MINUTES OF THE FIRST GFAR MANAGEMENT MEETING GFAR-MT... · The agenda of the meeting was adopted as...

Final version 27 March 2000

G F A RF M R AF G I A

LOBAL ORUM ON GRICULTURAL ESEARCHORUM ONDIAL DE LA ECHERCHE GRICOLEORO LOBAL DE NVESTIGACION GROPECUARIA

MINUTES OF THE THIRD GFAR MANAGEMENT MEETING Rome, 26 – 28 January 2000

Participants: R.S. Paroda, Chairman, GFAR and NARS Steering Committees H. Rouillé d’Orfeuil, Vice-Chairman, GFAR Steering Committee A. Derevier, GFAR Executive Secretary F. Chaparro, NARS Executive Secretary C. Hoste, Senior Adviser, NARS Secretariat O. Oliveros, Associate Professional Officer, NARS Secretariat 1. OPENING SESSION Dr. R.S. Paroda welcomed the participants to the meeting and emphasized that it was the first GFAR MTM in Rome and in the new Millenium. He then gave the floor to Fernando Chaparro who also welcomed the participants and reminded them that the dates were decided to facilitate interactions with participants to other important meetings taking place during the same week in FAO, Rome. This has resulted in a more fractionated and complex agenda than usual (see Annex 1). 2. SESSION I The agenda of the meeting was adopted as well as the minutes of the 2nd GFAR MTM held in India. It was recommended that the minutes of the GFAR MTM be rapidly circulated to the members of the GFAR Steering Committee. As they have not been circulated, the minutes of the 2nd MTM will be distributed at the same time as the minutes of the 3rd MTM. In his progress report, Alain highlighted: • His participation to the APAARI Executive Committee meeting & the WARDA

workshop on global partnership • The regular discussions with Consuelo Madere and the proposal to have Peter Gregory as

the alternate for the private sector representative in the GFAR Steering Committee • Progress made in the organization of the North American Forum with the discussion with

the Committee of the American Land Grant Universities who will allocate a 0.5 person/year to GFAR and GFAR-related activities and with the Canadian Agricultural Council

• Internal discussions in the World Bank and the commitment, at least in principle, to continue to support GFAR and to participate in EGFAR; in this respect a meeting with Robert Thompson in April during his visit to FAO will be important

• Confirmation of a continuous French support to GFAR, even after Alain’s departure

T:\GFAR\GFAR\PublicOfficialDocuments\Meetings\GFAR Statutory Meetings\MINUTES\GFAR-MT & IEC\03rd GFAR-MT Jan00 - Minutes.doc 1


In his progress report, Fernando highlighted: • The minutes of the meeting between the NARS Secretariat and the FAO Working Group

which summarized well the situation • The results of the consultation between GFAR and Central Asia & Caucasus (CAC)

countries which led to the establishment of the CAC Agricultural Research Forum • The progress made by Oliver Oliveros in his work on the implications of the

Environmental Conventions and Related Agreements for the research agenda of the NARS

• The NARS input to the TAC consultation on the CGIAR Vision In the discussion which followed, words of caution were given on possible involvement of the Russian Federation in GFAR and the need to consult the European Forum in this respect 3. SESSIONS II and III These two sessions were specifically devoted to the preparation of the GFAR-2000 Conference and the identification of the follow-up actions. A separate document has been prepared by the NARS Secretariat to summarize the situation and is attached as Annex 2 to these minutes. 4. SESSION IV The financial situation of GFAR was reviewed and concerns expressed regarding a possible gap in the mobilization of funds due to the fact that most of the donors have adopted a “stand-by” attitude, waiting for the results of GFAR-2000 before committing themselves for a new support. In this respect, the message GFAR-SG 01/2000 sent by IFAD was felt very important but will need some follow-up due to a very slow response. Another immediate problem identified was the fact that IFAD cannot use the same mechanism than the one used for the first two years to provide support to the NARS Secretariat. All follow-up actions related to the preparation of GFAR-2000 and to the four GFAR research priority themes are also presented in the Annex 2. Two specific decisions were taken: • A letter to donors, in particular to the CGIAR Finance Committee to secure the World

Bank contribution to GFAR for 2000. Action: Alain Derevier. • A letter to Robert Thompson as new Director of RDV inviting him to meet with the

NARS Secretariat during his next visit to Rome. Action: Alain Derevier. Finally, a wrap-up session was organized with Dr. Jacques Eckebil, Chief of SDRR who was recently appointed as Officer-in-charge, SD Department.



5. RESULTS OF OTHER MEETINGS WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING THE WEEK Chronologically, the following meetings were attended by part or all members of the GFAR MTM during the week: • A meeting on ICT between the two GFAR Secretariats, the World Bank and the FAO GIL

Department to discuss the conditions of transfer of EGFAR from Washington to Rome. An Aide-Mémoire was prepared and is attached as Annex 3.

• The Chairman, vice-Chairman and the NARS Executive Secretary attended part of the

TAC meeting with the CGIAR CDC members to discuss the new CGIAR Vision. • The FAO Working Group on NARS/GFAR met on 27 January 2000 with the GFAR

MTM. The minutes of this meeting are under preparation. • Dr. R.S. Paroda made a formal presentation to FAO staff on ICAR, the Indian Council for

Agricultural Research. • Finally, an important meeting was organized between the Chairman and vice-Chairman of

GFAR and Mr. Henri Carsalade, ADG/SD Department on the implication of a possible merger of the two GFAR Secretariats in a unified Secretariat to be hosted by FAO.




