RAP PUBLICATION 2004/26

BiodiversityBiodiversity forfor foodfood securitysecurity

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS REGIONAL OFFICE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Bangkok, 2004 The designation and presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agricul- ture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this informa- tion product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for sale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to the Meetings and Publications Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Maliwan Mansion, 39 Phra Atit Road, Bangkok 10200,

© FAO 2004

Photo credits: Cover – 1-Kesara Aotarayakul, 2-6 FAO Biodiversity dvd, 7-FAO/Bizzarri, 8-FAO, 9-FAO Biodiversity dvd,10-FAO, 11-FAO/Ch. Errath, 12-13-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 14-FAO/G. Bizzarri, 15-FAO/Peyton Johnson, 16-Jin Yanzheng, 17-FAO/J. Villamora, 18-FAO Biodiversity dvd,19-FAO/L. De Matteis, 20-FAO/R. Faidutti, 21-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 22-Kruen Kienchun, 23- USDA, 24-FAO/Peyton Johnson. Page 1 – Deutschlands Flora in Abbildungen by Jacob Sturm. Page 2 – 1-FAO/Ch. Errath, 2-FAO/G. Bizzarri, 3-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 4-Kesara Aotarayakul, 5-7-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 8-Köhlers Medizinal-Pflanzen in naturgetreuen Abbildungen und kurz erläuterndem Texte, 9-FAO. Page 3 – 1-FAO/J. Isaac, 2-FAO, 3-4-Köhlers Medizinal-Pflanzen in naturgetreuen Abbildungen und kurz erläuterndem Texte. Page 4 – FAO/Prayoon Amaree. Page 5 – 1-FAO/Prayoon Amaree, 2-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 2-FAO/G. Blaak, 3-FAO/H. Wagner. Page 6 – FAO/L. De Matteis. Page 7 – 1-FAO/Prayoon Amaree, 2-FAO/G. Bizzarri, 3-4-USDA. Page 8 – USDA. Page 9 – 1-Jitraporn Kijpuempoon, 2-FAO/ Peyton Johnson, 3-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 4-FAO/G. Bizzarri. Page 10 – 1-2-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 3-H. Wagner, 4-7-FAO/Peyton Johnson, 8-9-FAO/Prayoon Amaree. Page 11 – 1-USDA, 2-FAO, 3-4-USDA. Page 14 – FAO/Prayoon Amaree. Page 15 – 1-FAO/Prayoon Amaree, 2-FAO, 3-FAO/Prayoon Amaree, 4-FAO/Peyton Johnson, 5-FAO, 6-USDA. Page 16 – 1-FAO/ Prayoon Amaree, 2-M. Kashio, 3-FAO/Prayoon Amaree, 4-FAO/Peyton Johnson, 5-Apinya Petcharat, 7-FAO. Page 17 – 1-FAO, 2-3-FAO/Prayoon Amaree, 4-FAO Biodiversity dvd, 5- FAO/Peyton Johnson, 6-FAO/Prayoon Amaree.

For copies write to: Diderik de Vleeschauwer Information Officer FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Maliwan Mansion, 39 Phra Atit Road Bangkok 10200 THAILAND Tel: (+66) 2 697 4000 Fax: (+66) 2 697 4445 E-mail: [email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

World Food Day theme 2

Address by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 4

Message of the FAO Director-General 6

Statement by He Changchui, Assistant Director-General 7 and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific

Keynote speech on Biodiversity, genetic diversity and food security 10 by Jim Peacock

Model farmers - awards for outstanding achievements 14

Network of networks 18

Annexes

Annex1 Media coverage 22

Annex2 List of guests 25

Annex3 Organizing secretariat 27

Annex4 Publications distributed 28

1 Place Biodiversity for food security Artwork Here

Biological diversity is fundamental Place 2004 to agriculture and food production. Artwork People rely on the variety of food, Here World Food shelter, and goods for their liveli- hood. Yet, humans put increasing Day/ pressure on species and their environments. As a result, many TeleFood plants and animals are at risk, as Place Each year on 16 October, the well as essential natural processes Artwork theme such as pollination by insects and Here Food and Agriculture Organiza- the regeneration of soils by micro- tion of the United Nations cel- organisms.

ebrates World Food Day in To feed a growing population, commemoration of its founding on agriculture must provide more food. Place It will also be essential to increase Artwork that day in 1945. The World its resilience by protecting a wide Here Food Day theme and TeleFood array of life forms with unique traits, campaign for 2004, "Biodiversity such as plants that survive drought or livestock that reproduce in harsh for food security", pay tribute to conditions. Sustainable agricultural biodiversity's role in ensuring that practices can both feed people and Place protect the oceans, forests, prairies Artwork people have sustainable access to and other ecosystems that harbour Here enough high-quality food to lead biological diversity.

active and healthy lives. A rich variety of cultivated plants and domesticated animals are the foundation for agricultural Place biodiversity. Yet people depend on Artwork just 14 mammal and bird species Here Place for 90 percent of their food supply from animals. And just four species Artwork - wheat, maize, rice and potato - provide half of our energy from Place Here plants. Artwork Apart from the absolute number of Here species, it is also essential to conserve genetic diversity within each species. Modern agriculture has encouraged many farmers to adopt uniform high-yielding types of plant or animal. But when food producers abandon diversity, varieties and breeds may die out – along with specialized traits. This rapidly diminishing gene pool worries experts. Having a broad Place Artwork Here range of unique characteristics allows plants and animals to be bred to meet changing conditions, while giving scientists the raw materials they need to develop more productive and resilient crop varieties and breeds.

2 FAO estimates that about three- quarters of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops have been lost over the last century. And of 6 300 animal breeds, 1 350 are endan- gered or already extinct. Global efforts to conserve plants and Place animals in gene banks, botanical gardens and zoos are vital. But an equally important task is to maintain Artwork biodiversity on farms and in nature, where it can evolve and adapt to Here changing conditions or competition with other species. As custodians of the world's biodiversity, farmers can develop and maintain local plants and trees and reproduce indig- enous animals, ensuring their survival.

Since the birth of agriculture 10 000 years ago, farmers, fishermen, pastoralists and forest dwellers have been managing genetic diversity by selecting plants and animals to meet environmental conditions and food needs. Farm- Rather than a single crop variety ers everywhere possess priceless that guarantees a high yield, local knowledge, including a highly- farmers in developing countries are tuned sense of how to match the more likely to need an assortment right variety or breed with a particu- of crops that grow well in harsh lar agricultural ecosystem. climates, or animals with resis- Conserving biodiversity for agricul- tance to disease. For the poorest ture will require efforts on many farmers, the diversity of life may be fronts including measures to their best protection against preserve the environment, better starvation. Consumers also benefit education, increased research and from diversity through a wide choice government support. FAO will of plants and animals. This contrib- continue to count on the collabora- utes to a nutritious diet, particularly tion of its partners, including other important for rural communities with international organizations; re- limited access to markets. search, trade and policy institutes; grassroots community groups, the More than 40 percent of the land's public and consumers. surface is used for agriculture, placing a large responsibility on Place More than 840 million people farmers to protect biodiversity. By remain hungry around the world using appropriate techniques like Artwork and still more suffer from micronu- no-tillage agriculture, reduced use trient deficiencies. Global efforts of pesticide, organic agriculture and Here have so far been insufficient to crop rotation, farmers maintain the reach the World Food Summit and fragile balance with the surrounding related Millennium Development ecosystems. With plants, animals Goal of reducing the number of and their environments intact, a hungry by half by 2015. Biodiversity range of essential natural pro- is a key ally in fighting malnutrition. cesses is preserved. Livestock, Its protection is something we insects, fungi and micro-organisms cannot afford to forget. decompose organic matter, transferring nutrients to the soil. Bees, butterflies, birds and bats Place pollinate fruit trees. Swamps and Artwork marshes filter out pollutants. Forests prevent flooding and reduce Here erosion. And natural predators keep the growth of any one species in check.

3 Address by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

It is a great pleasure for me to join biodiversity issues have seemingly all of you again on World Food Day been neglected. at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. We also recognize the valuable technical support and policy advice In our turbulent world of today, we provided by the FAO to member face many challenges in various countries in management and important areas in order to secure utilization of natural resources for the well-being of the people and increasing agricultural production, other living creatures on this planet. rural development and food security. In this context, biodiversity plays a Its contributions in these fields are key role in sustainable development well known and recognized. and poverty alleviation. As we all know, the poor, especially in rural It is critical that we understand that areas, depend on biodiversity for biodiversity is interlinked with food, fuel, shelter, medicines and poverty alleviation and food security. livelihood. We depend on Without biodiversity there is no biodiversity and its ecosystem sustainable development, poverty services such as air and water alleviation and food security, and purification, soil protection, disease without sustainable development control and reduced vulnerability to we cannot possibly hope to con- natural disasters. The selection of serve or sustainably use our natural Biodiversity for food security as the resources. In the developing world, theme for World Food Day celebra- more than 1.2 billion people tions this year recognizes and currently live below the international emphasizes the importance of poverty line, earning less than US$1 protection and sustainable man- per day. Among the poor, many agement of biodiversity for allevia- have problems obtaining adequate, tion of poverty and enhancing food nutritious food for themselves and security. their families. It is alarming to note that hunger and malnutrition claims FAO has been instrumental in 10 million lives ever year, one life initiating a number of international every 5 seconds. Six million agreements to conserve biodiversity children under 5 die every year from and to ensure that the resources hunger. are sustainably used, and the benefits from their use are equitably Addressing these issues needs an distributed. We recognize the integrated approach. There is no pivotal role of biodiversity but single set of recommendations for improved sustainable management of biodiversity, soil and water resources for increased food production applicable for the diverse agricultural environments and economic conditions. There- fore, it is important to identify most appropriate and costs effective technologies considering local agro-ecological and socio-eco- nomic conditions.

In this regard, let me share with you some of our experience in the implementation of the Royal Development Project to conserve natural resources and increase agricultural production. At present, Thailand's forest cover has dwindled to only 25 per cent,

4 dry season crops and to promote fisheries. After the successful establishment of the "Demonstra- tion Center" at Wat Mongkhol Chai Pattana, farmers in all parts of the country have adopted this technique and have shown promising results. In all these works, His Majesty has promoted environmentally friendly techniques and efficient manage- ment of locally available resources for increasing agricultural productiv- ity and food security. It is also important to note that several government departments, national and international agencies are working together in the implementa- tion of these activities.

