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United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea
- Date submitted: 26 Oct 2011
- Stakeholder type: United Nations & Other IGOs
- Name: United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea
- Submission Document: Download
Full SubmissionSixty-sixth session Item 76 (a) of the provisional agenda* Oceans and the law of the sea Report on the work of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea at its twelfth meeting Letter dated 22 July 2011 from the Co-Chairs of the Consultative Process addressed to the President of the General Assembly Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 65/37 A of 7 December 2010, we were appointed as the Co-Chairs of the twelfth meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. We have the honour to submit to you the attached report on the work of the Informal Consultative Process at its twelfth meeting, which was held at United Nations Headquarters from 20 to 24 June 2011. The outcome of the meeting consists of our summary of issues and ideas discussed during the meeting. As per past practice, we kindly request that the present letter and the report of the Consultative Process be circulated as a document of the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly under the agenda item entitled ?Oceans and the law of the sea?. In addition, kindly note that the meeting entrusted us to bring the outcome of the twelfth meeting to the attention of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2012. Accordingly, we would be grateful if the attached document, which includes issues that could benefit from attention in the framework of the Conference, could also be transmitted to the Co Chairs of the Bureau for the Preparatory Process of the Conference. (Signed) Milan Jaya Nyamrajsingh Meetarbhan Don MacKay Co-Chairpersons Twelfth meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (20-24 June 2011) Co-Chairs? summary of discussions 1. The twelfth meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea was held from 20 to 24 June 2011 and, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 65/37 A, focused its discussions on the topic entitled ?Contributing to the assessment, in the context of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, of progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing new and emerging challenges?. 2. The meeting was attended by representatives of 88 States, 17 intergovernmental organizations and other bodies and 12 non-governmental organizations. 3. The following supporting documentation was available to the meeting: (a) addendum to the report of the Secretary-General on oceans and the law of the sea (A/66/70/Add.1); and (b) format and annotated provisional agenda of the meeting (A/AC.259/L.12). 4. The meeting also had before it submissions from the European Union (A/AC.259/20) and the Pacific small island developing States (A/AC.259/21). Agenda items 1 and 2 Opening of the meeting and adoption of the agenda 5. The two Co-Chairs, Don MacKay (New Zealand) and Milan Jaya Meetarbhan (Mauritius), highlighted in their opening statements the importance of the oceans and seas to sustainable development, in particular for coastal developing States and small island developing States, in the light of their dependence on healthy coastal and marine ecosystems for livelihood. There was a need for the oceans to feature prominently on the agenda of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. 6. On behalf of the Secretary-General, Patricia O?Brien, the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel, underlined the critical importance of oceans, seas, islands and coastal areas for global food security and for sustaining economic prosperity and the well-being of many nations. She noted that while progress had been made with regard to an institutional framework for the oceans with the establishment, inter alia, of the Consultative Process, much more remained to be done. 7. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, stressed that billions of people around the world were dependent on the oceans and their resources for their livelihood. Yet, oceans were among the most threatened ecosystems, including from the loss of marine biodiversity, pollution, global warming, acidification, coral bleaching and declining fish stocks. These challenges highlighted the urgency of taking action to ensure the sustainable management and use of marine resources for current and future generations. 8. The meeting adopted the format and annotated provisional agenda and approved the proposed organization of work. Agenda item 3 General exchange of views 9. The discussions held on the topic of focus at the plenary meetings and within the panels are reflected in paragraphs 11 to 85 below. 10. Delegations expressed their appreciation for the addendum to the report of the Secretary-General on oceans and the law of the sea (A/66/70/Add.1). Several delegations highlighted the challenges and emerging issues identified in the report, noting its conclusion that while progress had been achieved, the full implementation of many of the goals and targets for the sustainable development of oceans and seas required further efforts by States, intergovernmental organizations and other relevant actors. Area of focus: Contributing to the assessment, in the context of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, of progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing new and emerging challenges 11. In accordance with the annotated agenda, discussions in the panel were structured around four segments: (a) sustainable development, oceans and the law of the sea; (b) overview of progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development; (c) new and emerging challenges for the sustainable development and use of oceans and seas; and (d) the road to Rio+20 and beyond. The segments were launched by presentations from panellists, which were followed by discussions. 