradication of River Blindness in West Africa 148 The Green Revolution in Asia 152 Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS)

THE 10 GREATEST ACHIEVEM ENTS

110OFfao 70 years FAO THE 10 GREATEST ACHIEVEM ENTS

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T H E ERADICATION OF RINDERPEST In 2011, the world was declared free of rinderpest. The disease, which caused huge damage for centuries, was eradicated thanks to a programme coordinated by FAO. Only once before had humans been able to eliminate a disease from the face of the earth, and that was when smallpox was eradicated in 1980.

Pakistan, tens of “That’s the effect rinderpest has on people”, says In northern thousands of head Rossiter. As a result of the disease people’s livelihoods of cattle died in 1994. Nobody knew why. There had were being threatened, the only option left to people been no trace of rinderpest there in decades when was to migrate to the cities to find work in order to suddenly the epidemic spread after some buffalo were continue to support their families. In stark contrast, brought to the area in order to meet the increasing in Karachi where a vaccination campaign had been the demand for meat. The local population expressed a success, farmers were highly appreciative and took their anger, due in a large part to feeling abandoned Rossiter and his colleagues to dinner. by the veterinary services which had forgotten about the disease. When Paul Rossiter and other FAO the history of a pest technicians arrived on the spot, they were jeered at Although not affecting human beings directly, and even pelted with stones, in spite of the fact that rinderpest had a mortality rate in animals that could they were carrying vaccines to fight the disease. reach 100 percent. It killed millions of cows, buffalo

112 fao 70 years ISINYA (KENYA) A Masai shepherd from a village 50 km south of Nairobi watching over his livestock now free from the century-old threat of rinderpest. ony K arumba ©FAO/T

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and their wild relatives, leading to significant economic IN AFRICA ALONE, losses and famine in various parts of the world. Introduced into Europe from Asia by invading FAO ESTIMATES armies, rinderpest made its appearance during the THAT THE COST Roman Empire in the fourth century AD and repeatedly over the following centuries, creating political instability OF ERADICATING and crippling agricultural production. In the late r i n de r p e s t Wa s nineteenth century it reached sub-Saharan Africa and its effects were devastating; it decimated cattle and WORTH BILLIONs many of the region’s wild animals. Famine spread. of D OL L A R S . The disease left its mark on much of the world. The outbreaks extended from Mauritania to the Philippines, and from Sweden to southern Africa. Outbreaks were recorded in countries as far apart as Brazil and Australia that the communities themselves were demanding that in the 1920s. Faced with this situation, the international something be done. Livestock was so important to the community took action, and in 1924 the World welfare of a community that vaccination campaigns for Organization for Animal Health (OIE) was created. children would only be effective if their animals were After the Second World War, the United Nations took also vaccinated against rinderpest. the lead in coordinating major campaigns against the The researchers also saw that there was a need to disease as countries could not stop the spread of the develop an effective, quality-assured vaccine for the disease on their own. At this time, FAO made its first disease, as only a single strain was spreading to various efforts to meet with animal health authorities all over parts of the world. the world to coordinate these programmes. This long- standing coordination was to prove essential to the an unexpected reappearance final result. Scientific research, together with international interest FAO Head of Veterinary Services, Juan Lubroth, in eradicating rinderpest, contributed to the vaccine believes that the impact of rinderpest was “so strong” reaching a large number of communities. In the

cooperating with TIMELINE the programmes, an 1948. Vets in 22 outbreak in Africa killed countries and territories millions of animals. take part in the first 1987. The pan-African seminar organised campaign against by FAO on rinderpest rinderpest began vaccines. operations in 34 1957. Research led countries. by the scientist Walter 1994. FAO launched Plowright develops an the first global inexpensive, simple and programme for the stable vaccine. eradication of rinderpest to stamp out the disease 1962. Vaccination by 2010. campaign through a project backed by the 2001. The world’s last Organization of African case of rinderpest was RINDERPEST is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects cattle and buffalo. The Unity (now the African confirmed in Kenya. agent is a virus of the genus Morbillivirus, of the Paramyxoviridae family. There are many Union). 2 011. Global Freedom species of wild and domestic cloven-hoofed animals, including sheep and goats, which 1980-1982. After from Rinderpest was display milder symptoms when affected but in susceptible herds of cattle or buffalo, which sha r a Kodi k ©FAO/I some countries stopped announced. are the most commonly affected species, the mortality rate can reach 100 percent.

114 fao 70 years 1 2

3 SRI LANKA 1 and 3 A vet holds a blood sample taken from a cow to check that the rinderpest virus has not returned. 2 A young female water buffalo feeds in her enclosure at the National Livestock Development Centre. 4 A veterinary technician checks the livestock blood samples in a laboratory to ensure they are free of the rinderpest virus. 5 A GPS device used to track animals that have been tested for rinderpest.

4 5

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1960s, Walter Plowright, with was more resistant to the ambient colleagues in Kenya, developed a temperatures of the tropics and vaccine that was stable, inexpensive the desert, and thus more effective and easy to propagate. It was in Africa, the Near East and verified through a quality control Central Asia. system as part of his work at the Muguga laboratory, outside the hunt for the virus Nairobi. According to FAO expert, In 1994, FAO launched the Juan Lubroth, the British – who Global Rinderpest Eradication controlled colonial Kenya at the Programme (GREP) with the time – had a strong interest in aim of wiping out the disease fighting the disease because it had by 2010. With the support of the afflicted that country and other International Atomic Energy dominions such as India and Egypt. Agency (IAEA) and the OIE, GREP was envisaged as On the African continent, an ambitious vaccination a mechanism for international coordination in order to campaign in the 1960s did not prevent a large number promote and verify the elimination of the disease with of countries from suffering the effects of the disease technical support, and in a systematic and complete years later. Many governments had lowered their guard manner. The network of laboratories and epidemiology and called off the programmes. As rinderpest, had not units, as well as FAO Reference Centres and individual been fully eradicated, it returned with a vengeance: experts, joined the campaigns in the field in search of millions of animals died in the early 1980s in epidemics the virus. Immediate response plans for emergencies in Africa, the Near East and Asia.In Nigeria alone, and national monitoring programmes were key. losses were calculated at around US$2 billion. Paul Rossiter remembers it as an adventure. On To recover lost ground, it was essential to rebuild more than one occasion he had to travel to remote strong national and international political and financial places and camp overnight on the roadside after rivers commitment, to understand the local epidemiology had flooded and his vehicle had become stuck in the of the disease, to have better tools for diagnosis mud. “Although we always hoped that we wouldn’t find and vaccination, to assess the risks to wild animals, animals with rinderpest, searching for them using the transport and markets. Ultimately, a heat-stable vaccine prescribed surveillance techniques required time in the was developed in the United States of America, that field and was sometimes challenging.A nd when we

THE FINAL TRACE,

If there was one place that scientists hypothesized could be the final source of rinderpest, it was the Somali pastoral ecosystem that spans Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. In September 2001, the presence of the virus was confirmed there for the last time on Earth, in buffaloes in Meru National Park, Kenya. “The challenge was also the existence of the virus in wild animals”, recalls Bouna Diop, regional director of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases Operations for Eastern and the Horn of Africa. In these countries, where animals travel across borders unchecked, the virus moved through areas where veterinary systems were less concentrated. Following the last outbreak and in the final stages of eradication, it then had to be proven that the disease was no longer present. Diop explains that “it MERU (KENYA) couldn’t be done from the office”. Veterinarians and other technical staff had Former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and officials at the inauguration of a to go out into the field to take blood samples from targeted animals and statue of a buffalo at the Meru National Park, commemorating the eradication perform appropriate laboratory tests. It was a project at regional level that, he of rinderpest in 2011 at the place where the last known outbreak had been explains, required close coordination and communication between FAO and recorded in local buffalo in 2001. its other partners.

116 fao 70 years ROMe Plaque from the Commemorative Ceremony for the Declaration of Global Freedom from Rinderpest in 2011, located at the main entrance to the FAO building in Rome. © A lessand r a B enedetti

found them we had to act quickly”, he says. He never t h e o u t b r e a K S knew what he and colleagues would find, for example in a remote village in Yemen he was asked to help people E X t e n de d f ro m who were seriously ill with Rift Valley fever, even though m au r i ta n i a t o he was actually there to look for rinderpest. Convincing people that the priority was to eradicate THE PHILIPPINES, rinderpest when its effects were no longer so visible, AND F RO M S W E DE N and to maintain these efforts, were difficult tasks at the time, particularly after 2001, when the final case was T O S OU T H E R N recorded in Kenya. Considerable efforts were thus made AFRICA. over the following decade, since it had to be shown that the disease had disappeared among animals, both domestic and wild. “It was very expensive”, says Lubroth, who remembers how the energy, political commitment and funds had to be found, and countries unity and trust with our neighbours is very important had to be persuaded to keep up their efforts, which with these high-impact diseases”, he notes. During were on the cusp of achieving a historical landmark: the that entire period, countries worked alongside their eradication of rinderpest. neighbours, in the networks of laboratories and Finally, on 28 June 2011, during the 37th FAO epidemiology units, and the vets and technicians were conference, the long-awaited announcement was made: able to share information and meet regularly to help the world was free of rinderpest. Just once before, each other. in 1980, had human beings been able to eradicate a Now that the disease has been eradicated, the task disease: smallpox. Rinderpest became the first animal of ensuring that it never returns involves reducing the disease to be eradicated, paving the way for others to number of laboratories that have the virus in storage, be tackled. Lubroth believes that one of the causes of destroying it or keeping it in a safe place, to remove famine in the world was wiped from the face of the any danger that it might escape. In 2011 there were 40 earth, and the lesson learned was that no country can laboratories in 32 countries that stored the virus, but this fight such transboundary threats alone. A“ sense of figure is likely to decrease further in the coming years.

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THE TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES Whose seed is it? Does it belong to the country where it was collected, the one that keeps it, or is it considered as world heritage? The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture regulates the preservation, the sustainable use, access and distribution of the benefits obtained from all components of plant biodiversity in food and agriculture.

118 fao 70 years previous page KABUL (AFGHANISTAN) A sample of seeds produced by the national seed laboratory. Their preservation is vital to maintain the genetic diversity of plants

on this page BUJUMBURA (BURUNDI) A private laboratory for in vitro multiplication of banana, potato, yam and cassava used by FAO.

and homogeneous commercial varieties”. This is a Genetic diversity real problem when farmers and scientists need to can be a lifesaver when it comes to reducing hunger. adapt crops to the effects of changes in climate or This was the case during the European famine in the diseases, and they have nothing to select from. first half of the nineteenth century, when almost two In an attempt to tackle this problem, by the million people died in Ireland due to the destruction of early 1970s important technical expertise had been potato plantations by a fungus. The genes that resisted acquired. All that remained to do, and what seemed the disease were found in Latin America, where the the simplest thing but proved to be the most complex potato originated. was to apply this technical knowledge. In 1974, the This natural fortress has been built over the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources course of 10 000 years of agriculture. However, many (now Bioversity International) was established, a plant species have been lost along the way. According programme with additional funds from FAO member to former FAO expert, Professor José Esquinas- states that was responsible for the task of collecting Alcázar, who first pushed for the International varieties and boosting gene banks. These banks are Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and places where the genetic diversity of one or more Agriculture, “thousands of varieties of heterogeneous crops and their related wild species are preserved and

iulio N apolitano ©FAO/G crops have been replaced by a handful of uniform where the seeds are kept at low temperatures.

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seeds: world heritage or a commodity? THE TREATY The way the seeds and the various kinds of germplasm were collected and conserved began to RECOGNISES create tensions, according to Esquinas, since many THE RIGHTS of them they were being kept in places that not every country in the world could OF THE FARMER. access. Esquinas recalls the intervention by Spain at the 1979 FAO Conference, which held the Chair that year and, for the Despite some opposition, first time had demanded in 1983 the International an international agreement Undertaking on Plant and establishment of a Genetic Resources for gene bank. The proposal, Food and Agriculture was applauded by many approved, a non-binding countries including India, document about which eight did not result in a draft countries initially expressed resolution, impeded as it reservations. That year, the was by different political FAO conference saw heated pressures. debates taking place on The developing the issue. The negotiators countries pointed engaged in a dispute over accusatory fingers at the the creation of a committee more developed nations. that would oversee the They considered it unfair undertaking, which was that some countries and approved in a historic vote, multinationals should full of surprises. exploit the diversity of genetic resources, which endless negotiations were largely found in The following years were tropical and subtropical marked by continued regions, while denying negotiations. The goal was the benefits to those for the eight countries with same developing countries. During the reservations to change their position. During 1981 FAO Conference, the developing that period many formal as well as informal countries expressed their unease with questions, meetings took place to give the representatives such as: who does the material deposited in the an opportunity to set aside their differences. The banks legally belong to, the country where it was acceptance of plant breeders’ rights (a soft version collected, the one that stores it, or is it simply of intellectual property for producers of commercial world heritage? varieties) was compensated by the recognition of The developing countries were dissatisfied farmers’ rights (for being the developers and the with the ownership of the material falling to the custodians of biodiversity placed at the disposal countries that stored it, regardless of its origin. of the breeders). In addition to making the new The reality was that this material, collected using interpretation of world heritage compatible with the international funds, was used and studied in the sovereignty of states, the Global System for Plant countries with greater technical and economic Genetic Resources was created. A multilateral system capabilities. The result was that all the other was also established which, according to the text, had countries then had to pay intellectual property to be “efficient, effective, and transparent, both to rights for many of the new varieties recorded. facilitate access to plant genetic resources for food and

120 fao 70 years Cusco, (Peru) Project Potato Park, financed by FAO through the profits-sharing Fund of the Treaty

agriculture, and to share, in a fair and equitable way, three resolutions, the third of which recommended the benefits arising from the use of these resources, that FAO renegotiate the International Undertaking on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis”. on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture The process of developing a fair and equitable and turn it into a multilateral binding instrument system culminated in agreement on the Treaty harmonised with the Convention. After a long tug of some two decades later. Meanwhile, the issue of war, the Treaty came into existence in 2001. biodiversity was addressed in two fora outside FAO: the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Environment MAJOR CROPS FOR THE Programme (UNEP). The same controversies re- SUPPLY OF DIETARY ENERGY emerged, and not solely in relation to cultivated sugar Potatoes Millet & MAIZE 9% 2% Sorghum 7% 4% plants but also in relation to wild species. It is estimated Soybean Oil Countries began to have concerns about the 3% that just 30 crops potential effects of including all biodiversity in a Other rice provide 95 percent Veg. 26% of people’s dietary new agreement. “The same treatment was given Oils 6% Sweet energy needs, Potatoes to elephants and wheat. If it was adopted in this 2% and just four form, each country would have to negotiate bilateral of them – rice, wheat, maize and agreements with any country from which varieties potatoes – supply are obtained, which would have been a disaster for over 60 percent. the agricultural sector”, Esquinas states. Thus, the More than 7 000 OTher plant species have formula chosen in the end was the Rio Convention 18% been cultivated or on Biological Diversity adopted in 1992, along with grainS harvested for food. source: FAO 23%

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a standard ratified by 135 countries The Treaty, considered the first operational global AROUND 75% OF mechanism to protect and share these seeds and GENETIC DIVERSITY other genetic material equitably, “has led to a universal awareness of the value of agricultural HAS BEEN LOST biodiversity”, says Esquinas, 14 years after the IN FAVOUR OF landmark treaty. Ratified by 135 countries, the Treaty promotes GE N E T IC A L LY the conservation, exploration, collection, UNIFORM HIGH- characterisation, evaluation and documentation of these resources within their habitat and elsewhere, PERFORMANCE as well as their sustainable use and the fair VARIETIES. distribution of their benefits. The signatory states undertook to adopt the Treaty and cooperate at the international level. The multilateral system of access and benefit- 2010 to 2015, we have given over US$20 million sharing is applied to a list of 64 crops and species to help more than 50 000 farmers in 65 countries, determined according to their importance for food explains the current Secretary of the Treaty, Dr security and the interdependence of countries. Shakeel Bhatti. Esquinas admits that there is still Countries no longer have to negotiate thousands of progress to be made to reach similar agreements that bilateral agreements in these cases. By simplifying regulate other agricultural genetic resources procedures, seed sharing has also increased. such as farm animals. Although there is From the period 2007-2015, the Treaty has still a conflict of interests between those provided 35 000 transfers worldwide with who prioritise intellectual over 2.5 million samples. property and those who Another advantage mentioned defend the rights of farmers, by Esquinas is the funding Esquinas believes that the two of projects in developing standpoints are reconcilable. countries aiming to The treaty currently in force implement the Treaty. From reflects this.

Regions with Major producing Malaysia, the INTERDEPENDENCE significant genetic countries: Brazil, Netherlands and IN COCOA diversity: Amazon Ivory Coast, the USA. Ghana, Indonesia GENETIC RESOURCES basin and Central Major cultivation and Nigeria. America. and research Countries are fundamentally interdependent when Major ex-situ Major consuming activities: Brazil, it comes to plant genetic resources. In the case of cocoa, collections (outside countries: France, Costa Rica, Ivory the Treaty establishes ongoing access to this resource their natural Germany, Japan, Coast, Ghana, and the fair and equitable distribution of the benefits habitat): Brazil, Russia and the USA. Papua New deriving from its use, not just among centres of sale and Costa Rica, Trinidad Main exporting Guinea, and consumption, located primarily in developed countries of and Tobago, and countries: Belgium, Trinidad and the northern hemisphere but also in their places of origin. Venezuela. Germany, Tobago.

122 fao 70 aniversario SVALBARD (NORWAY). TOP: Entrance in the snow to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which contains over 860 000 samples from almost every country in the world. BOTTOM, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Shelves with boxes where the seeds are kept inside Svalbard; seed deposit from India in Svalbard. Underground tunnel inside the seed vault. s F owler /M ari T efre / ondo G lobal de D iver s idad C ultivo © C ary

THE BIGGEST into the mountain. Welcome to a backup in a different location there to confirm their contents the world’s biggest seed bank. to safeguard the material for and once inside the chamber SEED BANK This space where the cold the future”, says former seed they are registered, labelled never leaves has existed since bank coordinator, Roland and stored. The accompanying IN THE 2008. Located on Norwegian von Bothmer. information is added to a WORLD, IN soil, the site was selected for its Before they arrive on public-access database geological and political stability, Svalbard, the seeds must make and from then – on only the THE ARCTIC and for its good transport links. a long journey. A country countries that sent the seeds OCEAN. It has the capacity to house or seed bank must first sign may recover them, since they 3 million different crop varieties. an agreement with Norway remain that country’s property. For the time being, it contains to deposit its plant genetic For von Bothmer, one A door in the middle over 860 000 samples of resources. The Norwegian “heroic” contribution was that of the snow. This is all 4 000 crops from almost bank opens its doors to new made by the gene bank’s you can see in this glacial every country in the world. seeds three times a year. The employees to the Aleppo area landscape near the North Pole. From staple foods like maize banks in other countries (there (Syria). Despite the war, they On the Svalbard archipelago and rice, to others like beans are a total of 1 750 in the managed to extract around it seems unthinkable that under and lettuce, all of this genetic world) indicate in advance 90 percent of the material the ice lies hidden what could material is safe in this location what they are going to send. stored there and send it to be considered the origin of all regardless of how endangered First the material arrives in Oslo Svalbard. “We’re ready to give plants. But through the door, it may be in its place of origin. and then it is transported to the it back as soon as they claim there is a huge bunker carved “It’s very important that we have islands. The boxes are scanned it”, he adds.

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C O D E X ALIMENTARIUS

After more than half a century in existence, the Codex Alimentarius has contributed to protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in the global food trade. This successful joint venture between FAO and WHO has been working to remove barriers from world food trade while ensuring that food is safe.

protection has existed The Codex Alimentarius Commission, jointly Consumer since ancient times. The created by FAO and the World Health Organization Assyrians determined weights and measurements (WHO), is the most important international body for cereals, the Egyptians used scrolls as labels for in the field of food standards. The Secretary of this certain foods, the Greeks inspected beer and wine body, Mr. Tom Heilandt, points out that “the idea to ensure it was in good condition, and the Romans of harmonizing standards is very old, but doing had a State system to prevent fraud and root out it globally began with the Codex Alimentarius”. poor-quality products. Today we address other Following World War II, the international community topics – ranging from food additives and pesticide became increasingly interested in the international residues, to preventing chemical and microbiological food trade, but conflicting or missing standards were contamination and assessing the safety of modern, obstacles to trade. Food safety was difficult to ensure at times controversial, practices such as genetically without international reference standards. These modifying foods or using hormones in animal food issues made it clear there was a need to develop production. internationally harmonized standards to address However, the overall goals of protecting the both food safety and fair trade practices – needs met health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in by the establishment of the Codex Alimentarius. the food trade remain the same. This has been the Science has played a fundamental role in this primary mission of the Codex Alimentarius (the process, with new technology and discoveries. All ‘Food code’) since 1963. Codex food safety work is based on the scientific

124 fao 70 years AGADIR (MOROCCO) Bottles of olive oil are stacked in a supermarket. The Codex Alimentarius provides standards to ensure food safety at all stages of the chain, including distribution. le ss andra B enedetti ©FAO/A

advice provided by independent expert bodies under all foods and more specific standards that apply to the auspices of FAO and WHO. In fact, the need to individual foods, as well as thousands of numerical control additives, the use of which was growing in limits for additives, contaminants, pesticide residues the 1950s’ food industry, provided the impetus for and veterinary drugs. the Conference that led to the formation of the Joint Codex standards, guidelines and codes of practice FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives regulate everything that can have an impact on (JECFA), which has served as a model for other such the safety or quality of our food, whether it is a expert bodies. simple fruit or a complex processed food. Codex Today consumers can and should expect to be standards are global public goods and as such freely fully informed about the safety of their food supply. available for all on the Codex website together with In many countries, consumers are well organized information about how they are developed. and put pressure on their governments. International When the Commission adopts a standard, it non-governmental organizations also participate in recommends that governments apply that standard – the work of Codex. only when applied by a government does a standard become mandatory. “Some countries have limited a global public good - harmonized food laws or resources to develop such laws; they standards adopt what we issue directly”, says Heilandt. In The Codex Alimentarius is currently made up of over regions and countries like those of the European 300 texts, including general standards that apply to Union or the United States of America, the