The importance of conservation and management of biodiversity for food security in a sustainable manner, considering the increasing popula- tion, degrading natural resources such as land and water, cannot be overlooked. The main task ahead is to translate into quantifiable estimated at about 80 million rai, of results the political commitment the country's total land area. As you and recognition of the importance of know, forests are among the most biodiversity for food security. The important repositories of terrestrial main factors resulting in degrada- biological diversity. Forests provide tion of biodiversity need to be a wide array of goods and services. identified and conservation prac- Forest trees and shrubs play a vital tices appropriate for local condi- role in the daily life of rural commu- tions should be implemented. This nities as source of timber, fuel will require the involvement of all wood, fodder, essential oils, sectors at both national and pharmaceuticals and contributors to international levels. The govern- soil and water conservation. ment should integrate biodiversity Alarmed over the rate of deforesta- considerations into social and tion, His Majesty the King initiated a economic development policies forest rehabilitation programme in and programmes. 1960 and currently a number of successful agro-forestry and I join you all in congratulating FAO reforestation projects integrating on this auspicious day for its trees for fruits, timber and fuel wood achievements and offer Thailand's is in progress providing a range of good wishes and full-hearted benefits to the rural communities in support to the World Food Day many provinces such as Chiang theme. I am confident that FAO will Rai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, continue to receive similar support Kanchanaburti, Songkhla and from other Asia-Pacific countries in Pattani. realizing the collective mission of conserving biodiversity for ensuring The origin of His Majesty's "New food security for all our citizens. Theory" is another good example for conservation and management of Thank you. biodiversity and other available natural resources for enhancing food security. The main purpose of this theory is to support small Place landholders to increase farm income and food production Artwork through appropriate division and Here utilization of land to grow a range of crops such as rice and horticultural crops, and establishment of farm ponds for rain water harvesting for

5 Message of the FAO Director-General

Biodiversity for food security, the Furthermore, a Global Crop Diver- theme of this year's World Food Day, sity Trust is being established to reflects our planet's richness and strengthen the capacity of develop- the key to ending hunger that this ing countries to preserve agricul- great diversity represents. Biodiversity for food tural biodiversity and maintain comprehensive gene banks. However, the world's biodiversity is security Increasingly, consumers are also under threat and this could severely demanding more diverse produce, compromise global food security. thus recognizing the value of FAO estimates that about three- biodiversity. quarters of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops have been lost Even though llivestock is making an over the last century. As a conse- much of the developing world, the increasingly significant contribution quence, the food supply becomes conservation and use of plant to food security and rural develop- more vulnerable, there are less genetic resources have always ment, animal genetic diversity is opportunities for growth and been and remain the responsibility also rapidly eroding. Of the 6 300 innovation in agriculture and less of women. known animal breeds, 1 350 are capacity for agriculture to adapt to endangered or already extinct. environmental changes, such as In the past, the contributions made global warming, or to the appear- by farmers in the developing world Forests are among the world's most ance of new pests and diseases. towards the preservation of agricul- important repositories of biological tural biodiversity have not been diversity but their cover is decreas- As they have done throughout properly appreciated. Today, ing at an alarming rate. Forests history, small-scale farmers and however, their rights have been provide food for families and herders are protecting and increas- recognized and incorporated into livestock, energy in the form of fuel ing the world's stock of genetic the Treaty on Plant Genetic Re- wood and various products such as resources. By so doing, they are sources for Food and Agriculture, essential oils, gums, resins and making an especially important which entered into force in June this latex, and medicines and pharma- contribution to food security. year. The Treaty is a binding ceuticals, which contribute to the international instrument that: diversification of the local economy. Many rural families in developing z secures the conservation and countries cannot find a sufficient sustainable utilization of the world's Biodiversity in the world's oceans, variety of nutritious food in their local agricultural genetic diversity; lakes and rivers also plays a vital markets or are simply too poor to z guarantees that farmers and role in food security and rural purchase them. Because of this, breeders have access to the livelihoods. However, it is being they must make the best use of genetic materials they need; and threatened by over-fishing, environ- indigenous plant varieties and z ensures that farmers receive a mentally damaging fishing prac- animal breeds. In this regard, the fair and equitable share of the tices, the introduction of alien fundamental role played by women benefits derived from their work. species and habitat destruction. farmers must be emphasized. In Preserving biodiversity also means protecting different types of ecosys- tems, including those where are living insects, bacteria, microbes, fungi and other organisms, as well as bees and birds which interact in complex ways with the soil and plants. In addition, in most fields, over 90 percent of pests are killed by beneficial species thus contribut- Place Artwork Here ing to reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Today we are celebrating our planet's tremendous wealth of biodiversity and the promise it holds for eliminating world hunger. For this to happen requires the commit- ment of everyone and, as in nature, our strength lies in our diversity.

6 Statement by He Changchui Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific

These gains have impressed the whole world. We must cherish, and carefully nurture them. Above all, we must not let them be reversed. The solutions that will increase produc- tivity, improve food quality and help poor people break out of poverty, hunger and disease, can only be achieved through working together. The World Food Day is here to remind us that real progress has to On behalf of the Director-General of be achieved urgently without FAO Jacques Diouf, and on my own ploughing under natural habitats, behalf, I have great pleasure in further degrading natural resources welcoming you all to the FAO and biodiversity. Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific for the commemoration of Biodiversity is the basis for survival World Food Day 2004 which marks and progress of present and future the 59th birthday of FAO. humankind and is fundamental to Place agriculture and food production. This year's World Food Day theme, Artwork Plant genetic resources for food Biodiversity for food security and agriculture are the biological highlights the role of biodiversity in Here basis of world food security and - ensuring that people have sustain- directly or indirectly - support the able access to enough high-quality livelihood of every person on earth. food to lead active and healthy lives. Conservation of bio-resources has To achieve a food secure world is been part of the culture and ethos of one of the most important goals on past civilizations. This is why the development agenda for the centers of biodiversity often overlap coming decades. Although food is a with centers of great civilizations. human being's most elementary Biological diversity was the founda- basic need, still over 800 million tion for the beginning of domestica- people suffer from malnutrition and tion of economic plants about 12 hunger, 505 million of them living in 000 years ago through selection Asia-Pacific. and conservation. Without variability inherent in living things there would Achieving the Millennium Develop- be no question of selecting for ment Goal of reducing the number particular valued traits, such as of undernourished people to half plants that survive drought and their present number no later than livestock that produce in harsh 2015 will be especially challenging conditions. However, due to considering the increasing popula- urbanization, deforestation, pollu- tion, limited availability of land and tion and adaptation of inappropriate water resources. To reach this farming practices, biodiversity is at target, poverty reduction needs to be serious risk. FAO estimates that accelerated to 26 million per year, about three-quarters of the genetic more than 12 times the pace of 2.1 diversity found in agricultural crops million per year achieved to date. have been lost over the last century. Over 8 percent out of the known 250 In recent decades, more people 000 species of flowering plants are have escaped from hunger and likely to disappear before 2025. poverty in Asia and the Pacific than Each year, over 15 million hectares in any other part of the world, and of tropical forests containing the more than in any previous time. largest pool of biodiversity are lost.

7 Today, only 150 crops feed most of economic development as a whole. Policies supporting more resources the world's population, and just 12 That is why global efforts to improve for research and development of crops provide 80 percent of dietary the management of biodiversity are promising technologies for im- energy from plants, with rice, wheat, essential. Sustainable ecosystem proved management of biological maize and potato alone providing 60 and agricultural practices need to resources should be developed percent. be identified that can both feed and implemented. people and protect the oceans, More than 40 percent of the land's forests, prairies and other ecosys- As already explained, the loss of surface is used for agriculture, tems that harbour biological crop diversity has serious implica- placing a large responsibility on diversity. tions on global food security and, farmers to protect biodiversity. therefore, FAO has played a key role Selection of appropriate techniques, Conserving biodiversity for food in initiating a number of interna- such as minimum or zero tillage, security will require efforts on many tional agreements to conserve crop reduced use of pesticides and crop fronts including measures to diversity. Among them are the rotations plays an important role in preserve the environment, better Convention on Biological Diversity maintaining the fragile balance with education, increased research and (1992), and a Global Plan of Action the surrounding ecosystems. government support. Education will (1996) that lays out the critical steps Preserved ecosystems facilitate a be one of the key factors in protect- for conservation and use of crop range of natural processes vital for ing biodiversity. Greater efforts diversity. Another important treaty productive agriculture. For example, should be made to work with local which entered into force last June is fungi and micro-organisms decom- people for better understanding the the International Treaty on Plant pose organic matter, recycle contributions that biodiversity can Genetic Resources for Food and nutrients and add to soil fertility; make in increasing productivity and Agriculture. This treaty brings swamps and marshes filter out enhancing food security. A new governments, farmers and plant pollutants; trees manage water approach to agricultural research breeders together and offers flows and limit erosion; bees, and development is needed to multilateral frameworks for access- butterflies and birds pollinate fruit support the wider use of agricultural ing genetic resources and sharing trees; and natural predators keep biodiversity to promote development their benefits. The agreement the growth of any one species in and improve food security. The new recognizes that farmers around the check. Biodiversity's indirect approach is more complex, based world, particularly those in the provision of these ecological and on strategies aimed at farming South, have developed and con- environmental services is no less systems rather than particular served plant genetic resources over important than the direct contribu- crops, and less dependent on the millennia. The multilateral tion of selected management external inputs. It requires greater system covers a list of 35 food practices to enhance agricultural appreciation of the multiple goods crops and 29 forage crops. This production. and services provided by biological system will greatly reduce transac- diversity in agricultural ecosystems. tion costs for the exchange of plant As genetic diversity erodes, our This will require greater involvement genetic material between countries. capacity to maintain and enhance of farmers, institutions and commu- The treaty will also enable develop- crop, fish, forest, and livestock nities. In addition to technical ing countries to build their capacity productivity decreases along with considerations, there are a number to conserve and use genetic the ability to respond to changing of socio-economic factors and resources. Benefit sharing will conditions. We know however that policy issues that need to be taken include exchange of information, the loss of biodiversity is far more into consideration because they will access and transfer of technology than a crisis in ecosystem manage- ultimately determine adoption and and capacity building. An important ment. It is a threat to social and use of technologies by the farmers. element of the Treaty's funding strategy is the Global Crop Diversity Trust. It aims to match the long term nature of conservation needs with secure and sustainable funding. Support for gene bank conservation and capacity building for developing countries are some of its major objectives. The endowment fund has a target of $ 260 million, of which around $ 45 million has already been pledged.

