Middle East Islands Bahrain and Cyprus are vulnerable to new challenges and emerging economic, social and ecological issues, says a new Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report.
The two states fall under the FAO category of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Other SIDS nations include Antigua, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mauritius and Seychelles, among others.
Most SIDS rely heavily on agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports, which leaves them vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices and trade regulations. "In a rapidly changing world, new challenges are emerging which need a harmonized approach to help SIDS adapt to the trade environment and seek opportunities to diversify their agricultural systems," the report says.
Many SIDS are increasingly dependent on food imports and the rates of nutrition-related health problems are on the rise. Climate change including a rising sea level and vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes are of particular concern, according to the report.
The report coincides with a recent side event on SIDS hosted by FAO to provide agriculture ministers and other high-level officials from member states with the latest developments regarding the implementation of the Barbados Plan of Action on Sustainable Development of SIDS, adopted at a global UN conference in 1994.
A UN conference in Mauritius to be held between August 30 and September 3, 2004, will review the implementation of the Barbados Plan of Action ten years later, and will reflect on a long-term vision. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