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situation is different: their THE CODEX broad legislation may or may not coincide with alimentarius is the standards of the a collection of Codex Alimentarius. “Codex food safety international standards are reference STANDARDS AND standards in the WTO SPS (Sanitary GUIDELINES TO and Phytosanitary) ENSURE THAT agreement and if countries want to use THERE IS SAFE, stricter standards than GOOD FOOD FOR Codex’s, they have to justify it scientifically”, EVERYONE. Heilandt adds, citing as examples variations in diet or exposure to certain residues. In developing its standards, Codex follows the risk analysis paradigm comprising three today’s information society: “Sometimes it’s better to components: risk assessment, risk management admit that you don’t know something, rather than to and risk communication. Risk assessment is the say something inaccurate and then have to correct it, science that determines when problems may arise and then try to regain the trust of consumers, which – evaluating the effects a given substance would is difficult”, observes the Codex Secretary. have at different concentrations and assessing the extent of such exposure from food. Risk management a responsibility shared by all involves decision-making in terms of what to do The globalization of trade has put a wide variety in response to the assessed risk – for example, of foods from all over the world on our plates. But setting a maximum limit, or providing guidance to whether imported or locally produced, foods must be producers on how to minimize contamination. Risk in an appropriate condition for human consumption. communication is the need for all parties, including According to Heilandt, the Codex Alimentarius has consumers, to be informed and to discuss the issues become a global reference for exchange between fully and openly. countries and has also in many cases led to While risk assessment is purely scientific, when improvements in domestic production. it comes to risk management, many other factors The Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius are taken into consideration, such as the availability Commission believes that Codex standards are “very and the cost of food. However, the Commission’s comprehensive in addressing the main food safety goal remains to strike a balance between protecting issues”. He cites as a particular success, the HACCP human health and facilitating trade. system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Risk communication to consumers should be system), which serves to ensure hygiene at all stages taken very seriously, urges Heilandt, especially in of a food production process. This approach was cases where food safety hazards may have resulted originally developed by NASA to keep astronauts’ in illness or death. The information provided foods safe but was quickly adopted by governments should be open and correct; it should include what and globally distributed through Codex. is known about the risk and what is not known, as The Secretary stresses that food safety is very well as what is being done to resolve it. Authorities much the responsibility of all parties, from producer may be tempted to conceal information or disclose to consumer. He warns that even if the food arrives it incorrectly in order to prevent panic among the safely in the consumer’s kitchen one mistake could population, but such an approach may backfire in “destroy all the efforts that went before”, so he

126 fao 70 years pesticides and veterinary drugs are appearing on the market continuously and previously unknown contaminants are being discovered. As methods of analysis improve, substances can be detected at ever- lower levels. All of this requires ongoing work in reviewing Codex standards with a view to ensuring 1 the best possible protection for consumers without

1 2013, Rome. FAO unnecessarily restricting trade. 2 Director-General, José Another area of activity is nutrition. Obesity and Graziano da Silva, and the Director-General of non-communicable diseases related to food are a aid u tti / G i lio N a p olitano WHO, Margaret Chan, global problem. Governments are taking measures to to F addressing the Codex Alimentarius Commission assist consumers in eating a healthy diet. To succeed, at FAO headquarters. consumers must be informed about what their foods 2 Singapore. Laboratory contain. Codex has developed extensive guidance for sample of street food to food labelling – and nutrition labels in particular. prevent pathogens in food. Food labels are often difficult to read. There are initiatives under way to develop applications ©FAO / A lessand r a B enedetti Robe ©FAO that will allow consumers to scan a food barcode for immediate comparison with their personal consumer profile to determine if the food contains any substances to which a person may be allergic, for example gluten. A successful pilot was carried out calls for better food safety education in schools. by a Spanish hospital to help children with multiple “Many crises arise not because of something that food allergies. happened along the production chain, but in the hands of the final consumer who sometimes lack a forum for open discussion knowledge about what to do”, he explains. When Over 160 NGOs from a wide range of backgrounds it comes down to it, viruses and bacteria are always are accredited to the Codex Alimentarius to give laying in wait, and they can cause anything from an input in their areas of expertise. Codex also works uncomfortable bout of diarrhoea to death. with the private sector aimed at improving food safety, such as the Global Food Safety Initiative. a codex under constant review There are many examples of how this happens Codex is trying to be proactive but often it is food every day around the world. When the fishermen safety incidents that lead to an extensive study of of Lake Victoria in Uganda had to stop fishing the a whole area. In the 1990s, for instance, consumer lake because of poor hygiene conditions, the strict concern due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy implementation of Codex standards helped them (BSE), also known as “mad cow disease”, led to continue their trading safely and opened up new Codex to study the issue of the safety of feed for export markets. In India, small organic family farm animals intended for food production. businesses are adapting their procedures to align Emerging challenges, in Heilandt’s view, with Codex standards which in turn boosts their include the resistance of certain microbes to profits. antibiotics in use in humans and animals alike. They are all achieving safer production, while Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant and improving their market competitiveness. These certain infections no longer have an appropriate are essential steps towards a better balance in the treatment. Biotechnology continues to evolve, global food supply. Countries are not left to fend for and so will discussions on the issue in Codex themselves with the sometimes-complex standards: when necessary. Nanotechnology is already FAO and WHO have extensive capacity-building applied to foods and may give rise to challenges programmes assisting countries to improve their to be addressed by Codex. New additives, food safety systems.

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LEMPIRA SUR, SAN JUAN GUARITA (HONDURAS) Pupils line up to eat at the Francisco Navarro School.

NEW HAMPSHIRE (GRENADA) Ken Campbell, beneficiary of an FAO project irrigates seeds in 128 faohis 70 nursery. years THE FIGHT AG A I N S T H U N G E R IN LATIN AMERICA and the caribbean The political mobilisation of Latin American countries to end undernutrition recognizing the human right to be free from hunger has translated into model initiatives like the Zero Hunger project in Brazil, or the recently launched Plan for Food Security, Nutrition and Hunger Eradication of CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States).

intellectual (CELAC). Held in January 2015 in Costa Rica, all the As the BrazilianJosué de presidents and heads of State of the region reinforced Castro said, “war and hunger do not obey any natural this political commitment giving their support to the law, they are human creations”. In recent times Latin organization’s intergovernmental Plan for Food and America has set to work, showing a political will to Nutrition Security and the Eradication of Hunger fight against the “human creation” that is hunger. 2025. According to the State of Food Insecurity At the CELAC summit, FAO Director- in the World 2015 report, Latin General José Graziano da Silva America is the first region in the stressed the need for political world to halve the number of commitment, solidarity people who were suffering and tools that will enable from hunger in 1990, a specific actions and target of the first of the UN real results. Within Millennium Development this framework for Goals for 2015. Twenty-five action, he added years ago, 14.7 percent of that South-South the Latin American and Cooperation is the Caribbean population main instrument they suffered hunger, now the should use, ensuring estimate for the 2014-2016 “regional perspective and two-year period has fallen to responsibility in efforts to 5.5 percent. So, what next? overcome hunger”. This plan was developed by goal: to eradicate FAO with the backing of the Latin hunger American Integration Association The countries of the region (ALADI) and the United Nations have set themselves the goal of Economic Commission for Latin America eradicating hunger and reducing and the Caribbean (ECLAC). It seeks to poverty. This more ambitious goal was improve the quality of life throughout the region by agreed by all the countries of the region through eradicating poverty, especially extreme poverty, and the Hunger Free Latin America and the Caribbean guaranteeing food and nutrition security, with gender Initiative in 2005 and during the 3rd Summit of the mainstreaming and a particular focus on the most

i u se pp e B izza rr ©FAO/G Community of Latin American and Caribbean States vulnerable sectors of society.

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COSTA RICA. FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva presents the Plan for the Eradication of Hunger 2025 at the CELAC Summit.

The Plan for Food Security is based on four pillars CHILE. The CELAC Plan for Food Security. aimed at ensuring access to food and its availability, use and stability. First of all, countries pledge to coordinate food security strategies through national and regional public policies. Against this background, they will strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks to facilitate trade and supply programmes, as well as avoid food loss and wastage. Another pillar is to ensure timely and sustainable access to safe, adequate, sufficient and nutritious food for everyone. To do so, the plan supports family farming and income redistribution programmes

THE COMMITMENT OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES

In July 2013, African heads the event. The declaration Declaration on Agriculture recognised Africa’s potential for of State and government called for a set of policies to and Food Security in Africa, agricultural development, the gathered in Addis Ababa promote sustainable agricultural under the Comprehensive growth of its young population (Ethiopia) and signed a development, social protection Africa Agriculture Development and the large supply of land, declaration to end hunger and funding for the poor, and Programme. water and other natural on the continent by 2025. it underlined the importance of At the gathering in resources. They pledged Representatives from non-state stakeholders in the Ethiopia, African leaders also to follow a roadmap using international organizations mission to ensure food security. strengthened their commitment primarily their own resources and civil society, the private It also reaffirmed the African to eradicating hunger in each and technical support, sector, farmers, cooperatives, countries’ resolve to push of their countries through while calling for stronger young people, academics ahead with the implementation measures like public investment alliances between partners for and other partners attended of the 2003 Maputo in agriculture. The participants development.

130 fao 70 years on condition that children are for example, kept in school. The third pillar promotes nutritional wellbeing BRAZIL for all vulnerable groups, with an emphasis on school DEMONSTRATED feeding programmes, their connection to family farm producers through public procurement, and the THAT r apid promotion of healthy eating habits. Finally, the plan ECONOMIC GROWTH aims to ensure stable production and a rapid response to social and natural disasters, the management of food IS COMPATIBLE WITH stocks and of public supplies for emergencies. BETTER INCOME A political approach to the fight against hunger was used to establish the lines of action. This has been DISTRIBUTION. endorsed in several multilateral fora and has led to the promotion of a common agenda on food and nutrition security. The basis of this approach is that hunger can be eradicated by mobilizing the different actors who Chile undertook its Choose Healthy Living are part of the State around a common objective and programme; St. Vincent and the Grenadines strengthening and coordinating policies that countries and Grenada endorsed the Zero Hunger are already implementing, while recognising the Challenge; St. Vincent and the Grenadines and special characteristics of each. It coincides with the Grenada endorsed the Zero Hunger Challenge; ‘twin-track’ approach promoted by FAO, which consists Venezuela strengthened its national food supply firstly of implementing policies to address complex strategy; and Peru set up the Inter-sectoral social situations immediately, and secondly long-term Commission on Food and Nutritional Security. strategies that deal with the structural causes of hunger Brazil, meanwhile, developed new strategies in and extreme poverty. the wake of its Zero Hunger programme, considered an inspiration for subsequent initiatives. In 2003, the the three priorities then Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Working together in this way, CELAC and FAO have set the programme in motion, introducing a new coordinated their agendas to move forward in the development model centred on the eradication of eradication of hunger. The UN Organization does not hunger and social inclusion, that brought together just participate in the formulation, implementation macroeconomic, social and productive policies. The and monitoring of the plan that is led by the countries. Zero Hunger programme, overseen by the current It also supports three priorities determined by the FAO Director-General, helped to lift over 20 million region’s countries: the support of the Hunger-Free people out of extreme poverty in five years and Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative, the Family reduce undernutrition in Brazil by 25 percent. Agriculture and Rural Development Initiative, and the There are a number of reasons for the success of Improving Food Systems in the Caribbean Initiative. this programme. There was a commitment at the In a gathering held in Chile in March 2015, FAO highest level, with Lula da Silva himself involving Regional Representative, Raúl Benítez, reminded the various levels of government and society in delegates that the region was the first to propose not general. The programme’s goals were reflected in just to reduce hunger but to eradicate it. “The FAO Brazil’s macroeconomic policies, and an integrated regional agenda is fully aligned with the priorities of national food and nutritional security policy was CELAC’s Plan. Our efforts in the region seek to create adopted based on the notion that government as many synergies as possible to achieve zero hunger by must ensure that all Brazilians could enjoy their 2025”, he explained. right to an adequate diet. Through the twin-track approach, the new purchasing power generated by the brazilian example social protection was used to stimulate increased Individually, the countries of Latin America and the food production by poor farmers. The Brazilian Caribbean have also renewed their commitment to example demonstrated that it is possible to combine food security in recent years. Mexico, for instance, rapid economic development with better income launched its National Crusade against Hunger; distribution.

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THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES Twenty years after its approval, this set of principles and standards – the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries – is more relevant than ever. Its principles have given rise to various instruments that seek to improve the conservation, management and development of fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

BAN BOR RAE (THAILAND) A fisherman walks along the rails between the cages of a fish farm. The sustainable development of aquaculture is one of the challenges that the Code of Conduct addresses.

132 fao 70 years Saeed K han ©FAO/

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CAI HAI LAGOON (VIETNAM). Two experts use a GPS map. Adapting technology is central to ensuring the sustainability of fishing. DIABLO RIVER (PANAMA). Fishing in the river, another example of fishing activities that are regulated. istini / J im H olmes ©FAO/M.S

development is the way for negotiations and adoption of the Code of Sustainable an often repeated Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. term, but as the world’s population grows and the The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries demand for food increases, safeguarding our natural emerged in 1995 in response to the need to resources becomes more critical than ever before. How better integrate conservation and environmental can we supply adequate production today without considerations into fisheries management and to compromising food supplies for the generations of ensure food security for future generations. It was tomorrow? Where will we find the means to feed the approved by 170 countries at the FAO Conference. more than 9 billion people projected to inhabit the planet by 2050? maximum sustainable yield Many fishermen and women, and the fisheries The Code of Conduct, which is voluntary, provides the and aquaculture industry itself, have been considering regulatory framework needed for the conservation, these questions for some time. The high production organization, and development of fisheries. The aim levels in the fisheries sector and increasing concerns in is to ensure the sustainable exploitation of living the early 1990s about the risks of overfishing, shifted aquatic resources in harmony with the environment. the debate from one about greater production to one The Code establishes that States and relevant about the sustainability of production in fisheries and organizations should adopt measures based on aquaculture. In 1991, the FAO Committee on Fisheries sound scientific criteria to maintain or restore fish (COFI) first called on the Organization to develop populations to levels that produce year after year new concepts for responsible, sustained fisheries. without endangering its future regeneration capacity, The International Conference on Responsible Fishing taking into account environmental and economic held in Cancún (Mexico) in 1992 followed-up on this factors, and the special needs of developing countries. process. The process was given further stimulus by The Code sets out good practices in a wide range the Earth Summit later that year in Rio de Janeiro of areas, including implementation and monitoring, (Brazil). The UN conference positioned sustainable requirements of developing countries, fisheries development high on the international agenda, paving management, fishing operations, aquaculture

134 fao 70 years development, coastal areas management, post- THE CODE OF harvest processes, trade, and fisheries research.T he Code is robust and flexible enough to incorporate CONDUCT OFFERS various issues that have gained importance in recent THE REGULATORY years, such as ‘decent work’ in the sector, food waste and loss, traceability, strengthened value chains, and fr ameWORK ecosystem services. NEEDED FOR THE During its first two decades, numerous specific instruments and guidelines have emerged from the DEVELOPMENT Code, including the recently adopted Voluntary OF FISHING and Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small- Scale Fisheries. Although there is still aquaculture. much work to be done to fully achieve the Code’s objectives worldwide, the process is well underway, and comes from aquaculture, today there are greater and expansion of the levels of awareness, sector also contributes knowledge sharing, and to preserving species, international cooperation creating jobs and aimed at finding the increasing supply. right solutions. While fish caught in the wild generally account changes in motion for a higher volume of The fishing world has fish production than those changed enormously produced by farming, a since adoption of significant proportion of this (almost the Code. New 20 percent) is used as fish feed or to obtain demands have led oils from fish, and is not destined for human to guidelines for eco- consumption. labelling and certification An increasing emphasis on limiting catches of harvested species – items and changing management policies to align and processes requested by conservation and business interests also shifts the the seafood industry that is currently debate when it comes to ensuring the livelihoods adopting strategies to improve consumer of those dependent on fishing. How can fishers information to better meet customer demands for catch fewer fish while simultaneously creating more ‘sea to plate’ traceability of seafood products. FAO value for themselves? There are significant business has also undertaken a number of studies on illegal, opportunities in improving the sustainability of the unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the seafood value chain: increasing the quality of fish and wake of the Voluntary Guidelines for Flag State increasing its value and reducing waste to maximize Performance, providing standards for countries the benefits. Several industries have begun to adopt allowing fishing boats to operate using the national changes in technologies aimed at strengthening flags of other countries. The number of countries the value chain in both developed and developing that use vessel monitoring systems to oversee fishing countries. According to the experts, the outlook is activities under their jurisdiction has also increased, shifting: many countries’ producers and consumers following the Code’s recommendations. admit that more sustainable fishing practices are In 2011, FAO members also adopted the first needed to meet the future demand of a growing guidelines for certifying aquaculture products. More population. To do this, the Code of Conduct for than half of the fish consumed by humans now Responsible Fisheries continues to set the tone.

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GUIDELINES ON THE TENURE OF LAND, FISHERIES AND FORESTS These voluntary guidelines were negotiated among a large number of stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector. A global benchmark, they are used by governments in the management of natural resources.

range of concerns: while some focused on community Land has always ownership, others were more concerned about tenure been something physical, palpable, material. But for all administration. After more than a year, a first draft was its visibility, the question of land ownership is another produced, setting out a broad outline of the consultation matter, blurred by vested interests. “People’s rights in consensus from a multidisciplinary point of view. This relation to tenure are highly emotive issues that are not preliminary document was also subject to consultation easy to address”, says Paul Munro-Faure, the Deputy before entering fully into the negotiation process. Director of the Climate, Energy and Tenure Division Government representatives were responsible of FAO. In his view, the Voluntary Guidelines on the for agreeing on the final version of the document Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries between 2011 and 2012, until it was formally and Forests in the Context of National Food Security approved by the Committee on World Food adopted in 2012, provide a framework that has made “it easier to sit at the table and begin to negotiate”, something that would otherwise be inconceivable. Although they are changes that take time, it was LAND DIVIDED BETWEEN INVESTORS IN AFRICA essential to try, particularly given the increasing focus Between 2004 and early 2009, the surface area shared between investors in in recent decades “on the pressure on land and other Africa increased through the approval of various projects. resources, and on the effects of climate change on the TOTAL ALLOCATED SURFACE environment”, as Munro-Faure explains. Land grabbing GREATER ALLOCATION OF LAND IN EACH COUNTRY (mass buying of land by governments and multinationals) The percentages indicate the allocation in % of land suitable for is a reality in some regions, particularly in Africa, and rain-fed crops in each country (based on unpublished FAO data) many rural communities now feel more vulnerable. 900 000

In response to the need to address these issues in a 800 000 2.29%

coordinated way and to ensure that the population has 700 000 equitable access to and control of resources, in 2009 FAO 1.39% 600 000 initiated a global consultation process. 2.12% 500 000 0.46%

multilateral dialogue 400 000 All over the world, consultations were held, reflecting the 300 000 differences between representatives from civil society 0.60% and the private sector. Governments, academics and UN 200 000 agencies also took part in various events that brought 100 000

together almost 1000 people from over 130 countries. 0

The process highlighted regional priorities and a wide etHiopia ghana madagascar mali sudAn K . Kimoto // F ili p e Br anq u inho ©FAO/A.

SOURCE: CASES STUDIED IN THE REPORT “LAND GRAB OR DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY?” (2009).

136 fao 70 years CATANDICA (MOZAMBIQUE) Farmers in their cornfield. The guidelines protect land tenure, fishing and forest rights.

PURSAT (CAMBODIA) A woman casts a fishing net from her boat on the Sap River.

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t h e y requisite of responsible governance, the Guidelines establish the r e c o G n i s e recognition of legitimate rights T H E of tenure and their holders, as well as the promotion and RIGHTS OF safeguarding of these rights from INDIGENOUS the threats that might compromise them. They also seek to provide COMMUNITIES access to justice in cases where these OV e r rights have been violated, and to avoid disputes over tenure, violent conflict and n at u r a L opportunities for corruption. RESOURCES. The Guidelines are based on a series of principles: human dignity, non-discrimination, equity and justice, gender equality, the rule of law, transparency and accountability. They make it clear that the management of natural Security on 11 May 2012. resources must be done in consultation with, Throughout the process, Munro- and involving those who hold, the legitimate Faure remembers that the most rights of tenure. According to the text, it should difficult issues were discussed in be ensured that public and private investment small groups, in conversations is conducted in a responsible way, protecting that sometimes went on into the human rights, livelihoods, food security and the night. Despite their differences environment. from a political, economic, cultural and religious point of view, he underlines the fact that “all parties believed in the need to have voluntary guidelines”. The document may not have covered every demand GUIDELINES them within their requisites for everyone had to the letter, but it served to enable FOR EVERYONE funding activities in developing them all to reach an agreement. From those countries. meetings, Munro-Faure remarks on “the great Most of the changes will be FAO Senior Land Tenure Officer, seen in the long term but some David Palmer, says that civil-society respect” that the various representatives had for have already begun to occur. In organizations participating in each other and the interest shown by governments addition to undertaking to follow the negotiation process are also to listen to civil-society groups. the guidelines, several African using the guidelines in their own countries have adopted them to programmes, citing Oxfam and the importance of governance enshrine in law the notion that ActionAid as examples. In the communities must not lose their private sector, meanwhile, large The result of these efforts was a document that access to subsistence resources. multinationals such as Coca- contains principles and practices to which governments Sierra Leone, for instance, has Cola, PepsiCo and Nestlé have may refer when they allocate rights relating to land, a ministerial working group expressed their interest in operating fisheries and forests. “The negotiations brought dedicated to these issues. And in accordance with these rules as together and endorsed well-tried, accepted, good since 2014 Guatemala has had part of their corporate responsibility an agricultural policy that reflects strategies. “It’s hard because they practices in governing and addressing tenure and its the guidelines’ main concepts and have a very long value chain, administration”, says Senior Land Tenure Officer David seeks to facilitate access to the with a large number of associated Palmer. And he stresses the importance of governance land for the poor rural population. companies, but their goal is for in solving this kind of problem: “Without it there can FAO is also working with its their suppliers to work in line be no effective technical solutions”, he said in reference donors on these internationally with the voluntary guidelines”, recognised good practices, and Palmer underlines. For all of to governance that pursues lasting economic, social and many of them, including the these stakeholders, this means institutional development, and an appropriate balance United States of America and the implementing a policy of zero between state, civil society and the free market. As a European Union, have included tolerance towards land grabbing.

138 fao 70 years a question of rights The Guidelines address the administration of tenure, the transfer of rights and responsibilities and the responses to climate change and emergency situations. States are also advised to establish frameworks and capacities for “transparent and efficient” market operations, and to consider restoring legitimate rights of tenure, or at least provide fair compensation, to people who have lost their lands or been forcibly evicted in the past. This aspect is especially relevant in the case of indigenous people and other communities who, due to their customs, 2011, ALTANSUMBER hold legitimate tenure rights over natural resources. (MONGOLIA) Recognising and protecting their rights means A volunteer ranger consulting them “in good faith” on any projects that travels the forest on horseback. Local might affect them before activities begin. communities can Annalisa Mauro, Coordinator of the International use the guidelines to protect their Land Coalition, a global network of 152 organizations resources. in over 50 countries, calls on communities to use these guidelines, which she considers a “global reference source” in relation to women and indigenous people. “The territorial dimension is a way to resist as indigenous people. The concept of land is part of their existence”, she remarks. Mauro says that she is impressed by citizen’s initiatives that have emerged in favour of land rights. In countries like Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela, land observatories have been set up, aimed at monitoring the territorial situation, land agreements and purchases, possible environmental conflicts and human rights’ violations. To promote these rights, FAO has translated the voluntary guidelines into its six official languages and other local languages, prepared educational materials and supported the workshops that are being held in various countries to support the implementation of the guidelines. As for the extent to which the guidelines have been adopted, there are notable differences between States, from those that have included them in their laws to those that have used them as a basis to organise conferences, as Palmer explains. He agrees with Munro-Faure that it is one thing to address land tenure in an abstract way and at international level but it is a very different situation when considering specific cases. Both believe that the greatest challenge is at the State level, where legislation and a specific context already exist. At least the guidelines start with one advantage: they have become a universal language in relation to rights to

natural resources. ony K arumba © FAO/T

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THE COMMITTEE ON WORLD FOOD SECURITY

It is the UN system multistakeholder platform to address food security and nutrition policy issues. The CFS represents a model of participation which can help countries to achieve greater progress in development.