The Royal Hill-Tribe Development Programme - initiated by His Majesty the King - is an example of a hugely successful project to introduce environment friendly sustainable farming practices. Protection of forests, harvesting of rain water, farming practices to reduce the degradation of soil and

8 cannot afford to overlook.

The response to this complex challenge must engage every part of society -- government, business, civil society, and specifically those people - farmers - who daily manage and conserve the natural Place resources of mother earth. And let us be clear: how we address this challenge will impact the very future Artwork of the region.

Here The FAO regional office continues to work its members and count on the collaboration of its partners, other international organizations, re- search, trade and policy institutes, grassroots community groups, consumers and the public at large. I know that many of you present here today are showing impressive leadership in this mission. That is the kind of commitment that is needed from all the leaders and stakeholders of the region. And it is a vital responsibility, which requires all our energy and imagination. water resources are some key elements of this programme which directly contribute to the preserva- tion of biodiversity in a crucially important albeit fragile environment and socio-economic setting.

The FAO regional office in Bangkok is privileged and honoured to joint the people of Thailand in this year's celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's sixth cycle birthday. An FAO- funded technical cooperation project for integrated watershed management by highland agricul- tural communities aims to support Her Majesty's efforts to improve the livelihood of hill tribes in the Place northern mountain regions of Thailand. Artwork

We are honoured today by the Here presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. We extend our profound gratitude to Your Royal Highness, our Guest of Honour, for providing inspiration in her commitment to and leadership in ecosystem management, and the preservation of the environment and biodiversity, in particular with youth and in schools. Place Artwork Biodiversity is a key ally in the sheer survival of our world, sustenance Here and maintenance of cultural diversity, in fighting malnutrition and ensuring food security for all. Its protection is something that we

9 Place Biodiversity, genetic diversity and Artwork Here food security

by Jim Peacock, The world faces a huge and critical Place problem - to provide a reliable food Artwork CSIRO Plant Industry, Canberra supply for a further three billion Here people in the next 25 years. The constraints for the achievement of this objective are also of major dimension. The increased produc- tion has to come from the present Place area of agricultural land, and Artwork preferably from a reduced area, with Here farming ideally being retracted from some of the marginal lands currently being used. A second constraint, which has arisen as a consequence of societal pressures Place but is of biological necessity for the Artwork security of food supply, is that the Here farming systems should be sustainable and not progressively detrimental to the limited natural resource.

Place Our food production rests predomi- Artwork nantly on only a few plant and Here animal species, a tiny fraction of the array of biodiversity in our world. Biodiversity of natural ecosystems must be preserved - they are the maintenance and service providers Place for global environmental health. Artwork Destruction of ecosystem habitats Here are largely a consequence of urbanisation, desertification and deforestation and these must be controlled in all parts of the world. Place Biodiversity is also important in the Artwork agricultural production ecosystems Here and involves genetic diversity in the production species themselves but also refers to the huge array of attendant species which pollinate crops, maintain soil structure and composition and facilitate the acquisition by plants of essential minerals and ions from the soils. Natural ecosystem and agricultural ecosystem biodiversity are often confused. Both are important but they are different. We must strive to manage the production lands so that they have minimal effect on natural ecosystems, which, apart from their intrinsic values, supply the production lands with critical resources such as water supply, water quality and provide buffering conditions against a range of natural disasters.

10 with the problems and demands of third world agriculture and for the significantly increasing demands of the future? I don't believe that we will meet the needs of the future if we proceed as we are - the status quo. There are powerful new developments in Biology and in Agriculture. Plant science was transformed in December 2000 when the complete genetic se- quence of a plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana, was pub- lished. Prior to that time, research had already disclosed a lot of the basic facts about genes and the way in which information was coded along the DNA molecule to provide for the manufacture of gene products, the enzymes and proteins needed for the structure and functioning of a plant. It was recognised that in addition to the gene product code there were coded motifs which provided the basis for the controlled working of each gene. Having the complete sequence of Arabidopsis meant that Plant breeders have forged the we had the complete dictionary of varieties we use on our farms by the gene words of that plant continually selecting the heritable species. Most plants have a variation that provides desired traits basically similar dictionary of and characteristics. The increasing genes. By the end of 2002 most of yields of farm varieties over the past the gene words of the rice plant had several thousand years are testa- been worked out and a number of ment to the skills of farmers and other species are on the way. breeders in recognising and incorporating advantageous But a dictionary of words is not very changes into the genetic make-up useful if there are no meanings of our production species. attached to the words. One of the highly impressive developments of Farmers have in the past, and still plant science in the last three or do, play a role in the husbanding of four years has been the way in the diversity in crop species, but which international collaboration their role has been supplemented between laboratories has led to an by the establishment of excellent understanding of the function of and comprehensive genetic many of the genes. This is abso- resource infrastructure, globally lutely critical for modern plant distributed, and by the development improvement programs. We are of broad-based breeding programs. now able to understand the practi- Breeders have met many of the cal challenges and needs of crops challenges of the environment and in the field in terms of what gene of pests and diseases through functions need to be put into place increasingly effective plant improve- or changed to improve crop perfor- ment programs, but it is the mance. We have been able already, intensive agriculture of developed with the modifications even of countries that has benefited most single genes, to provide major from genetic adjustments. How- advances to some breeding ever, International Agricultural programs. We have also been able Programs have made significant to discern the way in which genes contributions to the performance of interact, and have already been able crops in developing countries. to construct simple, functional genetic sentences, involving a THE NEW PLANT SCIENCE number of genes working together to provide protection against Are the current International diseases, against drought, low Agricultural programs able to cope temperatures, or in providing new

11 quality characteristics in the We now know mechanisms by the area of host pathogen interac- harvested products. which evolution has equipped tion. For example we have been some plants to cope with these able to harness a naturally existing We are, admittedly, at the dawn in conditions, either by excluding molecular mechanism in plants to our ability to selectively rewrite the sodium ions from entry to the root generate immunity against speci- book of life for the plants on which system or by transporting any fied viruses that have otherwise we are absolutely dependent for our sodium that has entered the plant's been unapproachable by plant food supply. Will our new under- system into vacuole storages where breeding. But the protection system standing of the processes of plant it does the plant no harm at all. that I want to discuss a little more development and function, provide Laboratories around the world have fully is that provided by insect- for the necessary significant been able to identify some of the proofing genes, my example being increases in yields and responsible genes. Enhancement Bt protection in cotton in Australia. sustainability of our food production of the salinity tolerance of tetraploid This example emphasises a point systems? There are no magic wheat has been achieved by a which has importance for all plant bullets but I am absolutely certain breeding program which has improvement. Improved perfor- we can be positive. Not all the new transferred, from an ancestral mance as a result of new genetic developments will result in geneti- Durum landrace into modern diversity is not enough in itself, it cally modified crops (GMOs). In cultivars, genes which provide must be accompanied by well many cases research using the spectacular increases in tolerance researched and developed man- new technologies will provide new to saline conditions. We have every agement systems. In the case of objectives and new enabling reason to expect, even though there the insect proofing of cotton, the technologies, increasing the power are hundreds of genes which need accompanying management and and speed of conventional plant to be operating to give overall agronomic practices are highly breeding. salinity tolerance, that these key significant Lack of attention to genes will be of major conse- these practices could spell doom to POWERFUL NEW PLANT BREED- quence in improving the perfor- the new, powerful technology. The ING mance of most of our production integrated introduction of the new species, particularly the cereals. insect-proofing genes and the new Even though over the centuries management strategies represent plant breeders have made spec- Of even greater dimension is the one of the best examples of the tacular improvements to our 40% of arable land which has acid approach that we must achieve now production plants, we tend to be soils, reducing yield and survival of in all agricultural systems whether conservative in defining the objec- crop plants. A wonderful example of they be in developing countries or in tives and the technologies of plant a single gene modification which the sophisticated high input breeding. One of the absolutely has converted acid-susceptible systems of countries like Australia. spectacular examples of why we barley to acid soil tolerant barley, is must accept change in the way we the introduction of a wheat alu- If the conventional cotton varieties go about some of our plant im- minium toxicity tolerance gene into are not protected with insecticides, provement programs has come the genetic make-up of barley. This crop yields amount to nothing. from the use of a sophisticated highly directed and simple use of Resistance to the available insecti- chemical instrument, the mass- existing genetic diversity can be cides was making it likely that the spectrometer, in producing wheat expected to have significant positive whole industry could disappear in plants which have, through an effects on crops in acid soil regions Australia. The addition of the Bt increase in their efficiency of until such time as farmers are able gene construct to our cotton, initially including both the heavy and light to afford the reparation steps a single gene, reduced the need for natural isotopes of carbon from the needed to revert the acid soils to a pesticide applications by some atmosphere into the products of balanced, healthy soil resource. 60%, generating a positive environ- photosynthesis, significant in- mental outcome and increased creases in yield per available units PESTS AND DISEASE - DETRIMEN- profits for the farmer. This season of water supply. TAL COMPONENTS OF we have the widespread adoption of BIODIVERSITY cotton with two insect-proofing Using the powerful new technolo- genes operating in independent gies, we are now understanding, in The examples of the achievement of molecular modes. We are expect- much greater depth, some of the better performance of plants under ing an 85% reduction in the use of key processes that a plant uses to challenging conditions of natural insecticides. Together with the grow and function. One of the major resources are spectacular. They recommended management unpleasant facts of our existing add up to big slices of the needed systems we have, for the first time production lands is that sizeable increase in food production when in our country, the basis for inte- areas are less than ideal for plant fully applied to the various agricul- grated pest management and the growth. For example, it has been tural systems, and of course we can establishment of a sustainable estimated there are more than 800 expect many other such improve- industry. million hectares, some 6% of ments. But I suppose the most arable lands, that are challenged spectacular examples of the new FOOD QUALITY TRAITS either by saline or sodic conditions. agriculture are those given by the Most of our crop plants suffer from protection of plants against biotic M.S. Swaminathan has said "The reduced yields or are incapable of challenges. There is enormous right to food needs to become the growing in some of these areas. excitement and lifts of knowledge in right to good food". The new