12. Delegations highlighted the timeliness and critical importance of the topic of focus, noting that the oceans and seas, in the light of their economic, social and environmental significance, should feature prominently in the discussions and outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012. The importance of the topic of focus to developing countries was particularly emphasized. 13. With reference to one of the themes of the conference, which was entitled ?Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication?, some delegations noted that for many countries, a ?green economy? was a ?blue economy?. 1. Sustainable development, oceans and the law of the sea (a) Panel presentations 14. Brice Lalonde, Co-Executive Coordinator, United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, provided a presentation on the challenges faced in the implementation of legal instruments relating to the oceans and the need to address the multiple threats to the oceans. In particular, Mr. Lalonde emphasized the important role of regional organizations, including in the gathering of scientific knowledge through cooperation and coordination. He stressed the need for science-based measures and the importance of ecosystem-based approaches, integrated coastal management and environment impact assessments. Cherdsak Virapat, Executive Director, International Oceans Institute, discussed the relationship between the oceans and the three pillars of sustainable development. He emphasized the nexus between oceans and coastal areas and the ever-increasing pressures on ocean ecosystems from human activities, despite efforts by the international community to develop a global and comprehensive governance regime for the oceans. Mr. Virapat stressed the need for human society to change its behaviour to achieve the goals of sustainable interaction with the environment and the oceans. (b) Plenary and panel discussions 15. The role of oceans in achieving the three pillars of sustainable development was emphasized. It was noted that the oceans, including coastal areas, were critical for life, food security and the prosperity of humankind. The health of the oceans and the management of their resources were directly related to development opportunities for many peoples, in particular in small island developing States. The role of healthy oceans in providing ecosystem services as part of the Earth?s ecological cycles, including by absorbing carbon and providing oxygen, was also stressed. In particular, the significance of the contribution of fisheries to the social pillar was highlighted, as well-managed fisheries provided food security and Employment. Fisheries were also essential for trade and commerce for many coastal States that rely heavily on those resources, in particular small island developing States. 16. Several delegations recalled that a central principle of sustainable development was intergenerational equity, which stressed the pursuance of development in a manner that used natural resources rationally and sustainably so that future generations could also enjoy the benefits of current development. Reference was also made to intragenerational equity. Many delegations noted the need to balance and strengthen linkages among the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development. Some delegations stressed that all three elements should be considered as an integrated whole and not as separate pillars. The view was expressed that such an approach required consideration of the relevant economic, ecological and social aspects at the local, national, regional and global levels, and that there was no ?one-size-fits-all? solution. 17. Several delegations were of the view that, in achieving sustainable development, fragmentation of the law of the sea should be avoided. They recalled that activities in the oceans were governed by the law of the sea as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the integrity of which should be preserved. In that regard, it was recalled that ratification of the Convention was the most significant action a State could take towards sustainable development. It was also noted that the convening of the Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 would coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention. 18. With reference to the role of regional organizations in the sustainable development of oceans and the law of the sea, some delegations expressed concern at a proposal from a panellist that the mandates of regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements into regional ocean management organizations. It was stressed that regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements were already coping with challenges in fulfilling existing mandates and that it was not likely that they would have either the capacity or the mandate to address issues such as marine protected areas. Other delegations emphasized the existing legal framework established by the Convention and its implementing agreements and the tools already available to face those challenges. 19. The central role of the General Assembly as a decision-making body, particularly in aspects related to the sustainable development of oceans and seas, was emphasized. 20. With regard to cooperation and coordination, some delegations noted the plethora of international conventions, conferences and legal frameworks dealing with marine issues, and highlighted the need to harmonize the vision of the international community and develop synergies in order to promote the sustainable management of the oceans. The importance of cross-sectoral cooperation between organizations with mandates to regulate different activities, particularly at the regional level, was noted. The need for integrated management and the sustainable development of coastal areas, as well as the adoption of ecosystem approaches, was also emphasized. 21. In this context, it was recalled that in the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg Plan of Implementation), it was recommended that an effective, transparent and regular inter-agency coordination mechanism on ocean and coastal issues be established within the United Nations system, which led to the establishment of UN-Oceans. The view was expressed that there was a need to re-evaluate the role of UN-Oceans (see also paras. 