LUBUMBASHI (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO) A man watering a field in the province of Katanga. Developing countries can share experiences by participating in the Committee on World Food Security towards achieving food security for their

livier A sselin ©FAO/O populations.

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be said that the Committee on peoples, among many other groups, can be represented. It could World Food Security (CFS) was These groups can help implement the various policies. born twice - in 1974, as an intergovernmental initiative Under this model, countries remain the primary force, to review food security policies, and again in 2009, when but the goal is to also create a more balanced sense far-reaching reforms gave it a new status as a multi- of common responsibility and to include those most stakeholder and multi-sectoral platform. This is what affected by food makes it different from its previous incarnation: insecurity or the Committee’s openness to the views of other malnutrition in stakeholders, beyond governments alone, that defining solutions. include civil society and the private sector in the The private sector process of policy-making to ensure food security has embraced the and nutrition. The rise in food prices in 2008 led to process and an the recognition that changes needed to be made increasing number in how stakeholders were approaching of companies from food security and nutrition policymaking, across the food including the reform of production chain CFS, in an attempt to are becoming ever understand how to prevent more involved. similar food price crises Ultimately they all occurring in the future share an interest and to tackle problems in food security over both the short and and nutrition, the long term. It took a which exists when year for an agreement to all people, at all times, be reached to reform CFS. have physical, social and The Committee currently economic access to sufficient, comprises the UN member safe and nutritious food to meet their states, UN agencies with dietary needs and food preferences for a specific mandate in an active and healthy life. CFS funding is the field of food security and nutrition, provided by FAO, the International Fund civil society and non-governmental for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and organizations, international agricultural research the World Food Programme (WFP) which each systems, international and regional financial institutions contribute a third of the regular budget and provide and representatives of private-sector associations and substantial technical input to the work. Donors make private philanthropic foundations. CFS can also invite voluntary contributions to supplement the budget for other groups and institutions to be observers at its particular themes and to support the HLPE and the CFS sessions and to join specific discussions.T his multitude Civil Society Mechanism. of stakeholders is supported by the CFS High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE), which a model to reproduce since October 2009, has been providing independent CFS is the forum where issues such as the Voluntary science and evidence-based reports to support policy Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of recommendations negotiated within CFS. Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security have been negotiated. Before their an engaged civil society endorsement in 2012, the content of these guidelines and private sector was negotiated among all of the different interest With the Committee’s reform, civil society has a voice groups, and has since become a global standard. and has found a place where voices which are not In October 2014, CFS approved the Principles usually heard when discussing global food security for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food policies, of small farmers, fishermen or indigenous Systems, a framework that member states can adopt

142 fao 70 years ROMe. 41st session of CFS voluntarily to develop policies or corporate social View of plenary session during a meeting of CFS. responsibility programmes, for example. In October 2015, ©FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto the Committee endorsed the Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises. Following the CFS endorsement of these key global policy products, FAO is playing an important role in working with countries and other stakeholders to implement them. This platform, which reports to the UN General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council each year, is a unique opportunity to bring the body’s three food-related agencies closer together. And it is not just hunger and poverty that are addressed: debates also focus on other issues such as natural resources, education and gender equality. It is a way to create consensus between the various partners and achieve progress in a more sustainable way. It is not always easy for partners who disagree on important issues to see eye-to-eye. But the mere effort to enter into dialogue is progress in itself. This work has been well received by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, who is in favour of the CFS’s inclusive model and the cooperation between FAO, IFAD and WFP. CFS is a source of inspiration when it comes to establishing a model to implement the Sustainable

Development Goals of the UN’s Post-2015 Development ROME. 40TH SESSION Agenda. While the UN agencies aim to help countries OF THE CFS meet these objectives, CFS can be the platform where View of the Malaysia Room during a meeting countries share the progress they have made, as well as between an advisory experiences and lessons learned with other partners. In group and the High the future, networks and advisory work can strengthen Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and this model. It is an initiative that, after just six years since Nutrition. its ‘rebirth’, will drive the global development agenda.

A PANEL OF EXPERTS TO INFORM AND ADVISE THE COMMITTEE

The High Level Panel improve its understanding to address difficult issues by the HLPE has produced nine of Experts for Food Security of the diversity of issues establishing a starting point of reports to inform the debates and Nutrition (HLPE) was and the evidence behind shared knowledge in a single of CFS on issues ranging created in October 2009 as them, including outlining the evidence-based document from price volatility, climate the science-policy interface of background and rationale of that brings all perspectives change, social protection, CFS. The HLPE produces, at controversies, and identifying together. This model further biofuels, food losses and the request of the Committee, emerging issues. The reports reinforces the Committee’s waste, investments in independent assessments are produced by combining commitment to inclusiveness smallholder agriculture, fish which provide analysis, expertise from a range of by creating a level playing and aquaculture, to water. and recommendations on disciplines, backgrounds, field of shared understanding All reports were followed by important policy issues. and knowledge systems. among all participants in the adoption of key policy The HLPE aims to help CFS HLPE Reports enable CFS CFS discussions. Since 2011, recommendations by CFS.

70 years fao 143 1974, BANFORA (BURKINA FASO) A victim of river blindness is helped by a child to walk through a sugar plantation to his village. This was a common scene at the time but no longer.

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THE ERADICATION OF ‘RIVER BLINDNESS’ IN WEST AFRICA

A programme launched by FAO, WHO, UNDP and the World Bank in 1974 led to the eradication of onchocerciasis, or ‘river blindness’, in 11 West African countries. The challenge continues in other parts of the world.

blindness’, had devastating consequences in West Tens of thousands Africa. Annual losses to the value of US$30 million of people were left blind by river onchocerciasis in West were estimated, since the disease posed a major Africa. Around 60 percent of the adult population of obstacle to socio-economic development. river valleys suffered the disease. From 3 to 5 percent of By 1974, when the Onchocerciasis Control sufferers lost their sight. According to the World Health Programme in West Africa was launched, some of the Organization (WHO), onchocerciasis is the world’s most fertile lands adjacent to rivers were uninhabited. fourth most common cause of avoidable blindness, FAO sponsored the initiative alongside WHO, the after cataracts, glaucoma and trachoma. Symptoms United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), range from severe itching to skin lesions. the World Bank and other partners. Together they To escape the disease, many people were forced to invested some US$ 600 million over two decades in abandon their communities. They were fleeing from order to control the flies carrying the parasite that the parasite transmitted by infected Black flies that caused the disease. Benin, Burkina Faso, the Ivory bred in fast-flowing rivers and streams, particularly Coast, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Mali, Niger, in remote villages where the population depended Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo were the eleven on agriculture. Onchocerciasis, known as ‘river countries where the programme was implemented.

LIFE CYCLE OF THE PARASITE THAT CAUSES ONCHOCERCIASIS The parasite that causes onchocerciasis is transmitted from person to person via bites from the Black fly vectors. The adult Onchocerca volvulus worms can live for fifteen years in the human body. The males and females intertwine and mate in the skin’s subcutaneous tissue. After mating, the female worms release around 1 000 larvae of the parasite. These larvae live from one to two years, and when they die they cause an inflammatory response that leads to skin lesions. They can also cause eyesight

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OUAGADOUGOU (BURKINA FASO) Eye testing at the Onchocerciasis Centre in the capital of Burkina Faso, one of the countries where the programme to eradicate the disease has been undertaken. © WHO /Er ling M andelmann

fly control threat of the disease. In economic terms, 25 million To control the disease, eco-friendly insecticides hectares of farmland that had been abandoned were were used, attacking the larvae of the Black flies. recovered for settlement and agricultural production, The air over rivers and streams where the insects with the potential to feed 17 million people each reproduced had to be fumigated every week. For year. These results demonstrate the importance of over 14 years, this method was used in order to the relationship between health and socio-economic terminate the parasite’s life cycle in combination with development in neglected areas. a large-scale ivermectin treatment programme from 1989. This product, donated by the pharmaceutical towards total eradication company Merck to the countries where the disease The programme came to an end in 2002 after the was endemic, relieved the intense itching, halted transmission of the disease was stopped in all of the progression towards blindness and reduced the participating countries except Sierra Leone, transmission of the disease. where operations were interrupted by the civil war. Through this programme, which spanned 1.2 The majority of cases of onchocerciasis have been million square kilometres, river blindness in West recorded in Africa, although isolated cases have been Africa was controlled. It prevented the infection of 40 detected in Yemen and Latin America. million people and blindness in 600 000 individuals, Based on the success stories of West Africa, the and it meant 18 million children were born free of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control

146 fao 70 years was set in motion in 1995 to limit the disease in the the ecosystem. The populations in these regions have countries where it remained endemic. In 2009, the also faced other difficulties such as isolation and a objective changed from controlling river blindness lack of basic services. Without roads, markets, schools to its complete eradication. In or drinking water, living conditions became 2013 alone, almost 100 million very tough. Demotivated, the majority of ivermectin (medecine to treat young people opted to move to the cities in parasitic infections) treatments search of work. were distributed in a It was also difficult to community-driven scheme, establish who the owners representing 60 percent of the land were and who of therapeutic coverage, had cultivation rights. The according to WHO. occupation of fertile land More recently, by newcomers placed them America has also been in conflict with the former a focus of attention. owners. Initially, land was The Onchocerciasis occupied by people from areas Elimination Program for where different agricultural the Americas was launched conditions prevailed; while in 1992. In late 2011 the marketing their produce was transmission of the disease had another challenge to be overcome. been interrupted in ten of the 13 Following the unplanned foci in the region. In recent years Colombia reoccupation of the sanitised areas, and Ecuador have been declared free of the need arose to solve the problems of onchocerciasis, while efforts continue in other regions. land tenure, ensure the participation of the newcomers in the community and provide basic services and associated problems infrastructure. Hence the West African countries and However, the problems did not end with the eradication the donors involved have continued to hold meetings of the disease. In West Africa, the end of onchocerciasis to find a solution to the problems in the areas freed of meant that large numbers of people returned en masse onchocerciasis. Their aim is to ensure that the eradication to land that had been abandoned, taking claim to of river blindness is not just about the disease but that in the land but using unsustainable farming practices. its absence prosperity and environmental sustainability Deforestation, erosion and overgrazing have threatened are possible in its wake.

ONCHOCERCIASIS CONTROL PROGRAMME IN WEST AFRICA

SENEGAL NIGER The eleven African MALI countries where the BURKINA FASO programme was launched in 1974, spanning over 1.2 million BENIN square kilometres, to protect 30 million people from the GAMBIA TOGO effects of river blindness. With GUINEA IVORY GHANA BISSAU COAST the exception of Sierra Leone, LIBERIA the disease was eradicated in SIERRA LEONE Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

70 years fao 147 DONG SON (VIETNAM) A farmer cutting grass on a rice paddy. Farmers’ access to inputs, infrastructure and markets contributed to economic development in Southeast Asia.

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T H E G R E E N REVOLUTION in asia

The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s contributed to ending hunger for hundreds of millions of people, particularly in Asia. This was achieved by unprecedented increases in food production resulting from the massive cultivation of improved varieties of cereals, especially wheat and rice, and the adoption of modern crop production practices.

Norman Borlaug’s FAO Leader of the Seeds and Plant Genetic The story of life is the story of Resources Team of the Plant Production and Protection the Green Revolution. This American agronomist Division, Chikelu Mba, highlights some factors that who specialised in the genetics and improvement made these results possible namely cooperation of crops travelled to Mexico to develop high- between scientists in different countries-which, performance wheat varieties. Together with local for instance, facilitated the exchange of parents for counterparts, he devised new techniques that would breeding, investments in agricultural research and increase the productivity of crops. In particular, development, and the good policies of governments the resulting offspring of the cross between local wanting to end hunger. Enhanced extension services wheat and a dwarf variety from Japan were disease resulted in the adoption of the improved varieties and resistant, and semi-dwarf with stiff straw which their accompanying good agronomic practices. Also, made them withstand rain and wind. The new greater farmers’ access to the quality seeds of the varieties produced more grain and had a shorter new varieties, fertilisers, infrastructure, irrigation and stalk that made them more responsive to fertilisers markets also contributed to the massive increase in food and water. The experience motivated scientists and production, and economic development of the countries the development partners that supported their work that took advantage of the Green Revolution. China, to cross other species such as rice especially in the Southeast Asia and South Asia benefitted from this Philippines, with the aim of developing similar transformation, though the impact was minor in other productive and input use-efficient varieties. places. Africa, for instance, was left behind. It was not just Mexico that benefited from these The new varieties of wheat and rice became an advances. The governments of other developing important part of the agriculture of a number of countries like India and Pakistan soon took an developing countries. In Asia, almost 90 percent of interest in the new varieties and distributed them wheat fields were sown with modern varieties, and across their lands, bringing hundreds of millions rice fields of high-yielding varieties grew from 12 to 67 of people out of hunger in the 1960s and 1970s. In percent from 1970 to 1990 during which period the use recognition of his work, Borlaug was awarded the of fertilisers, pesticides and irrigated land multiplied. In Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. “It is a temporary success the last 50 years, it is estimated that the world’s cereal in man’s war against hunger and deprivation”, he crop production has tripled while the cultivated surface

said of his efforts. area has only increased by 30 percent. oang D inh N am ©FAO/AFP/H

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collateral effects The Green Revolution placed these new varieties within the reach of millions of small farmers. The public sector played an important role in the research that led to the development of the new varieties and in disseminating them along with the production technologies, which in many cases were adapted to local conditions and farming practices. However, the countries that took the most advantage of these opportunities were the ones that 2010, rome. either already had extensive agricultural research The daughter and granddaughter of Norman capabilities, or created them. To a large extent, Borlaug during the this factor determined access to the technologies, presentation of the prize that bears his name on the including new biotechnologies, the research occasion of World Food Day. into which is mostly being conducted by private companies based in industrialised countries. The massive cultivation of improved crop varieties also led to fears that genetic diversity would diminish if only the most suitable varieties were selected and cultivated, discarding traditional varieties. “We have the science and technology to ensure that we don’t lose that diversity. We can incorporate many attributes from various genetic 2013, Rome. Professor Amartya backgrounds into a single variety. The investments Sen gives the of governments and the international community in McDougall Memorial Lecture the conservation of plant genetic resources for food during the 38th and agriculture has resulted in the many national, session of the FAO regional and international genebanks where these Conference.

RESEARCH HERITAGE AT the CGIAR

The Green Revolution is closely This interest in training and the principles of the Green currently has 15 independent linked to scientific research international cooperation was Revolution to their respective International Agricultural Research and, more specifically to the a feature of the expert’s career. countries. The International Rice Centres that carry out research Consultative Group on International In 1944 Borlaug accepted a Research Institute (IRRI) was also and development activities Agricultural Research (CGIAR). As position on the Cooperative created in the Philippines as was aimed at alleviating hunger Mba recalls, FAO realised from the Wheat Research and Production the Green Revolution rice (IR8), and malnutrition. Biodiversity, outset that the research in Mexico Program in Mexico, funded by which was not only high yielding forests, livestock, crops water and was important, and that technical the Mexican government and the and semi-dwarf but drought fisheries are some of the areas training had to be supported. In Rockefeller Foundation. The Ford tolerant as well. Spurred on by the in which they are working. From 1960, the Organization asked Foundation joined forces with successes of CIMMYT and IRRI, their headquarters and stations in Borlaug to study the problems them and together they set up the the World Bank, FAO, the United different countries, these centres and potential of wheat production International Maize and Wheat Nations Development Programme, are generating global public from Libya to India. Years later, Improvement Center (CIMMYT, the Ford and Rockefeller goods as a continuation of the after receiving the Nobel Prize, its Spanish acronym) from this Foundations and other partners work of Nobel Laureate Borlaug, the agronomist, in a letter to FAO, national program. There, Borlaug created a network of centres, the who developed improved wheat declared that few advances could had young scientists learn research CGIAR, to address issues of food varieties in Mexico that would be expected if young scientists methods, which enabled them to security and nutrition in developing change the story of hunger across were not trained in the field. play important roles in spreading countries in 1971. This consortium the world.

150 fao 70 years resources are safeguarded “, says Mba. The specialist the next revolution also refers to other socio-economic changes, such as Against this background, the need for a new era rural-urban migration and the dwindling proportion in the wake of the Green Revolution is emerging. of the population engaged in agriculture. “We must This is partially due to the problems already noted recognise that fewer people are working on ever and also because the efficiency and sustainability larger farms and that the private sector is playing a of resources, generally, have been in question for greater role in crop improvement. The some time. Misuse of irrigation increase in monoculture is a fact of systems, pesticides and fertilisers modern life”, he adds. can harm the environment and But the fact that monoculture has place future production at risk. become the norm on many farms The key is to use only what is and plantations does not mean that needed. Furthermore, alternative diversity is no longer needed. Climate ecosystem-based methods might change has created significant be found to control pests or levels of uncertainties and we intensify food production systems. do not know precisely the In nature, for instance, there environmental conditions are pollinators on which many under which we shall grow crops depend. There are also our crops in the coming microorganisms that help improve years. Going by the ever soil fertility and hence food increasing frequencies of production. Planting varieties that extreme weather conditions, can withstand adverse conditions, such as flooding, drought, soil recycling biomass, crop rotation contamination with salt, high and management to control pests temperatures, and so forth, it is safe and diseases are other options. to say that the impacts of climate “To minimise the negative side change are already being felt. As effects of intensive agriculture and weather conditions change, we to extend the benefits of the Green should also expect greater incidences of new strains Revolution to poor farmers and areas that were missed of pests and diseases. As the population continues in the original phase, a new Green Revolution must to grow, natural resources like soil and water have be knowledge-intensive rather than input-intensive become scarce in many areas. Looking ahead, and will therefore require significant investments in peoples’ preferences will also continue to change, education, research and development and extension and they will want new products as evidenced by the services”, stresses FAO official, Mba. increasing demand for animal proteins. The man known as the Indian father of the Green Mba explains that new varieties suited to the Revolution, Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, new circumstances are needed. The more genetic recognised at the time that an “evergreen revolution” resources, including the uncultivated wild relatives is needed in order to improve crop productivity of crops, that are conserved, the better. We should permanently without causing economic or social not be complacent or think that food production is damage. His compatriot Amartya Sen, a Nobel now guaranteed. In his view, we must continue our Laureate in Economics in 1998, argued that hunger and research efforts, conserve germplasm, study their starvation are not caused by a lack of available food, traits and harness their potential to create “smart but because some people do not have access to enough crop varieties” that “produce more with less”. The food. As Sen explained during the FAO Conference sustainability of food production is at stake but the in 2013, to end hunger, all of its causes must be application of science and technology can enable us addressed at the same time, and particularly poverty, to unlock the potential of plant genetic resources for rather than just focusing on producing more food. This food and agriculture in the same way that Borlaug revolutionary approach has changed the way we now and others did for the Green Revolution cereals. fight hunger and poverty.

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AGR ICU LT U R AL MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEM (AMIS) Created in order to help prevent food price crises, the Agricultural Market Information System is designed to make the food commodities market more transparent.

152 fao 70 years price volatility puts stability at risk. In response, The sudden rise the Group of 20 (G20) asked various international in food prices between 2007 and 2008 had for organizations to propose ways to reduce this many a devastating effect. The price of basic food volatility, one of them being the creation of the commodities such as rice and wheat skyrocketed, Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), increasing the number of the hungry and leading which was launched in September 2011. It took to political unrest in several developing countries. shape as a platform between various international Food security was at stake. Markets shook again agencies and participating countries to promote in 2010 after a drought in Russia saw the country transparency in global food commodities markets ban cereal exports to ensure sufficient supplies and to coordinate policy measures in response to for its population, demonstrating once more that market risk.

Sacks of rice in a warehouse. Better information also contributes to the decision-making that

prevents food crises. Sarah E lliott ©FAO/

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Grains of rice being processed. le ss ia P ierdomenico // G iulio N apolitano © ©FAO/A

The AMIS Project Manager, Denis Drechsler, recalls the strong commitment to addressing food crises in the WHAT IF CEREAL political agenda. “There were preliminary meetings PRICES SOAR? with country representatives and experts to analyse In 2012 a drought in the United States of how to reduce food price volatility”, he says. Market America, one of the world’s leading maize producers, set off analysts agreed that one of the reasons for excessive alarm bells. In July that year, the price of maize shot up by 23 volatility was a lack of reliable market information that percent and the general food price index rose by 6 percent. Such is linked to a mechanism for policy dialogue, so AMIS heavy market turbulence brought back memories of the 2007/08 crisis, thus expectations were high that AMIS would intervene, for tries to provide just that. example by calling an extraordinary session of the Rapid Response Forum. Following a thorough analysis of the situation and intensive an information system information exchanges between the Secretariat and participating In addition to the G20 and Spain, which had called countries, AMIS opted not to call for an emergency meeting. for the creation of AMIS, another seven countries Market observers agreed that the drought in the United States of America wouldn’t necessarily have serious implications for global were invited to participate in the initiative given their market stability, as good crops from other countries would be importance in the international markets for wheat, able to partly compensate for the shortfall. The markets eventually maize, rice and soybeans – the basic food commodities calmed down and normal conditions returned. AMIS seems to that AMIS is monitoring. Together, the participating have survived the acid test, establishing itself as a new tool to countries represent between 80 and 90 percent of address food price volatility. The particular structure of AMIS allowed countries to consult each other early on, preventing panic global exports in these foods: a significant enough and influencing the market in a more positive way than might have share to effectively influence global markets. “The been expected. seven countries were carefully selected before being

154 fao 70 years Meeting of the AMIS Rapid Response Forum.