12 developments in plant science are EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF NEW GMOs will have important, inte- providing the means by which GENERATION VARIETIES grated roles in developing coun- substantial improvements in the tries. nutritional qualities of plant foods I have made the case that genetic can be made. For example it has diversity holds the key to in- NECESSARY PARTNERSHIPS only been recognised in recent creased food production and years that diabetes is one of the increased security of food Apart from the challenge of in- major causes of poor health and production. Because plant creased and secure food produc- death in many developing countries, breeding provides new perfor- tion, a further challenge for us, and where the incidence of diabetes is mance and quality traits in a it is a very real one, is to be able to increasing just as rapidly, if not sophisticated farmer-friendly change our delivery systems of more rapidly, than it is in developed package, the seed, the new plant improvements to the food plants in countries. More than 80% of the science can make contributions developing country agriculture. Not 300 million sufferers that we can to subsistence farming, to low every agricultural research institute expect in 2025 will be people of input farming and to the higher can be expected to be at the developing countries and it is highly input farming in developing forefront of the new plant science. likely that this estimate is a gross countries as well as to the major Nor should they be. We need to put underestimate. agricultural systems of the into place systems where breeding western world. institutes can work closely with the Diabetes effects people primarily in farming systems of developing their productive working years so it Although some of the examples I countries but can also work closely generates a huge economic burden have discussed represent with the laboratories which are able over and above the burden to the adjustment of the genetic system to take advantage of the new plant individual. We can now design the of a crop species without the science. It is these partnerships staple food plants of developing addition of genetic diversity from which will enable us through out country populations to have starch other plants, a number of them new agriculture, to meet the of low glycaemic index, a property of demonstrate that the source of challenges of a secure food supply enormous advantage in the genetic diversity can now extend for the nine billion people of 2030, prevention and minimisation of the far beyond the direct gene pool of not only the supply of food but the effects of the pre-diabetic and the crop species itself. This supply of nutritionally-balanced food diabetic conditions. emphasises the critical impor- providing for better health in the tance of biodiversity and its human populations. Other changes can be made to intimate relation with genetic starch composition to ensure a high diversity of the production It takes courage to say Yes to a proportion of resistant starch, a species. A major advantage of potential new technology when property that will enhance colonic the new breeding methodologies there is some element of uncer- health and which is shown to be of is the reduced lag between tainty about it as there is about gene positive value in oral rehydration recognition of a problem and the technology. But in the end, the therapy in the treatment of diarrhoea release of varieties providing an seemingly safe decision of No may resulting from infectious diseases. in-built answer to the problem. do irreparable and lasting harm to We have identified genes control- The plant breeder will have faster the human condition. If we fail to ling the level of amylose and ways to produce a new cultivar. take advantage of the powerful and resistant starch in barley and have life-giving improvements that can be already conducted successful I must reemphasise that the new made to our food supply, and animal and human trials showing level of understanding of plant especially in developing countries the modified starch composition is development and function at the and to subsistence farmers, then providing nutritional and health molecular level does not only we will be guilty of not accepting the gains. provide for plant improvement responsibility and opportunity to through GMOs. One of the most enhance the health and quality of A range of other changes in the exciting properties of the new life of more than a third of the composition of plant foods can be plant science in its translation world's population. made. Most of these will be into the new agriculture is the achieved through the new enabling integration of the new gene technologies associated with technologies into conventional conventional breeding programs. breeding programs. There is We can expect to increase protein discussion in many communities content, to provide proteins with about GMOs, but the uncertainty balanced amino acid composition; is not based on factual evidence we can adjust seed lipids to of hazard. There are already optimum composition for human large production areas of GMO health and we can expect to crops and these, over seven overcome micronutrient deficien- years, have not led to human cies and increase the bio availability health problems, to environmen- of needed vitamins and other tal damage or to economic health- generating molecules. disadvantage. If we adhere to strong regulatory systems then I believe, that where necessary,

13 Model farmers – awardsawards forfor outstandingoutstanding achievementsachievements

14 Kaka Dema - highland farmer, This young mother of a 3-year-old China with only 300 millimeters of Bhutan boy has shown that she has the rain each year. strength, the heart and the intelli- Twenty-two year old Kaka Dema gence to not just survive, but to Tou Shenglian saw the hardships comes from the tiny village of Remi prosper from working the land more suffered by the local people as an in Bhutan. Her parents eked out an than 3 000 meters above sea level. opportunity to use her education existence by herding livestock and Her success has served as a and her own farming experience to growing a few simple vegetables for model and inspiration for other do something good. She introduced their own consumption, a way of life farming families high in her plastic film mulching - covering the that hadn't changed for centuries. Himalayan community. Following in ground with plastic to trap the Although Kaka Dema has just a her footsteps, many have seen their sparse moisture - to raise corn and primary school education, she is lives improve. By leading the way for other vegetables not often grown in blessed with curiosity and an open others, Kaka Dema has proven that the area. Her yield, land under mind to try something new that she is a true pioneer, and she is cultivation and income increased might improve her life and the lives thus awarded by FAO for outstand- every year. She also grows heartier of her family. ing achievement in highland strains of grasses allowing her to farming. keep a stock of sheep. With the aid of a pamphlet on new farming methods, access to seed Success, however, never went to and, most of all, her own hard work, Tou Shenglian - dryland farmer, Tou Shenglian's head. She kept the she found success raising a variety China good of the community as an of new vegetables such as pota- important goal and taught others in toes, chilies and pumpkins, along A Muslim farmer's daughter from her village how to farm using the with wheat and other cereals. She Ningxia Huizu autonomous region same methods. Now nearly 100 also grows costas root, a medicinal in northwestern China, Tou households are raising sheep and plant widely used in Bhutan. Aside Shenglian charmes everyone with cattle. The total land in the village from feeding her family, the sale of her delicate frame, fine features and under cultivation for corn has these cash crops have allowed her infectious smile. When she moved increased from 10 hectares to 173, to buy 12 cows and 10 hens. She's to her husband's hometown of Xinji, and many farm families are even been able to save money in 300 kilometers away from the experimenting with other cash the hope that one day she will be provincial capital, she learned the crops. able to buy her own bullock to plow meanings of poor and remote. Xinji her fields. is one of the most arid areas in Now 30 and a mother of two, Tou

15 Place Place Artwork Artwork Here Here

Shenglian has gained much more with life. Amazed by her success, Onah knows better. She's a woman than wealth. "The people here her neighbours asked her to teach who doesn't take no for an answer. taught me the value of hard work, them how to farm the same way. She's a woman who understands simplicity and honesty'' she says. In Mrs Lasmanah started with 32 the power or yes. FAO is awarding return, she's given them new ideas members of her women's group her for outstanding achievement in for planting and husbandry and the and continued spreading knowl- agroforestry. realization that science can be used edge out from there. for agriculture. Moving to isolated Xinji, Tou Shenglian has changed Besides El Nino, deforestation was Uhotau Pasisi - fisher, Niue the lives of so many for the better. also a factor of drought and soil FAO is thus awarding her for problems. So Ibu Onah started Uhotau Pasisi, a 64 year old outstanding achievement in dryland planting mahogany trees on fisherman from the idyllic island of farming. unused land near the village. Soon, Niue in the South Pacific, has it became a community forest, with always been a man who stands tall. everyone caring for the trees. Ibu Onah Lasmanah - agroforester, Onah learned how to use the For the past 45 years, this father of Indonesia spaces in between the trees to three and grandfather of six, has set plant rice, medicinal plants and out in his fishing boat four to six Back in 1997, when men in her other crops. Free range chickens hours a day, returning home with Indonesian village of Cimaragas on and other animals roamed the land. about 20 kilograms of a large variety the western end of the island of It all brought steady income to the of marine fish. Most of the catch Java refused to admit her to a community while also creating a goes to feed his family and friends. farmers group, Mrs Onah sustainable forest ecosystem. Anything that's left over he sells as Lasmanah decided she would start surplus, allowing him to reel in her own Harumsarmanis, a farmers Aside from improving the income of about 2 000 New Zealand dollars group for women. In the midst of a the villagers, 38 year old Ibu Onah every month. financial crisis and unusual understands the wider benefits weather patterns brought on by El caring for Indonesia's forests brings For Uhotau Pasisi, fishing is more Nino, crops were failing and to everyone, including her young than an occupation. It is a way of families were suffering in her village son. "Indonesia is the lung of the life. In 1994, he was elected but - open to new ideas - Ibu Onah world,'' she says. Some might President of the National Fishing took a course in hydroponics and believe that planting a community Association. As president he shares turned her farm green and bursting forest is a hopeless pursuit. Ibu ideas with his colleagues on how to

16 preserve and improve their liveli- year old woman from a small village makes Khun Marasri a model for hoods, as well as encouraging in northern Utaradit province in others. She has been a leader in young men and women to fish as a Thailand. As a young farm girl in helping to establish a community means to support their families and Wang-din subdistrict, she accom- rice mill and a food conservation communities, and preserve an panied her parents as they lent their programme. She campaigned for important part of their culture and neighbours a helping hand when- Thailand's new constitution, lifestyle. ever needed. They taught her to established a community savings value education and remain open to group, was president of the His commitment to improving the new ideas. They also taught her to women's development group and status of the Niuean people has respect tradition. "Don't neglect the has worked with the disabled and been a central part of his life and land,'' they said. the elderly. career. Based in the capital Alofi, he has been constantly active in public She was the first farmer in her Khun Marasri says she wants her service. For the past 12 years he village to grow Mali Rice 105, a children to have a better life than has worked as a Public Service hearty and fragrant strain once she had. Although her son and two Commissioner, a post he still holds grown only in the northeast. On her daughters have graduated from today. He also served as a Justice 5 hectares of land, she was among college, it's hard to imagine that of the Peace, presiding over the first to initiate an integrated they could have lives that are more ceremonies and celebrations for farming system advocated by HM meaningful. FAO is therefore his neighbours and adjudicating King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in which awarding Marasri Singsawak for disputes to help maintain harmony rice farmers also grow fruits and outstanding achievement in rice in his community. As a result, FAO is vegetables, and raise fish and farming. awarding Uhotai Pasisi for out- livestock, so that each family is self- standing achievement as a Pacific sufficient. She has led others in her fisher. community to shun pesticides and chemical fertilizers in favour of more organic farming methods that are Marasri Singsawak - rice farmer, sustainable and better for the Thailand environment.