87-91) in increasing coherence and supporting Member States in the implementation of ocean-related policies. 22. The attention of the meeting was drawn to the importance of applying a precautionary approach as called for in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and as reiterated by the Seabed Disputes Chamber of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in its advisory opinion on the responsibilities and obligations of States sponsoring persons and entities with respect to activities in the area. Several delegations supported the application of an ecosystem approach to managing human activities in the oceans, including by using tools, consistent with international law, such as marine protected areas and coastal and marine spatial planning. Reference was also made to Principle 2 of the Rio Declaration, according to which States had the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction did not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limit of national jurisdiction. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities was also recalled by many delegations. 2. Overview of progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development (a) Panel presentations 23. Luis Vald�s, Head of Ocean Sciences of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (IOC/UNESCO), noted gaps in marine scientific research, the fragmentation of the governance of oceans within the United Nations and the under-utilization of UN Oceans. He cited geo-engineering, vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems and marine plastics as the most significant emerging issues. Kriangsak Kittichaisaree, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, presented the remaining gaps and challenges in capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology, including in the area of energy-related research; marine biotechnology, strengthening management structures, protection of the marine environment; disaster preparedness, sustainable fisheries development; sea-level rise; waste management and addressing the adverse effects of climate change. Sebastian Mathew, Executive Secretary, International Collective in Support of Fishworkers, highlighted the existing gaps between summit outcomes, national legislations and policies for the sustainable development of capture fisheries and implementation at the national and local levels. He attributed such a gap mainly to lack of capacity, insufficient scientific knowledge, absence of political commitment and poor governance. Phil Weaver, Coordinator, Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man?s Impact on European Seas, noted the destructive impacts of bottom fishing on marine species and the seabed. He emphasized the importance of impact assessments, the application of a precautionary approach and the need for surveillance of fishing vessels. Alo Babajide, Professor, University of Lagos, identified the gaps, challenges and priorities in marine environmental protection from marine pollution necessary to achieve the three pillars of sustainable development, highlighting the costs of inaction. He addressed implementing mechanisms and noted the role of the Large Marine Ecosystems projects in support of the ecosystem approach and integrated management. (b) Plenary and panel discussions 24. Delegations recalled positive commitments made at major summits on sustainable development. Many delegations referred also to the Manado Ocean Declaration and the outcome of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, many delegations noted with concern the gap between the adoption of commitments and their implementation. Several delegations stated that while important political efforts had been undertaken to meet these commitments, including by perfecting the normative framework, shortcomings in implementation remained in relation to oceans. 25. Several delegations noted that many of the commitments made at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and subscribed in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the Millennium Development Goals, especially relating to coastal developing States and small island developing States, had not been met. 26. A number of delegations emphasized the need for greater efforts in the implementation of existing agreements and commitments, particularly at the national level, in order to advance the sustainable development agenda. In this regard, a key message from Agenda 21, ?to think globally and act locally?, was recalled. It was suggested that the aggregate of actions at the national level would translate into action at the international level. The need to develop policies at the local level, for example with small-scale fishing communities, was highlighted. 27. Some delegations stressed the importance of flag State responsibility and the need for States, in order to be responsible fishing nations, to become party to important international instruments such as the 1995 United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing approved by the Committee on Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It was noted that States could be responsible fishing nations without becoming party to such Agreements and that their performance should be evaluated on the basis of their actions. 28. Noting the importance of scientific knowledge for the sound management and conservation of the oceans, some delegations expressed the need for greater efforts in strengthening the ability of the IOC/UNESCO and regional organizations in building capacity in marine science. Reference was also made to the International Seabed Authority as a possible model for the promotion of cooperation and coordination of capacity-building and transfer of marine technology. 