Minutes of the 3rd GFAR Management Team Meeting

LIST OF ANNEXES Annex 1: Agenda of the 3rd GFAR Management Team Meeting Annex 2: Follow-up action notes Annex 3: World Bank/GIL/GFAR Aide-Mémoire on EGFAR Annex 4: FAO/GFAR Aide-Mémoire



Annex 1

3rd GFAR MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING (MTM) & RELATED MEETINGS

ROME, 26 – 28 January 2000

1. MTM TENTATIVE TIMETABLE & LOCATION SESSION I : 26 January, 15:00 – 17:00 SESSION II : 27 January, 14:00 – 18:00 SESSION III : 28 January, 10:00 – 12:00 SESSION IV : 28 January, 14:00 – 17:00 All MTM will take place in the SDR Conference Room: Room C-698 26 JANUARY 2000 2. SESSION I (15:00 – 17:00) 15:00 – 15:10: Welcome by Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman 15:10 – 15: 15: Item 1: Adoption of the Agenda 15:15 – 15: 30: Item 2: Review and Adoption of the minutes of the 2nd GFAR

Management Team Meeting

15:30 – 16:00 : Item 3: Progress Report by the two Executive Secretaries focusing on major milestones reached and urgent issues to be addressed (10’ each + 10’ clarification/discussion)

16:00 – 16:45: Item 4: Preparation of the “After Dresden” GFAR First round of discussions on the implications of the merge of the two Secretariats :

• GFAR Support Group Communication 01/2000 • FAO, the host institution • Staffing issues • Implications for the GFAR & NARS Steering Committees and the GFAR

Support Group • Budget & Operational cost implications •

16:45 – 17:00 : Item 5: FAO-GFAR Collaboration • Preparation of the meeting with the FAO Working Group on NARS/GFAR


17:00 – 19:00 : TAC Reception in the Aventino Room (RSP + FC) 27 JANUARY 2000 09:00 – 10:15 : Joint Meeting TAC/CDC/GFAR (RSP + FC) 10:30 – 12:00 : 3rd FAO - GFAR Working Group meeting 3. SESSION II (14:00 – 18:00) Item 6: GFAR-2000 Conference (Organization and Content) 14:00 – 15:00 : Plenary Session 1 “Towards a Global Shared Vision”

• Global Shared Vision Statement • Dresden Declaration • Issues Papers • Terms of reference for the working groups

15:00 – 16:00 : Plenary Session 2 “Research Partnerships” • Successful & Innovative cases • Terms of reference for the sub-plenary working groups • Design of the Poster Session

16:00 – 16:30 : Coffee break

16:30 – 17:00 : Plenary Session 3 “Enabling Framework for a Global Agricultural Information System”

17:00 – 18:00 : Review of the General Agenda; list of invitees and of participants; identification of follow-up actions

28 JANUARY 2000 08:30 – 09:00 : Meeting with Louise Fresco and Jacques Eckebil (RSP + FC) 09:00 – 10:00 : Presentation by R.S. Paroda 4. SESSION III (10:00 – 12:00) Item 7: EGFAR 10:00 – 11:00 : Internal Review of the situation and EGFAR on-line demonstration Item 5 (cont’d) : FAO–GFAR Collaboration 11:00 – 12:00 : Preparation of the meeting with Henri Carsalade 12:00 – 12:30 : Meeting with Henri Carsalade (RSP) 12:30 – 14:00 : Lunch with Henri Carsalade and Louise Fresco (RSP + FC) 6. SESSION IV (14:00 – 17:00) Item 8: Budgetary Situation 14:00 – 14:30 : Financial situation “up to Dresden” and “after Dresden” Item 9: Wrap-Up and Conclusions 15:00 – 16:00 : GFAR-2000 (including GFAR-SC and GFAR-SG meetings) 16:00 – 17:00 : GFAR’s Future

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LIST OF DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED

Item 1 : None Item 2 : • Minutes of the 2nd GFAR Management Team Meeting Item 3 : None Item 4 : • GFAR Support Group Communication 01/2000 • Letter of Agreement FAO - GFAR • Letter of Agreement FAO – ISNAR - IPGRI Item 5 : • Minutes of the 2nd FAO – GFAR Working Group meeting • Agenda of the 3rd FAO – GFAR Working Group meeting • TAC Item 6 : • Agenda Draft Revision 10 – January 2000 • GFAR-2000 Aide-Memoire • Global Shared Vision Version 3 • 1st draft of the Dresden Declaration (English & French versions) • 2nd version of the general “Issues Paper” • Tentative list of Posters • Tables on Successful cases (sub-plenary & posters) and on Innovative Cases • Terms of Reference of the GRM Resource Person • Matrix of proposed Chairmen, Keynote Speakers and Rapporteurs • Draft letter of invitation to GFAR-2000 Item 7 : • EGFAR: General Structure and Scope • Draft of the Aide-Memoire of the meeting between GFAR and WAICENT to

discuss the transfer of EGFAR to Rome Item 8 : • NARS Secretariat : Financial Situation – 15 December 1999

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Annex 2

GFAR Management Team Meeting Rome, January 26-28, 2000

Follow-up Action Notes

1. GFAR-2000:

The preparation of GFAR-2000 is very advanced in the various components of its agenda. The detailed draft agenda is ready, and all the speakers, chairs and rapporteurs have been identified and invited. Main pending steps are as follows:

1.1 Prepare a one page summary with the objectives and expected results. These have been extensively discussed with all stakeholders, and they were described in the first background document that was prepared in April of 1999. But given the importance of these points, they are being revisited on the basis of all the preparation process underway, and a one-page summary will be prepared.