"A meal without rice isn't really a But as successful as she has been meal,'' says Khun Marasri as a farmer, it's as much what she Singsawak, a tall and dignified 58 gives back to her community that

17 Regional alliance against hunger

The meeting noted with concern parties which remains largely that despite significant economic unexploited under the piecemeal development and growth in food approach generally. Lessons from and agricultural production, poverty this experience point to the possibil- and food insecurity still remain a ity that networking of networks can problem in the region. Successes help address this issue at the Networking of the Green Revolution also regional level and contribute to the brought about challenges of promotion of this approach at the of environmental sustainability. Loss country level. However, the network- of biodiversity is a major problem ing should be based on clear networks along with land degradation, identification of the value added depletion of rangelands, growing from such efforts and focus on a scarcity of water, declining forest common theme. Hunger reduction cover, over-exploitation of fishery is uniquely qualified as the com- resources, over-use of pesticides mon theme for the regional techni- and deterioration of the ecosystem. cal networks active in the disci- Country experiences show that plines of agriculture. increased food production is not On the occasion of World Food adequate in addressing wide- In light of the above, the participants Day 2004, representatives of spread hunger. Economic access to complimented the FAO regional available supply is an equally, if not office for taking the initiative to regional technical commissions, more, important factor in ensuring organize a round table towards bodies and networks from the food security. It was also recognized promoting interdisciplinary dialogue that gender issues in agriculture and collaboration among the region sponsored by or collaborat- have not yet received full attention. regional commissions, bodies and ing with FAO were invited to the The issues related to choice of networks to address the food technologies – GMO/non-GMO security issues confronting the second round table discussion on a biotechnology, organic farming etc. region. The meeting strongly Regional Alliance Against – as well as food safety, sanitary supported the idea of building a and phytosanitary standards, regional alliance of networks Hunger (RAAH), specifically patents and other property rights through networking of networks and on the theme of networking of issues over genetic materials and committed to participate actively in networks. The meeting was held on level of support to the agriculture related follow-up activities. sector have emerged as complex 18 October 2004 at the FAO issues no more confined to national Several possible areas of inter- regional office in Bangkok, decisions but as matters of interna- disciplinary collaboration were cited tional negotiations and agreements as the minimum common chaired by M.A. Abdul Razak, with profound implications for the programme (CMP) for the activities with Marangattli M. agricultural sector and the overall of the network: economy. Addressing these issues Nampoothiry and Pedro Bueno in totality requires a holistic view ‹ conservation of critical fishery as vice-chairs. integrating interdisciplinary contri- habitats, such as wetlands, coral butions focusing on different reefs, mangroves and alien dimensions within a broader species, for biodiversity; framework emphasizing growth, equity and sustainability as the core ‹ methodologies for assessing components of a strategy for risks of biodiversity depletion; agricultural development. ‹ policies for biodiversity conser- The participants noted that although vation based on assessment of the the problems are inter-related, they incidence of costs and benefits to are addressed in a fragmented different participants; manner both nationally and region- ally. There is considerable synergy ‹ empowerment of women and in activities carried out by different consideration of gender issues in

18 natural resource management; coordination, planning, reporting, communication and regular ‹ trade facilitation, specifically assessment of progress; capacity building in WTO compli- ance, harmonization and upgrading ‹ resources must be drawn into of quality standards and safety of the collective activities of the products; and network;

‹ information sharing and the ‹ sources of funding should be creation of statistical databases. identified and appropriate cost- sharing arrangements developed; The participants presented various and ideas with respect to the objectives and functions of the network of ‹ use modern ICT for sharing networks: information through the creation of a web site of the umbrella network ‹ sharing of information on with URL links to the constituent activities of different networks and networks and relevant organiza- experiences from the network's tions. activities; The round table recommended the ‹ sharing of results of studies/ following actions to promote assessments on thematic issues networking of networks. The FAO such as globalization, emerging Regional Office for Asia and the trends and traditional knowledge; Pacific should initially designate a senior officer as the focal point for ‹ mechanisms for an information the establishment of a network of clearinghouse; networks with provision of initial funding for the secretariat to ‹ provide a forum for regular facilitate the development of the meetings and a reporting system; umbrella network. The secretariat of the network of networks should ‹ promotion of dialogue among prepare a proposal for the umbrella the networks to identify interdiscipli- organization, its objectives, func- nary activities; tions and funding; and the prepara- tory activities should be completed ‹ enhancement of interdiscipli- and a web page launched by World nary approaches in general and Food Day 2005. joint visioning and programming of activities;

‹ coordination, monitoring and assessment of joint activities; and

‹ resource mobilization, training, capacity building and advocacy for critical but inadequately supported activities.

A number of suggestions were received on how to promote networking of networks. These included:

‹ prepare an inventory of existing regional networks working in relevant fields;

‹ install an appropriate coordina- tion system among specific sub- networks and an interdisciplinary umbrella network with well defined objectives, activities, resources and accountability for results;

‹ the umbrella network should organize itself also in terms of

19 20 AnnexesAnnexes Annex 1

Media coverage

18 October – Announcement on Radio Thailand world service and an interview with He Changchui, ADG/RR on World Food Day celebration (07:00 o'clock news)

– Advertisement in the Bangkok Post

– Advertisement in the Nation

– 20:00 hrs. news report on WFD celebration at FAO Regional Office on all TV Channels – 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and iTV

– News reporting on CCTV

19 October – Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand appeared on TV channel 11 on the occasion of WFD

– Thai News Service report

20 October – Thai News Service report

21 October – Post Today newspaper article on WFD and this year's theme

29 October – An interview with He Changchui, ADG/RR on Radio Thailand world service on the national World Food Day celebration in Thailand (07:00 o'clock news)

– TeleFood video at national WFD celebration, DG's message

– News on national WFD celebration at Udon Thani on TV channel 5, 18:00 hrs.

2 November – two hours tape broadcast of the opening of national WFD celebration and concert on TV channel 9, 16:00 - 18:00 hrs.

22 Thai farmer receives UN awards for improving livelihoods of others

20 October 2004 Thai News Service

Section: General News - United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has awarded five Asian farmers, including a female Thai peasant, for improving the livelihoods of fellow villagers in their communities, the FAO said in its press release received here on Monday.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who was last week elected as the goodwill ambassador of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), presented the awards to the five Asian farmers at an event marking the celebration of the World Food Day 2004, held at the UN regional headquarters in Bangkok.

These five farmers, who are four women and one man, are recognized for their marvelous agricultural practices and methods in different fields -- highland farming, dry land farming, rice farming, fishing, and agro- forestry, said the press release.

19 October 2004 organic farming in her village, campaigning against the use of Tou was originally from Ningxia Huizu autonomous region in Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies pesticides and modern fertilizers. northwestern China.