29. The view was expressed that good governance was essential for poverty eradication and sustainable development but still constituted a considerable challenge for the United Nations system. In particular, the reference to good governance contained in the 2002 Monterrey Consensus of the International Conference on Financing for Development and the ocean governance goals identified at the World Summit on Sustainable Development were highlighted. In that regard, there was still a need to identify to what extent such goals had been achieved. The lack of clarity on the institutional and regulatory mechanisms needed for achieving the target of protection of 10 per cent of oceans by 2020 was also noted. A concern was expressed about the institutional and budgetary weakening of the international bodies mandated to examine the implementation of the rules relating to maritime protection. 30. Attention was drawn to the Marine Strategic Framework Directive of the European Union according to which, inter alia, an ecosystem-based approach would be applied to the management of human activities. In this context, from 2012, Member States of the European Union would need to assess, through regular assessments, the cost of degradation of the marine environment. 31. The central role of the Convention in the context of the recommendations adopted at the major summits on sustainable development was noted. It was suggested that the 1995 United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement had provided the foundation for a robust international fisheries regulatory regime and codified modern principles of fisheries conservation and management. The issue of transparency, with particular reference to the need of having States properly reporting their fishing efforts to the regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements in which they participated, was also highlighted. 32. It was also noted that the 1995 Agreement had included the establishment of an Assistance Fund under Part VII which was often underresourced and which therefore frustrated the expectations of developing States. An appeal was made for contributions to the Assistance Fund. 33. Several delegations expressed the view that the major remaining gaps in the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation in respect of sustainable fisheries related to overfishing and fishing overcapacity, as well as fisheries subsidies. In this connection, noting that removing harmful subsidies had economic, environmental and developmental benefits, the view was expressed that it would be welcome if the issue of subsidies could be discussed in the preparation for the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development (see also para. 66). 34. Other delegations observed that a lack of monitoring, control and surveillance capacity affected the ability of some States to regulate activities in their exclusive economic zone. Delegations stressed the need to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, by-catch and discards, single-species management, data reporting and ineffective fisheries management. A concern was also expressed about continued shark finning. 35. With regard to bottom trawling, attention was drawn to the upcoming workshop to discuss implementation of relevant paragraphs of General Assembly resolutions 61/105 and 64/72 on the impact of bottom fishing on vulnerable marine ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of deep sea fish stocks, which was seen as the most suitable forum to deal with the technical aspects of bottom fishing. 36. The view was expressed that the economic benefits of deep sea fisheries were negligible in absolute terms and disproportionately small when compared with the negative impact on the marine environment. 37. Several delegations stressed the need to apply more effectively modern conservation and management principles to fisheries management, such as the precautionary and ecosystem approaches. In this connection, many delegations expressed concern that several of the goals set up by the sustainable development summits, in particular the application of the ecosystem approach by 2010, the achievement by 2010 of a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national levels, and the establishment of representative networks of marine protected networks by 2012, had not been met. 38. Reference was also made to the alarming statistics contained in the FAO report State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, highlighting the need to strengthen the regulatory regime for regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements with a view to making them more accountable, transparent and open. In that regard, attention was drawn to the recommendations of the Resumed Review Conference on the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement relating to the need to modernize the mandate of regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements and to undertake regular performance reviews. Attention was also drawn to the 1982 Nauru Agreement Concerning Cooperation in the Management of Fisheries of Common Interest. In this connection, the importance of the sustainability of tuna fishing for the economy of small island developing States was underscored, and attention was drawn to the 2010 Koror Declaration, which introduced innovative measures, such as expanded and targeted high seas closures. Some delegations proposed that the General Assembly exercise oversight of the performance of regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements. However, the North-East Atlantic was identified as an area where the competent regional fisheries management organization had successfully addressed illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through, inter alia, the use of black lists. 39. Some delegations highlighted the importance and vulnerability of migrating cetaceans, which sustained coastal communities engaged in commercial whale and dolphin watching operations. They noted the ecosystem services provided by cetaceans, for example, baleen whales recycle organic iron and convert it into mineral iron. It was noted that only one fifth of cetaceans was covered by the current legal and policy frameworks. The fragmented level of protection of whales, for example, constituted a substantial hindrance to the fair and sustainable development of the oceans. They observed that further international cooperation was needed on this issue, with the view to adopting a collective policy, in conformity with applicable international law, including the Convention, to ensure the protection of cetaceans on the high seas. Some other delegations highlighted in this regard the fundamental principle that renewable resources must be harvested in a sustainable way. They expressed their readiness to continue to cooperate within existing competent forums, namely the International Whaling Commission and the North Atlantic Marine Mammals Commission. 