THE PARTICULAR STRUCTURE OF AMIS A L L OWS COUNTRIES TO ROME The opening of C ONS U LT E AC H an AMIS meeting in the Red OTHER EARLY ON. Room at FAO headquarters.

invited to participate in the initiative”, says Drechsler. Having access to the latest data and the most reliable Vietnam and Thailand are leading rice producers. The forecasts on agricultural production, trade and Philippines and Nigeria are major rice buyers, while utilization is vital in order to help governments and Egypt is the biggest importer of wheat. The Ukraine other stakeholders make well-informed and timely and Kazakhstan are major producers of wheat and decisions. This is why AMIS works with countries maize. The European Union, meanwhile, is a major to improve their market information systems and player as it represents all of its 28 member states. harmonises the data globally. Drechsler explains: For even greater relevance and outreach, AMIS also “The less developed countries are not necessarily the maintains contact with partners in the private sector, most backward in terms of data generation; there such as commodity associations and institutional are also industrialised states that need to improve investors. their information systems”. Through its exchange programme, AMIS has already welcomed experts all about the data from China, India, South Africa and Vietnam for Detecting current and future trends in international training, and is looking forward to continuing this food markets is essential for preventing potential knowledge exchange with other countries in the crises. AMIS monitors several market drivers, such as future. The exchange programme is an important energy prices, exchange rates and the commitment of to promote good international practices and the traders in international futures markets. It also keeps adoption of common methodologies. But the a close eye on policy developments that may create countries have also started helping each other. The uncertainties in the market, such as trade restrictions, Philippines and Thailand, for example, organised biofuel mandates and domestic support policies. two joint workshops, while the United States

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Selling rice at a privately owned mill, where it is taken after harvesting to be processed and placed on the market. a r ah E lliott ©FAO/S

of America and Indonesia have engaged in a COUNTRIES SHARE mutual learning exchange. According to Drechsler, promoting this cooperation constitutes “the greatest EXPERIENCES AND possible achievement of AMIS. Countries have HELP EACH OTHER started to share their experiences, to offer each other help and to accept help when it is required. Trust is THANKS TO A growing”, states Drechsler. GROW I NG L E V E L Meetings to assemble all of the participating countries are regularly held, such as the Global O F T RUS T. Food Market Information Group, which meets twice a year, or the Rapid Response Forum, which meets once a year or more often, in the event of a to check the soundness of its production forecasts. food crisis warning. These meetings bring together The AMIS Market Monitor is another example of political representatives and technical specialists to successful collaboration. Published ten times a year, share their experiences and explain their needs. The the monitor represents the collective assessment objective of AMIS is not to steal information, but of the ten international organizations that form to share it for the benefit of everyone and to limit the AMIS Secretariat concerning the international the space for financial speculation in commodities market situation and outlook. For the Monitor, FAO markets. If nobody has more information and market particularly benefits from inputs of the International transparency is increased, speculating on rising or Grains Council (IGC),the Organization for Economic falling prices will be much more difficult. Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). cooperation between organizations The International Food Policy Research Institute Cooperation does not only involve close exchanges (IFPRI), the International Fund for Agricultural with participating countries. AMIS also works with Development (IFAD), the United Nations related initiatives like Geoglam, a platform launched Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), by the G20 to coordinate satellite observations the UN High-Level Task Force on the Global Food and ground-based monitoring to assess crop Security Crisis, and the World Food Programme growing conditions. AMIS uses this information (WFP) are also important contributors.

156 fao 70 years faostat A GLOBAL REFERENCE SOURCE

1 2

1 ROME Event during the 145th FAO Council Session on FAOSTAT data dissemination and the Greenhouse Gases (GHG) database, held in the Red Room at FAO headquarters. 2 Screenshots of the FAOSTAT page on the Internet. 3 ROME Chilean governmental statisticians take part in a training session on the CountrySTAT system in the David Lubin Memorial Library at FAO headquarters. 3 lessia Pie r domeni c o ©FAO/A

is growing of the world’s cereals markets, detailed information on water, Awareness importance of agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and information formulating policies based on solid data. So says the on gender issues and land rights. Solid information is Director of FAO Statistics Division, Pietro Gennari, who the key aspect of early warning systems which can help argues that “statistics provide the basis for analysis, since governments, the private sector and civil society manage they identify the problems that must be addressed when crises and foster resilience. In addition to FAOSTAT, designing and guiding needed political interventions”. another important tool is the Global Information FAO aims to contribute in this area through the and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture collection, analysis and dissemination of a wide range (GIEWS), which provides data on food production and of statistics. Its FAOSTAT database provides time series food security. Warnings, bulletins and various reports and cross-industry data on food and agriculture in some are also available through the FAO website. The role of 200 countries. The statistics include figures on crop, the Organization is in helping member states to improve timber and livestock production, the trade and supply their agricultural and rural statistics. These can be used of agricultural products, greenhouse gas emissions, by both farmers in their forward-planning and economic agricultural waste, producer price indices and other decision-making and by governments to formulate and indicators. FAO also produces staple food price indices supervise policies that tackle, for example, poverty, food and continuously updates data on prospects in the insecurity and climate change.

70 years fao 157 161 Eradicating hunger 164 Hunger map 166 Combating rural poverty and inequality 170 Feeding a growing population 5 172 Food loss 176 Raising nutrition levels 179 Improving resilience 183 Climate change in agriculture 184 Management of sea and ocean resources 189 Coping with water scarcity 191 Healthy soil for healthy living 194 Promoting conservation and sustainable use of land ecosystems the greatest CHALLENG ES of FAO

158 fao 70 years the greatest CHALLENG ES of FAO

70 years fao 159 5

FAO major challenges The challenges that FAO faces in the Twenty-First Century are increasingly international in nature and a direct reflection of an interconnected, interdependent and globalised world. The Organization’s two main priorities are to first, eradicate hunger and achieve food and nutritional security, and second, to alleviate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

fs Eradicating hunger and Tackling achieving food security. cc climate change. Ending hunger is the first priority for action A second priority is to combat and alleviate for FAO and is its most ambitious goal yet, the effects of climate change as a way to one that is possible. This section also looks at ensure sustainable agriculture. This section other challenges directly related to food and also deals with other important challenges nutritional security, such as combating rural that fall under this priority, such as poverty and inequality, feeding a growing managing maritime resources, addressing population, raising nutrition levels and water shortages and preserving natural improving the resilience of communities that resources, including soils, forests and are most vulnerable to threats and crises. biodiversity as a whole.

160 fao 70 years fs

ERADICATING HUNGER AND ACHIEVING FOOD SECURITY Today, FAO faces its greatest challenge ever: ending hunger in the world. Its report entitled “Achieving Zero Hunger” demonstrates that it is possible. All that is needed is the political will to make it happen.

The will to guarantee total number of people suffering report produced in July 2015 food security in a world from hunger in recent years. by FAO, IFAD and WFP, this where there are still 795 million With just US$ 160 a year per means an average of around hungry people, according person living in a situation of US$ 267 billion a year. This to figures in 2015 – is the extreme poverty, hunger can figure might seem high, magnitude of the challenging be eradicated from the world however, it represents only task before FAO. One of these and done so in a sustainable 0.3 percent of global GDP in reasons is the gradual fall in the way by 2030. According to the 2014. “I personally think it

out of 129 countries 1 in 9 monitored by fao, people IN 98% 73 HAVE ACHIEVED THE THE WORLD of undernourished MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT SUFFER FROM people live in TO HALVE CHRONIC HUNGER developing countries GOAL mALNUTRITION

WESTERN ASIA HAS TAKEN A STEP 1 in 4 BACK COMPARED people ARE STILL TO LAST YEAR, UNDERNOURISHED WHILE IN AFRICA 24 COUNTRIES ARE IN SUB-SAHARAN SUFFERING FROM A FOOD CRISIS, TWICE AS MANY africa AS IN1990.

12.9 % THE REGIONS of people in THAT HAVE MADE THE MOST PROGRESS ARE developing SOUTH-EAST ASIA, LATIN regions are AMERICA AND THE undernourished CARIBBEAN.

70 years fao 161 5 FAO Major Challenges 9 key facts about HUNGER IN THE WORLD

is a relatively small price to Is it possible to Undernourishment 2015, the number of pay to end hunger”, declared 1eradicate hunger 5can cause people to undernourished people José Graziano da Silva, FAO from the world? Yes it is be underweight for their in Latin America and Director-General during his possible, and it depends age, short for their age the Caribbean is 34.4 presentation of the report. entirely on the political will (stunting), dangerously thin million, equating to 5.5% The aim is to invest this to combine public social for their height (wasting), of the population, which money in rural development, protection systems with and deficient in vitamins is less than half the figure agriculture and urban areas to pro-poor investments. An and minerals (micronutrient from 25 years ago at investment of US$160 per malnutrition). Over 2 billion 14.7%. primarily benefit poor people, year until 2030 would people suffer from “hidden who must also receive social be needed for each hunger”, which means they Some 73% of the protection. This will allow person living in poverty. are deficient in one or more 8 global population these people to access the This amounts to a total of micronutrient. lack access to adequate food they need for a balanced US$267 billion a year, social protection. The diet and to improve their which is equivalent to Out of the 129 majority of these people livelihoods. By contrast, if 0.3% of the global Gross 6 countries monitored live in rural areas of these additional funds are not Domestic Product. by FAO, 73 have achieved developing countries, found and we continue in the the target of halving the many of whom rely same way, the UN estimates Hunger is proportion of the hungry in on agriculture for that, far from eradicating 2 synonymous their populations and by so their livelihoods. Poor with chronic doing, have reached the rural households also hunger, there will still be over undernourishment. first of the MDG. A country have limited access to 650 million undernourished Undernourishment means is also considered to have resources, low productivity people by 2030. that a person is not eating achieved this target when and poor markets, which Ending the cycle of poverty enough calories to meet it reduces the percentage restricts their resilience to and hunger once and for all daily minimum dietary of hunger to 5%. economic and natural deserves our extra effort. energy requirements, over threats. Investing in the poorest people a period of one year. Where is the most and providing them with 7 progress being Which information social protection also means Food insecurity exists made in the fight against 9 systems help to improving their resources 3 when people lack hunger? Latin America prevent food crises? The and capabilities so that their secure access to sufficient is the region making the Global Information and amounts of safe and most progress. According Early Warning System incomes can rise above US$ nutritious food for normal to figures released in on Food and Agriculture 1.25/day, which is the poverty growth and development, (GIEWS) issues periodic line set by the World Bank. and an active and healthy reports on the supply Under the proposed model, the life. There are many and demand of food majority of the funds would causes: having no food, production in the world, come from the private sector, insufficient purchasing and issues early warnings though these funds must also power, inappropriate to prevent food crises be supplemented by additional distribution or inadequate in individual countries. investment from the public use of food in the home, Among other instruments, sector in rural infrastructure, among others. FAO and other transport, health and organizations contribute Malnutrition to the Agricultural education. In agriculture, for 4 is caused by Market Information instance, there are many action insufficient, excessive or an System (AMIS) that was areas: from developing small- imbalanced consumption established by the G20 scale irrigation and reducing of nutrients. This concept Cover of the report: with a view to improving losses in food processing, to includes hypernutrition, Achieving Zero Hunger: the transparency of the The critical role of improving access to resources, micronutrient deficiencies investments in social market and political

credit and markets. and undernourishment. protection and agriculture. coordination. M orin oel C eli s/ P. © FAO/N

MORE INFORMATION: ACHIEVING ZERO HUNGER: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF INVESTMENTS IN SOCIAL 162 fao 70 years PROTECTION AND AGRICULTURE www.fao.org/3/a-i4777e.pdf fs

MAURITIUS Girls benefiting from a school food programme in Mauritius.Investments help the population escape poverty and hunger in the cities.

Ngozi (burundi) Inhabitants of the Kibezi camp for internally displaced persons having lunch.

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ACHIEVING THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS hunger from 1990-92 map to 2014-16 Hunger targets of the first TARGET 1C ACHIEVED TARGET 1C NOT ACHIEVED, WITH SLOW PROGRESS Millennium TARGET 1C NOT ACHIEVED, WITH LACK OF PROGRESS OR DETERIORATION MISSING OR INSUFFICIENT VALUES Development NOT ASSESSED Goal and the World Food Summit

NOTeS First Millennium Development Goal, BY THE FAO STATISTICS DIVISION Target 1C: to halve the proportion of people suffering from undernourishment or to reduce this proportion to below 5% between the PREVALENCE periods 1990-92 and 2015. OF UNDER- The indicator measures the NOURISHMENT proportion of the population IN THE POPULATION below the minimum calorie intake (undernourishment). % in Developed regions are 2012-14 not assessed. Prevalence of undernourishment: The indicator < 5% very low measures the probability that a randomly selected individual in a population consumes 5% TO 14,9% MODERATELY LOW insufficient calories to meet his or her energy 15% a 24,9% needs in order to live an active and healthy life. MODERATELY HIGH 25% A 34,9% high Goal of the World Food Summit: to halve the total number of undernourished people between >35% very high 1990-92 and 2015. MISSING OR INSUFFICIENT DATA The designations used and the presentation of material in the maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory or territorial waters, or concerning the delimitation of borders.

164 fao 70 years DATA SOURCEs Undernourishment data: FAO Statistics Division (ESS) Political boundaries: The FAO Global Administrative Unit Layers (GAUL). Global relief: ETOPO1 (National Geophysical Data Center - NOAA) Continental water masses: Land and Water Division (NRL)

MEETING THE WORLD FOOD SUMMIT TARGET from 1990-92 The State of to 2014-16 Food Insecurity in the World report (SOFI) provides information that is used to TARGET ACHIEVED analyse the prevalence of hunger TARGET NOT ACHIEVED, WITH SLOW PROGRESS or undernourishment. Produced by FAO, IFAD and WFP, the TARGET NOT ACHIEVED, study compares the progress of countries and regions, and WITH LACK OF PROGRESS OR DETERIORATION sheds some light on key factors in the fight against hunger. Its MISSING OR INSUFFICIENT VALUES 2015 edition shows the degree of achievement by countries NOT ASSESSED to reach the goal of halving the percentage of undernourished people between 1990 and 2015: 73 out of the 129 monitored countries, achieved it.

500 250 0 500 1.000 1.500 2.000 2.500 3.000 Kilometers

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166 fao 70 years COMBATING RURAL POVERTY AND INEQUALITY Improvements in living conditions of rural populations will only be made when a number of vicious cycles have been broken.

Danao (PHILIPPINES) Family scene. Food insecurity is directly linked to rural poverty. 70 years fao 167 5

FAO Major Challenges

In recent decades the number Inequality has become one of creating high-quality jobs of undernourished people in the the main trends of globalisation Despite this grim picture, it is world has fallen steadily. And in the Twenty-First Century. possible to break the vicious circle yet, the dynamics of globalisation This is clearly shown by the of poverty. Vos says that the fastest are causing various forms of differences in income and in reduction in poverty has been inequality. These dynamics are access to services between urban seen in areas where obstacles to reflected in the persistence of and rural people. According to agricultural development have been human deprivation, such as statistics, a child born in the removed and new job opportunities hunger and rural poverty. Mass countryside in a developing have been created. But not only migration to cities, increased country is three times more are more jobs needed – they must pressure on natural resources, likely to grow up in a situation also be of high-quality. In low- low-quality employment and the of extreme poverty than a income countries, however, most of obstacles facing women in rural child living in a city. Rob Vos the rural workforce is made up of areas to access resources and farmers who work for themselves services are pressing concerns. or in the casual labour market, says We need to improve living Vos. They have no workers’ rights or conditions in rural areas that are “FOOD social protection whatsoever. Their affected by poverty, says Rob Vos, SECURITY vulnerability to the variability of the an expert in the field and FAO IS DIRECTLY markets and the weather tends to coordinator of Strategic Objective make their incomes highly unstable; 3 to reduce rural poverty. This is LINKED and the conditions in which they a “moral obligation”. “A world TO RURAL work are sometimes hazardous to where poverty persists”, he POVERTY”. their health, due to their exposure adds, “is not a fair or sustainable to chemicals and pesticides without world”. He believes that it is protection, for instance. no coincidence that the new Children are also victims of this sustainable development goals call problem. In fact, 60 percent of child for the eradication of poverty and labour in the world is in agriculture, hunger. Ultimately, he explains, explains that extreme poverty is affecting some 100 million children. food security must be ensured for found above all in areas where “We’re not talking about helping everyone, developing agriculture infrastructure and basic services out a bit. We’re talking about child in a sustainable way. are of poor quality or even non- labour, children who spend many existent. These areas lack full hours tending cattle or doing other the hunger link access to healthcare and basic dangerous jobs, which stop them Food insecurity is directly linked education, there are no social from receiving an education and to rural poverty. Seventy-eight protection programmes and has an impact on their health”, percent of people living in extreme they are vulnerable to natural says Vos. The lack of opportunities poverty in the world live in rural disasters. All of these factors also results in many young people areas, and most of them depend perpetuate inequality. But there leaving rural areas and migrating on agriculture. Vos stresses that to are other factors as well, Vos to the cities, and the greatest eradicate hunger and poverty once points out, such as limited access challenge, Vos notes, is to keep the and for all, food systems must be to markets, credit and technology. talent of new generations so that it created to provide everyone with Without these resources, family can be used in agriculture. enough food to eat every day of the farmers cannot improve their year. At the same time, we cannot productivity or standard of living. opportunities in rural areas forget to increase the incomes For job opportunities in non- So how do we prevent migration of rural populations and ensure farming activities, many people, to the cities? Sometimes it is not that our natural resources are especially the young, are forced just about the lack of opportunities, used sustainably. to emigrate. which is a compelling reason in

168 fao 70 years fs itself. A family might only have but much more can be done. non-farming activities growing by an acre of land, and it cannot “Non-farming activities must more than 10 percent each year, no be divided between four or five generate much more employment more than a modest proportion of children, so some are “effectively opportunities. We must inject some young adults will find jobs. That’s banished to the cities”, says dynamism between agricultural why for the medium-term, at least, Vos. On other occasions, young activities on the one hand and agro- agricultural employment must people reach a higher level of industry and services on the other”. become an important part of the education and then tend not to see solution to the problem of youth the primary sector as a place of unemployment. opportunity. According to Vos, this “ I t i s would not happen “if there were e s t i m at e d working women the possibility for rapid growth in Women will also play a key role in productivity in food production”. that 1 . 2 ending rural poverty. They make This kind of migration also billion up almost half of the workforce in leads to ageing farmers. This people i n agriculture. In developing countries, phenomenon can be observed many women are in charge of everywhere. Even in Asia and de v e l op i ng agricultural production units, in spite Africa where the average age of countries of the many more obstacles they farmers is around 60 years old and a r e s t i ll have to face to access inputs and their level of education is generally resources. low. “In these circumstances it is living in Vos points out that in some unlikely that new practices and e x t r e m e countries, women are not permitted technologies will be adopted pov e rt y”. to formally own land, which makes to transform agriculture into a access to credit and therefore buying more productive and sustainable the resources needed for production, system”, he explains. more difficult. “If we do not reduce Vos wants young people to these gender inequalities, it will play a central role in transforming It is not enough just to promote be very difficult to alleviate rural agriculture. Agroecology, for youth employment in industrial poverty”, he says, and it is “very instance, is one area with the activities, as Africa is doing. With important” that social protection potential to generate many high- 27 million young people joining programmes benefit women. “This quality jobs. FAO works with the labour market each year in the will contribute very positively to countries to develop this potential, region, Vos adds that, even with food security”, he concludes.

KEY FACTS RURAL POVERTY

It is estimated that this progress is easily as most of them live in agriculture, where years of schooling they 1.2 billion people in accelerated. low-productivity areas children often work in receive, is more than developing countries are where the local economy dangerous conditions, double that of the still living in extreme Both extreme and lacks diversification, endangering their health, non-poor. poverty. moderate poverty are unemployment rates are education and life primarily rural, with over high and jobs are opportunities. People with low incomes Moderate poverty 75 percent of the insecure. are at higher risk of (people living on less world’s poor living in Gender differences are suffering from food than US$2 per day) has rural areas and relying Poverty pushes many often more pronounced insecurity and fallen at a much slower heavily on agriculture. children into the labour among the poor. For malnutrition. pace; when in fact many market. Almost 60 example, the gap could have been lifted The poor have very few percent of child labour between poor men and out of extreme poverty, decent job opportunities, in the world is found in women in the number of

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FEEDING A GROWING POPULATION Sufficient and sustainable global food production becomes ever more critical as the Earth’s population increases to 9 billion people by 2050.

To feed the global population, new the areas where food insecurity is currently most approaches have emerged to ensure food security acute. Not only will more food have to be produced, through the use of efficient sustainable systems. but food waste will also have to be significantly This task is made more difficult by the fact that the reduced. The question is, how will every person’s population is expected to grow sharply in some of right to food be fulfilled?

170 fao 70 years fs AGRICULTURE OF THE FUTURE While they may not be the only way to feed a growing population, agro-ecology and climate-smart agriculture are some examples of alternative measures that are gaining ground and could contribute to ensuring sustainable food production and food security. These new approaches can also help to combat malnutrition, and at the same time, help to adapt to climate change.

2010, Islamabad (PAKISTAN) Feeding a growing population that Agro-ecology Climate-smart will increase from 7 to over 9 billion people by 2050, is one of the most agriculture pressing challenges facing the world today. Agro-ecology is a practice that helps make agriculture, forestry Climate-smart agriculture and fisheries more productive aims to increase agricultural and sustainable. From the outset productivity and profit while agro-ecology has been developed adapting to climate change, with a strong social component, and if possible, reducing respecting the innovatory role greenhouse gas emissions from of farmers. In its attempt to give agriculture. Another benefit impetus to ideas like these, civil of this alternative approach is society has furthered projects like that it contributes to improving agro-ecological farms, which under the resilience of food security certain conditions can be more in the fastest-growing urban productive than conventional ones. populations. The idea is that it These farms can also add value by will enable local communities protecting the environment, keeping to cope with extreme weather it free of chemical products. conditions and other undesired FAO is working on consequences of climate change. demonstrating scientifically how It is expected that by 2020 agro-ecology delivers positive at least 25 countries will have results in terms of environmental developed their policies or sustainability and nutrition, programmes so that 25 million particularly for small farmers. As a rural homes can adopt climate- neutral platform, the Organization smart agriculture approaches is enabling knowledge-sharing in practice. It is already up and between producers, particularly running in some countries, such in Africa where a network of as Kenya and Tanzania, where researchers in the field is being FAO is carrying out its Mitigation built. In the Americas, it is helping of Climate Change in Agriculture to strengthen the legal framework, project (MICCA), and taking into while in Asia, it is encouraging account the agro-ecological and arooq N aeem political dialogue. socio-economic conditions. © FAO/F

MORE INFORMATION: SAVE AND GROW. A POLICYMAKER’S GUIDE TO THE SUSTAINABLE INTENSIFICATION OF SMALLHOLDER CROP PRODUCTION. WWW.FAO.ORG/AG/SAVE-AND-GROW/ES/INDEX.HTML 70 years fao 171 5

FAO Major Challenges FOOD LOSSES If just a quarter of today’s food losses and waste were saved, every hungry person in the world would be fed.

What is food? of the natural resources used Where do food losses Food is the part of a product that in production (water, soil and and waste mainly occur? is produced with the intention greenhouse gas emissions, ) The majority of losses occur in of being eaten by human beings. They occur mainly in production, developing countries along the For instance, a banana skin is harvesting and the various stages supply chain before reaching the not considered food because of processing along the supply consumer. Most wastage happens in it is not intended for human chain, including distribution. developed countries after purchase, consumption. which suggests that consumer What is food waste? education and information is needed What are food losses? This is food that is initially to alleviate the problem. This is a reduction in the quantity intended for human consumption or quality of food. Specifically, and thrown away or used for What would reducing they are agricultural or fisheries something else (i.e. not eaten), food losses mean? products intended for human whether by choice or because it Reducing food losses through consumption that are not has been left to spoil or expire better harvesting, storage, ultimately consumed or whose through negligence, even if the processing and distribution reduction in quality is reflected food is in perfect condition to be practices would increase food in how safe it is to eat or its consumed. It occurs at the end of supplies, bring prices down and nutritional and financial value. the chain where the consumer is reduce the pressure on land and They imply a significant waste involved. other scarce resources.

172 fao 70 years fs KEY FINDINGS. Every year, consumers in developed countries NUMBERS TALK waste almost as much food (222 million tonnes) as the entire net food production of sub- Saharan Africa (230 million tonnes).