BANGKOK, Oct 19 (TNA) - The United Nations Food and She led farmers in a food conservation program and built a She later moved to live with her husband in Xinji, the most Agriculture Organization (FAO) has awarded five Asian community rice mill. arid area in China with only 300 millimeters of rain each year. farmers, including a female Thai peasant, for improving the livelihoods of fellow villagers in their communities, the FOA Besides devoting her energy in women development, Marasri FAO said Tou has set an example of new innovation by said in its press release received here on Monday. has also involved in community services to help the disabled using plastic sheet in trapping moisture in the dry land, and and the elderly people, the FAO press release said. has successfully grown corn, vegetables and grasses for her Her Royal Highest Crown Princess Maha Chakri Siridhorn, sheep. who was last week elected as the goodwill ambassador of Another female farmer who won the award for her outstanding the UN World Food Programme (WFP), presented the awards achievement in highland farming comes from a tiny village of The award for outstanding achievement in agro-forest went to to the five Asian farmers at an event marking the celebration Remi in Bhutan. the 38-year-old Onah Lasmanah from Indonesia, who helped of the World Food Day 2004, held at the UN regional creating a sustainable forest ecosystem in her village of headquarters in Bangkok. Kaka Dema is a 22-year-old highland farmer and a mother of Cimaragas on the island of Java, where farmers had faced one. with drought and soil problems due to deforestation. These five farmers, who are four women and one man, are recognized for their marvelous agricultural practices and FAO praised Kaka Dema for her pioneership in breaking Onah planted mahogany trees on waste land near her village methods in different fields - highland farming, dry land farming, away from Bhutan's traditional agriculture by introducing new as a community forest fro everyone to care for. rice farming, fishing, and agro-forestry, said the press release. and various kinds of vegetables and grains into her Himalayan community. She grows rice, vegetables, medicinal plants and other crops Mrs. Marasri Singsawak, the 58-year-old Thai awardee, a rice on the space of land between the trees. farmer from Thailand's northern province of Utaradit was Kaka has earned extra cashes from the surplus of her fresh chosen for her outstanding achievement in rice farming. produces, and has bought in some cows and hens. She raises free range chicken and livestock which have brought into the community extra income and a sustainable "A meal without rice isn't really a meal," said Marasri, adding She has saved up and plans to buy a bullock for plowing her way of agriculture, said the FAO press release. that she was taught by her parents to respect the tradition and own land. not to neglect the land since she was young. FAO also gave the award of outstanding achievement as a Farmers in Bhutan traditionally earn a living by herding Pacific fisher to the 64-year-old Uhotau Pasisi from Niue, an Marasri had pioneered in growing Hom Mali Rice 105, which animals and growing a few kinds of simple vegetables. island in the South Pacific. once could be grown only in the country's Northeast. Kaka Dema has set a model for other farmers to survive and Uhotau Pasisi was praised for his leadership in sustainable She owns a small farm land where she has practiced the self- prosper their land which sits over 3,000 meters above sea fishing. sufficient agriculture advocated by His Majesty King level, said the FAO press release. Bhumipol Adulyadej. As a grandfather of six, he has been a fisherman for 45 years. Two more female farmers who won the awards are from She has grown rice, fruits and vegetables, while raising fish China and Indonesia. He has conserved and improved the livelihoods of others by and livestock. encouraging young men and women to fish as a mean to FAO awarded Tou Shenglian, a 30-year-old mother of two, for support families, communities, and to conserve it as an FAO also praised Marasri for her relentless role in promoting her outstanding achievement in dry land farming. important part of their culture and lifestyle. (TNA)-E110, E002. PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD SECURITY Burmese premier notes efforts to improve food security, By Chen Hong biodiversity DPRK Observes World Food Day. 17 October 2004 18 October 2004 18 October 2004 BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific 16 October 2004 China Daily Business Daily Update Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies Burmese Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt has pledged to cooperate with the Saturday marked this year's World Food Day, an annual occasion international community on food security in an address to mark World Food Day Pyongyang, October 16 (KCNA) - Various events have taken place in the Democratic marked by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United in Rangoon. In his address, broadcast by Burmese radio, he said Burma's goals People's Republic of Korea to mark the World Food Day, October 16. On this occasion Nations in 1981 to improve public awareness on worldwide malnutrition. included domestic food sufficiency, expansion into international markets and the the DPRK government has conducted activities to make all the people aware of the implementation of the Five Rural Development Tasks which cover issues such as importance of food in human life and encourage them to pay deep concern to solving China recognized World Food Day with exhibitions and public education rural transport, health and education standards. He noted that 70% of the the food problem. In an interview with KCNA Jong Sun Won, secretary general of the activities. Burmese population depend on agriculture, livestock, fishery and forestry sectors DPRK National Committee of FAO, said: Various lecture meetings and seminars on the for their livelihoods, and that the government has prioritized development in these theme of "Biodiversity for Food Security" put forth by FAO this year have taken place in But two prizes won by Chinese scientists recently added extra colour to areas accordingly. The following is an excerpt from a report by Burmese radio on the anniversary. 16 October the country's major rice and potato producers, universities of agriculture and other agriculture-related institutions. Mass media, too, will observe the day. Such FAO On October 6, a paper presented by Zhu Youyong, a professor from A ceremony to mark World Food Day was held at the International FAOcooperation celebrates projects World as theFood Paekma-Cholsan Day Waterway project, conservation farms, sea Yunnan Agricultural University, and his team won first prize in the rice Business Centre on Prome Road, in Yangon [Rangoon] at 0800 [local culture modernization projects and food security projects have been visited by working agronomy category -- study of the soil rice is grown in -- in the time] today. Prime Minister Gen Khin Nyunt addressed the ceremony. He 15people October of various 2004 social strata and students. International Year of Rice Global Scientific Contest. said: The World Food Day is being observed every year on 16 October Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies which is the anniversary of the foundation of the Food and Agriculture The material and technical aid of the FAO, World Food Program, International Fund for On October 14, Yuan Longping, China's "father of hybrid rice," shared Organization [FAO]. Today, the occasion is being commemorated all over FAOAgricultural celebrates Development, World Food etc.Day hasTHE helped Food andsolve Agriculture the food problem Organisation in the country. this year's World Food Prize with Ghanaian biologist Monty Jones for their the world with the theme designated by the FAO: Biodiversity for Food (FAO) in cooperation with Lao Government, held a celebration to mark work in producing high-yield rice. Security. The objective of that theme is to highlight the importance of World Food Day last Thursday. World Food Day falls on 16 October, and biodiversity in making nutritious food sufficiently available in the long run and has been celebrated annually since its establishment 59 years ago. This The two prizes demonstrated the ability of Chinese scientists in the ensuring people with a happy and healthy life. year, the theme of the celebration was "Bio-diversity for Food Security". It international arena and the achievements of numerous Chinese focuses on how combinations of multiple quality foods can help people lead researchers in their work to improve the quality and availability of food for We believe that food security and freedom from starvation are the most active and healthy lives. The celebration was attended by Minster of the world. fundamental rights of humankind, and therefore, pledge to cooperate with Agriculture and Forest Sieng Saphengthong and officials from various the international community to ensure that the people of the world share ministries and NGOs. Lao PDR is ranked one of world's top ten centres in The accomplishment of Chinese scientists is actually a result of heavy these rights equitably. However, an FAO report said that around 840 million terms of bio-diversity. The Lao people make extensive use of this diversity in pressure to ensure the country's own food security. people in the world are still suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Global agriculture, which is the most important economic sector in the country, efforts so far have not been enough to realize the goal set by the World according to FAO's press release. In Laos, the most important crop is rice. Feeding China - which has the world's largest population - was once a Food Summit and related millennium development plans to reduce the huge headache for the government. number of the hungry by half by 2015. Myanmar [Burma], on its part, has In terms of crop area, it represents 80 per cent of the agricultural landscape resolved to attain that goal either individually or with the cooperation of and in terms of food energy, it accounts for about 80 per cent of total China is hard-pushed to do so, having to feed 20 per cent of the world's international organizations. In this connection, Myanmar would like to affirm calories intake for most people. According to research data, there are more people with less than 10 per cent of the global total cultivated farmland. that it has already taken measures to eliminate hunger and ensure food than 3,000 varieties of cultivated, wild and weedy rice from the provinces. sufficiency in cooperation with the international community. Glutinous ' sticky rice, ' the major staple of the Lao diet, accounts for 85 per While the Chinese Government makes all necessary efforts to feed its cent of the varieties. On the other hand, livestock and poultry form an people, mistaken beliefs and doubts from the international community As Myanmar is working steadfastly to realize its national economic goals important source of protein and energy to complement the rice-based diet, are never really silenced, despite over-blown concerns in Lester R. based on agriculture, it has laid down relevant strategies, given priority to while foods gathered from the forest provide vitamins and body-protection Brown's book "Who will feed China" long having been proved wrong by developing the farming, livestock breeding, and forestry sectors and nutrients. Over 700 species of wild plant are exploited for food and other the solid figures in China's grain output. ensuring all-round development of rural areas. Since the livelihood of uses in the Lao PDR. Of the more than 1,400 species of wild animal about 70 per cent of Myanmar's population of 53 million is dependent on identified in the country, 90 percent are used in some way by local people. Since the late 1990s, China has been able to feed its people with the the agriculture, livestock and fishery, and forestry sectors, the government Aquatic life provides another essential protein food source, making up 43 grain it produced. And in 2003, the total output of grain in China was has prioritized the performance and production of these sectors and that percent of total animal product consumption. Conserving agro-biodiversity 430.7 million tons, allowing China to become a net exporter of corn and has greatly contributed to food security and economic development. requires joint efforts by the government and international development rice as well as satisfying its own demands. partner, in order to preserve the environment, provide education, expand Presently, Myanmar's goal for its agriculture sector is food sufficiency action research and ensure commitment to allocate resources. FAO has Chinese agro-scientists, with Yuan Longping as their best domestically and expansion into markets internationally. Successes are been leading the development of a national agro-biodiversity programme representative, and efforts to promote their work have meant China has deservedly being achieved thanks to our endeavours. Our rice production for the Lao PDR with multiple partners. Many Lao people still suffer from successfully found the way to feed its people. has significantly increased. We are making full use of our natural resources hunger and micronutrient deficiencies. Studies have indicated that just for regional and global food security, and we have set objectives and are under half of children suffer from chronic malnutrition and 13 per cent of At the same time, the country is sharing its own technology of cultivating carrying them out by way of introducing high-quality and high-yielding strains adults are chronically undernourished. We need to do more to provide high-yield hybrid rice with other rice-growing countries, like Viet Nam and and mechanization of traditional farming. Our agriculture researchers are home gardening, food preparation, food handling and food safety advice India. being encouraged to do their best and they are evidently doing their for men and women, boy's and girl, and to included basic nutrition in all utmost to produce good quality high-yielding paddy strains. training and extension curricula, from village literacy programmes all the way Chinese people can thus mark World Food Day with pride in contributing to college0level education. We need to keep in mind the World Food in this way to easing hunger across the world. Thanks to the development measures initiated and due to the Summit's objectives and the Millennium Development Goals - to reduce the encouragement that the state has been providing to the livestock number of hungry people and have all the people of the Lao PDR free However, China still has a bit to do in protection of biodiversity, a theme breeding sector, which is linked to the agriculture sector, there have been from hunger by 2015. Conserving biodiversity is a key ally in our efforts to of World Food Day 2004. substantial production increases in that sector. Livestock breeding is an fight hunger and malnutrition, and to promote food security, balanced important source for domestic food supply and income generation as well nutrition and healthy livelihoods. Speech by Minster of Agriculture and As the FAO has advocated, we depend on biodiversity for food supply. as for traditional farming. We are, therefore, giving priority to the Forest Sieng Saphengthong on World Food Day - Lao PDR is one country development of livestock breeding and necessary measures have been in the Southeast Asian region that has many forests with an ecological Were it not for biodiversity, the high-yield hybrid rice would not have had undertaken with the assistance of the IAEA [Joint FAO/IAEA (International diversity that covers an area of 205 million ha. Laos is also abundant of the power to lift the output per hectare by more than 30 per cent. Atomic Energy Agency) Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and natural resources - there is still a big area of cultivating land, many rivers and Agriculture] to increase the breeding rate of cattle. At the same time, we their tributaries constitute the main source of living for many plants, animals The biodiversity of plants, whether used or not in agricultural production, are also seeking assistance from regional and international organizations, and various aquatic animals which is the basic resources for the socio- including the FAO, for the prevention of avian flu. To prevent foot-and- is the basis of sustainablePGR growth News for agriculture, which has to cater to the Biodiversityeconomic for food development security and plays an important role in contributing to the needs of the growing Pohnpeipopulation. World Food Day Agricultural Fair a Successmouth diseases which are affecting the livestock sector, the government GDP. The forest and fauna and flora also play a contributing role in food Lois Englberger, Pohnpei. has cooperated with the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] supply, bringing more revenue to the population, providing energy and and the FAO, in setting up laboratories to produce vaccines. By R. Sundaram in Erode China has not done as much as it should to preserve biodiversity. 