1.2 Prepare Final Draft of Agenda. A detailed annotated agenda has been available since ICW-99.

1.3 Final list of Speakers, Chairs & Rapporteurs: (a) prepare final table with selected persons; (b) send formal letters. (c) follow-up by phone.

1.4 Prepare TOR of Discussion Groups of Sunday afternoon.

1.5 GSV: Prepare version 4.

1.6 Dresden Declaration: Improve present draft. Discuss idea with GPC and then with GFAR-SC through e-mail, to make sure everyone agrees to this idea.

1.7 Issues Paper: read second version to send comments to Martín Piñeiro & Co. Will not be distributed widely right now.

1.8 Issues paper of NGOs, Farmers & private sector: Follow-up with them to know where they are.

1.9 Prepare General TOR for Thematic Working Groups of Monday afternoon. In this TOR we should clearly include the concept of a “Project Marketplace” we are seeking to develop at GFAR-2000. These Working Groups will be the main focal point for the Project Marketplace activity. We have to allow for follow-up conversations between the interested parties (from Monday to Tuesday).

1.10 For more detailed TOR of each theme: see GRM, NRM, Commodity Chains and Policy Issues in subsequent sections. The case studies on the successful research partnerships are also well advanced in preparation. These case studies identify


factors of success as well as limiting factors in research partnerships. A total of 56 cases of successful research partnerships are being documented for the GFAR-2000 meeting.

1.11 Prepare TOR for Regional Presentations.

1.12 Separate session on ICT & follow-up to Rome Consultation Meeting from the Regional Presentations.

1.13 Prepare TOR for Stakeholder Group Discussion session.

1.14 Prepare list of items to include in the Final Working Session on Tuesday afternoon at 17:15.

1.15 Review organizational and logistic aspects of Poster Session (Final List of Posters, physical distribution, persons in charge of managing them, etc.).

1.16 Review preparation of cocktail Sunday early evening (participants, invitation cards, location, budget, who-is-in-charge, etc.).

1.17 Discuss with the GPC their concept of a “Happening”, to highlight the birth and formal operational launching of GFAR.

1.18 Public awareness campaign in Germany (to be discussed with GPC). Although it is a closed meeting, we should also review what should be done in the next three months at the global level (outside Germany), besides the continuous contacts with stakeholders and interested parties that has so far being carried out.

1.19 Determine meeting time, place and agenda for the meetings of the GFAR-SC on Saturday, May 20, and on Thursday, May 25, to review final arrangements and follow-up; as well as the coordination meeting with Chairs and Rapporteurs of GFAR-2000 (Saturday 20). Since NARS form part of GFAR-SC, it may not be necessary to have a meeting of the NARS-SC before the meeting (but the need for this will be monitored), but we do have to schedule one for the follow-up (Thursday May 25). Also the meeting with the GFAR Support Group will have to be scheduled, for Friday, May 26, early in the morning (we discussed of a possible breakfast).

1.20 Request recorded statements from the FAO-DG to be presented in a large screen on the Inauguration Session, as well as similar messages from other CEOs of facilitating agencies that may not be able to come. The possibility of managing the logistics of this would have to be discussed with the GPC.

2. Message to all RF/SRF to be sent this week, covering:

2.1 Brief report of where we are in preparation of GFAR-2000.

2.2 Attach First Draft Agenda (being prepared).

2.3 List of Participants: Once again providing information on how to identify the participants (policy that is being followed), and requesting a draft List of Participants from each region.

2.4 Financial support for participants: Review of the four categories of financial support available, and request that each RF/SRF identify the specific participants that fall in

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each of these four categories. Request them to enter in contact with the respective embassies in each country for the fourth category. See if we could also advance this process by interacting directly with the External Affairs Ministry in each capital.

2.5 Ask for a quick report on the status of the preparation of the Successful Case Studies.

2.6 Send to them the TOR for the presentation of Posters. This is being left very flexible to be determined by each RF/SRF or by each stakeholder. But a minimal of a “General TOR” is required (includes a description of the size of the display panels available, a description of the physical space that will be available, and a description of the management of the posters through a “Regional Responsible Person”, who will be coordinating and managing the Poster display of each region). Reference will also be made to the policy that will be followed for the persons related to the presentation of case studies, and to the person in charge of managing the posters and any other poster-related person (in terms of how they relate to the List of Participants and to funding possibilities).

2.7 Request a report on how the Poster Display from each region is being prepared and managed (person responsible for this in each region, state of preparation of the relevant material, etc.). The question of transportation of this material to Dresden will be raised.

2.8 Ask for a quick report on the status of the preparation of the new innovative research partnerships. In the case of two regions (SSA and WANA), this involves the presently ongoing process of negotiations with Europe (the European Forum). This is related to the implementation of the concept of a “Project Marketplace”.