40. With regard to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity, many delegations highlighted that a step towards overcoming a major gap in the implementation of the Convention had been taken at the fourth meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, held from 31 May to 3 June 2011. The Working Group had recommended that a process be initiated, by the General Assembly with a view to ensuring that the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction effectively addressed those issues by identifying gaps and ways forward, including through the implementation of existing instruments and the possible development of a multilateral agreement under the Convention. This process would address the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, in particular, together and as whole, marine genetic resources, including questions on the sharing of benefits, measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, and environmental impact assessments, capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology. 41. Some delegations noted that marine protected areas had been recognized as an important management tool, including mitigating and buffering some of the impacts on the oceans from coastal and offshore development, overfishing, climate change, natural events, and other stressors. Some delegations pointed out the slow progress towards achieving the 2012 target for establishing marine protected areas, consistent with international law and based on the best scientific information available, including representative networks. Several delegations highlighted the need to establish marine protected areas in areas beyond national jurisdiction. With reference to the work of the Working Group (see para. 40), other delegations stressed the need to address jurisdictional issues and develop institutional structures for areas beyond national jurisdiction that represented the interests of the international community as a whole. 42. The absence of a global mechanism for the designation of marine protected areas beyond areas of national jurisdiction was also noted by some delegations. Reference was made to the relevant outcome of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, emphasizing the adoption of a new Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, including targets on sustainable fisheries and on coastal and marine protected areas, as well as the process established in decision X/29 of the Conference of the Parties to identify ecologically or biologically significant areas. 43. In order to ensure the sustainable use of marine goods and services, several delegations noted the need to adequately assess and understand the state and functioning of the oceans to support an integrated and ecosystem-based approach to the management of human activities that had an impact on the marine environment. In that regard, reference was made to the importance of an operational regular process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects. 44. The view was expressed that an ecosystem approach was needed for the management of all users and uses, including tourism, merchant shipping, mining and fishing. In this connection, reference was made to the importance of establishing regional marine scientific and technological centres in small island developing States. 45. With regard to marine pollution, the need for further work in reducing the impacts of marine debris, underwater noise and land-based activities on the oceans was stressed. Marine debris was a transboundary issue, requiring regional cooperation and coordination. The phenomenon of invasive species was also underscored as a threat to biodiversity and a significant factor in its decline. The work of the International Maritime Organization in addressing ballast water was underlined (see also para. 92). It was noted that a decrease of biodiversity also affected fisheries, tourism and commerce. Attention was also drawn to the lack of a legal regime on liability and compensation related to damage caused by pollution generated in connection with offshore exploration and exploitation activities. 46. The view was expressed that transboundary pollution from offshore oil platforms constituted a concern which should be addressed, and noted ongoing work in this regard. Some delegations discussed the possibility of the development of new instruments to address emerging issues relating to activities such as offshore hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation. Other delegations emphasized that the issue was adequately covered by existing obligations under international law to protect the marine environment, including the Convention, and stressed the need to fully implement them. 47. Several delegations were of the view that pollution research projects should address these new threats to the marine environment. Research was also necessary on the impact of climate change on oceans. 48. Some delegations also expressed concern with regard to the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous and radioactive waste through the Caribbean Sea. 49. The general view was expressed that capacity-building was critical for the achievement of the sustainable development of oceans and seas. It was also noted that changes in technology had expanded access to data from the Global Ocean Observing System, which served as an important resource for scientists, ocean and coastal resource managers, emergency responders, policymakers, educators, and those who used the oceans for their recreation and livelihood. 