27 Octobercreating 2004 places of living for not less than 80 percent of the rustic population Over 500 people gathered Friday 15 October at the Spanish Wall Baseball Field to The Hinduwho live nearby these resources. The wetland area covers 945 ha. All Neither has it becomecelebrate widely Worldperceived Food among Day along the public with a or diversity officials of that local foodThe crops, forestry an sectoramazing will display be explained briefly now. Myanmar is not only rich in these mentioned elements constitute the fishery habitat for various aquatic certain life forms withof uniquehuge yams, traits andhave presentations incalculable valuesof the soArt, biodiversity Essay, and Healthycultural Cooking and traditional Competitions, values but also endowed with abundant naturalWORLD FOODanimals Day such was as observedtraditional on fishes, frogs, turtles, shells etc. which represent should be protectedfollowing for the thecountry's theme: strategic Island Foods interests - Grow both and at presenteat yellow varietiesresources, for includinghealth and forests. wealth. As more than half of the country is coveredOctober 16.more Every than year, 50 percent Food and of highAgriculture protein food for the local consumption of the and in the future. with forests, Myanmar is one of the most forest-covered countries in the Lao population. Furthermore, the Lao PDR is also abundant in plants, wild The activity was organized by the World Food Day Committee and Island Food Organisation (FAO) assigns a theme for the Asia and Pacific region. The livelihoods of more than 70 per cent of theday andand work water towards animal achieving species it. andThe we can count between 8,000 -11,000 plant So biodiversity protectionCommunity has of come Pohnpei, just inwith time Pohnpei to remind Agriculture the authorities, of Economicpopulation Affairs, College who liveof in rural areas are, in one way or another linked, to species, 166 species of reptiles, 700 species of birds, 247 species of Micronesia-FSM, Departments of Education and Health, Head Start, Attorney-General's theme for 2004 was `Biodiversity for Food scientists and the public of the direction they should work towards. forests and forestry products. In other words, the forestry sector plays aSecurity'.mammals and 1,200 species of traditional fishes in the Mekong River. The Office, and CSP. pivotal and significant role in the socioeconomic development of the Government of the Lao PDR always attaches great importance to the people. Myanmar is well-known in the world for managing its forests on a sustainable development and the protection of environment. It has set up Over $4500 in prize money was presented to farmers, competing in 50 categories with The Mysore Rural Development Agency scientific, systematic, and sustainable basis for over a period of 150 years.(MYRADA)its political Krishi guidelines Vigyan Kendra that thecelebrated socio-economic development should be 288 entries and displaying 17 varieties of bananas, including 14The yellow-fleshed Myanmar Forest varieties Law of 1992 highlights Myanmar's intent to fully carried out parallel with the economic growth, the socio-cultural having great health benefits: Karat Pako, Karat Pwehu, Karat Kole, Mangat, Ihpali, the day at its Thalamalai Training Centre protect Myanmar's forests, preserve and protect the natural environment `Arivalayam'development on October and the 16. protection of environment, the natural production Kudud, Karat en Iap, Utin Iap, Utimwas, Taiwang, Akadahn, Akadahnand biodiversity, Weitahta, extendUtiak, reserved forests, and preserve natural lands. should be transformed into goods production, the productivity should be and Utin Kerenis. The high value of these yellow-fleshed varieties was emphasized by Theincreased reason behind parallel choosing with the the restoration venue was of land, water sources, forests, in the high prizes ($50, $40, and $30 for first, second, and third prizesTo rehabilitatecompared tothe $15, Pegu Yoma, a five-year Pegu Yoma Greening Project order to ensure the abundance of these resources and the sustainable $10, and $5 for the corresponding prizes for the common varieties (Utin Ruk, Utin to make people conserve their staple food (2004-05 to 2008-09), which is considered as one of the priorities of the Ragiprotection and encourage of the environment.them to grow Furthermore, crops like the Government has also Menihle, and Inasio). Participants in the five categories of yellow-fleshedstate, gianthas been swamp laid down. A total of almost 200,000 acres of various taro varieties competed for the same high prizes as the carotenoid-rich banana varieties. Thinai,applied Cumbu, the hand-over Samai and policy minor of millets the land which and forest which will be conducted types of trees and plants will be grown under this project. For prevention hadalong good with scope the foragricultural cultivation production, in the hilly the livestock farming, the of the environmental degradation of the central dry zone of Myanmar, a Emeren Manasa and Moses Edgar pulled in the highest prizes of the Fair, $245 each, tractreforestation, of Thalawady. the protection of the forest and the promotion of sustainable 30-year integrated plan (2001-2002 to 2030-2031) was formulated. Since use of wildlife, fauna and flora. The Lao multiethnic people will be ready, as their whopper single vine (oahnoapwoat) 245-pound Kehp en Peniou1994, yams plantations tied for covering 269,230 acres were established and natural 1st Prize. The yam prizes were awarded by weight, at $1/pound. Kesia Paulino with her Theconfident head andof the easy Kendra, to access, P. Alagesan, when 'needed, and will have the security forests covering 1.1m acres have been put under systematic protection. explainedfrom the foodstuff the importance consuming. of the In World order Foodto manage efficiently the Agriculture 220-pounder and Welson Peter with his 170-pounder won 2nd and 3rdWeather Prize ($220conditions in the region have changed as a result and local and $170). Welson Peter and Leon Sizumu tied for 1st with their Kehp en Dol en Wai andDay Forestand also work, delivered the government a lecture on of thethe Lao PDR has enacted different people can now cultivate crops. Four more districts have been added to lawsimportance such as of the raising Forestry crops Law, like Ragithe Lawin the on hill Water and Water Resources, yams, weighing 154 and 155 pounds, Emeren Manasa was 2nd with athe 150-pounder nine-district greening zone project which started in 1994 and the dry and Iumy Gilemete came in 3rd with a 145-pounder. Kesia Paulino won the Master thearea. Law on land and the Law on Agriculture and different decrees to be Exhibitor award, taking over $500 of prizes in categories from Karat Pako,regions Mangat, in the 13-district project have started to turn green. used as reference to implement the Government's policy. Furthermore, the Inahsio, Mwahng Pwiliet, papaya, karertik, coconut, bele, squash, pumpkin and Chinese GovernmentThe Regional has Director also set of up Save a strategic Grain plan for the development of cabbage. In addition, Five Rural Development Tasks aimed at developing the rural AgricultureCampaign, and Chennai, Forests, Chellappa,Biodiversity, spoke Research, and Human Resources to areas which are home to the majority of the nation's people were be aboutaccomplished the measures by 2020. to beMoreover, taken in itthe has post- defined the area of 20 Adelino Lorens, Pohnpei Chief of Agriculture/Chairman of the Island Food implementedCommunity of starting in 2002 in accordance with the guidance of Head of biologicalharvest natural season reserves, to prevent in additiongrain loss. to Thetwo linked areas that covers 3.31 Pohnpei, presided as Master of Ceremonies. He stated that this was the firstState state Sr Gen Than Shwe. The project covers development of rural millionAssistant ha, or Professor,14 percent Department of the total of area Millets, of the country. The foodstuff Agricultural Fair in many years and that the event attracted great attention, transport,particularly improving the health and education standards of the rural productionTNAU, inNirmala the Lao Kumari, PDR hasin her so special far been developed in terms of quality the great size of the yams, despite the yam disease. He added, "The event people,was a developing the rural economy, including the agriculture and and quantity.address, Thespoke agricultural extensively production about the is increasing. Nevertheless, the success in showing the local food crops. Farmers are now already planning forlivestock next breeding business, and supplying irrigation and hygienic potable consequencenutrient contentof flooding and on various the annual recipes rice that yield was serious. It covered year!" During the official program the keynote speaker Iso Salvador Iriarte stronglywater. The project is being systematically implemented with the 17,140could hectares be prepared out of thewith total minor flooded millets. area The of 50,200 ha or 2.8 percent encouraged people to produce and eat local foods, pointing out that despitecollaboration people's of government departments, volunteers, social organizations, of 596,000Agricultural hectares Officer of the of totalthe Kendra, rice cultivated Suresh, area. The disaster regions thinking that ice cream is good for the sick, he knows that it can make a personand sick. the local people. are thespoke middle-part about regionsthe need - Vientianeto preserve province, Vientiane Capital, Elementary students Consuela Abraham from Saladak, and Janice Kapriel from Seinwar, Borlikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet and Champassack provinces. read their winning essays and winning art entries were displayed, from HeadstartIn addition,to 8th Myanmar has been making strenuous efforts to conserve This year's flooding also had consequences to the irrigation infrastructure in Grade. biodiversity and replenish the endangered species of the country. As different regions, killing a lot of animals and causing damages to a The Cooking Competition section was a flurry of activities, with 12 participants andMyanmar 20 is committed to protecting and preserving sustainable considerable number of fish farming. Furthermore, there was the outbreak entries. The COM-FSM Pohnpei Campus Hotel Restaurant Management studentsdevelopment made and natural resources, Myanmar has keenly participated in of bird flu in 46 farms in three provinces - Vientiane Capital, Savannakhet a sweep of prizes in the restaurant category, displaying beautifully presented Pandanusinternational conventions such as the UN Convention on Biological and Champassak provinces where 155,000 fowls were killed, The spread Muffin Delights, Taiwang Banana Bread, Karat Banana Sorbet, and Mangrove CrabDiversity and the Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1994, and of coffee berry borer in Paksong district, Champassak Province in an area of Swamp Taro Volcanoes. Pelihda Walter, Yunis Hedgar, Delse Ernest, and Merlainthe Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 8,741 ha including 109 villages has an impact on the national economy and Abraham won 1st Prizes respectively in the Karat, Taiwang, Giant Swamp Taro, andFlora and Fauna (CITIES) in 1997. Accordingly, Hukawng region in some businesses in the region as well. To reverse these losses, the Ministry Local Food Open categories. northernmost of Myanmar was designated as Hukawng Tiger Reserve. of Agriculture and Forestry has defined some measures and some specific projects in advance in order to focus on the increase of the yield during the Funding support was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Since biodiversity is the key in fighting hunger and malnutrition, it is dry season, giving the priority to prevent and stop the spread of avian flu United Nations Children's Fund, Sight and Life, Australian Embassy, Secretariat of theessential for all countries in the world to join hands and act in concert with and thus the poultry and the coffee production could rapidly return to Pacific Community, Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network, and the Pacificthe slogan, Biodiversity for Food Security, so as to help feed the present normal. Moreover, many experts were sent on ground to provide assistance German Regional Forestry Program. and future generations. Hence, to free the people of the world from to the population in order to increase the dry season yield. Nevertheless, deprivations like hunger and poverty and achieve a world that is, united, due the limited budget of the Government, support and assistance have equitable, and sufficient in food, the world community is urged to strive with been sought from various economic organs within the country. a sense of equality and without social distinction in accordance with the Annex 2