Per capita waste by consumers is between 95-115 kg a year in Europe and North Food loss and waste America, while for also amount to a consumers in sub- major squandering of Saharan Africa, south resources, including and Southeast Asia, this water, land, energy, figure is only 6-11 kg labour and capital a year. and needlessly produce greenhouse gas emissions, In developing countries, contributing to global 40 percent of losses warming and climate Roughly one-third of Industrialised and occur at post-harvest change. the food produced in developing countries and processing stages the world for human waste roughly the while in industrialised consumption every year same quantities of countries more than The food currently (approximately 1.3 food (respectively 40 percent of losses lost or wasted in billion tonnes) is either 670 and 630 million happen at retail and Latin America could lost or wasted. tonnes). consumer stages. feed 300 million people.

The food currently wasted in Europe could feed 200 million people.

The food currently lost in Africa could feed 300 million people.

Food losses during Food losses and waste At retail level, large harvest and in amount to roughly Fruit and vegetables, quantities of food storage translate US$680 billion in including roots and are wasted due to into lost income for industrialised countries tubers, have the highest quality standards small farmers and and US$310 billion in wastage rates of any that over-emphasise into higher prices for developing countries. food. appearance. poor consumers.

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FOOD 20% LOSSES DAIRY PRODUCT The Save Food initiative losses offers comprehensive data on food waste In Europe alone, 29 million tonnes which ironically have no waste. With the of dairy products are lost or wasted examples accompanying major statistics, it is each year. easy to see the magnitude of this problem, which occurs mainly in developing countries 574 BILLION and and has a serious impact on food and EGGS nutritional security.

EUROPE NORTH AMERICA AND OCEANIA INDUSTRIALISED ASIA

Agriculture SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Post-harvest NORTH AFRICA, WEST AND CENTRAL ASIA Processing SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA Distribution LATIN AMERICA Consumption 0% 10% 20% 30% 30% 45% CEREAL roots and tuber LOSSES Losses In industrialised countries, In North America and Oceania alone, consumers waste 286 million 5 814 000 tonnes are wasted at tonnes of cereal products. the consumption stage 763 BILLION PACKS ALMOST A BILLION OF PASTA SACKS OF POTATOES

EUROPE EUROPE NORTH AMERICA AND OCEANIA NORTH AMERICA AND OCEANIA INDUSTRIALISED ASIA INDUSTRIALISED ASIA SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA NORTH AFRICA, WEST AND CENTRAL ASIA NORTH AFRICA, WEST AND CENTRAL ASIA SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA LATIN AMERICA LATIN AMERICA

0% 10% 20% 30% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Fisheries Distribution Animal Processing Wasted Catch Consumption production Distribution Processing Slaughter Consumption 35% 20% fish WASTE OF losses 8% of the fish caught globally is returned to BEEF the sea, in most cases the fish are dead, Of the 263 million tonnes produced dying or seriously damaged. globally, some 20 percent is lost or wasted.

ALMOST 3 BILLION EQUIVALENT TO ATLANTIC SALMON 75 MILLION COWS

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 0% 10% 20% 30%

Agriculture Post-harvest Processing Distribution 45% Consumption 22% WASTE OF FRUIT PULSES AND AND VEGETABLES OLEAGINOUS Alongside roots and tubers, wastage rates are much higher than PLANT LOSSES any other type of food: almost half of EQUIVALENT TO THE all production is wasted. AMOUNT OF OLIVES NEEDED TO PRODUCE ENOUGH OIL TO FILL 11 000 OLYMPIC-SIZE 3.7 TRILLION APPLES SWIMMING POOLS

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 0% 10% 20% 30% 5

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RAISING LEVELS OF NUTRITION Malnutrition is the common denominator of millions of people in the world who are either undernourished or overweight. The lives of Loveness and Fernando, two children from different countries, represent the two bitter sides of this problem.

FERNANDO IS 10 LOVENESS IS 7 Loveness’ mother, Joyce, YEARS OLD AND used to feed her daughter with YEARS OLD AND plain porridge. Now she is HE IS OBESE. UNDERNOURISHED. learning about nutrition in an SHE LIVES IN MALAWI, HE WEIGHS 70 KILOS FAO educational project. Joyce WHERE ALMOST HALF has started adding nourishing BUT HAS ANAEMIA. OF CHILDREN UNDER ingredients to the porridge, HE LIVES IN MEXICO, FIVE HAVE CHRONIC and since she introduced these MALNUTRITION AND changes, Loveness “has only WHERE ONE IN FOUR been sick once and that was from CHILDREN AND STUNTED GROWTH malaria”, she says. Loveness’ DUE TO A DIET THAT TEENAGERS ARE health is gradually improving, DOES NOT PROVIDE though some effects of her OVERWEIGHT ENOUGH CALORIES malnutrition will stay with her OR OBESE. OR NUTRIENTS. for life. She will probably neither

In fact, Fernando is addicted to sugary drinks. He drinks them while he watches television for several hours a day. His parents do not have time to play with him, and physical exercise is not part of his life. His father does not like vegetables and his mother cooks with fat and sour cream. With this upbringing, and though new school standards mean that the school canteen is offering more fruit and vegetables, Fernando always finds a way to get his hands on cookies and ice cream. His parents believe he is in good health because he’s “chubby”, but really he is anaemic. He lacks micronutrients.

176 fao 70 years fs develop intellectually nor grow to THE SECOND her full potential. Nutrition from 6 to 18 months is vital for a person’s INTERNATIONAL development. Fernando has learned to live CONFERENCE ON NUTRITION with his illness. His health is delicate and his situation is becoming A global plea to tackle increasingly irreversible. He is the main challenges posed by suffering the consequences of the nutrition - was made at the cultural shift that goes hand in hand Second International with a diet that is too rich in sugar Conference on Nutrition that and fat, and too low in fruit and took place in November 2014 vegetables. Fernando is subjected at FAO headquarters in Rome. to a continual bombardment of Held in conjunction with advertising for processed food with WHO, the conference brought a high sugar and fat content. This together delegates from 172 environment makes it difficult for countries, 150 civil society him to choose healthy food that lack representatives and almost a the commercial appeal to which 100 from the private sector, as Fernando is irresistibly attracted. well as some important figures. Aged ten, he is very impressionable. Pope Francis attended and At 79 years of age, Loveness’ urged political leaders around grandfather, Chikonde, also takes iulio N apolitano FAO/©G the world to consider food, 2014, fao, RomE (Italy). part in the education sessions on Queen Letizia of Spain, appointed as nutrition and the environment nutrition. He has understood the special FAO Ambassador for Nutrition, and as global public issues. The Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the importance of hygiene and has United Nations, at the Second International Pope called for solidarity and realised that ever since the mothers Conference on Nutrition (ICN2). to guarantee food security have begun enriching their porridge for everyone, stressing that with vegetables, peanuts, greens the right to healthy food is a matter of dignity and not charity. He and eggs, “the children have put also said that the fight against hunger and undernutrition is being on weight, they suffer less from hampered by “the priority of the market and the pre-eminence of diarrhoea and are less prone to profit, which have reduced food to a thing to be bought and sold, illness “, Chikonde explains. and subject to speculation”. The obesity that Fernando Queen Letizia of Spain, appointed as the FAO Special suffers from affects another 600 Ambassador for Nutrition, underlined the importance of women in million people around the world. family nutrition and called for investment to improve nutrition, not Another 1.3 billion people are least as a sensible measure from an economic point of view. The overweight. Both obesity and conference was attended by other distinguished guests such as the excessive weight are risk factors for First Lady of Peru, Nadine Heredia; the King of Lesotho, Letsie III; diseases associated with diet, such as and Princess Haya bint Al Hussein of the United Arab Emirates. diabetes, heart problems, strokes and “Nutrition must become a political issue”, argued José Graziano some types of cancer. da Silva, FAO Director-General, who remarked that “for the first In another example of poor time in history, humanity can say that destitution is not fate and nutrition, Loveness displays that hunger is completely preventable”. The world leaders approved the three classic symptoms of the Rome Declaration on Nutrition and the Framework for Action. undernourishment. She is too short These are two documents that contain voluntary principles aimed for her age, too thin for her height at addressing the main challenges of nutrition, such as finding and she suffers what is known as ways to tackle obesity, combating micronutrient deficiencies and ‘hidden hunger’ due to a lack of ensuring access for every person to healthy food.

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BASIC FACTS ABOUT NUTRITION Nutrition problems affect all of the world’s populations, albeit in different ways. Children are the worst victims of malnutrition which stunts their growth and personal development, and has vitamins and minerals in her diet. negative consequences that will affect them for the rest of their lives. This problem affects almost Here are some general figures that 2 billion people in the world. illustrate the challenges we face Fernando, though it may in our efforts to raise levels of nutrition in the world. seem incredible, also suffers from “hidden hunger”. Paradoxically, undernourishment and excessive weight are interrelated. So much so that, in some cases, they can even coexist in the same house. In many countries, women need more support to access resources, healthcare and information on nutrition, because they have the most influence on nutrition at home. Joyce’s family is a good example of how education in nutrition can change the lives of children and of 795 MILLION future generations. PEOPLE SUFFER 51 MILLION AROUND Loveness and Fernando CHRONIC CHILDREN SUFFER 45% represent two bitter sides to the HUNGER EMACIATION OF INFANT DEATHS same problem of poor nutrition, CAUSED BY ACUTE ARE RELATED TO which affects all aspects of people’s MALNUTRITION MALNUTRITION development. It affects pregnancy, school performance, and immunity 161 to infections, adult quality of life and MILLION one’s ability to earn a living. CHILDREN UNDER FIVE FAO has established nutrition ARE STUNTED as a priority alongside food security. Good nutrition is needed to live a full, dignified and healthy life, 1400 MILLION which contributes to creating 3.4 MILLION PEOPLE ARE 99 OVERWEIGHT societies that can achieve their PEOPLE DIE EACH MILLION YEAR DUE TO BEING 500 MILLION human development potential. The CHILDREN ARE OVERWEIGHT ADULTS key lies in political commitment. UNDERWEIGHT OR OBESE ARE OBESE

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IMPROVING THE RESILIENCE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE TO THREATS AND CRISES Resilience is a new concept in the world of development cooperation that seeks to prevent, anticipate and mitigate risks.

2015, Makhanga (Malawi) Land degraded by flooding. FAO has been working closely with the Malawian Government to reduce the country’s exposure to threats like floods and drought.

70 years fao 179 2007, CASUDRE, 5 HAITI. FAO provides aid for farmers affected by FAO Major Challenges the floods in west and south Haiti

While the FAO Strategic Objectives signify a return to its roots – to the initial mandate that gave rise to the Organization – they also include two novel concepts: sustainability and resilience. Improving the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises has become a central part of the FAO mission. It is vital work which, alongside sustainability, ensures that development happens in the most enduring way possible. Resilience could be described as an ability to prevent disasters and crises, as well as to anticipate,

absorb, accommodate or recover 2010, from them in a timely, efficient Muzaffarghar, PAKISTaN. A family and sustainable manner. hit by floods flees the For instance, if an area is area in a boat. prone to earthquakes, the focus is put on developing the area 1998, San while taking into account that an Pedro Sula earthquake could happen, so that (gulf of Honduras). when it does, the impact of the Sugar cane crops disaster and the time it takes for devastated by Hurricane Mitch the area to recover, are reduced as much as possible. This means that agriculture and food systems that are exposed to threats must be protected, restored and improved to mitigate the impact on farming, food and nutritional security, and food safety.

crisis in the food chain Bird flu, ovine rinderpest, locust infestations, wheat, cassava, maize and banana diseases, food-borne pathogens and mycotoxins are some examples of threats to the food supply chain that may impact human health, food security, livelihoods, national economies and global markets. The negative pusa (india). effects of these threats impact A woman working in a lab inoculating wheat plants with wheat rust disease at the Agricultural Research

180 fao 70 years Institute. /As im H afeez /J olme s/J on Spaull iulio N apolitano © FAO/G fs

2011, Coraile, on food security, human health, HAITI. A woman livelihoods, domestic economies waters chard plants grown in tyres and global markets. Through the distributed by the Food Chain Crisis Emergency Urban Agriculture Centre for victims of Prevention System (FCC-EMPRES), the 2010 earthquake FAO oversees animal health, plant who live in tents. protection and food safety.

natural threats Climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent all over the world, and they are expected to continue to intensify with climatic changes. The effects on households are devastating. For 2005, instance, flooding can destroy Banda Aceh assets built up over generations in (indonesia). After the tsunami, minutes, while prolonged drought FAO helped restore gradually erodes livelihoods: around 7 000 hectares of paddy crops wither, animals die and fields by distributing the shortage of resources triggers seeds, fertiliser and farm equipment. displacement and violence. Preventing and preparing for disasters is essential, which is why adequate investment is needed.

protracted crises and conflicts Protracted crises are one of the most difficult contexts in which to fight hunger, malnutrition and poverty. They have recurring causes, whether man-made 2011, soatana or natural. These often occur (Madagascar). A Malagasy family in a simultaneously and result in cloud of locusts. The locust protracted food crises, the populations have devastating consequences on crops. deterioration of livelihoods, food systems and governance, and an institutional inability to deal with the situation. Prolonged violent conflict is another example. To build resilience to these crises, innovative a s uyo hi C hiba /P raka h Singh political frameworks, a better understanding of structural causes and coordinated

2004, Kendhikulhudhoo measures are needed to reduce (MALDIVeS). The population communities’ exposure to receive farming equipment after disruptions. the tsunami that hit the coasts of 12 /Y As trada /G iulio N apolitano alter countries in the Indian Ocean, killing 200 000 people and leaving almost

FAO major challenges(II) Mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change

KIROKA, TANZANIA A woman crosses one of the streams that feed an irrigation channel used for climate- smart agriculture. aniel H ayduk © FAO/D

cc Climate change poses multiple opportunity to transform the way food systems threats to agriculture. The rising use natural resources, to improve the sustainability temperatures and more frequent extreme weather of agriculture, to reduce poverty and to promote phenomena will have direct negative effects on crop, economic growth. livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture FAO also favours an integrative approach, known productivity in the coming years, as the latest report as climate-smart agriculture, which has three from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate major goals: 1) to increase agricultural production Change (IPCC) clearly shows. Vulnerable and incomes in a sustainable way; 2) to help rural populations that depend on agriculture in the communities and poor farmers to adapt; and 3) to developing world are particularly at risk. be more resilient to the effects of climate change, But at the same time, the urgent need to meet reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions the challenges posed by climate change is an where possible.

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CLIMATE CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE For a clearer picture of how FAO is meeting this challenge, here are five good examples that show how improving the yields and income of the poorest and most vulnerable, need not compromise the planet:

1. Climate-smart understanding of gender and 4. Andean agriculture: agriculture for small climate change issues. This led the importance farmers in Kenya and to a joint effort between FAO of genetic diversity. Tanzania. and the Research Programme on In the Peruvian Andes, FAO The work with farmers in Kenya Climate Change, Agriculture and promotes the preservation of and Tanzania in field schools Food Security (CCAFS) aimed local corn, potato and quinoa has helped to identify and at understanding better and varieties that have been develop resilient climate-smart addressing gender issues within improved over the centuries agricultural systems adapted their programmes. to grow in specific climates to local conditions. Some 2 500 and altitudes. Ensuring good farmers in Tanzania and Kenya 3. An ecosystem approach agricultural and livestock (of which 46 percent are women) to policymaking, planning biodiversity will be critical in were trained on climate-smart and monitoring in the farming’s adaptation to climate agriculture, generating 33 500 Kagera River Basin. change. planted seedlings, 44 nurseries, The purpose of the 235 terraces to preserve soil Transboundary Agro-ecosystem 5. An ecosystem and water, 2 biogas digesters Management Project for the approach to fisheries to produce renewable energy Kagera River Basin (Kagera and aquaculture for from cow dung, and 300 energy- TAMP) is to adopt an integrated food security in efficient kitchens to reduce ecosystems approach in the Nicaragua. deforestation. management of the soil resources This initiative supports of the Kagera Basin. This coastal communities in 2. Developing the ability project is carried out by FAO Nicaragua to develop their own to understand and address and is funded by the Global natural resources management the gender dimensions Environment Facility (GEF). plan and rural development of climate change and The river basin is shared by strategy. This is to reverse agriculture in India. Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and environmental degradation and In India, a project is unlocking Tanzania. Through its ecosystem improve resilience in the area. the potential of women as agents approach, the project’s benefits In Estero Real, Nicaragua, the of social change to promote include: restoration of degraded ecosystem approach to fisheries climate-smart farming practices. lands, carbon sequestration, and aquaculture increases The Organization’s work on climate change adaptation and the supply and income from gender and climate change in sustainable use of agricultural seafood, while preserving Andhra Pradesh, India, identified biodiversity, while improving ecosystem services and the need to improve research agricultural production, rural improving resilience to climate tools to fill the gaps in our livelihoods and food security. change.

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MANAGEMENT OF SEA AND OCEAN RESOURCES The fishing industry is worth billions of dollars and plays an important role in relation to food, nutrition, employment and trade

Global aquaculture the increased aquaculture must be less production recorded a historic dependent on wild fish for feed, high of 90 million tonnes in use of and must also introduce a wider 2012, including almost 24 million aquaculture variety of species and practices tonnes of aquatic plants. China improves to fish farms. This growth in accounted for more than 60 the diet aquaculture contributes to percent of the total according to improving many people’s diets, figures from the FAO SOFIA 2014 of many people particularly in poor rural areas, report entitled The State of World especially those where the presence of essential Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014. living in poor nutrients in food is often scarce. According to the latest rural areas. The challenge will be to estimates provided by the promote the consumption of OECD-FAO Agricultural small species, since consumer Outlook, 2015-2024, aquaculture preferences and other factors production is predicted to However, SOFIA 2014 have led to a shift towards larger surpass fishing catch in 2023, warns that in order to farmed species, whose bones which is earlier than expected. continue growing sustainably, and heads are often discarded.

THE BLUE GROWTH INITIATIVE

TODAY’S fisheries of the 2012 Rio+20 Growth Initiative to assist incentivise approaches sector is a multi-billion Conference and emphasises countries in developing and that promote growth, dollar industry that is a conservation and implementing blue economy improve conservation, build vital source of food and sustainable management, and growth agendas. sustainable fisheries and nutrition, employment, trade, based on the premise that end illegal, unreported and economic well-being and healthy ocean ecosystems Why blue growth? unregulated fishing (IUU); recreation. are more productive Blue growth looks to further 2. Ensure tailor-made and are essential to harness the potential of measures that foster What is blue sustainable ocean-based oceans, seas and coasts to: cooperation between growth? economies. To support a 1. Eliminate destructive countries; The concept of a “blue shift to this new approach, fishing practices and 3. Facilitate policy economy” came out FAO launched the Blue overfishing and instead development, investment

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DID YOU KNOW?

80% OF ALL LIFE ON EARTH IS IN THE OCEANS

THE OCEANS PROVIDE HALF OF THE PLANET’S OXYGEN

13 OF THE WORLD’S 20 MEGALOPOLISES ARE ON COASTs

BLUE CARBON

Mae Nang SINKS (MANGROVE Khao, FORESTS, SEAGRASS THAILAND. MEADOWS, OTHER A fish in the nets MARINE HABITATS of an aquaculture cage, supplied WITH VEGETATION) by FAO. CAN RETAIN UP TO Saeed K han © FAO/ FIVE TIMES and innovation in support responsible and sustainable 3. Seafood systems: of food security, poverty manner. promote efficient seafood MORE reduction, and the 2. Capture fisheries: value chains and improved CARBON THAN sustainable management of support implementation of livelihoods. RAINFORESTS aquatic resources. the Code of Conduct for 4. Ecosystem services: Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) promote regulatory regimes How will it be and related instruments to and approaches to restore implemented? restore fish stocks, combat vital coastal habitats, OVER 40% 1. Aquaculture: promote IUU and promote good fish biodiversity and ecosystem OF THE GLOBAL policies and good practices production practices and services (including carbon POPULATION LIVES LESS for farming of fish, shellfish growth in a sustainable capture, storm and wave THAN 100 KM and marine plants in a manner. defences, tourism etc). FROM COASTlines

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FAO Major Challenges SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS) A symbol of vulnerability to climate change the threat that hangs over humanity.

WHat ARE THE SIDS? CLIMATE CHANGE AND SIDS

The Small Island Developing States “Our two biggest challenges are shifting and irregular weather patterns and rising sea (SIDS) are a group of countries levels. Both factors impact on our food security”, says the Fijian minister. that share similar sustainable “Climate change challenges our country’s very existence”, argues the Maldivian development challenges. Their Minister. “It affects the tuna catch, for instance. If surface water temperatures rise, it growth and development are often forces the tuna to swim in deeper waters and it hampers fishing, which provides the impeded by high transportation country’s main source of protein. Another serious problem is water: in the capital, and communication costs, and by Malé, everyone now relies on desalinated water because it is impossible to depend their inability to create economies on rainwater”, says the Minister. of scale. With small populations, limited Apia, Samoa. FAO Director- resources and dependency on General José international trade, the SIDS are Graziano da Silva with Sangster highly vulnerable to natural disasters Saulala, Minister and external shocks, which are of Agriculture, becoming increasingly recurrent Food, Forestry and Fisheries of and unpredictable due to the Tonga during the effects of climate change. 3rd International The Fijian Minister for Conference of Agriculture, Rural & Maritime SIDS. Development and National Disaster Management, Inia

Seruiratu, and the Maldivian © FAO Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Mohamed Shainee, explain THE ROLE OF FAO WHAT ACTION the problems faced by SIDS. SHOULD BE TAKEN? “A global effort to fight climate change is “ THE COST essential for the development of the SIDS”, “The Maldives Government is OF INACTION said FAO Director-General José Graziano da heavily reliant on sea barriers to Silva after his re-election, making this issue, protect the population from the “The cost of inaction is linked to one of the priorities of his term of office. swell, erosion and rising tides. The our very existence”, says Shainee. “I recognise the significant contribution government is working hard to “Although we’re just a few dots on FAO has made to the development of improve the resilience of fisheries the map of the Indian Ocean, we the SIDS through the various agreements and agriculture by diversifying have the right to exist. The inaction of and partnerships in place. Unlike the these industries”, says Shainee. the developed countries could take Caribbean, the Pacific and Africa, the case “Fiji, alongside its development that right away from us”, explains the of the Maldives is unique, because it is not partners, is trying to mitigate the Maldivian minister surrounded by other countries that share similar risks by relocating its people, “Fiji cannot afford to be inactive risks and vulnerabilities. FAO can therefore implementing cost-effective eco- itself because of its vulnerability. We help by acting as a catalyst between the engineering solutions, promoting are focusing on reducing the risks Maldives and the rest of the SIDS’ programmes climate-smart agriculture, because, if we continue to delay to reduce the differences in their ability to conducting research and raising taking action, we will pay a very high address these vulnerabilities”, explains the awareness”, says Minister price in the future”, Seruiratu explains. Maldivian Minister, Shainee. Seruiratu.

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THE ARCTIC OCEAN AND FOOD SECURITY That the ice of the Arctic Ocean has been melting fast in the last few years, is a well-known fact. We also know that it is melting faster than expected. However, perhaps there is a general lack of awareness of the full implications of this issue on global food security.

