The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)

(Established 1945)

Status

United Nations specialised Agency.

Mission

To raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to secure improvements in the efficiency of the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products and to better the condition of rural populations, thus contributing to the expansion of world economy and ensuring man’s freedom from hunger.

Activities

The primary activity of the Food and Agriculture Organisation is the promotion of the global exchange of information in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries; with primary responsibility for collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of data. FAO promotes national and international action to undertake scientific, technological, social and economic research, to improve education and administration of the food/agriculture sector, to conserve and sustainably manage natural resources, to improve production, processing, marketing and distribution of food and other natural resources, and to develop and adopt policies for the provision of agricultural credit for trade in agricultural commodities. FAO may also provide technical assistance as part of these activities, with programmes in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, largely funded by multilateral organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank (IBRD), and by a number of bilateral donors who have provided funds-in-trust. FAO actively seeks partnership with funding organisations.

FAO activities in marine sciences and technology are largely focused upon support for the management of fisheries resources and the development of fishing industries at artisanal and commercial scales. In 1984, FAO convened the World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development which outlined a Strategy for Fisheries, and five Programmes of Action which continue to guide FAO activities.

1. The planning, management and development of fisheries.
2. The development of small scale fisheries.
3. The development of aquaculture.
4. International trade in fish and fishery products.
5. Promoting the role of fisheries in alleviating under nutrition

Countries have particularly benefitted from FAO assistance for the development and management of fisheries in Exclusive Economic Zones, and the organisation has played an equally important role in the continuing debate on high seas fisheries, their management and control. FAO was the locus of negotiations leading to the 1993 Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, and the 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

Several regional fisheries organisations have been established under the articles of the FAO Convention and a large proportion of FAO member countries are members of one or more of these bodies. The Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission (APFC), the Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (IOFC), the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAF) are active organisations of which UK is a member. These Commissions provide a regular forum for the exchange of information and opinion and for the identification and formulation of joint action to promote fisheries management and development in the area of competence. FAO regional bodies have gradually expanded their remit from resource assessment to cover coordination of technical assistance, joint research programmes and training.

FAO maintains a Fisheries Project Information System (FIPIS) which stores and provides access to key details of most donor funded fisheries research and fisheries development projects implemented during the past decade. 

The policy of the Organisation is directed by a two yearly conference of the 174 member countries. A Council of 49 members acts for the Conference between sessions. The Fisheries (and related sciences) Programme of FAO is reviewed at two yearly intervals by the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in which all member states may participate. COFI guides the priorities of the FAO Fisheries Department, recommends approval for its budget and generally provides the mandate for FAO to pursue its programmes.

United Kingdom Interests

Lead Department

The Department for International Development, 1 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5HE
Contact: Dr Alan Tollervey, Fisheries and Aquatic Adviser (OT), Rural Livelihoods Department.
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7023 0872   Email: a-tollervey@dfid.gov.uk

(UK Permanent Representative to FAO, The British Embassy, 36, Vialle Aventino Int, 00153 Rome)

Other Interested Departments and Organisations

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, Fisheries Research Services, Marine Laboratory, PO Box 101, Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Fisheries III, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Aviation and Maritime Department.

Briefing and Reporting Mechanisms

The DFID United Nations and Commonwealth Department have responsibility for assembling briefing material for UK delegations to FAO meetings. This may involve liaison with FCO, Defra and SEERAD. A variable proportion of the business at FAO meetings may fall within the competence of the European Commission. Negotiation of a common EU position through Community coordination is the normal approach to achievement of UK objectives. UK representation at FAO meetings is drawn from relevant departments. Delegation reports are directed to DFID/UNCD and are circulated to relevant departments.

Perspective

UK interests in FAO activities are largely developmental and normative. As a substantial contributor to the FAO budget, UK interests are largely focussed upon encouraging appropriate prioritisation of the FAO work programme and its cost effectiveness. UK seeks to encourage concentration by FAO on normative functions and on its unique role as a global forum for discussion of sectorial issues, and for the primary tasks of data collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination. The maintenance of Services relevant to the needs of member countries has been a focus of UK effort. UK places great emphasis on FAO’s role in the coordination of support for fisheries research and fisheries development, and in the organisation and delivery of relevant training. In the interests of effective fisheries management, UK favours wide membership of FAO regional fisheries bodies, and seeks to participate in these as full members wherever we can play a constructive role.