2.9 Provide information on the GFAR-2000 documents that will be sent to them in early March. Also ask them to see if they have background documents (i.e. the Regional Strategy for ARD) they would like to distribute at GFAR-2000, and provide them the name of the person they can ship documents and material to. It is important to coordinate this in detail with the GPC.

2.10 Other pending topics with respect to the preparation of GFAR-2000.

3. Integration of the two Secretariats:

3.1 Review of the present Agreement between GFAR and FAO for the functioning of the NARS Secretariat, in order to reflect in it the new role of the integrated GFAR Secretariat.

3.2 Follow-up with ISNAR in terms of the continuing commitment of ISNAR.

3.3 Determine what will be the detailed chronogram of contacts with GFAR-SC members for the formalization of this decision.

4. EGFAR and Regional Agricultural Information Systems (RAIS):

4.1 Review document on EGFAR to integrate changes.

4.2 Continue developing EGFAR system of webpages in coordination with various RAIS. This is high priority. Important to develop full operational capacity in technical team in NARS Secretariat (Arnoud Braun, a part-time consultant and backstopping from

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Reza in Washington), in order to assure reaching concrete results from here to May (GFAR-2000).

4.3 Prepare project proposals for IDRC and EC.

4.4 Explore how to operationalize support of WAICENT, but development of EGFAR should not be dependent on it.

4.5 Regional Agricultural Information Systems (RAIS): RAIS are constituted by a set of interrelated information facilities and databases in a given region, that share a Regional Information Strategy, whose objective is to improve access to information, communication and flow of information among stakeholders of ARD. The first step in promoting the development of RAIS was the preparation of a conceptual document on the nature and objectives of RAIS, that was developed on the basis of actual experiences being carried out by ARD stakeholders in both developing and developed countries. This conceptual paper is available: “Conceptual Framework/Guidelines for a Regional Agricultural Information System (RAIS) for Agricultural Research for Development” (NARS Secretariat, December 1999). Within this framework, the establishment and/or strengthening of four RAIS are being supported: Sub-Sahara Africa (FARA-RAIS), in West Asia and North Africa (AARINENA-RAIS), in Asia/Pacific (APAARI-RAIS), and in Latin America and the Caribbean (FORAGRO-RAIS, that has been given the name of INFOTEC). These four RAIS of developing countries will be interacting very closely with a similar regional system that has been developed in Europe by EIARD, in order to facilitate access to European information resources on ARD: EIARD-InfoSys. As in the previous case, this activity is being carried out in close collaboration with SDR and with WAICENT. These experiences will be presented in GFAR-2000, in the session of Tuesday morning (May 23).

5. GRM and Biotechnology:

5.1 The Terms of Reference for consultant are ready. Two candidates have been identified. The consultant would act as GFAR resource-person on this topic. The main issue that is involved here is how to promote the development of a Multilateral System of Facilitated Access to Germplasm and of Benefit Sharing. Three products related to this central theme: (a) draft of a declaration on this topic to be presented at Dresden; (b) a proposal for operationalizing Leipzig Plan of Action; and (c) a proposal for action aimed at raising awareness among legislators and policy-makers on the importance of facilitating germplasm flow for research purposes in food and agriculture. For more information on this see the Terms of Reference that were developed. This may imply a quick trip to Ottawa to discuss the details of this consultancy with the consultant, coming back from the IPR Workshop in Los Baños.

5.2 Seek funding from Switzerland, Netherlands or Norway, to complement the funds that the NARS Secretariat already has available.

5.3 A first concrete activity on this topic will be the CORA/IRRI/GFAR Workshop on the impact of recent national legislation on IPRs (more concretely recent national legislation on PVP) on the flow of rice germplasm, and on access to rice germplasm, in the Asia/Pacific countries. This workshop will take place on February 16-18, 2000, in Los Baños. We expect to obtain concrete recommendations on how to improve the national legislations and their related operational mechanisms in order to minimize the possible negative impacts. Similar initiatives are being promoted in other regions, most likely in other crops. The recommendations will be taken to

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GFAR-2000, and they can be integrated with the other points mentioned above. This can be seen as an in-depth analysis of a concrete case (rice), to see what can we learn from this ongoing experience. These results may be very useful for the development of a Multilateral System of Facilitated Access to Germplasm and of Benefit Sharing.

5.4 Organize meeting in April with FAO and IPGRI, where we can take stock of the advance being made on this topic, and on how to present these ideas in GFAR-2000.

5.5 In the area of biotechnology policy and public awareness issues, in cooperation with FAO (SDRR and WAICENT) and the Regional/Sub-regional Fora, GFAR is supporting the establishment of an Electronic Forum on Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture (EFBFA), with the objective of assisting developing countries, and regional and global fora, in decision making on public sector applications and priority setting in biotechnology for food and agriculture.1 The first phase of the establishment of this electronic forum is already underway, which is that of determining the main policy issues that are involved. The next steps are basically those of getting the electronic forum underway, and, secondly, discussing with the Regional/Sub-regional Fora (RF/SRF) how to organize effectively the regional dimension of this initiative. The effort presently underway of identifying the main policy issues involved could be one of the inputs into this session in GFAR-2000. It should be pointed out that similar initiatives that were emerging from the RF/SRF are being now closely coordinated with this electronic forum, in order to avoid duplication or parallel efforts. A similar link will be established with the ZEFF effort in Germany to analyze critically biotechnology research policy issues of interest to developing countries. These various efforts may provide important inputs into this session of GFAR-2000. In turn, GFAR-2000 can contribute to the further development of these initiatives.

