Description | Programme | Participants | Documentation

Programme

STRATEGIC DIALOGUE
9 May, 8h30 – 18h00 and 10 May, 9h00 – 13h00
International Environment House 2, Geneva

9 May 2005

9h00 – 9h15 Introduction by Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz, ICTSD

9h15 – 12h30: Evaluating the impacts of fisheries subsidies on fisheries resources and sustainable livelihoods

This session focused on how sustainable development concerns – pertaining to humans and nature – can be integrated into the debate on fisheries subsidies. It evaluated the extent to which fisheries subsidies, among other tools, may be used to help improve livelihoods, enhance food security and lead to responsible management of the resource without distorting trade, keeping in mind the special needs of developing countries. It also assessed how the fisheries subsidies disciplines under negotiation at the WTO could be shaped towards achieving these goals.

13h30 – 18h00: Assessing the use of trade-related measures in the fisheries sector: challenges and opportunities

This session looked at trade-related measures as possible market access barriers for developing countries in international fish trade, in particular with regard to value-addition (such as tariffs, standards, countervailing duties or rules of origin). It also focused on domestic constraints, including capacities to meet market standards and to vertically integrate the supply chain. In addition, the session discussed the use and effectiveness of trade- and market-related measures for achieving sustainable fisheries management objectives and to what extent such measures can be successfully implemented in developing countries.

10 May 2005

9h00 – 10h45: Impacts of aquaculture expansion on international trade, domestic markets and fisheries resources

This session evaluated the impacts of expanded aquaculture on international markets and fisheries trade, as well as on domestic market structures and consequent impacts on livelihoods and fishing communities. It also assessed to what extent increased aquaculture production may contribute to overfishing, in particular through the use of wild fish as feed, and consequently the availability of resources, and whether related considerations might need to be taken into account in the WTO fisheries subsidies disciplines.

11h00 – 13h00: Bilateral access agreements and their effects on domestic fishing and management capacities

This session assessed how bilateral access agreements might impact on the competitiveness of local industries, on sustainable livelihoods of fishing communities, and the depletion of fish stocks and consequently availability of resources for local fishermen. It also explored the potential of bilateral agreements as a means to build domestic fishing capacities and to improve sustainable fisheries management.

DIALOGUE WITH NEGOTIATORS
10 May, 14h30 – 18h00
World Meteorological Organization, Geneva

14h30 – 16h15: Integrating Development Considerations into the Fisheries Subsidies Disciplines at the WTO

This session looked at how the fisheries subsidies disciplines currently under negotiation at the WTO could be shaped so as to ensure that the outcomes deliver on sustainable development objectives. Specific issues that were addressed included an assessment of how to integrate sustainability considerations in the classification of subsidies that are permitted (such as exceptions for access fees, or for certain subsidies to artisanal fisheries or to domestic industries) or prohibited. It also evaluated options for special & differential treatment provisions that could complement the disciplines on specific subsidies.

16h30 – 18h00: Addressing Tariff and Non-tariff Barriers to Market Access in the Fisheries Sector

This session provided an overview of how tariff and non-tariff barriers to fish trade might be addressed in the non-agricultural market access negotiations (NAMA) at the WTO. In this context, it assessed how possible impacts of further market liberalisation on sustainable livelihoods and fisheries resources might be taken into account in the negotiations. The session also highlighted other negotiating areas in the Doha mandate relevant to the use of fisheries-related trade measures, including eco-labelling and negotiations on the relationship between multilateral environmental agreements and WTO rules.