50. Attention was drawn to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology and the need to apply them. It was noted that the role of IOC with regard to the transfer of technology should be further explored. With regard to activities in the Area, the competence of the International Seabed Authority for transfer of technology was underlined. 51. Reference was made to the need to consider balancing the requirements of developing States with proprietary rights linked to the transfer of technology. 52. The need for a coordinated approach to capacity-building and technology transfer was noted. In this regard, identifying the capacity gaps, which may hinder effective participation in the sustainable development of oceans and finding solutions to these gaps was considered necessary. Some delegations suggested that this could include the establishment of a clearing house mechanism for providers and recipients. 53. Several delegations also recognized that capacity-building was an important aspect of research. Examples of effective capacity-building programmes were referred to, including the Nansen Programme, which aimed at building capacity through fisheries research and management and institutional strengthening. Reference was also made to examples of South-South cooperation, in particular in regard to marine and coastal fish farming and the development of alternative, renewable energy. Information session 54. The Co-Chairs invited Professor Alex Rogers, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, to inform delegations of a recently released report on an international expert workshop on ocean stresses and impacts. Professor Rogers highlighted a wide range of impacts on the oceans due to human activities, which had major implications for the function and resilience of marine ecosystems. He expressed particular concern over the unprecedented rate of climate change and the need for action to protect ecosystems. He recommended urgent action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a coherent strategy of ecosystems restoration and effective management of the high seas. 3. New and emerging challenges for the sustainable development and use of oceans and seas (a) Panel presentations 55. Yoshinobu Takei, Assistant Professor, School of Law, Utrecht University, discussed the challenges and opportunities in achieving the goal of sustainable development through the integrated management of oceans and seas. He examined coral reef management as an example to illustrate ways in which States could achieve integrated management and the difficulties related thereto. Ussif Rashid Sumaila, Professor, University of British Columbia, highlighted some of the impacts of global warming on the sustainable use of ocean fish resources such as changes in fish productivity, distributional range of species, migration patterns, increases in coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and changes in ecosystem composition; as well as economic effects through changes in catches and catch values. He noted, for example, that the value of fish stocks in West Africa could decrease by up to 50 per cent. Tullio Scovazzi, Professor of International Law, University of Milan-Bicocca, provided a legal perspective on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity within and beyond the limits of national jurisdiction while emphasizing the need to consider how the Convention could evolve to address new issues such as a regime for marine genetic resources and the establishment of a network of marine protected areas, as well as environmental impact assessments, capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology. Jacqueline Alder, Head of Freshwater and Marine Ecosystem Branch, Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), highlighted the scope and nature of globally significant emerging issues relating to governance, pollution and the industrialization of the oceans. (b) Plenary and panel discussions 56. A wide range of new and emerging challenges to the sustainable development and use of oceans and seas was highlighted as requiring attention. In particular, delegations expressed concern over the loss of biodiversity and related services; impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems, including corals; overexploitation of resources; harmful subsidies; marine debris and microplastics; invasive alien species; underwater noise; and the accumulation of chemicals and excessive nutrients in the oceans. 57. Several delegations noted that the challenges affecting sustainable development were interlinked and could not be addressed in isolation. These delegations also stressed that the interplay between these issues could produce challenges that were not addressed under current policies. It was noted, for example, that research on climate change usually focused on individual impacts, and that cumulative impacts might have unknown consequences. 58. Many delegations also highlighted the environmental vulnerability and isolation of small island developing States, whose culture, livelihoods and economies were being threatened by unsustainable uses of marine resources and by climate change. In this regard several delegations raised concerns over the impacts of climate change on oceans including sea level rise and ocean acidification. Many delegations agreed on the need to address climate change in the context of the principles set out in the United Nations Framework for the Convention on Climate Change. In particular, reference was made to how climate change impacts relate to water supplies and food security. 59. It was noted that the lack of information and technology as well as institutional capacity within developing States to address, in particular climate change, needed to be taken into consideration. Other delegations called for increased international cooperation and data sharing on observations and research to better understand and anticipate the effects of ocean acidification on the marine environment. Several delegations also noted the role of renewable energy in sustainable development, including in the minimization of the risk of climate change and reduction of poverty. The importance of a precautionary approach in the development of renewable energies to manage environmental impacts was noted. 