List of guests

Guest of Honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

Guest speaker Jim Peacock, President, Australian Academy of Science

Model farmers Kaka Dema (Ms), highland farming, Bhutan Tuo Shenglian (Ms), dryland farming, China Onah Lasmanah (Ms), agroforestry farming, Indonesia Uhotau Pasisi, fisheries, Niue Marasri Singsawak (Mrs), rice farming, Thailand

Office of the Privy Councillors HE Ampol Senanarong, Privy Councillor for Royal Agricultural Project HE Swasdi Wattanayakorn, Privy Councillor

Royal Thai Government

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives HE Newin Chidchob, Deputy Minister Banphot Hongthong, Permanent Secretary Suthiporn Chirapandh, Secretary-General, Office of Agricultural Economics Poungpit Dulayapach, Deputy Director-General, Cooperative Promotion Department Tritaporn Khomapat (Mrs), Deputy Secretary-General, FAO National Committee and Director, Office of Foreign Agricultural Relation Division Pinit Korsieporn, Deputy Secretary-General, Office of Agricultural Economics Chunhathep Pongsoypheth, Deputy Director-General, Department of Agricultural Extension Sunisa Boonyapatipark (Ms), Chief, Foreign Relations Sub-division, Department of Agricultural Extension Saranya Busaparoek (Ms), Chief, International Cooperation & Special Project Group, Department of Agriculture Somsong Chodchuen, Agricultural Scientist, Biotechnology Research and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture Waraporn Prompoj (Ms), Chief, International Cooperation Group, Department of Fisheries Rungnapa Rungrod (Ms), Policy and Plan Analyst, Office of Foreign Agricultural Relation Division Tanida Sitchawat (Ms), Policy and Plan Analyst, Office of Foreign Agricultural Relation Division Supa Surapayanon (Ms), Policy and Plan Analyst, Planning Sub-Division, Department of Agricultural Extension Margaret C. Yoovatana (Ms), Policy and Plan Analyst, International Cooperation and Special Project Group, Department of Agriculture Pojamaan Leelayuwa (Ms), Office of the Permanent Secretary Pannee Wattanachongkol (Ms), Department of Co-operative Auditing Laddawan Kunnoot (Ms), Rice Research Institute, Department of Agriculture Nipat Kuasakul, Director, Technical Services Division, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives Ekachai Sukhotu, Deputy Director for Operations, Fish Marketing Organization Udomdej Dol-Aarom, Acting Director, Office of the Managing Director, Forest Industry Organization Songporn Kongasa, Loei Provincial Cooperative Office

National Research Council, universities and academic institutions Thanwa Jitsanguan, Vice President for International Affairs, Kasetsart University Rosarin Smitabhindu (Ms), Assistant Director, Royal Chitralada Projects Pimpan Vessakosol, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Thammasat University Em-orn Wasantwisut, Director, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University Kanjapat Korsieporn (Ms), Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University

Non-governmental organizations and associations Khunying Ambhorn Meesook, President, Foundation for Life-long Education Sumet Tantivejakul, Secretary-General, Chaipattana Foundation Nantaporn Viravathana (Ms), Office of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Project Athuek Prasenmoon, Office of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Project

25 Embassies Bhutan HE Lyonpo Chenkyab Dorji, Ambassador Canada Roger Belanger, Counsellor (Commercial) China Zhang Wanhai, Counsellor and Permanent Representative to ESCAP France Isabelle Miscot (Ms), First Secretary Holy See HE Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio India HE L. K. Ponappa (Mrs), Ambassador Iran HE Mohsen Pak Aein, Ambassador Japan Jiro Usui, Counsellor & Deputy Permanent Representative to ESCAP Yoshitake Tsuzuki, First Secretary Kazakhstan Saken Seidualiyev, Chargé d'Affaires ai Korea, DPR Kim Chol Nam, Counsellor and Permanent Representative to ESCAP Lao PDR Souvanna Phouyavong, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission Mongolia HE Luvsandorj Dawagiv, Ambassador Myanmar U Myint Soe, Minister Counsellor Nepal Yadav Khanal, Chargé d'Affaires ai Philippines Stephanie Beatriz O Valera (Ms), Second Secretary and Consul (Cultural) Sri Lanka HE J. D. A. Wijewardena, Ambassador A. L. S. Khan, First Secretary and Deputy Permanent Representative to ESCAP Viet Nam Truong Thi Dac (Mrs), First Secretary and Deputy Permanent Representative to ESCAP

United Nations ICAO Lalit B. Shah, Regional Director UNDP J. K. R. England, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative UNFPA Jayanti Tuladhar, Advisor on RH/FP, Management Information System and Logistics UNHCR Bhairaja Panday, Deputy Regional Representative UNICEF Inese Zalitis (Ms), Representative, UNCEF Office for Thailand UNIDO Khac Tiep Nguyen, Industrial Development Officer UPU Vinod Dhamija, Regional Advisor WFP Kenro Oshidari, Deputy Regional Director WHO William L. Aldis, Representative to Thailand World Bank Ian Porter, Country Director

Participants to Second Roundtable Meeting on Regional Alliance Against Hunger Iftikhar Ahmad, Deputy Director-General, National Agricultural Research Center, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Syaiful Anwar, Head of Soil Conservation Sub Division, Ministry of Forestry, Indonesia Thang Hooi Chiew, Deputy Director General of Forestry, Forestry Department Headquarters, Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, Malaysia Saleh Bin Ibrahim, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Agriculture, Malaysia Marangattli M. Nampoothiry, Economic and Statistical Adviser, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, India Judy Pasimio (Ms), Programme Officer, Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD), Thailand Durga P. Paudyal, Director General, Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), Bangladesh Dinesh Rai, Managing Director, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), India Rafaqat Hussain Raja, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Pakistan Roel Ravanera, Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC), Philippines M.A. Abdul Razak, Director General, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia Percy E. Sajise, Regional Director, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Malaysia Sahadev Singh, Assistant Executive Secretary, Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), Thailand Wu Jian, Deputy Director-General, Department of Afforestation, State Forestry Administration, China M.R. Satyal, Executive Director, AFMA, Thailand Nipath Kuasakul, Director, Technical Division, Bank of Agriculture & Agricultural Cooperatives, Thailand Pedro Bueno, Director General, NACA, Thailand

Other invited guests Cai Chunhe, Senior Programme Officer, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, China Chimi Dem (Ms), Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Bhutan Bambang Heriyanto, Chief of Section, Watershed Management Institution, West Java Province, Indonesia Suksan Wanaphuti, Deputy Governor, Uttaradit Province, Thailand Sittiporn Paoon, Director, Uttaradit Provincial Agricultural Extension Office, Thailand Chumporn Pinyo, Acting Chief, Agricultural Extension Office, Muang District, Uttaradit Province, Thailand Prasit Sawangmaneecharoen, Senior Agricultural Extensionist, Thailand Nuchaya Na Songkhla (Ms), Specialist, Rice Promotion Sub-division, Bureau of Agricultural Commodities Promotion and Management, Thailand

26 Annex 3

Organizing secretariat

Steering committee

He Changchui, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative (Chairperson) Hiroyuki Konuma, Deputy Regional Representative N.M. Hla, Chief, Management Support Unit G. Keerthisinghe, Senior Plant Production Officer T. Ayazi, Meetings and Publications Officer D. de Vleeschauwer, Information Officer (Secretary)

Organizing committees

Invitations, reception and protocol Liaison with Thai government H. Konuma (Chairperson) H. Konuma (Chairperson) D. de Vleeschauwer Diderik de Vleeschauwer Kanokporn Chansomritkul (Ms) Panida Jongkol (Ms) Vishnu Songkitti (Master of Ceremony) Kayo Torii (Ms) Kanjerat Boonyamanop (Ms) Monpilai Youyen (Ms) Logistics and catering Panida Jongkol N.M. Hla (Chairperson) Amy Tanachiva (Ms) Sri Limpichati (Mrs), consultant Navaporn Liangchevasunthorn (Ms) Kevin McKeen Nawarat Chalermpao (Ms) Wichai Nomkhumtode Rangrong Sodamak (Ms) Cristina Sriratana (Mrs) Kallaya Meechantra (Ms) Suthep Charoenbutr Umpaiwan Pipatanawilai (Ms) Pensri Yujang (Ms) Chanrit Uawongkun Prasert Huatsawat Mongkhol Fongprasertkul Bongkoch Prasanakarn (Ms) Media, publications and photographs Kanyarat Singhaphun (Ms) D. de Vleeschauwer (Chairperson) Jaruwan Thananimit (Ms) Tarina Ayazi (Mrs) Aruneeprapa Peansanong (Ms) Apinya Petcharat (Ms) Pawadee Chokoonkit (Ms) Kanokporn Chansomritkul (Ms) Parichat Chuntaketta (Ms) Suthep Charoenbutr, photographer Siriporn Charoenkijgasat (Ms) Prayoon Amaree, consultant photographer Jintana Anunacha (Ms) Prasert Huatsawat, video recording Duangporn Sritulanondh (Ms) Robert Horn, consultant Pannee Sophannakorn (Ms) Pornsiri Kosiri-aksorn, temporary assistant Sunee Hormjunya (Ms) Thamrongsak Techatadakul Suthep Rakpanyakaew

Officers for the outstanding farmers Miyuki Ishikawa (Ms) – Bhutan Zhijun Chen – China Takeshi Ueda – Indonesia Francis Mangila – Niue Don Triumphavong – Thailand

27 Annex 4

Publications distributed

Š 2004 WFD information note

Š 2004 WFD issues paper

Š 2004 WFD poster

Š RAP publication FAO in Asia and the Pacific: 2002-03 Regional highlights

Š RAP publication Regional strategic framework, second edition

Š RAP publication Selected indicators of food and agriculture development in the Asia-Pacific region, 1993-2003

Š Catalogue and CD-ROM: RAP Publications 1999-2003

Š Address by the guest of honour

Š Message by the FAO Director-General

Š Welcome and introductory remarks by ADG/RR

Š Keynote speech on Biodiversity, genetic diversity and food security by Jim Peacock, president of the Australian Academy of Science

Š Citations of outstanding farmers

28

FAO on the web: http://www.fao.org FAO in Asia-Pacific: http://www.fao.or.th