With delicate ecosystems, absorbed, due to the exposure will have harmful effects for the Arctic is one of the world’s to the sun of darker land and many. The first victims will be regions that is most vulnerable sea surfaces in these polar the SIDS. to the effects of climate regions. In turn, this absorbed In this thawing process, the ice change which is warming at energy feeds back into the global has a tipping point, which means a faster rate. This is due to warming process, contributing to that the transformation of ice into the loss of the albedo effect the overall rise in temperatures water is non-linear. In other words, –the earth’s ability to reflect and, to close the circle, it leads the changes occur suddenly. Of the thermal radiation into space, to the thawing of the Arctic. 14 ‘tipping elements’ that exist in or in other words, to avoid However, this thaw presents new the earth’s climate, six are in the global warming– caused by an opportunities (new transport Arctic. The scientific community increased presence of CO2 in routes, fishing and sizeable therefore advises prudent human the atmosphere, which means hydrocarbon reserves.) and offers activity in the area and urges rising temperatures leading to benefits for some, but serious international cooperation to deal thawing ice. consequences for the rest of the with the global environmental The absence of snow and world. The rising sea levels, or risks, marrying environmental ice means that more energy is changes in salinity and currents, protection with national interests.

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dambas, kenya A woman collects water in a contaminated canal. Due to lack of drinking water, many people are suffering from diarrohea, cholera, malaria and other diseases.

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iulio N apolitano © FAO/G COPING WITH WATER SCARCITY Water is a shared resource that crosses political and geographical boundaries; cooperation between countries will be critical to ensuring its sustainable use and management.

“Water scarcity is one of the most pressing threats to food security in Near East and North African countries due to the close relationship between water and food production”.

the global average, has fallen Dawn breaks and the call to The availability prayer echoes from thousands by two-thirds in the last 40 of mosques in the Near East. of fresh water years, which has led to growing The scene is repeated a little is expected concern over the loss of water later all over North Africa. to fall by 50% quality and the impact of climate At the same time, the sun is in the next change. already beating down when 35 years. millions of farmers throughout Uncertainty the region begin their day. They The farmers of this region, work hard to produce food for a rise each day with uncertainty population growing by 2 percent created by low and variable due to the negative effects of per year which is double the availability of water, rising soil climate change. global average. From Morocco salinity – which reduces crop to Yemen, they are united by a This lack of water undermines productivity – and nutrient common challenge that faces the region’s ability to maintain depletion due to the degraded the whole region. These include per capita food production, and land, undermining its quality. water scarcity, which threatens to meet domestic, industrial and The effects of climate change their livelihoods, and food environmental water needs. The also increase the unpredictability security in the region. dependence on this resource by of the traditionally known rain Water scarcity is one of the these countries is a serious issue: and temperature patterns, which most pressing threats to food over 60 percent of the region’s are increasingly susceptible security in Near East and North water resources come from to higher temperatures, to African countries due to the beyond its national and regional more frequent drought and to close relationship between borders. torrential rains. water and food production. The Furthermore, the situation “This is the toughest availability of fresh water in the is getting worse. The per capita situation for farmers who have region is expected to fall by 50 availability of fresh water in to practice rain-fed agriculture, percent by 2050, according to Near East and North African because they rely entirely on FAO forecasts, to a large extent countries, just 10 percent of rainwater”, says Pasquale

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Steduto, coordinator of the On average the farming Groundwater FAO Water Scarcity Initiative in industry accounts for 13 percent management the region. This is the case of of the regional GDP (excluding Demographic growth adds a 60 percent of crops, where the some Gulf States) and it ranges layer of urgency to the problem. scarcity of water makes crop from 2 percent in Jordan to Chronic undernourishment in the productivity rates, plummet. over 20 percent in Sudan and region is estimated at 11.2 percent At least there is one positive Syria. It provides employment based on figures from the 2010- side: it forces farmers to make for 38 percent of the region’s 2013 period. While the population reasonable and prudent use of active population, and food continues to spiral upwards, the water they are able to store. exports contribute significantly this means that agricultural production will have to increase by 60 percent by 2050 to meet future demand. Another reason for concern, in a region that has such limited surface water resources, is the management of groundwater. Although it is a valuable source for multiple uses, “extracting groundwater and water from aquifers for irrigation has spread progressively and in an unsustainable way. This overexploitation will threaten In the case of irrigation farming, GROU N DWAT E R the well being of farmers in the modern irrigation systems need MANAGEMENT coming years”, Steduto explains. less water, less energy and less i s a n o t h e r Although significant progress manpower to improve yields for has been made in recent decades farmers. However, many farmers, c au s e f o r in the development of the and particularly small-scale growers, CONCERN region’s water usage and storage cannot afford to modernise their capabilities, there is still a lot of systems. work to be done in many areas. Improvements in managing and The farming industry to the economy of many of the allocating water resources in a Of all the economic sectors, it region’s countries, enabling sustainable manner, ensuring is in agriculture where water them to import the foods that the efficient use of water in scarcity has the biggest impact, they cannot produce. Access to farming while protecting its since agriculture is by far the high-quality water is therefore quality, and in addressing largest consumer of water. It vital for economic prosperity challenges associated with uses 85 percent of the freshwater and for achieving better living climate change are resources available in the region. conditions. urgently needed.

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HEALTHY SOIL FOR HEALTHY LIVING Conservation of natural resources requires a long-term vision for which future generations will be grateful, and that conservation will help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Soils are hugely Also, human pressure on soils is important in global food reaching critical levels, reducing, production – they make our and sometimes eliminating, lives possible every day – but we the soil’s basic nutrients. By so do not pay enough attention to doing, it also compromises the our “silent ally”, warned FAO ability of farmers to grow the Director-General José Graziano food that is needed by a world da Silva on the eve of World Soil population that is estimated to Province of Takeo, Cambodia Day, held on 5 December 2014. reach nine billion by 2050. Healthy soils are not just the As well as being the basis for food, fuel, fabrics and International Year of Soils, the medical products; they are also year 2015 is especially important essential to our ecosystems and for the future sustainability of play a critical role in the carbon the planet with a new set of cycle, in the storing and filtering global goals. A commitment to of water, and towards improving healthy and productive soils will the resilience of farmers to be vital to ensuring food security Jordan flooding and drought. and nutrition for all. The United Nations declared 2015 as the International Year soils: a key resource of Soils in an effort to raise under threat awareness and encourage a FAO estimates that a third of more sustainable use of this vital all soils are degrading due to resource. erosion, compaction, sealing, In 2015, 795 million people salinisation, depletion of suffered from hunger and organic matter and nutrients, Central African Republic malnutrition. The growing acidification, pollution and population will require food other processes caused by production to increase by unsustainable land management around 60 percent. Given that practices. much of our food depends on Unless new approaches are soils, it is easy to understand adopted, in 2050 the global how important it is to keep productive arable land surface them healthy and productive. area per person will be a quarter Unfortunately, a third of global of what it was in 1960. Soil soil resources are degrading. Peru is a non-renewable natural

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resource. Once it is lost it cannot the accessibility of global be recovered within a human knowledge on soil types and lifetime. One centimetre of soil their distribution. can take up to 1 000 years to Until that time, soil form, and with 33 percent of data tended to be obsolete, global soil resources degraded, fragmented and limited in scope. and growing human pressure, One FAO priority has been to critical levels are being reached, establish a global information making good management of system on soils, providing soils, a matter of urgency. reliable facts and figures Poor agricultural practices that can be used in decision- include intensive tillage, making processes related to soil elimination of organic matter, management. over-irrigation using poor- FAO has launched a series of quality water and excessive initiatives, including the Global use of fertilisers, herbicides Soil Partnership, which has set and pesticides. These practices up the Healthy Soils Facility as deplete nutrients in the ground its operational arm. faster than they are capable of Investing in sustainable soil forming, and in turn, lead to management makes economic a loss of soil fertility, and soil and environmental sense. CANDELARIA, HONDURAS degradation. Some experts Sustainable soil management believe that the number of costs less than rehabilitating years of fertile soil left on the soil or restoring its functions. planet is comparable to the ANOTHER In Honduras, an FAO project estimates for oil and natural gas c au s e f o r developed the “Quesungual reserves. At least 16 percent of Slash and Mulch Agroforestry African land has been affected CONCERN IS System” to replace the ancient by soil degradation. Globally, GROU N DWAT E R slash-and-burn farming method, 50 000 km2 of soil, an area the MANAGEMENT which led to a reduction in size of Costa Rica, are being moisture and fertility. It resulted lost each year, according to the in increased productivity and Global Soil Partnership. incomes for farmers in the At least a quarter of global increase the soils’ ability to region. biodiversity is underground, absorb carbon and mitigate In Honduras, up to 78 percent where the earthworm, for desertification, so that they of the land used for agriculture instance, is a giant next to can even capture more carbon, is on hillsides. Due to periods tiny organisms like bacteria helping to compensate for the of drought and seasonal water and fungi. These organisms greenhouse gas emissions from scarcity, water supply varies. – including plant roots – are agriculture. Coupled with soil erosion, the main nutrient-recycling these are the main problems agents, and they help plants mapping the soil facing the region, which are by improving their nutrient FAO has implemented more than further compounded by climate intake, which in turn contributes 120 soil-related projects around variability and change. As a to maintaining biodiversity the world and produced the Soil result, generations of farmers aboveground. Map of the World alongside and their livelihoods have Better management can UNESCO. The most urgent been directly impacted, as have ensure that these organisms priorities include updating, food production and the area’s –which usually go unnoticed– standardising and improving environment.

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When the Lempira system was developed, named after the department in southwest Honduras, most of the region’s farmers were using DID YOU the traditional slash and burn KNOW? method, clearing part of the forest by cutting down the vegetation and then burning the debris. Crops were grown on a plot for one to three 95% years, until its yields fell due to OF OUR FOOD IS declining moisture and fertility. PRODUCED DIRECTLY Farmers then had to move to OR INDIRECTLY FROM another plot to clear, burn and OUR SOILS plant again. This farming method was not appropriate for a region IT TAKES UP TO where most of the fields are 1 000 YEARS on hillsides and where the FOR ONE soils are fragile and acidic. These practices were having CENTIMETRE OF a growing adverse impact on SOIL TO FORM the region’s resources and food security. SUSTAINABLE SOIL To address these issues, MANAGEMENT almost 20 years ago, FAO and WOULD ENABLE local small-scale producers developed the Quesungual agroforestry farming system, 58% which was tailored to the MORE FOOD region’s biophysical and socio- TO BE PRODUCED economic conditions. By improving soil IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA quality and management, AND LATIN AMERICA, the Quesungual system LAND IS AVAILABLE BUT has increased production, OVER 70 % resilience and sustainability HAS SOIL AND in the region. The yields have TERRAIN-RELATED almost doubled; less labour LIMITATIONS is required to establish and emissions and increased carbon maintain the plots; and the retention. soil retains moisture better, Ultimately, this project has enabling crops to withstand changed the lives of people for the the regular droughts that afflict better. Farmers harvest more for less 33% the area and minimising the money and they have also improved OF SOILS risk of erosion and landslides. their diets, with more nutritious ARE MODERATELY This low-cost system has also food. Sustainable soil management TO HIGHLY brought down greenhouse gas has produced results in Honduras. DEGRADED

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PROMOTING CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF LAND ECOSYSTEMS Conservation of natural resources requires a long-term vision for which future generations will be grateful and that will help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Forests and trees provide us with food, protection, the air we breathe and the clean water we drink; DID YOU they house and safeguard KNOW? the planet’s biodiversity and act as our natural defence FORESTS ARE HOME against climate change. Life TO OVER on earth is possible and 80% OF LAND sustainable thanks to our ANIMALS forests and trees. AND PLANTS In 2015, forests were at the centre of the global agenda with the 14th World Forestry FORESTS COVER Congress, held in Durban, South Africa, under the auspices of FAO 31% from 7 to 11 September 2015. The OF THE Congress plays a vital role as a WORLD’S forum for discussing emerging issues development. It examined key LAND SURFACE in the forestry sector and setting out environmental problems like climate THE COUNTRIES WITH the principles that will enable us to change, water supply and sustainable THE LARGEST AREAS address these issues in the coming firewood supply, which is particularly ARE RUSSIA, BRAZIL, decades. critical in Africa. The Congress also CANADA AND THE USA The 14th Congress was held looked at new governance structures under the title Forests and People: that promote sustainable forestry ALMOST Investing in a Sustainable Future. management. AS MUCH It demonstrated that investments The event was held at an ideal made in the forestry sector are time to discuss the United Nations CARBON IS STORED IN FORESTS AS investments in people and, in turn, agenda for the post-2015 period and IN THE ATMOSPHERE in the economies of countries and in the Sustainable Development Goals. sustainable development. The event The potential of forestry activities is focused on people-orientated forestry, immense: for people’s training and WE EAT ALMOST socio-economic problems and the development, for the eradication 11 KG OF roles that forests, trees and forestry of poverty and for sustainable FOREST FOODS activities play in a country’s economic management of forestry resources. PER PERSON EACH YEAR

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Biodiversity Crops, livestock, aquatic organisms, adapt and survive when their trees, micro-organisms and environments change thanks to DID YOU invertebrates – thousands of species genetic variability. The challenges of KNOW? and their genetic variability – make the future will therefore only be met up the web of biodiversity on which by maintaining and using a wide the world’s food production depends. genetic range. For example, plants OF THE 8 800 Biodiversity is indispensable, and animals that are genetically KNOWN ANIMAL whether it be the insects that tolerant to high temperatures or SPECIES, pollinate the plants, microscopic drought, or resistant to pests and bacteria used to make cheese, the disease, are vital in our adaptation to various breeds of livestock that climate change. 7% are people’s livelihoods Maintaining ARE ALREADY in inhospitable biodiversity for food EXTINCT environments, or and agriculture AND 17% the thousands of is a global ARE IN DANGER OF crop varieties responsibility. EXTINCTION. that sustain With climate food security change, the FISH PROVIDES worldwide. conservation ALMOST Biodiversity and 20% OF THE is essential sustainable ANIMAL PROTEIN to achieve use of INTAKE OF nutritional genetic 3 BILLION PEOPLE. diversity diversity in diets – a are more varied food important OVER basket – which than ever. is important for The challenge human health and of preserving and 80% development. using genetic resources OF THE HUMAN DIET However, biodiversity, and sustainably belongs to all COMES FROM PLANTS genetic diversity in particular, is continents and ecosystems and being lost at an alarming rate. The requires a comprehensive response. FIVE CEREALS threats to genetic diversity include The year 2015 marks the 30th PROVIDE 60% OF OUR prioritisation of the development anniversary of the Commission on DIETARY ENERGY and use of just a few commercial Genetic Resources for Food and (RICE, WHEAT, crop varieties, neglecting locally Agriculture, the only permanent CORN, MILLET adapted varieties and breeds and forum where governments discuss AND SORGHUM) their important properties; the issues relating to biological effects of increasing population diversity for food and agriculture. OF THE pressure; the loss of natural The commission’s main goals are 30 000 habitats and environmental to ensure the conservation and KNOWN EDIBLE degradation, including deforestation, sustainable use of genetic LAND PLANTS, desertification and river basin resources for food and agriculture, 7 000 ARE CULTIVATED modification; and climate change. as well as fair and equitable OR COLLECTED BY Plants, animals, micro-organisms sharing of the benefits arising from HUMANS FOR FOOD and invertebrates are able to their use.

70 years fao 195 80 Caboria qui sini odi nobit magnihici sundand. 96 Cepudi dolori volores truntiust excea. 108 Cuptaessunt expe esti qui ut harchitatur. 6 116 Cepudi dolori volores truntiust excea. THE FAO HEADQUA RTERS A NEUTRAL FORUM

196 fao 70 YEARS THE FAO HEADQUA RTERS A NEUTRAL FORUM

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1951, ROME. The FAO headquarters is located in the heart of Ancient Rome, close to the Baths of Caracalla. With views of the Roman Colosseum, it was first built to house the Ministry of the Italian Colonies in East Africa (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya and Somalia), on what used to be Viale Africa (now Viale Aventino) from 1938 to 1945. Construction work began in 1938. From the FAO headquarters, the historically and architecturally important obelisk, Axum Stele, could be seen, though it was later returned to its place of origin in Ethiopia.

198 fao 70 YEARS THE STORY OF HOW THE MINISTRY OF THE ITALIAN colonies IN EAST AFRICA BECAME THE FAO HEADQUARTERS

n 1949, the FAO Conference accepted the Italian Hall; the two Committee rooms, the Red Room and Government’s offer to move the permanent the Green Room; the library and the radio studio. The headquarters from its temporary site in Washington project was funded by the Italian Government and to Rome. The move took place two years later in overseen by the Italian Ministry of Public Works. IFebruary 1951. The new FAO headquarters occupied the In conjunction with the architect Vittorio Cafiero, building that was originally designed for the Ministry the building was constructed at unprecedented speed. of the Italian Colonies in East Africa, located near the Efforts were redoubled to complete the project in time Baths of Caracalla. The first problem encountered was and on 19 November, the 6th FAO Conference was held that the building needed a large assembly area that could in the newly built Plenary Hall. accommodate all of the representatives of the member After the Conference, a number of construction states and was equipped to host high-level international and maintenance projects continued. There was a new meetings. There were only a few months to go before the spirit of resurgence and the FAO headquarters was FAO Conference (to be held that November) that meant seen as an opportunity to exhibit arts and crafts of the creating a new space in record time. member States. In Resolution No. 90 adopted by the That was when the part of the headquarters Conference, countries were invited to donate furniture building, known as Building A, was purpose-built to and other examples of their national and, in particular, house the main meeting room known as the Plenary rural crafts.

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FAO plays a proactive 5 6 role in disseminating knowledge and information to provide assistance to countries, supporting agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as food security and nutrition. Every year, a large number of meetings are held at FAO headquarters in Rome, making the Organization an important forum for discussion 9 10 and negotiation, often resulting in fundamental international agreements 13 and conventions. FAO has also become a centre for prominent conferences. There are a total of 24 meeting rooms at headquarters. The gatherings may be technical or on economic issues, and include seminars, training courses and workshops.

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14 15 From the top and left to right: 1. View of the Plenary Hall during the 39th FAO Conference, June 2015; 2. Event on Food Security; 3. Atrium of the FAO building; 4. The building’s exterior; 5. The Bird, donated by sculptor Roberto Ruta; 6. Close-up of the staircase fresco leading to the Iran Room; 7. and 11. The King Faisal of Saudi Arabia Room; 8. A view of the Ethiopia Room; 9. Workshop of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO); 10. FAO headquarters; 12. View of a Council meeting held in the Red Room; 13. Meeting of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures; 14. One of the delegates from the member states during the vote for Director-General, June 2015; 15. Preamble to the FAO Constitution, the lobby. 46

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202 fao 70 YEARS THE PLENARY HALL

The Plenary Hall is the most important room in the building, especially designed to hold high-level meetings. These include the biennial FAO Conference and its governing bodies’ sessions, summits and ceremonies. The dominant colour in the hall is blue, a reminder of the blue of the United Nations flag. It has a seating capacity of 1 180 on the main floor and in the galleries. It is equipped so that speakers can be heard in seven languages through simultaneous interpretation in the six FAO official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic) plus one other language when required. Although the hall retains some of its original features, in 1951 it was quite different.

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It has undergone a number of renovations due to the growing number of member states joining the Organization over the years. New seats and new simultaneous interpretation booths have since been added.

THE CEILING: AN EXAMPLE OF FIGURATIVE ART The Plenary Hall ceiling was decorated by the renowned Italian sculptor, painter and engraver Mirko Basaldella. Commissioned by the Italian Government, the artist designed and completed an extraordinary example of figurative art. It covers around 500 m2 and is composed of 18 panels. In his masterpiece, Mirko, offers an allegoric representation of the sky and the ocean floor. The décor was also designed with important technical Rural and Agricultural considerations in mind: Finance Initiative Technical first, to improve the hall’s Network acoustics with its embossed From left to right: Milica Petruljeskov, Toshiaki Ono, surface, and second, to Nomathemba Mhlanga and incorporate Calvin Miller. air-conditioning outlets.

204 fao 70 YEARS Nutrition Group. From left to right: Lee Warren, Giyose Boitshepo, Ellen Muehlhoff and Anna Lartey, Director of the Nutrition Division.

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RED ROOM, INTERPRETation BOOTH Blandine Jeanne, interpreter.

206 fao 70 YEARS THE RED AND GREEN ROOMS

Donated by the Italian Government, both were inaugurated in 1951. The Red Room was designed to host meetings of the FAO Council, the executive body of the Conference which normally holds at least five sessions in-between meetings of the Conference. It was designed to ensure that the 49 member Working group on Strategic Objective 4 (OE4) states – serving three- From left to right: Eugenia Serova, Divine year rotating terms – and Njie, respectively, Director and Deputy Director of the Rural Infrastructure and the European Union have Agro-Industries Division (AGS), Carlos da seats in front of the platform Silva and Jamie Morrison. chaired by the Independent Chairperson of the Council, and that observers can participate from their seats. The room has a capacity to hold 455 people, who can listen to the session in the six FAO official languages. It is decorated with portraits of its former Chairpersons. The Green Room has 496 seats. With its austere and simple design, functionally it complements the Red Room. The member states’ flags are displayed behind the platform.

THE GREEN ROOM Global Information and Early Warning System From left to right: Concepción Calpe and Shirley Mustafa.

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208 fao 70 YEARS THE SHEIKH ZAYED CENTRE

Built as an international knowledge centre, the Sheikh Zayed Centre is a state-of-the- art meeting place. Inaugurated in 2012, the room was funded by the United Arab Emirates. The entrance to the room welcomes visitors with the famous quotation “Give me agriculture and I will give you civilization”, repeated in seven languages and in hieroglyphics, illustrating the crucial role that farming has played in human progress and the way writing has been an essential part of this civilising process.

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The artist Sadica Keskas the holy texts – and also, like the communication, information and designed the glass panelling birds, a source of life. knowledge, as well as a meeting together with the architect Marco The concept of life can also point between cultures. Felici. The artwork includes be seen in the golden trees With its 170 seats and seven other symbolic elements such as decorating the platform. The idea language channels, the Sheikh palm trees and birds depicted is to imagine the tree as a means Zayed Centre is generally used on the top panels. The palm of interaction between land and for press conferences, screenings, trees represent the connection sky: the roots of the tree penetrate publication launches and briefings. between the various religions – the soil, while the branches spread It has also been used as a set for they are considered sacred in towards the sky, a metaphor for television programmes.

210 fao 70 YEARS BELOW: Some experts from the Strategic Group on Climate Change. From left to right: Jeffrey Griffin, Alexandre Meybeck and Fred Snijders.

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THE ETHIOPIA room

Inaugurated in 1965, it was refurbished in 2013. The room’s interior design reflects the country’s culture, while the bright colours are a reference to its flag. The painting on the main wall was digitally designed by Italian artist Adriano Nardi. The wall decoration depicts an iris flower, known as a symbol of faith, courage, wisdom, protection, hope and goodwill. Its two sides complement each other, with an abstract depiction of a woman in profile looking into the distance on the left side, and a man wearing traditional Ethiopian dress on the right. The artwork forms the DNA double helix symbolising the origin of the human species, created by the union between man and woman. This piece of modern art represents the balance between nature and the human spirit. The room has a seating capacity of 86 people.