60. Several delegations also highlighted the impact of climate change on fish stocks, including redistribution of fish populations. 61. Some delegations emphasized that changes in the distribution of stocks could lead to the collapse of existing agreements in regional fisheries management organizations where allocations were based on the location of these resources. Some delegations suggested that there was a need for an international instrument on the allocation of fish stocks, since this issue was not dealt with in the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement. 62. With regard to ocean acidification, concerns were expressed over the lack of capacity to monitor the impacts of acidification, particularly in developing countries. 63. With regard to ocean fertilization, concern was expressed about the possible impact on the marine environment. 64. Several delegations noted that although marine debris was not a new challenge, its effects on marine ecosystems were becoming more apparent due, in particular, to pervasiveness of microplastics. They suggested that this matter deserved particular attention at the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development. It was noted by a panellist that UNEP had a comprehensive waste management programme in place. 65. In regard to underwater noise, several delegations highlighted that the marine environment had experienced an acute growth of noise events, particularly in the shipping and energy sectors and military activities. A panellist stressed that noise could seriously affect marine species, including mammals, and could cause dramatic reductions in fishing catch rates. Several delegations called for immediate action on this issue. 66. As to overfishing, the view was expressed that there was a need to eliminate harmful subsidies. Although attractive in the short term, subsidies could undermine the resource base in the long term. Several delegations emphasized that the appropriate forum for this issue was the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization. Some delegations stated that it was important not to treat all subsidies the same way since they could be used to fund adaptive measures, such as the diversification of local economies. It was suggested that the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development process could provide a new important opportunity to address issues related to subsidies. 67. Some delegations emphasized the need to recognize the important contribution of artisanal and small scale fishing communities to sustainable development. In this regard, it was recalled that Agenda 21 had reflected and recognized the importance of artisanal and small scale fisheries to sustainable development. Some delegations suggested that the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development should reaffirm the importance of these issues. 68. Reference was made to the use of industrial scale floating aquaculture farms. There was a need to increase national and international efforts to address aquaculture, including through data collection, best practices and certification guidelines. 69. Several delegations expressed views on possible solutions to the wide range of challenges to the sustainable development and use of oceans and seas, while emphasizing that ecosystems were at the centre of management efforts. These delegations also highlighted the need to preserve the integrity of ecosystems and to make the ecosystem approach operational. The potential role of the Regular Process was emphasized. 70. Many delegations stated that the outcome of the fourth meeting of the Working Group was a significant move forward and a delicately balanced outcome (see also para. 40). 71. Many delegations underlined the need to address the question of the relevant legal regime for marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. These delegations expressed support for the possible development of an implementing agreement to address the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. Some delegations supported the inclusion of language in this regard in the outcome document of the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development. 72. Other delegations expressed the view that the solution to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity should be sought by maximizing the implementation of existing instruments. With reference to the outcome of the fourth meeting of the Working Group, it was stressed by those delegations that the implementation of existing instruments and the identification of implementation gaps was an equally important part of the process. 4. The road to Rio+20 and beyond (a) Panel presentations 73. Biliana Cicin-Sain, President of the Global Ocean Forum and Director of the Gerard J. Mangone Centre for Marine Policy, University of Delaware, reflected on oceans and the Rio process, what had been achieved and what needed to be done, focusing on two issues, namely integrated ecosystem-based ocean governance and climate change. She also presented some elements of a possible ?oceans package? at the Conference on Sustainable Development, within the framework of the Conference?s major themes. Maria Teresa Mesquita Pess�a, Minister Plenipotentiary in the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations, and member ex officio of the Bureau for the Preparatory Process of the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development, described the commitments undertaken with respect to sustainable development and oceans. She noted the following as persistent challenges to be addressed: unsustainable fisheries; capacity development for sustainable fisheries; loss of habitat, including coral reefs and mangrove areas; environmental impact assessments; invasive alien species; nuclear waste; ocean acidification and sea level rise; vulnerability of small island developing States; and biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. She also noted the need to address coordination and