Note: These are the main inputs around which the discussion of the Thematic Working Group on GRM in GFAR-2000 can concentrate its discussion. Thus the discussion of the Working Group (s) should not be seen as a general discussion on the topic, fishing for ideas, but as a substantial discussion of an emerging set of proposals for global action, that are structured around the main topic mentioned above. A concrete agenda for GFAR action on this very important topic would hopefully emerge. The consultant we are looking for could function as the main resource person, whose task will be to organize these various ideas and initiatives into a coherent set of proposals for global action. He could act as a resource person at this particular session in GFAR-2000 as well. The ongoing process, leading up to GFAR-2000, can be seen as the “Project Marketplace” we are seeking to establish as part of the Global Forum.

6. NRM:

6.1 Through a concerted effort among NGOs, NARS, IARCs and ARIs, a set of proposals for global action are being prepared, to be presented at GFAR-2000 in this area. These proposals have recently been discussed among various stakeholders, that met first in Rambouillet and then in Paris, in December of 1999 and January of 2000. The dynamics of this process is very significant. The emerging actions/projects are the following ones:

1 On this electronic forum see: Project Proposal for Establishing the Electronic Forum on

Biotechnology in Food and Agriculture (EFBFA); Rome, FAO, December, 1999.

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•

•

•

•

•

PolicyNet: Global Network on Policy-related Research on Natural Resource Management (NRM). This initiative is concerned with the conduct of research to develop options for policy improvement at local, national and international levels. Research will be conducted in collaboration with partners in ways that reinforce their own skills, with research topics and methods strongly influenced by priorities perceived by South-based partners. Initially, it will focus on the institutional and political conditions of emergence and extension of innovations on NRM and will adopt an iterative process for designing policy options, starting from field-based information on the innovations and their context and limitations in terms of policies, towards debate with policy makers, and back to local actors.

InterDev: InterDev is a web-based information system, which aims to systematize and integrate local innovations (e.g., indigenous knowledge) into information and knowledge systems related to NRM and agro-ecology, by developing appropriate mechanisms for the description, control (labelling) and exchange of information. InterDev is presently being experimented by a network of organizations, instead of a centralized information system, who themselves provide expertise in research and development projects and in NRM related activities. It is designed so that the central database can be downloaded by any participating organization, enriched by its own experience and automatically updated every time the participating organization makes a new connection. Thus, the users of the information are, at the same time, the main suppliers.

Scaling-up: The third NGO initiative is aimed at promoting cases of scaling-up, with the objective of extrapolating to the wider rural population the results, technologies and practices of successful research and development projects in NRM. A very intensive discussion is taking place on the requirements of scaling-up, and on the different strategies or approaches to do so. One workshop on this topic already took place in Washington (October or 1999), and a second workshop will soon take place in the Philippines.

Project-Call and Global Research and Development Networks: In partnership with other stakeholders, the NGOs are taking the lead in developing global research and development networks in NRM. One proposal has already been prepared which seeks the integration of Prolinnova, Interdev and PolicyNet into a unified global initiative so as to allow the identification, reinforcement and scaling up of local initiatives which lead to innovations and concrete positive changes in the field of NRM and sustainable development. Efforts are also underway to link the scaling-up activity with this initiative as well. Another initiative that is emerging is on the topic of “Non-Tillage Agriculture.” In this research area, a very promising research and development partnership among NGOs, IARCS, ARIs and NARS (NARIs) is taking shape as an offshoot of a meeting held on 20-21 January, 2000, convened to collectively prepare a concrete proposal on this topic. This proposal will be ready for GFAR 2000.

Promotion of Local Innovations in ecological agriculture and natural resource management (Prolinnova): This initiative seeks to strengthen research on promoting farmer innovation in agroecology and NRM through partnerships of farmers, NGOs and research organisations at various levels (from local to global, including national/regional). Its envisioned fields of

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activities include that of identification and supporting local innovations; strengthening, at the global level, processes and methods for agro-ecological research; training and information of researchers; and promotion of global research networks on AE/NRM based on local innovations.

6.2 These proposals are already taking shape, and they can be integrated into a coherent global program on NRM, to be discussed at GFAR-2000.

Note: These are the main inputs around which the discussion of the Thematic Working Group on NRM in GFAR-2000 can concentrate its discussion. Thus the discussion of the Working Group (s) should not be seen as a general discussion on the topic, fishing for ideas, but as a substantial discussion of an emerging set of proposals for global action, that are structured around the main topics mentioned above. A concrete agenda for GFAR action on this very important topic would hopefully emerge. In this case we do not have a single consultant, but rather a group of institutions (stakeholders) that have taken the lead in organizing these concrete proposals for action. The ongoing process, leading up to GFAR-2000, can be seen as the “Project Marketplace” we are seeking to establish as part of the Global Forum.