212 fao 70 YEARS THE MALAYSIA room the Nigeria room

The Malaysia Room, inaugurated in 1965 and Inaugurated in 1973 and fully renovated in 2009, renovated in 1997, was built and furnished with among the room’s main features are a vast oval materials from that country. With the capacity to wooden table, coloured light fittings and a separate seat 116 people, the room has frequently been breakaway area for small group discussions. The used for high-level intergovernmental negotiations. room seats 25 people.

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Code of Conduct / Blue Growth Group. From left to right: Lahsen Ababouch, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Economics and Policy Division; Yvette DieiOuadi, Matthew Camilleri and Árni Mathiesen, Assistant Director General for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department.

214 fao 70 YEARS THE KING FAISAL ROOM

Inaugurated in 1981, the room is named after the Saudi Arabian King who reigned from 1964 to 1975. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donated this room to FAO in recognition of the Organization’s critical role in the fight against hunger and poverty.

Its design reflects Islamic art. Its walls are adorned with a portrait of King Faisal sculpted in white marble, a mosaic of Mecca and verses from the Koran. It has been designed to accommodate 116 people.

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1. THE 2. THE Mexico 3. THE Iran PHILIPPINE ROOM ROOM ROOM The Mexico Room was In 1996, the Islamic Republic of Iran It was inaugurated in 1965 inaugurated in 1981 and donated this room to demonstrate and renovated in 2013. renovated 20 years later. The its commitment to the FAO mission A painting hanging from tapestry by artist Pedro Ramírez and ideals. The space has a seating its main wall depicts a Vázquez is particularly striking, capacity of 105 people. The room was Filipino landscape with its running the length of the wall designed as a multimedia auditorium sea, vegetation and rice behind the main speaker’s chair. and permanent exhibition area and terraces. The room has a The room has the capacity to seat is frequently use for launches of major capacity to seat 61 people. 58 people. publications; for lectures and debates.

216 fao 70 YEARS Tom Heilandt, of the Codex Alimentarius Secreteriat on the stairs to the Iran Room.

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1. the Queen Juliana Room Food Security Group From left to right: Filippo Gheri, Piero Conforti, Evgeniya Koroleva and Giulia Ponzini. 1 Economic and Social Development Department.

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218 fao 70 YEARS 2. the David Lubin Memorial Library. South-South Cooperation. From left to right: Jong- 2 jin Kim, Director of the South-South and Resource Mobilization Division; Peter Anaadumba, Nadine Valat and Ali Athifa. 3 3. Projects of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. From left to right: Marcelo Vasconcellos, Abdellah Srour, Claudia Escutia and Nicoletta Milone. Fisheries and Aquaculture Department in the Fisheries Meeting Room.

4. Martin Frick, Director of the Climate, Energy and Tenure Division.

5. Marcela Villarreal, Director of the Office for Partnerships, Advocacy and Capacity Development.

6. the Austria Room. Rodrigo de la Puerta, Director of the Office of Support to Decentralization.

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fao a neutral forum 1. Kenneth 2. Juan Lubroth, Head of the 4. the Lobby MacDicken, Animal Health Service and Team - Food for the Forestry Chief Veterinary Officer. Cities. From left to right: Jia Department. Ni, Yota Nicolarea, Louison 3. TERRAce Lancon, Jieun Kim and Lorenza Denis Drechsler. Trade and Sganzetta. Plant Production Markets Division. and Protection Division.

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THE India ROOM

Inaugurated in 1957, the room’s unique character begins at its handmade timber double door, brought directly from India. Indian craft objects and wooden lattices also decorate the space along with a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. The room has a seating capacity of 30.

222 fao 70 YEARS THE GERMAN ROOM THE iraq ROOM

Inaugurated in 1966, it has since been renovated Inaugurated in June 2015, it has a capacity to seat 250 twice, most recently in 2008. When the German people. At the main entrance, the name of the room appears in Government decided to donate a meeting room seven languages (Arabic, Aramaic, English, Kurdish, Mandaic, to FAO, German artists agreed that it would have Turkmen and Sumerian Cuneiform). The second entrance is a modern and functional design that would be decorated with panels depicting images of the palm trees found practical for discussions and negotiations. As at the Ishtar Gate (the eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon), Hans von Herwarth said, the room was “a sign of dating from around 575 BC. The Iraqi Embassy donated three friendship and esteem from the German people for works by the artist Michele Martinelli: two copies of the ancient FAO’s work”. lions and flowers that adorned the Ishtar Gate’s Processional One of the key elements of its decoration is the line of Way, reconstructed at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin from quotations on the wall. They are taken from the Right excavated materials; and a copy, made from resin, of a winged to Food Guidelines, adopted by the Council in 2004. bull with a human head, representing a lamassu or shedu, an It has a seating capacity of 90. Assyrian protective deity.

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1. THE LEBANON ROOM 2. THE PAKISTAN 3. THE austria ROOM ROOM The Lebanon Room was inaugurated in 1963. Each of the main walls around the central table is home to an This room was inaugurated in Inaugurated in 1965, it was designed important work of art. Through a sculptured three-light 1961 and renovated twice like a cinema and is often used window – behind the main speaker’s chair – a painting by in 1996 and most recently to screen documentary films on set designer Giorgio Jefferson depicts a cedar, the ancient in 2002. The main feature development issues. After its renovation ruins of Baalbek and the ancient port of Sidon. At the is a carved wooden map of in 1988, it became a multimedia other end of the room there are two reliefs of sarcophagi Pakistan running the length auditorium. 101 red seats combined of the Beqaa Valley, dating back to the second century of the main wall. It has a with the light timber walls represent the BC. The room seats 66. capacity to seat 24. red and white of the Austrian flag.

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4. THE cuba ROOM 5. THE QUEEN Juliana ROOM 6. THE canada ROOM With a seating capacity of 18, This room is dedicated to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. It was the room was inaugurated in inaugurated in 1955, and renovated twice in1981 and in 1996. Accomodating a maximum 1972 and refurbished in 1989. The original design was by Prof. Eschauzier, a prominent Dutch of 24 people, the room was The Cuba room has been the architect, and the work was performed by leading craftsmen and inaugurated in 1953 and scene of important encounters furniture makers. The renovation carried-out to mark the FAO 50th renovated in 1999. A relief between Heads of State and Anniversary conferred a thoroughly modern appearance to the map of Canada in carved Government during major room. The doors to this state-of-the-art room were built in Holland wood dominates the main events such as the 1996 World and installed in Rome by Dutch craftsmen. It can accommodate up wall with indigenous motifs Food Summit. to 36 people. lining a side wall.

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From left to right: Xuan Li, Simplice Ngathe, Werner Deutsch and Marta García Jiménez. Office of the Director-General, and the Conference, Council and Protocol Affairs Division.

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4. THE china ROOM 3. the MOROCCO ROOM The China Room was inaugurated in 1985 Also known as the King Mohammed V Room, this reception area was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of donated by the Kingdom of Morocco. It was inaugurated in1965 and FAO and is used by the Director-General to renovated in 1967 and again in 1987. The Room includes a dining receive distinguished guests. In 2015, it was area and lounge and is used by the Director-General to welcome high- fully renovated. A copper map of China is level visitors. Guests can enjoy a traditional Moroccan ambience: the engraved with the country’s main agricultural floor and walls are covered with Moroccan hand-painted tiles and the products, such as rice and wheat. These are space is sumptuously furnished with Moroccan rugs, leather upholstered just two examples providing a glimpse of sofas, wooden beams and two fountains separate the sitting room from China’s abundant natural resources. the main area.

226 fao 70 YEARS 1 2 1. the australia ROOM

Inaugurated in 1955, this room was rebuilt and finally renovated in 2011. The room was designed to host high-level FAO meetings at Headquarters. This area is decorated with aboriginal themed artwork by artist Eddie Blitner, both adding colour and intended to show a deeper view of our world represented by the aboriginal peoples of Australia.

2 2. the indonesia ROOM

Inaugurated in 1969 and renovated 24 years later, it includes a lounge and a dining area for special receptions. The room is decorated with narrative and symbolic elements. The entire room is decorated with carved wooden panels depicting scenes from the life of King Rama and his wife Sita. The story recounts the kidnapping of Queen Sita by the giant Rahwana. Rama’s defeat of Rahawana represents the victory of virtue over evil, while the queen’s return to Rama’s kingdom symbolises the return of wealth and abundance to the people. The Hindu queen is also seen as the incarnation of Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice, one of the most important staple foods in Indonesia and Asia, generally. The room houses other engravings of symbolic value, including a bird of paradise (a symbol of nature), a white heron (a symbol of fertility), a peacock (a symbol of the Indonesian teak forests) and the Gunungan (the tree of life and symbol of the universe).

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OTHER ROOMS

FAO headquarters houses several areas designed as pleasant spaces for delegates of the member states and other guests attending meetings. Located near the main conference halls, they were donated to FAO by countries to show their commitment to the Organization.

1. THE NORDIC LOUNGE Inaugurated in 1977 and renovated 4. THE SLOVAK in 2001, it was donated by the DELEGATES’ Lounge governments of the Nordic countries. The Donated by the Government of the Slovak Nordic character of this meeting area is Republic, this light and airy lounge is a accentuated by a carved wooden map multifunctional workspace equipped with the hanging from a wall and photographs latest technology and reserved for the use 4 showing landscapes of the region. of delegates and special guests.

228 fao 70 YEARS 2. THE BELGIUM lounge 3 Donated by the Belgian Government, it is located at the entrance to the Plenary Hall. Inaugurated in 1953, and renovated in 2001, this room houses portraits of the former FAO Directors- General.

3. the Caribbean lounge Inaugurated in 1995 and later renovated in 1999, it was donated to FAO by the governments of the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This elegant space, located to the right of the Plenary Hall, has been decorated by the CARICOM countries with furniture, art and mahogany craft objects in the Caribbean Art Deco style.

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fao a neutral forum

1. the KOREA centre Donated by the Government of the Republic of Korea in 2001, it is a 2 multifunctional space equipped with computers, serving as a rest, information and document distribution area. The centre is decorated with oil paintings by Korean architect and artist Tai Nam Jung. The walls are also decorated with samul nori folk instruments and examples of ancient popular farmers’ poems written in Korean calligraphy. Several photographs show Korean architecture, landscapes and agricultural scenes.

2. The UEMOa room The UEMOA press room was inaugurated in 1999, and refurbished in 2003. The room is a workspace equipped for use by journalists. It is decorated in wood and leather with typical artwork and craft items provided by UEMOA member states. 3

3. the THAIland lounge Located near the 4 Caribbean Room, it acts as a corridor between the office of the Independent Chairperson of the Council and the Plenary Hall. This space was donated in 1955 by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. It is decorated in traditional Thai style with a large gong and photographs showing scenes of the country’s agricultural and religious life.

4. the JAPAN lounge Donated in 1957, this seating area is located to the left of the Plenary Hall forming one of the main entrances to the Plenary and has a separate room for discussions.

230 fao 70 YEARS 5. the david lubin memorial LIBRARY

Established in 1952, the Library was named after David Lubin to honour the founder of the International Institute of Agriculture (IIA). The establishment of such a library is reflected in Article I of the FAO Constitution which states “The Organization shall collect, analyse, interpret, and disseminate information relating to nutrition, food and agriculture”. The David Lubin Memorial Library houses a priceless collection of more than one million 5 volumes, including the entire collection of the IIA and a rare book collection dating back to 1500. Among several of its more remarkable collections are the 6. the TURKish incunabula (first modern books) registration donated by Marquis Cappelli; centre pamphlets, bulletins and periodicals donated by Arturo Marescalchi Located at the entrance to the main (Undersecretary of State in the building, it was inaugurated in Italian Ministry of Agriculture); 2001. Donated by the Government pamphlets on agriculture given of the Republic of Turkey, this large by Professor Giglioli (a renowned airy space is decorated with Turkish agricultural chemist at the University ceramics and was designed to of Pisa, he also participated in help FAO fulfil its growing role the foundation of the IIA), the as an important United Nations publications of the German 6 conference centre. collection of the Berlin Centre International de Sylviculture, and the David Lubin Archives which include correspondence, writings and IIA images of agriculture-related issues 7 7. the espace and activities. Gabon At the beginning of the new millennium, the Library underwent The Espace Gabon was renovations which were completed inaugurated in 1999 and in 2005. The new library, designed renovated in 2003. The room was by architect Piero Sartogo, features designed as a modern audio-visual glass, including glass floors, floor- meeting area – generally used for to-ceiling glass windows and black meetings involving the decentralised glass display columns as well as offices – as well as high-level black marble walls and supports. meetings with FAO delegates and The library offers its visitors access others. The room has a capacity to to both electronic resources, and seat 26. multifunctional meeting rooms.

70 YEARS fao 231 234 Partnerships 240 Communications 248 FAO Ambassadors and friends 252 World Food Day 7 254 The UN at Milan Expo 2015

FAO OPEN TO EVERYONE

232 fao 70 YEARS FAO OPEN TO EVERYONE

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FAO partnerships pa rt nerships For a world free from hunger Eradicating hunger is a challenge that FAO cannot – must not – face alone. Cooperation with civil society and the private sector is crucial.

In 2012, FAO adopted an non government entities, and cooperatives and open-door policy in order to to manage these risks it has producer organizations strengthen ties with civil society, set up an internal Partnerships Cooperatives are autonomous the private sector, academic Committee, convened at the member-driven organizations. organizations, research bodies, highest level of the Organization They adopt principles of non- the media and cooperatives. and chaired by the Director- discrimination and offer a range Marcela Villarreal, director General. of services for their members, of FAO’s Office for Partnerships, including market opportunities, Advocacy and Capacity the private sector while empowering all of them: Development, explains it very According to Villarreal, “It is women, men and young people. concisely: “FAO has understood a mistake to see the private They represent a unique business that to eradicate hunger another sector only as a source of model with a social conscience. step forward is needed; it must funding. Companies tor make Food and agriculture cooperatives open up to the world and begin contributions in kind such as are important vehicles for reducing to join forces with everyone agricultural inputs and logistical poverty and creating jobs; they who is involved in our struggle. support; they offer services and contribute to socio-economic Partnerships are a vital tool for support for workers and for the development and, ultimately, to food achieving the Organization’s communities where they are security. Strategic Objectives. In doing based; they create capability in Food and agriculture cooperatives so FAO fulfils its mission to be rural communities and share are a central part of the global the world’s leading forum for knowledge and expertise. So cooperative sector in both developing discussion on the topic of food the private sector is a valuable and developed countries: 30 percent and agriculture”. source of information and of 300 of the largest cooperatives To do this in an effective know-how, which can help belong to the farming industry. They way, FAO has established FAO improve its operations in can take a variety of forms, from mechanisms to determine the food production industry small grassroots associations, to what real or potential risks are and reduce hunger around syndicates, federations and farmers’ entailed in partnering with the world”. unions. Globally, cooperatives have

234 fao 70 YEARS Bill & Melinda Gates pa rt nerships Foundation In collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, FAO is involved in a number of projects in the field of statistics and agricultural policies. Bangladesh for example, is receiving support to improve their agricultural market information systems, using innovative methods

over a billion members, many of with member states and other whom are in the farming industry. “The private stakeholders at regional and global FAO is the main body that sector plays levels. CSO’s skills and knowledge ensures that agricultural cooperatives contribute to creating policies as are recognised and have a presence a crucial role well as relevant regulatory debates. on the international agenda. in promoting FAO has worked alongside many CSOs on technical matters, on the academic institutions responsible field and in training workshops. The academic sector and research investments in In recent years, civil society centres foster critical thinking organizations have made progress and generate knowledge and agriculture” in terms of coordination, structure, innovations essential in the fight José Graziano dissemination, mobilization and against hunger and food insecurity. da Silva in their ability to be an influential The challenge now is to implement voice. FAO has given a new these advances to achieve tangible impetus to decentralization; it has results in the field. revised its strategic framework Through alliances with academic which has among its basic tasks, institutions, FAO seeks to close to facilitate agreements with the the gap between the research civil society associations in order to reduce and innovation itself and their organizations (cso) poverty and food insecurity. In implementation. This includes They play a crucial role in food all these processes, FAO has suitable agricultural policies, security and poverty reduction established mechanisms to technologies and best practices. and increasingly demonstrate ensure the impartiality of the Strategic use of knowledge can their capacity for development and Organization while maintaining increase agricultural production, implementation of projects at every its key characteristics: that of a income and food security, improving level. In recent years, civil society neutral forum for debate whose the welfare of small-scale farmers organizations have managed work is based on expertise to and their families. to create a space for dialogue improve livelihoods.

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FAO partnerships

LEFT: Queen Máxima of the Netherlands with Graziano, during the conference sponsored by Examples of partnerships with Rabobank Food First. ©FAO BELOW: Graziano and Walt MacNee, Vice President of MasterCard Worldwide. civil society and the private sector ©FAO/Alessia Pierdomenico

Rabobank MasterCard certified sustainable Agrinatura Foundation This initiative and eco-friendly. FAO and Agrinatura Small farmers’ access will benefit from The plan has been – a consortium of 31 to credit in Africa is the advantages of designed to improve the European universities improving through a each organization: incomes of Turkana’s and research centres combination of Rabobank’s MasterCard’s expertise inhabitants, reduce – have partnered to financial expertise and in payment technology social tensions between accelerate agricultural FAO’s technical know-how and FAO’s global reach the local population innovation and within its local networks. In and experience in the and the refugees, and boost cooperation Tanzania, small farmers are fight against hunger and ease the pressure on between universities supported to obtain formal malnutrition. The first the environment. and research centres loans, which enable them joint effort between these MasterCard will throughout Europe to fund and undertake partners focused on the provide its expertise and in developing food production activities, Kajuma refugee camp, in the technology and countries. Through a making their businesses in the Turkana district of a significant financial European Commission- profitable. In Kenya, loans Kenya, which is currently contribution to set up funded project, the are provided at preferential home to 170 000 refugees the enterprise, supplying partnership seeks to rates to groups of farmers who have fled the wars 1 240 host families with promote agricultural practising conservation and violence in nearby improved ovens for innovation among small farming. In Ethiopia, the countries. The camp’s charcoal production and farmers in countries in cooperative capabilities of residents will have 7 000 refugee families Asia (Bangladesh and producers and small- and prepaid cards that will with energy-efficient Laos), Africa (Angola, medium-sized enterprises enable them to buy stoves and enough credit Ethiopia, Niger and are strengthened so that charcoal produced locally to buy 25 percent of Rwanda) and Latin they can access agricultural by the host community. their annual charcoal America (Guatemala financing. This charcoal is requirements. and Honduras). Another

236 fao 70 YEARS 2013. From left to right: Rodrigo Castañeda, head of the FAO branch of associations and promotion; Nicola Farinetti (third from the left) CEO of Eataly; beside him, Graziano da Silva and next to him, Marcela Villarreal, Director of the Division of Associations, Promotion and Institutional Capacity Building FAO; and Annamaria Pastore, FAO expert. ©FAO/Giulio Napolitano 2013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Graziano da Silva and President and founder of Slow Food, Carlo Petrini, in the market of Sao José. ©FAO/Giuseppe Bizzarri

example of collaboration Eataly Slow Food commitment to it, in the academic world is The agreement In the context of the emphasising its vital with the International reached with International Years of contribution to food Institute of Social the Eataly food Quinoa, in 2013, and security and nutrition, Studies, an international marketplace sets out of Family Farming, in poverty eradication postgraduate school of various initiatives, 2014, FAO and Slow and sustainable rural social sciences of the notably the joint Food joined forces to development. From there Erasmus University. FAO mobilisation of raise global awareness FAO’s Family Farming and this institute are resources in support of of the important role Knowledge Platform conducting regional and family farmers in Africa of quinoa and family was launched, providing national case studies and Latin America. farming in sustainable the world’s largest high- in Latin America and Some of the proceeds food production and quality digital collection the Caribbean in order from the sale of certain poverty eradication. of materials related to to identify challenges products in Eataly Activities included the family farming. and opportunities to establishments will be publication Quinoa in improve the governance used in FAO projects in the Kitchen, a collection World Vision of land tenure in developing countries. of quinoa-based recipes International communities, with Eataly and FAO will from the best chefs, and In March 2014, FAO the aim of improving also share knowledge the Family Farming Expo and World Vision access to land, and educational held in June 2014. International jointly fisheries and forests activities: technical distributed 3 000 and their distribution. experts from FAO will Family Farming emergency fishing kits These studies are take part in Eataly Knowledge in Unity State, South an opportunity to activities to promote Platform Sudan, reaching around improve cooperation good practices in FAO coordinated the 9 000 people. The between various nutrition, food waste International Year of counties of Fashoda, stakeholders in order and responsible use Family Farming 2014, Manyo, Melut and Renk to protect the rights of of natural resources focusing specifically on in Upper Nile State the most vulnerable among consumers, in raising global awareness were also provided with and marginalised particular, families and of family farming and emergency farming and populations. students. encouraging a political fishing kits.

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FAO partnerships

2014. Signing of the agreement between FAO and the Thomson Reuters Foundation. ©FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto ©FAO/A. Pie r domeni c o ©FAO/A.

Thomson Reuters Foundation The agreement reached with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the 2015. Filming of the programme Scala charitable body of this Mercalli, broadcast by RAI3, at FAO’s leading global news and Sheikh Zayed Centre. Second on the left: Mario Lubetkin, Directeur de information agency, aims Cabinet in the Office of the to improve information Director- General of FAO. and raise awareness 2015, MOSCOW. The Director-General with about food and hunger. Sergei Mikhailov, CEO of TASS News Agency. ©ITAR-TASS/A. Novoderezhkin The main outcome of this agreement is a new section on the Thomson Reuters malnutrition; and access to and undertake joint TASS news Foundation’s website, food, among others. The initiatives on issues agency devoted entirely to news on agreement was signed in relating to FAO’s mission. The Russian news agency these issues. The articles July 2014. The activities currently TASS and FAO have are produced and supplied underway include agreed to work together by the Thomson Reuters EFE news agency information-sharing and to raise public awareness Foundation and made FAO and the Spanish organising interviews about food security, food freely available. The topics news agency EFE, the and reports. FAO and safety and nutrition. The include food production, most important Spanish- EFE also train journalists purpose of the agreement security, safety and waste; language agency in the in FAO’s activities and is to encourage production farming and land use; world, are partnering information related to its and circulation of Russian- undernourishment and to circulate information Strategic Objectives. language news on these

2014. National Geographic exhibition in the atrium at FAO National headquarters to celebrate World Geographic Society Food Day. Under this partnership, in 2014 the National Geographic published a monthly series on food-related topics. The series brought together in the publication The

©FAO/G. Ca r oten u to ©FAO/G. Future of Food, food security issues such as Sheikh Zayed Centre (IFAJ) is an independent the sustainability of to film a series of live non-profit organization resources, food waste, educational programmes. based in Arnhem land grabbing, drought, Given a prime-time slot (Netherlands) which soil and the evolution on Saturday evenings has over 3 000 affiliated of eating habits. The on the RAI3 channel, journalists from 32 series of reports was the consisted of talks covering national associations. subject of an exhibition and other related issues topics such as climate These journalists cover a at FAO headquarters. such as agriculture, fisheries, change, pollution, thawing wide range of topics, from National Geographic forestry, climate change and glaciers, land grabbing, agricultural markets and and FAO have also sustainable development. fracking and recycling. The rural development policies partnered to organise TASS has been Russia’s programme was based on to biofuels and sustainable round tables and a leading news agency since FAO data and research, production, nutrition, and ‘hackathon’ (a software 1904. It has 70 centres and and it highlighted the the challenge of feeding a development marathon) regional offices in Russia Organization’s projects in growing population. FAO in which scientists, and 68 decentralised offices various countries through and IFAJ have joined forces journalists and in 63 countries. images and interviews both to improve the exchange programmers developed in the field and at FAO of agricultural information applications and tools Radiotelevisione headquarters. around the globe and to find solutions to feed italiana (RAI) raise the profile of FAO’s the planet, exploring Early in 2015, the Italian Federation of activities in specialised FAO’s extensive public broadcasting Agricultural agricultural media databases of information company RAI agreed Journalists worldwide. The agreement on the distribution, with FAO to use the The International also includes joint events transportation, cost and Organization’s multimedia Federation of and an FAO news section environmental legacy of conference room, the Agricultural Journalists on the IFAJ website. food in the last 50 years.

