If you have a relevant resource (books, papers, bulletins, etc.) you would like to see announced in this section, please forward a copy for review by the BRIDGES staff to Malena Sell.
ICTSD Resources
FISHERIES, INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: POLICY DISCUSSION PAPER. October 2006. This policy discussion paper aims to provide policy-makers, scientists, advocates, journalists and those engaged in the fishing industry with an overview of the key linkages, tensions and policy debates at the intersection of fisheries and international trade. The paper does not advocate a particular perspective or make recommendations; rather it endeavours to highlight different views and options for policy-making. Organised around the three broad public policy objectives, Part One of the paper reviews the key economic, environmental and social factors that influence the management, harvest, production and trade of fisheries resources, calling attention to emerging trade trends and the precarious state of fisheries resources. Part Two reviews the key trade-related areas of international policy debate relevant to the fisheries sector: tariff liberalisation; safeguards and anti-dumping; standards and other non-tariff barriers; ecolabelling; subsidies; access agreements; and trade-related measures to promote fisheries management and environmental protection. Each of these chapters follows a similar format, identifying the policy issue at hand, the relevant background, the key policy debates and tensions, and the relevant international processes. The paper concludes with a summary of the linkages between trade policy issues and sustainable development priorities, and a set of proposals for further research. To access the paper visit http://www.trade-environment.org/page/ictsd/projects/fish_pp.htm.
Other Resources
CATCHING MORE BAIT: A BOTTOM-UP RE-ESTIMATION OF GLOBAL FISHERIES SUBSIDIES. By Ussif Rashid Sumaila and Daniel Pauly (eds.). Fisheries CentreResearch Reports 2006, Vol. 14(6). This report contains five contributions on the issue of fisheries subsidies. The first four contributions have a global scope, while chapter 5 looks at the history of fisheries subsidies in one country, Brazil. The book identifies, categorises, and compiles a database of fisheries subsidies for 144 maritime countries spanning 1995 to 2005. Topics covered include fuel and non-fuel subsidies, subsidies to bottom trawl fleets and development assistance. To access this report, visit http://www.fisheries.ubc.ca/publications/reports/report14_6.php.
THE ECOLOGICAL FISHPRINT OF NATIONS MEASURING HUMANITY’S IMPACT ON MARINE ECOSYSTEMS. By John Talberth, Karen Wolowicz, Jason Venetoulis, Michel Gelobter, Paul Boyle and Bill Mott. Redefining Progress, November 2006. The report adapts the popular Ecological Footprint tool to measure humanity’s impact on marine ecosystems. The Fishprint measures the amount of ocean area needed to sustain the consumption patterns of individual nations and the world as a whole. The report is available at http://www.rprogress.org/newpubs/2006/FishprintofNations2006.pdf.
BREAKING WAVES: A DIGEST OF OCEAN NEWS. A new World Ocean Observatory online news service, Breaking Waves features articles on ocean and water-related issues. These are chronologically compiled from daily searches of more than 150 news and information sources around the globe. Issues covered include conservation, climate change and weather, ocean energy, and commerce and transportation. To access this source, see http://www.thew2o.net/oceanForum.html.
LEVERAGING THE MARKET FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE ECONOMY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR RENEGOTIATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COFFEE AGREEMENT. By Jason Potts, IISD, 2006. International Cooperation has long been recognised as a fundamental instrument for building sustainable commodities markets. While such cooperation has typically been defined by price stabilisation and corresponding supply management strategies, a new generation of supply chain sustainability initiatives has opened the door for catalysing sustainable production and trade along commodity supply chains. The renegotiation of the International Coffee Agreement presents an unprecedented opportunity for leveraging the potential of supply chain approaches through international cooperation. This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development for the Steering Committee of the Sustainable Coffee Partnership, presents a series of opportunities for leveraging market-based approaches to building a sustainable coffee economy. To access the report, visit http://www.iisd.org/pdf/2006/coffee_global_strategy.pdf.
FUTURE OF RICE. By Emerlito Borromeo and Debal Deb. Greenpeace, November 2006. Rice is the world’s most important staple food - grown in over 100 countries, consumed regularly by over two billion people and the primary source of protein for millions. But the production of rice is at a critical crossroad if the future biodiversity of rice and rice farmers, producers and consumers is going to be protected. The Greenpeace International report ‘Future of Rice’ highlights problems with current rice production and documents scientifically proven solutions currently used by rice farmers around the world. Sustainable rice production is already being achieved. The report presents an analysis of these sustainable rice production methods, which include traditional rice growing systems and cutting edge technologies. The report’s authors also examine genetic engineering which is frequently touted as a quick fix solution to agricultural problems. To access the report visit http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/future-of-rice.
CROP BIOTECHNOLOGY AND THE AFRICAN FARMER. By Carl K. Eicher, Karim Maredia, and Idah Sithole-Niang. Food Policy 31 (2006) pp. 504-527. Recent reports, workshops and meetings on GM (Genetically Modified) crops tend to characterise GM food production as a solution to Africa’s food crisis. However, GM crops are currently grown commercially in only one country in Africa - South Africa. This paper focuses on GM crop improvement and analyses the development of seven GM crops (six food staples and cotton) over the past 15 years in Africa. The case studies reveal a number of unexpected scientific, legal, economic and political barriers to the development of GM crops and long delays in developing and implementing national biosafety regulations and guidelines. The authors conclude that most GM crops are at least 10-15 years or longer from reaching smallholder farmers in Africa. During this time special attention should be given to strengthening conventional plant breeding programs in NARS (National Agricultural Research Systems), African universities and the CGIAR. Biotechnology approaches must be nested and integrated into plant breeding programs. Special attention should also be given to raising public awareness of biotechnology, mobilizing political support and commitment to strengthening African capacity in biotechnology, biosafety, food safety and IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) and mounting long-term training programs to train the next generation of African plant breeders and GM crop specialists. The access the article, visit http://www.africabiotech.com/pdf/Crop-Biotechnology-and-the-African-Farmer.pdf.
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