7. Commodity Chains:

7.1 Commodity chains is one of the four priority areas that has been identified for GFAR. In this respect three steps are presently being developed:

•

•

•

A conceptual exercise, aimed at operationalizing the concept of global networks on “commodity chains”, both of the international crops type and of the underutilized crops type.

A database on the main crops that are potential candidates for a commodity chain approach, through joint research and development efforts carried out by various stakeholders, through partnerships that can bring together NARS, IARCs, ARIs and the private sector. This activity is being carried out in cooperation with IPGRI-INIBAP in Montpellier.

There are 10 possible candidates for global partnerships around the topic of commodity chains, which are the following ones: cocoa, trypanosomosis, soybean, coconut, tropical fruits and citrus, cotton, sugar cane, teck (forestry), coffee and oil palm.

7.2 The main pending steps are as follows: (1) Prepare a one-page summary of the information available in the Montpellier database on each of these crops as potential cases of commodity chains. This implies covering: (a) identification of main stakeholders that could be involved (research centers, companies, intermediaries, universities, etc.), as well as existing organizational structures (i.e. among producers); (b) identification of the main researchable issues or production challenges that could serve as a starting point or as a thematic structure for a possible global network; (c) identification of who could be the convenor (s) or “lead institution” for each possible network; and (d) identification of specific events already scheduled for each crop, that could facilitate bringing the stakeholders together to discuss with them the interest in such a global network, and how it could operate. (2) On the basis of the above information, concentrate on two or three cases in the next three months in order to facilitate their further development as concrete proposals that could be taken to GFAR-2000. It should be pointed out that in the case of the first four crops or

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commodity chains mentioned above (see point 7.1), significant work has already been done in bringing the stakeholders together to discuss their interest in developing a global network, and how to orient such an endeavor. This is the case of trypanosomosis, in which a workshop was recently organized in Montpellier, and in which concrete follow up is already taking place among its potential participants to see how they can organize this initiative. (3) Thirdly, it is very important to look into the funding strategy that could be utilized in each case, in order to come up with realistic proposals for global partnerships.

7.3 As in the previous two cases, the discussion of the Thematic Working Group (s) in GFAR-2000 should be structured around the discussion of where we are in this process, what is the receptivity of the initiatives being developed, who is interested in participating in them, and the next steps to further develop them. Thus, the Terms of Reference of the Working Groups should clearly reflect this. It is also important to point out that concept of the “Project Marketplace” includes these steps that are being taken before Dresden, along with the discussion that will take place at GFAR-2000 itself. It is part of an ongoing process. It will also be important to analyze the interaction between the Global initiatives, that we have been referring to, and the Regional initiatives that Regional/Sub-regional Fora are presently developing.

8. Policy & Institutional Issues:

8.1 This section is being prepared with Francis Idachaba in ISNAR, who has the most updated information on the evolution of the initiatives being discussed and prepared in this priority area.

9. Region-to-Region Interaction in the development of a Collaborative Research Programme in ARD:

9.1 A new modality is being explored within the context of the Global Forum, which is that of facilitating interaction between the research communities of two regions, through their respective Regional Fora, in order to facilitate the emergence of a collaborative research endeavor between those two concrete regions. This is a special case of the Project Marketplace mechanism that is being developed in the context of the Global Forum. Two pilot projects are presently being carried out: the first one is between the European Forum on Agricultural Research (EFARD) and Sub-Sahara Africa (FARA); the second one between EFARD and the WANA region (AARINENA). The second one, for example, is being developed through three succesive interactions between the two Regional Fora involved, that are taking place in Washington (October of 1999), Portugal (February, 2000) and Beirut (March 2000). The results will be presented in GFAR-2000 in Dresden (May 21-23 2000). In Annex I more detailed information is given on the process of developing a collaborative research programme between Europe (EFARD) and the WANA region (AARINENA).

9.2 The next steps will be to further develop the two pilot projects mentioned above, from now to Dresden. The regional consultancies are taking place, as scheduled, and the regional meetings to discuss the emerging inter-regional collaborative research programme are being organized. The results will be ready for the Dresden meeting. After GFAR-2000, other Region-to-Region interactions could be promoted.

9.3 One pending question is how these Region-to-Region collaborative programme proposals fit into the GFAR-2000 agenda. There is no agenda space to present this

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inter-regional experience formally, but components of the emerging proposals could be presented in each of the thematic Working Groups. This should be analyzed more carefully to see what options do we have.

10. Preparation of brief notes describing possible scenarios for Post-Dresden:

10.1 Streamlining of GFAR: Integration of the two secretariats.

10.2 External review: How the concept has evolved and suggested stripe review right after Dresden. Expected results.

10.3 Emerging Program of Work: projection of the Lines of Action in the priority areas of GFAR, and possible concentration of activities.

10.4 Develop a draft Funding Strategy to be discussed among stakeholders and with the GFAR Support Group.

11. Follow-up with GFAR Support Group:

11.1. Monitor the results of Communication 01/2000 to the GFAR Support Group members.

11.2. Prepare specific letters to the CGIAR Finance Committee and the World Bank (Bob Thomson) regarding the World Bank contribution to GFAR for FY 2000.

11.3. Inform the GFAR Support Group members of the ISNAR financial crisis and of its impact on the NARS Secretariat.

12. Follow-up to the CAC meeting:

12.1. Acknowledge receipt of the letter signed by the 8 heads of NARS of Central Asia and Caucasus countries officially establishing a CAC Forum and identify the next steps to operationalize it.

