Joint IGG on Hard Fibres (36th Session) and IGG
on Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres (38thSession)
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
16-18 November 2011
Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 : C 2011/INF/15
Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 : C 2011/INF/15
• The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2009 to
be the International Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF) as
recommended by FAO Conference Resolution 3/2005. In
doing so, it noted that the diverse range of natural fibres
produced in many countries provided an important source of
income for farmers, and hence contributed to the
achievement of the Millennium Development Goals through
eradicating poverty and improving food security.
Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 : C 2011/INF/15
• As the lead agency, FAO required at least USD 2 million to
effectively implement the IYNF. Unfortunately, the
exceptionally difficult economic climate of 2009 affected
potential inflows of donor funds and commercial sponsorship.
Nevertheless, FAO endeavoured to make progress, devoting
approximately USD 120 000 from its own budget, bolstered by
external donations amounting to around USD 57 000 (USD 44
000 from the Common Fund for Commodities; USD 8 000 from
the Government of New Zealand; and USD 5 000 from the
International Jute Study Group). In spite of such small outlays,
FAO’s achievements were nonetheless considerable.
Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 : C 2011/INF/15
• Key to celebrating the year and promoting its objectives
were the host of events that took place outside of Rome.
Well over 150 conferences, workshops, exhibitions,
seminars, fairs and festivals were organised in 50 countries.
These decentralised initiatives were the key strength in
raising awareness about natural fibres and the sheer number
and geographical diversity of these events underlined the
importance of natural fibres around the world.
Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 : C 2011/INF/15
• Recognizing that the objectives of the Year could not be realized in the space of 12
months, FAO along with key stakeholders committed to sustaining momentum
beyond 2009. The transition underway of the centralized effort to representative
organizations of natural fibre industries will likely secure sustainable success in
relation to IYNF objectives. For example, as the Organization has not been able to
consistently maintain the IYNF website due to resource constraints, the International
Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has agreed to host the website in such a way
that each natural fibre can manage their own information themselves. In addition, the
Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) was founded in early 2010, comprising an
alliance of international natural fibre associations with emphasis on textiles.
Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 : C 2011/INF/15
• FAO, in its capacity as the lead agency in planning and
coordinating activities, has endeavoured to ensure that
progress in realizing the objectives of the Year continues. A
major development in support of this initiative has been the
design of the project funded by Germany that is currently
being implemented by FAO, and whereby all of the IYNF
objectives are being addressed. The project is worth USD
3.15 million and is titled: “Unlocking Commercial Fibre
Potential in Developing Countries: strengthening global
value chains for rural development, poverty alleviation and
the environment”.
Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 : C 2011/INF/15 : Conclusion
• Item 17: Evaluation of the International Year of Natural
Fibres 2009 (C 2011/INF/15)
•
• The Conference endorsed the report of the Evaluation of the
International Year of Natural Fibres 2009 (IYNF), and took
note of comments made during the agenda item.
• It noted the transition underway of the centralized effort to
representative organizations of natural fibre industries which
should secure sustainable success in relation to IYNF
objectives.
END