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FAO Communications

Communications The importance of the message Communication and raising awareness are at the heart of what FAO does. They are essential to the Organization’s mission.

For this task FAO has a team of professionals whose role it is to get the Organization’s message out to a vast global audience comprising governments of member countries and their agricultural experts, the scientific community, the media and the general public. To communicate FAO’s message to so many different audiences, a complex set of communication tools is utilised: keeping the website up-to-date; preparing press releases; producing and distributing audio and video content, photographs and infographics; keeping the Enrique Yeves, Director of Communications social media up-to-date ( FAO at FAO and is active on Facebook, Twitter, Vanessa Curcio of the Communications Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram, Division. ©FAO Pinterest, SlideShare, YouTube and Flikr); producing technical and educational publications; that is a central feature of not just globally but also locally. and coordinating interviews today’s FAO, the effectiveness The communications teams in with FAO technical experts and and credibility of the message the regional, sub-regional and others, are just some examples. depends to a large extent on local offices are key parts of In the context of decentralisation FAO’s ability to communicate the system.

240 fao 70 YEARS 2013. Liliane Kambirigi interviews Mamadou Dekamo Kamara, Ambassador of the Congo to Italy and FAO. ©FAO/Giulio Napolitano

2015. From left to right: Jomo K. Sundaram (FAO), Stanlake Samkange (WFP), José Graziano da Silva, and Josefina Stubbs (IFAD), during the launch of the latest edition of the State of Food Insecurity in the World. ©FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto

The photo archive contains some 75 000 images about food and agriculture. It is updated daily and is freely available online for media worldwide.

the newsroom A team of journalists and communications professionals translates technical knowledge into accessible language and manages press relations all over the world. The team publishes press releases in at least the six FAO official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic) and these usually include links, photos, videos and audio. As a result, each year over 20 000 articles are published in media worldwide, citing information or statements from FAO experts. photography Managing the photographic archive so that it can be accessed by users all over the world is just part of the work carried out by the FAO photography team, which also cover events taking place at FAO headquarters (technical meetings, presentations and visits from representatives from all over the world) and activities in the

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field. The photo archive contains some 75 000 images on food and agriculture. It is updated daily and is freely available online.

radio Radio is one of the most accessible and immediate sources of information for people around the globe,, including in rural areas where FAO’s work has the most direct impact. Against this background, FAO produces hundreds of recordings each year, making them available to radio stations across the five continents. At the same time FAO technical experts frequently liaise with journalists everywhere. This room hosts part of The radio archive includes the team of the corporate almost 2 000 recordings of communication office of FAO. Pictured from left to international leaders and experts right: Daniele De Mitri, who have visited FAO and Beatriz Beeckmans and Muriel Sarr. shared their experience and recommendations for moving towards a hunger-free world. The oldest recording dates back to 7 June 1943, when US Equipped with the latest President Franklin D. Roosevelt The technology, including high- addressed the United Nations photographic definition TV studios, the Conference on Food. archive video department facilitates and conducts interviews with video contains more FAO experts, supplies images A team of TV camera operators than 75 000 to the media, provides video and reporters works at FAO coverage of projects in the headquarters in Rome, and all images. It is field, records and broadcasts over the world to shoot, process, updated daily major events, and manages the store and relay images of FAO video archive. The two oldest projects, programmes and their and is available videos among the thousands beneficiaries, contributing to free- of-charge that make up the FAO archive circulating knowledge about the to everyone. are the British documentaries Organization’s work to audiences directed by Paul Rotha: the worldwide. 1948 Oscar-nominated The

242 fao 70 YEARS The FAO video team interviewing a farmer in Lesotho on the effects of climate change on local farming. B o r ja M ig u elez

and tell us about how in the past he used to World is Rich, and A World of Notes from an FAO wander the mountain paths day and night. Plenty (1943), which examine filming mission Then he recalls how agriculture has changed the situation and prospects for to Lesotho since he was a boy. “The whole family world food distribution at the was involved in working the land and we time. In addition to focusing on Boudicca Downes, the FAO video could live on what we harvested, but now the hunger and poverty that hit coordinator, tells us about one of the most the yield is poor,” he reflects. “The problem recent documentaries produced by FAO in of the torrential rains and dry spells started Europe after World War II, the Lesotho, on the effects of climate change on recently. A few years ago we had the worst two documentaries explain the local farming. period of drought ever seen, followed by challenges of the developing The average life expectancy in this area floods that made it impossible for us to work world and the motivation is 52 years. Rammitsane Matela is 90 and the land”. The only question he is unable to behind the founding of FAO. lives in a remote area in the northern plains. answer is how many grandchildren and great- They include scenes from Wrapped in a traditional wool blanket, has grandchildren he has. early meetings and an interview sitting in front of a thatched hut, with his great- After a heated discussion and repeated grandchildren. We ask Rammitsane about attempts to count all of his family members with the Organization’s the effects of climate change on farming in on his fingers, he gets to 50 and gives up. first Director-General, John Lesotho, but like almost everyone his age, “There are too many to count,” says one of Boyd Orr. he wants to talk about his health problems his ten children shrugging his shoulders.

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FAO Communications publications Every year more than 400 books are published. They are available free-of-charge from FAO’s digital archives.

The Flagship publications are the most important publications on the state of world agriculture, commodities, fisheries, forestry and food insecurity, produced annually or every two years by FAO. They represent a global reference of technical knowledge, statistics and emerging issues. Technical and educational publications provide an alternative perspective on critical world issues for readers of all ages. FAO is increasing its scope and range of publications in e-book formats. The e-book formats allow greater access to FAO publications, helping deliver FAO knowledge to a wider audience. fao’s online archive for digital copies provides access free-of- charge to the Organization’s vast knowledge base to ensure that all publications are available to the widest possible audience. It contains 65 000 publications, journals, official meeting documents, technical reports and information materials produced by FAO offices worldwide. The FAO publications are also available in QR card format, or cards that have a bar code on the back. The code allows easy and immediate access to the entire publication by a QR code reader, with which you can download in pdf format.

244 fao 70 YEARS WEBsite and social media A virtual dialogue with millions of followers around the globe.

Millions of users worldwide access with issues relating to farming, the FAO website regularly to read food, fisheries, forestry and news, find statistical data, read animal health. The Organization information about projects, consult produces a considerable amount of technical documents and view information and unique expertise infographics. FAO’s website dates in diverse technical fields. Access to back to 1994. At that time, it was this data is extremely important for an innovative and experimental both the agricultural institutions of initiative from the Technology and member states as for universities, General Information Departments. researchers, journalists, and the By mid-1996, the website covered general public. most of the Organization’s The website is available in the technical areas. Today, www.fao.org six official languages of FAO is the leading reference source for (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, anyone wanting to keep up-to-date Chinese and Russian).

FAO UP CLOSE

WHICH THEMES RECEIVE THE MOST VISITS?

1. SOILS 2. ZERO HUNGER CHALLENGE 3. FOOD LOSSES 4. SOCIAL PROTECTION Facebook: More than FAONearEast, FAOnoticias, YouTube: 2 channels: 5. CLIMATE CHANGE FAOoftheUN and FAOvideo 600 000 followers. FAOstatistics, FAOanimalhealth, 6. CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE FAO4Members, Slideshare Twitter: More than 400 000 7. NUTRITION followers. FAOFSNforum. Pinterest 8. SCHOOL GARDENS Accounts: FAOKnowledge, LinkedIn: More than 75 000 2 accounts on Flickr: 9. FAMILY FARMING FAOnews, FAOforestry, followers. FAOnews and FAOoftheUN FAOAfrica, FAOclimate, Instagram: More than 7 000 Soundcloud: More than 10. CHILD LABOUR FAOemergencies, FAOfish, followers. 250 audio tracks. 11. BIODIVERSITY

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FAO Communications 10 things you wouldn’t expect to find when you browse FAO website

4. E-learning centre Are you an agriculture and food security professional? A student? The courses cover a wide variety of topics in the fields of food and nutritional security, social and economic development, and sustainable management of natural resources. Browse the catalogue of courses to see the full range available: http://www.fao.org/ elearning/#/elc/en/home

5. Themes Do you want to know FAO’s priorities in the fight against hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty? Explore the areas and themes covered here: http://www.fao.org/themes/ en/ Discover FAO’s Strategic 1. Infographics 3. Offices around Objectives: Did you know that 12 kg of the world http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/ bananas per person are eaten In addition to its headquarters in mg994s/mg994s.pdf https:// each year? What does the world Rome (Italy), FAO has an extensive youtu.be/-pFi23tFJ6s eat? How much water is needed to decentralised network of Regional produce... a hamburger? Offices, Subregional Offices, 6. FAO in action Country Representations and Liaison Do you want to know what FAO 2. FAO webcast Offices. Do you want to know does to free the world of hunger and You can watch the events held at where there is an office near you? poverty? Discover our programmes FAO headquarters live: http://www.fao.org/about/who- and projects here: http://www.fao. www.fao.org/webcast we-are/worldwide-offices/en/ org/in-action/en/

246 fao 70 YEARS 7. FAOSTAT 8. FAO e-book 10. Educational Find your statistical data by collection materials for children exploring the FAOSTAT data If you work or are interested Learn more about domains. With a single click you in international development, soils through can view, download, analyse and familiarising yourself with the latest our educational compare data, as well as explore e-books on the subject can be booklets aimed country profiles with interactive a real challenge. From organic at children maps. www.fao.org/resources/ agriculture and livestock management aged 5 to 13 infographics/en/ to advances in food security and years old. An nutrition, we recommend seven educator’s guide e-books on nutrition and food security is also available for teachers. in 2015. http://www.fao.org/zhc/ http://www.fao.org/soils-2015/ detail-events/en/c/320005/ resources/educational/en/

9. Video and audio Search our catalogue by theme, from 1941. In the last episode of The Hungry Planet, FAO travels to Honduras to examine the state of food security in the growing melon industry, IFAD examines the situation of migrant workers in Europe who send money home, and a WFP reporter interviews an Ebola survivor. http://www.fao.org/news/audio- video/detail-video/es/?dyna_ fef[uid]=11258&uid=11258

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FAO Communications FAO AMBASSADORS AND FRIENDS Well-known figures in the world of sport and entertainment have collaborated with the various FAO programmes in recent decades in order to raise awareness among the general public about hunger related issues.

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©FAO/Cris Bouroncle/Giulio Napolitano/Roberto Cenciarelli/ Alessandra Benedetti/Thony Belizaire/ Goh Chai Hin/ Simone Casetta

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12 13 1. Italian football legend Roberto Baggio. 2. Actress and FAO Goodwill Ambassador Susan Sarandon 3. FAO Goodwill Ambasador Carl Lewis visiting Haiti one year after the 2010 earthquake and helping school children in Leogane plant fruit trees in a school garden. 4. Fashion designer and FAO Goodwill Ambassador Pierre Cardin. 5. Olympic and world champion fencer and YUNGA Ambassador Valentina Vezzali. 6. Miss Italia 1996 Denny Méndez. 7. Singer Lea Salonga. 8. Actress and FAO Goodwill Ambassador Gong Li. 9. Jazz musician and vocalist Gilberto Gil. 10. FAO Goodwill Ambassador singer Al Bano, singer Maria Abela, presenter Lorena Bianchetti and FAO Goodwill Ambassador actress Gina Lollobrigida (Italy). 11. 14 15 Lionel Messi in Match Day Against Hunger. 12. Bulgarian football star Hristo Stoitchkov visiting a rural village of people affected by the 2010 food crisis in the Sahel. 13. Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti and Alberto II of Monaco. 14. FAO Goodwill Ambassador musician Chucho Valdés. 15. FAO Goodwill Ambassador Carla Fracci (L) pictured with Rita Levi Montalcini.

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16 17

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20 21 16. FAO Goodwill Ambassador Jeremy Irons meeting the press. World Food Day Ceremony, FAO headquarters (Plenary Hall). 17. III Match Day Against Hunger, Gonzalo Higuaín and Cristiano Ronaldo.18. Musical Performance by FAO Goodwill Ambassador Noa during the World Food Day Ceremony. 19. FAO Goodwill Ambassador Indonesian singer Anggun. 20. FAO Goodwill Ambassador footballer Raul Gonzalez playing football with two teams from the Farcha Football 22 Center during a visit to Chad in support of joint efforts of FAO and the European Commission to help enable the most affected populations of the Sahel crisis feed themselves again. 21. FAO Goodwill Ambassador, Patrick Vieira talking about Football Against Hunger at the Soccerex European Forum. 22. Italian actor FAO Goodwill Ambassador Raoul Bova addressing the Plenary on the occasion of the World Food Day Ceremony.

250 fao 70 YEARS outreach AND PROMOTION CAMPAIGNS Mobilizing the support of society as a whole.

“WE MUST ALL WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS THE COMMON GOAL OF ELIMINATING HUNGER” José Graziano da Silva

The sum of individual gestures 3 to achieve a common aim. At first glance, a song performed by a singer from Singapore and a football player kicking a ball in a remote village in Chad have absolutely nothing in common. It is even more difficult to find a link between a race 2 that passes by Rome’s Coliseum, a message from a Hollywood actor and 5 a donation to a small rabbit-breeding project in Kenya. Yet, for FAO, every gesture, every voluntary act, every donation make a contribution to the fight against hunger and malnutrition. This is why, over the years, the 4 Organization has implemented different campaigns to raise 1. 2014, Rome. to create school the campaign against funds and awareness awareness, promote this vital RUN FOR FOOD gardens, farms and hunger. on the issue of hunger through Rome’s vegetable gardens in in the world. cause and raise funds with the 4. 2008, Rome. historical centre. the region. Representatives 5. 2011, Vietnam. collaboration of all those people and 2. Monte Coca, 3. The journalist, Sara of the European FAO Telefood groups that understand that each Dominican Carbonero football leagues and project for small- Republic. FAO pictured in Elle FAO launched a scale breeding of single person has a role to play in the Telefood Project España magazine in campaign to raise freshwater fish. fight for a world without hunger.

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FAO Communications WORLD FOOD DAY Every year, 16 October marks the celebration of World Food Day in honor of the date on which FAO was founded. The aim is to raise awareness among governments and the public about the nature and scale of the world food problem and involve them in the fight against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. In the picture: all the posters from the first World Day in 1981 until 2015.

252 fao 70 YEARS INTERNATIONAL YEARS The UN General Assembly declared “International Year of Soils 2015 ‘with the aim of raising awareness and understanding of the importance of soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions. The following year has been declared 2016 ‘The International Year of pulses’ and previously it was the International Year of Family Farming (2014); Quinoa (2013); Forests (2011); Natural Fibres (2009); Deserts and Desertification (2006); Rice (2004), Freshwater (2003) and Mountains (2002).

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FAO Communications

THE UN AT MILAN EXPO 2015 “The Zero Hunger Challenge. United for a sustainable world” was the theme of the UN’s participation in numerous areas of the Milan Expo site. The message to the public was that, if we work together, we can end hunger in this lifetime.

The UN Itinerary linked a series of exhibits around the Milan Expo site based on the theme “The Zero Hunger Challenge. United for a sustainable world”. Instead of a single pavilion, for the first time in the history of universal expositions, the UN had a horizontal presence with content spreading from Pavilion Zero to a UN Garden and 18 UN spaces in Expo’s main thematic areas. Easily recognizable by their giant blue spoons, the 18 multimedia installations demonstrated how the UN System fights hunger on a daily basis and invited visitors to join the Zero Hunger Challenge.

Milan Expo 2015 aimed at contributing to the coffee and many others making up another debate on nutrition and educating the public 30 pavilions. The UN participation at Expo about global food issues. Fifty-three of the 145 was led by FAO, the International Fund for participating countries had their own pavilions Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the capturing their interpretation of the theme World Food Programme (WFP), which together “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, and the collected multimedia material from over 20 UN countries’ contribution to gastronomy, food agencies. The Zero Pavilion illustrates the five innovation and sustainability. The remaining elements of the Zero Hunger Challenge, as well countries were grouped in thematic pavilions as the themes of women’s empowerment and or clusters based on production: rice, maize, gender equality.

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3 4 1. The Zero Pavilion 5. FAO Director-General representing FAO and the José Graziano da Silva other UN agencies. 2. The with the Directeur de UN Secretary-General, Cabinet, Mario Lubetkin Ban Ki-moon with the and the UN-Expo Project then Italian Minister of Coordinator Clara Velez- Foreign Affairs, Federica Fraga in the Containers Room, Pavilion Zero. Mogherini, and the 6. The core message of Commissioner of the the UN presence at Milan Government of Italy Expo on Pavilion Zero’s for Expo Milan 2015, Digital Wall: “Ending Giuseppe Sala. 3. Over hunger is everyone’s 19 000 students have responsibility. All of us participated in the School have a role to play, even Project – Expo Milan. through the commitment to 4. The United Nations change simple day-to-day garden at Expo. actions or decisions.”

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粮农组织章程序言 PREAMBULE PREAMBLE DE L’ACTE CONSTITUTIF DE LA FAO to the constitution of fao

LES ETATS QUI ADHERENT AU PRESENT ACTE. The Nations accepting this Constitution, 接受本章程的国家为了下述宗旨： RESOLUS A DEVELOPPER LE BIEN-ETRE GENERAL being determined to promote the common PAR UNE ACTION welfare by furthering separate and LES ETATS QUI ADHERENT AU PRESENT ACTE, collective action on their part for the 提高它们各自管辖下的人民的营养 RESOLUS A DEVELOPPER LE BIEN-ETRE GENERAL purposes of: PAR UNE ACTION PARTICULIERE ET COLLECTIVE, 水平和生活标准； AFIN: raising levels of nutrition and standards D’ELEVER LE NIVEAU DE NUTRITION ET LES of living of the peoples under their 改进一切粮农产品的生产和分配的 CONDITIONS DE VIE DES POPULATIONS PLACEES respective jurisdictions. SOUS LEUR JURIDICTION RESPECTIVE; 效率； securing improvements in the efficiency D’AMELIORER LE RENDEMENT DE LA PRODUCTION of the production and distribution of all ET L’EFFICACITE DE LA REPARTITION DE TOUS LES food and agricultural products, 改善农村人口的状况； PRODUITS ALIMENTAIRES ET AGRICOLES; D’AMELIORER LA CONDITION DES POPULATIONS bettering the condition of rural 从而促进世界经济的发展； RURALES, populations, ET DE CONTRIBUER AINSI A L’EXPANSION DE and thus contributing toward an expanding 决心加强它们分别的和集体的行动 L’ECONOMIE MONDIALE world economy, CONSTITUENT PAR LES PRESENTES L’ORGANISATION 以提高共同福利，为此建立联合国 hereby establish the Food and Agriculture DES NATIONS UNIES POUR L’ALIMENTATION ET 粮食及农业组织。各成员将通过本 L’AGRICULTURE, PAR L’INTERMEDIAIRE DE LAQUELLE Organization of the United Nations, LES MEMBRES SE TIENDRONT MUTUELLEMENT through which the Members will report 组织彼此报告在上述行动范围内所 INFORMES DES MESURES PRISES ET DES PROGRES to one another on the measures taken ACCOMPLIS DANS LES CHAMPS D’ACTIVITE and the progress achieved in the fields of 采取的措施和取得的进展。 ENONCES CI-DESSUS. action set forth above. 2015 1945

Preámbulo ПРЕАМБУЛА ةجابيد a la constitución de la fao УСТАВА ФАО ةعارزلاو ةيذغألا ةمظنم روتسد ,Los Estados que aceptan esta Constitución Принимая настоящий Устав, государства ديطوت ىلع مزعلا تدقع دقو ،روتسدلا اذهل ةرقملا ممألا نإ decididos a fomentar el bienestar general преисполненные решимости содействовать ااابباج ام عاامجلاو يدرفلا لمعلا معدب ةكرتشملا ةيهافرلا intensificando por su parte la acción достижению всеобщего благосостояния путем individual y colectiva a los fines de: принятия с их стороны самостоятельных и :لجأل коллективных мер в целях: elevar los niveles de nutrición y vida de ةيالول ةعضاخلا بوعشلل ةشيعملاو ةيذغتلا تايوتسم عفر los pueblos bajo su respectiva jurisdicción. повышения качества питания и уровня ؛اانم لك жизни людей в рамках их соответствующих ةيعارزلاو ةيئاذغلا تاجتنملا عيمج جاتبا ةءافك نيسحتو ;mejorar el rendimiento de la producción юрисдикций ؛ااعيزوتو y la eficacia de la distribución de todos обеспечения роста эффективности los alimentos y productos alimenticios y производства и распределения всех ؛فيرلا لهأ ةلاحب ضوانلاو agrícolas, продовольственных и сельскохозяйственных ريرحت مضتو عسوم ملاع داصتقا قلخ يف ماست كلذبو ;mejorar las condiciones de la población продуктов ؛عوجلا م ةيرشبلا ;rural, улучшения положения сельского населения راشملا ”ةدحتملا ممألل ةعارزلاو ةيذغألا ةمظنم“ اذاب ئشنت y contribuir así a la expansión de la и содействия тем самым росту мировой اااقيرط اع راطخي الا ،” ةامظنملا“ افلب داعب ااميف اايلا ;economía mundial, экономики م ققحتي امو ،ريبادت م ذختي امب اضعب ماضعب ءاضعألا constituyen por la presente la Organización настоящим учреждают Продовольственную .”قبس اميف ةنيبملا لمعلا يدايم يف مدقت de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura и сельскохозяйственную организацию ةجابيدلا تلّدع ةمظنملا ءاشبإل يرشعلا ديعلا ةبسانمبو y laAlimentación, por cuyo conducto los Объединенных Наций, в дальнейшем ةامظنملا تاطااشب فالتخمل ئاانلا فدهلا نأ ىلع صنلا ايمسر Miembros se informarán recíprocamente именуемую “Организация”, через которую sobre las disposiciones que adopten y члены будут отчитываться друг перед другом : لي امك لدعملا صنلا حبصأف عوجلا م االك ةيرشبلا ريرحت وه el progreso logrado en los campos de о принятых мерах и достигнутом прогрессе в ريرحت نامضو عسوم ملاع داصتقا قلخ يف مهاست مث مو“ .actividades enunciados anteriormente. упомянутой выше области .”عوجلا م ةيرشبلا 2015

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ISBN 978-92-5-108970-5

9 789251 089705

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