12.2. Inform all GFAR stakeholders of the establishment of the CAC Forum and explore the possibility to develop more inter-regional fora collaboration.

12.3. Follow-up with the Russian Federation on its possible implication/contribution to GFAR based on the report prepared by the Russian observer to the CAC Consultation.

13. Other pending matters:

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Annex 3

Aide-Mémoire of the meeting between FAO/WAICENT, the World Bank and GFAR to discuss the transfer of EGFAR to Rome

(Rome, January 25, 2000) Participants were as follows:

• • • •

• • •

Francisco Perez-Trejo, FAO/WAICENT Johannes Keizer, FAO/WAICENT Stephen Rudgard, FAO/GIL Reza Firuzabadi, Head of the Information Technology and Knowledge Management Unit, ESSD, World Bank, Fernando Chaparro, NARS Secretariat of GFAR, FAO, Alain Derevier, GFAR Secretariat, World Bank

On Tuesday, January 25, a meeting took place between GFAR, FAO/WAICENT and the World Bank to review the implications of the transfer of the EGFAR application from Washington to Rome, based on the preliminary discussion meetings held on December 6, 1999 in Rome, respectively with SD ADG Henri Carsalade and with GIL Director Anton Mangstl (refer to the minutes of the two meetings). The objectives of the meeting were then (a) to identify operational implications for the implementation of the decision, (b) to review short-term and long term aspects of it and finally ( c) to provide GFAR and FAO management with the basis for the formal agreement to be approved. After discussing the work that has been carried out so far, both in Washington and in Rome, and reviewing the present status of the EGFAR application2 and the vision of the final product as it is proposed in the document referred to in footnote 1, the meeting concentrated in discussing how to operationalize the collaboration between FAO, the World Bank and GFAR in the further development of EGFAR, considering successively the interim period starting from now up to July 1st , 2000 at the utmost, and a two to three year period for the final development of EGFAR starting as from July 1st , 2000. The following points were considered and discussed:

1. Based on a previous evaluation of several options, in October of last year, the GFAR Steering Committee mandated the GFAR Secretariat to initiate negotiation with FAO to explore the modalities of transferring the co-ordination of the EGFAR application from the World Bank, Washington, to FAO, Rome. The decision to privilege the FAO option was supported by the World Bank that was providing very valuable

2 See the paper that describes the general framework that is being followed in the development of

EGFAR: “EGFAR: General Structure and Scope”; Rome/Washington, EGFAR, January 2000.


support to the development of EGFAR from its initial phase of development until now, and by FAO itself that has already been providing a critical support for the development of the NARS component of EGFAR during September and October of last year in cooperation also with WAICENT.

2. Then, preliminary contacts on December 6, 1999 showed that there was a common interest on both sides to further develop a partnership between FAO and GFAR in that area. The agreement of FAO to provide a technical support similar to the one the World Bank has being providing to EGFAR so far, was subject to: in the short term, the fact that GFAR (through the NARS Secretariat) could contribute a person to work full time on this initiative, and, in the longer term, that additional funds be raised by GFAR for the full implementation of EGFAR. At that time it was agreed that FAO could play such a facilitating role by providing the required technical support through a person that will provide advise and orientation on how to further develop EGFAR, specially in the critical phase that will be carried out in the next four months from January through May, in order to present preliminary results in GFAR-2000 in Dresden. During this time further financial support for EGFAR will be negotiated with potential donors (two donors have been contacted for this purpose: IDRC and the EC).

3. In laying the basis for an FAO/GFAR partnership for the development of EGFAR, it was emphasized that there is a significant complementarity between what FAO/WAICENT does, and what EGFAR is developing, that could lead to a partnership that could generate mutual benefits. For example, the EGFAR approach can make an important contribution to the development of the new AGRIS, while at the same time responding to its own objectives, which is that of establishing a communication platform in Internet that facilitates the exchange of information and knowledge among the stakeholders of agricultural research for development (ARD). It was felt that through this partnership a win/win situation could develop, in which both partners benefit from this joint effort.

4. It was then felt critical that the three partners, i.e. World Bank, FAO and GFAR, closely co-ordinate their respective efforts and share responsibilities in order to assure the following steps that are required for the implementation of EGFAR:

4.1. For the critical phase of the further development of EGFAR from here to GFAR-2000 (January-through-May), GFAR through the NARS Secretariat can operationalize (assure) the contribution mentioned above: a full time person to work on this initiative, through an APO (Arnoud Braun). In order to strengthen the operational capacity of the technical team in charge of this operation, it can also cover the costs of a consultant who will work with the EGFAR team during this initial phase (Graeme Thomas).

4.2. On the Bank side, Reza Firuzabadi confirmed that the World Bank, IT ESSD unit, will maintain its support to the development of EGFAR during this transition phase in close concertation with the GFAR and NARS Secretariats.

4.3. On the FAO side, Francisco Perez-Trejo indicated that FAO/WAICENT still has to evaluate the implications of its involvement at this stage and should decide how this could be handled by the different units concerned. More substantive discussions are needed between FAO/WAICENT and the GFAR

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Secretariat on the nature of the activities that both programmes are involved in to identify common strategies which would allow for better complementarity and would avoid any duplication of efforts. Should sufficient funding materialise, this could imply the part-time assignment of a person with the capacity to support the development of EGFAR, in order to complete the technical team required for the initial phase of the implementation of this initiative.

