EARTH SUMMIT+5 Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise the Implementation of Agenda 21 New York, 23-27 June 1997 PROGRAMME FACT SHEETS

	Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
	Responsible Organization(s)	Food and Agriculture Organization. Fisheries Department
	Description	The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries provides principles and standards applicable to the conservation, management and development of all fisheries. It also covers the capture, processing and trade of fish and fishery products, fishing operations, aquaculture, fisheries research and the integration of fisheries into coastal area management. The Conference and the Code request FAO to support implementation of the Code, including elaboration of Technical Guidelines, disseminate the Code, provide technical assistance and fora, as well as to monitor and report on its implementation though its regional fisheries bodies and to Committee on Fisheries as to evaluate its effects on fisheries. Under this broad frame, support the implementation of the Code of Conduct, involve all areas of the Fisheries Department, including other FAO Units. Both at Headquarters and through its field programme.
	Issues addressed	Agenda 21 Chapter 17 Programmes C on "Sustainable use and Conservation of marine living resources on the high seas" and D on "Sustainable Use and conservation of marine living resources under national jurisdiction". A key element in the approach to responsible fisheries as address by the Code of Conduct, is the principle of Sustainability. In addition to the above expressed, the Code takes into account the biological characteristics of the resources and their environment, it recognises the nutritional economic, social and cultural importance of fisheries and the interests of consumers and other users of the aquatic environment in relation to fisheries, therefore most elements included in the programme include issues related to Sustainable Development.
	Objectives	Provide support to governments, IGO, NGO including private sector to achieve the objectives of the Code inter alia. Help States to establish or to improve the legal and institutional framework required for the exercise of responsible fisheries and in the formulation and implementation of appropriate measures. Provide guidance which may be used as appropriate in the formulation and implementation of international agreements and other legal instruments. Facilitate, provide and promote technical, financial and other cooperation for the conservation of fisheries resources and fisheries management and development. Promote the contribution of fisheries to food security and food quality, giving priority to the nutritional needs of local communities. Promote protection of living aquatic resources and their environments and coastal areas; promote responsible trade of fish and fishery products; promote research on fisheries as well as on associated ecosystems and relevant environmental factors; and support the development of standards of conduct for all persons involved in the fishery sector.
	Results achieved	Implementation of the Code rely mainly in States and all those involved in fisheries. Through the implementation of the Code it is expected to achieve responsible/sustainable fisheries. FAO has been widely disseminating the Code and promoting its implementation, including the development of a Programme to assist developing countries supported by donors. Follow-up activities include collecting information and reporting progress on the implementation to regional fisheries bodies and other bodies. Current information shows that a number of countries, IGO and NGO have undertaken initiatives in various areas addressed by the Code.
	Lessons learned	The process of elaboration of the Code was an example of cooperation in the development of an international instrument which in addition to be based on rules of international low, include ethics values and a binding component. It also include a mechanism for periodical review and up-dating according to its effects on fisheries. It is expected that the same attitude is taken toward its implementation.
	Financing	Regular Programme and Extrabudgetary sources
	Contact	FAO Fisheries Department, Dr. Moritaka Hayasi (ADG-FI) Email: moritaka.hayasi@fao.org Dr. M. Lizarraga (FI Department Coordinator for the Code of Conduct) tel. (39 6) 5225 5802