UNEP Roundtable on Promoting Development and Sustainability in Fishery Subsidies Disciplines

held on 30th June 2005 at the International Environment House in Geneva

As part of UNEP’s continuing effort to disseminate information and encourage discussion on select issues of fishery subsidies disciplines, the Economics and Trade Branch (ETB) convened an informal roundtable on 30th June 2005 in Geneva. The meeting provided a forum for open discussion on issues of sustainable development in artisanal fisheries and more generally, options for Special and Differential treatment for developing countries linking trade rules to sustainable development and poverty reduction.

The roundtable assembled more than 50 participants from governments, IGOs, NGOs and experts, all invited in their personal capacities. Two UNEP commissioned papers were the basis for discussion:

• Artisanal Fishing: Promoting Poverty Reduction and Community Development Through new WTO Rules on Fisheries Subsidies An Issue and Options Paper
• Reflecting Sustainable Development and Special and Differential Treatment for Developing Countries in the Context of new WTO Fisheries Subsidies Rules
  An Issue and Options Paper

Approaches to Artisanal Fisheries were the main focus of discussion, and specific consideration was given to how this sector can or should be protected within new WTO rules on subsidies. Attention was drawn to both the “developmental imperative” and “sustainability challenge” in terms of food security, poverty alleviation and the preservation in traditional lifestyles. The debate also explored the difficulties with finding a universal definition for artisanal fisheries.

Approaches to Special and Differential Treatment for developing countries within the context of a new WTO subsidies regime were discussed, in light of making them operational and inclusive of sustainable development considerations. Participants identified the need for flexibility for developing countries to provide fisheries subsidies in the pursuit of their specific development priorities, subject to certain environmental and economic conditions. It was also highlighted that scientific and technical expertise outside of the WTO might be needed for ensuring sustainability of new S&D disciplines.

As follow-up, the comments made during the meeting are being taken into account when finalizing the draft UNEP papers. The final publications will be made available prior to and at the WTO ministerial in Hong Kong. The outcome of the workshop was also presented to the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) on 6th July 2005 and submitted to the Rules Committee by New Zealand.

If you have any questions regarding this meeting or other related issues, please contact Anja von Moltke
(tel: 41-22-917 8137, e-mail:anja.moltke@unep.ch)

For more information on UNEP ETB's work on fisheries subsidies, please visit http://www.unep.ch/etb/areas/fisherySub.php