Debates at FAO on climate and bioenergy  -  note by Francesca Ronchi Proja,IFHE

FAO has planned a High-Level Conference on World Food Security and the Challenges of Climate Changes and Bioenergy, to be held on 3-5 June 2008 in Rome. In preparation for this important event, FAO is holding a series of consultations with partners and experts. The first one was organized on 15-16 February in Rome to discuss the subjects with CSO/NGOs. A very interesting report was prepared and is available under the site - www.fao.org/foodclimate.

Members of the AHG/INGOs are encouraged to read that report and draw it to the attention of their HQs. In fact, FAO intends to obtain a broad range of views and experiences, – in addition to those expressed by the participants at the Consultation –, on which to inform the June Conference. Therefore, the opinions and comments of all NGOs concerned are welcome by FAO and will be taken into account for that purpose. For example, NGOs may want to review the Key Messages listed in the above report, express their agreement or disagreement, add their own experiences and advice, indicate their interest in the participation at the June Conference. And of course, any other issue of their concern.

The  AHG /INGOs is now considering the modality of its participation, as a Group, at the June Conference. Of course,individual INGOs members are free to address their comments directly to FAO and to participate in the Conference as allowed by FAO Rules of Procedures.