5. For the longer term starting after Dresden, there was a clear consensus that FAO/WAICENT and the new “unified GFAR Secretariat”, could be at the center of a wider partnership on EGFAR, provided that EGFAR will have a operational budget in place as agreed at the meeting between Mr. Carsalade, ADG-SD with the GFAR Secretariat (see notes of the meeting with EGFAR, December 6, 1999). The World Bank agreed to continue to be closely associated, along with other partners, particularly through the “technical advisory group” to be established under the umbrella of the GFAR Steering Committee.

6. Two products are expected during the interim period: (a) the further development of EGFAR in this initial phase, the results of which will be presented in GFAR-2000; (b) a request to donors for the full implementation of EGFAR, based on a two to three year EGFAR workplan. This will lead to the mobilization of the necessary funds that are required for the full implementation of this project. It will also be important to incorporate these exercises into the FAO Consultation on Agricultural Information Management in Rome in June.

7. It is proposed that the above points be integrated in the future agreement to be signed between GFAR and FAO (either a revision of the current LOA or a new MOU) as a specific chapter on EGFAR.

8. For the future, the possibility of further collaboration between FAO/WAICENT and EGFAR was left open, through collaborative efforts that could be carried out in areas/topics of mutual interest along the lines of the agreed terms outlined in paragraph 4.3 (i.e. development and adoption of common protocols, etc.).

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Annex 4

AIDE-MEMOIRE OF THE MEETING BETWEEN Mr. HENRI CARSALADE, ADG/SD and Dr. R.S. PARODA, CHAIRMAN OF GFAR

Rome, 28 January 2000

1. Background At the end of 1999, the GFAR Steering Committee members have mandated the GFAR Chairman to propose a new GFAR institutional framework which will consider a possible merging of the two Secretariats. On December 6, 1999, at the request of the GFAR Chairman, Dr. Henri Rouillé d’Orfeuil, GFAR Vice-Chairman, visited FAO and initiated discussions with the FAO Senior Management on this topic. The minutes of this meeting are attached to this aide-memoire. In its last meeting in October 1999, the GFAR Steering Committee also mandated the GFAR Executive Secretary to explore the feasibility and implications of the transfer of EGFAR, the Electronic Global Forum on Agricultural Research from the World Bank to FAO. A first meeting took place on 6 December with FAO (SDR and GILD) and a second one on 25 January 2000 with the participation of the head of the IT ESSD Unit of a World Bank. The draft of the Aide-Memoire of this last meeting is also attached. The presence in Rome of Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman of GFAR, and of Dr. H. Rouillé d’Orfeuil, Vice-Chairman, for the 3rd GFAR Management Team Meeting provided a good opportunity to follow-up further on these issues and to review with FAO the possible consequences and implications of such changes. 2. Summary of the discussions 1. Dr. R.S. Paroda took the opportunity of the meeting with Mr. H. Carsalade to re-emphasize the key role played by FAO in the establishment of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) and to thank once more FAO for having accepted to host and support the NARS Secretariat of GFAR. Dr. R.S. Paroda also briefed Mr. H. Carsalade on the progress made by the GFAR management team regarding the establishment of a “unified GFAR Secretariat” which could be hosted by FAO. Such a decision could become effective as of 1 July 2000, subject to the results of the GFAR-2000 Conference.


2. Mr. H. Carsalade indicated that FAO was very pleased by the progress made so far by GFAR, reaffirmed the strong support from FAO and welcomed the proposal of having a “unified GFAR Secretariat”. He then confirmed the interest and the willingness of FAO to host this new “unified GFAR Secretariat” and EGFAR. Mr. H. Carsalade also indicated that FAO will study favorably all new practical arrangements related to the hosting of the GFAR Secretariat within FAO. Finally, he proposed to GFAR to work together towards the establishment of a platform for international agricultural research taking advantage of the presence within FAO of the TAC Secretariat, the GFAR Secretariat and the SDRR Service. 3. The establishment of a “unified GFAR Secretariat” would obviously have implications for FAO as the host institution. The main consequences can be summarized as follows, keeping into consideration availability of specific resources needed: • As for the NARS Secretariat, the “unified GFAR Secretariat” will be a distinct

organizational unit within FAO, provided with logistical support including additional space if required.

• All staff of the GFAR Secretariat directly recruited by FAO will be subject to FAO’s rules and regulations. FAO will also explore the possibility of extending to the Senior Officers seconded by other institutions to serve at the GFAR Secretariat the status provided by FAO to its “long-term consultant”.

• FAO would also agree to host EGFAR as a GFAR program to be fully articulated with WAICENT’s regular activities.

3. Follow-up Actions 5. In the next two months, FAO will make concrete proposals for hosting the “unified GFAR Secretariat” and EGFAR. An official letter summarizing the main points of the agreement will be drafted by FAO and submitted to GFAR for consideration. 6. Simultaneously, the GFAR Steering Committee will take all necessary steps and decisions in order to have in place an effective “unified GFAR Secretariat” by the 1st of July 2000. H. Carsalade R.S. Paroda ADG Chairman Sustainable Development Department GFAR

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