cooperation of ocean-related agencies and organizations in the future discussions on an institutional framework for sustainable development. She also recalled that the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation had also called for strengthening the ability of IOC/UNESCO, FAO and other relevant international and regional and subregional organizations to build national and local capacity in marine science and the sustainable management of oceans and their resources. (b) Plenary and panel discussions 74. Several delegations expressed the view that for the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development to be a success, it should deliver a strong outcome for oceans, fisheries and biodiversity. The view was expressed that Governments should consider taking bold actions at Rio+20, including the need to reaffirm existing commitments and develop new initiatives. In the light of the various inputs to be made to the 2012 Conference, a coordinated approach with regard to oceans issues was needed in order to avoid a fragmentation of the law of the sea. 75. Many delegations called for linking the ?blue economy? to the ?green economy?, within the context of eradication of poverty and sustainable development. Ocean priorities could be raised to a higher level of international attention and awareness with a view to achieving sustainable development objectives. In the light of the fact that many of the commitments which had been agreed in Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation had not yet been implemented, the need for setting realistic targets and goals that would be fully implemented instead of more ambitious targets was also pointed out. The view was expressed that renewed efforts should be directed towards implementation and enforcement of existing measures. It was stressed that the ability of developing countries to attain those targets required continued assistance at the international, regional, national and local levels. 76. A suggestion was made to focus on specific issues, such as food security, ocean acidification and effective conservation and management of marine ecosystems. Several other delegations called for the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development to place an emphasis on the particular vulnerability and needs of small island developing States. The need to give serious consideration to issues related to sustainable production and consumption, in particular sustainable seafood consumption, was also highlighted. The role of renewable and alternative sources of energy was identified as crucial for the fulfilment of the three pillars of sustainable development and the accomplishment of a ?green economy?, with the importance of a precautionary approach noted (see also para. 59). The general view was expressed that the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development should assist the international community in its consideration of effective conservation and management measures for the oceans, including through adequate frameworks, policies and mechanisms. 77. It was noted that the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development would provide an opportunity to consider the best policy tools for countries to move forward towards a ?green economy? while avoiding new ?green? barriers to trade. In that regard, the Conference should focus on reform and removal of existing disincentives to ?green? growth such as harmful fossil fuel and fisheries subsidies. The proposals for special and differentiated treatment for developing countries, with respect to fisheries subsidies in the context of negotiations within the World Trade Organization were recalled. 78. With particular reference to fisheries, the view was expressed that the outcome of the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development should ensure that global fisheries were fair, sustainable and accountable. In that regard, the important responsibility entrusted to regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements to conserve and manage global fish stocks was recalled. However, the need to improve the mandate of such organizations was underlined, as was the necessity to apply ecosystem approaches to fisheries. A proposal was made that the General Assembly exercise an oversight role over the performance of the regional fisheries management organizations. 79. With regard to marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, the need for a specific legal regime under the Convention was stressed by many delegations. The role of the International Seabed Authority with regard to the protection and preservation of the marine environment in the area, including marine biodiversity, as evidenced by the regulations adopted by its Assembly, was pointed out. 80. With respect to area-based management tools, a view was expressed that the 2012 Conference should recognize the need to improve the effectiveness of existing and future marine protected areas to increase marine resilience to climate change and ocean acidification. 81. The need to evaluate the impacts of human activities on the environment to inform policy planning was highlighted. In that regard, the view was expressed that the Conference on Sustainable Development would contribute to raising awareness about the need for impact assessments. A proposal was made that the Conference promote the development of assessment processes, including for cumulative impact assessments of human activities on the marine environment. 82. The role of marine technology transfer in building capacity and in contributing to sustainable development was underscored. It was noted that the cooperation called for under Part XIV of the Convention in relation to the transfer of marine technology could be envisaged in both a North-South and South-South context. It was also observed that the transfer of marine technology required enabling environments that would attract investments. 83. With regard to the institutional framework, it was proposed that a focus be placed on pragmatic reforms of existing institutions rather than larger scale institutional change. The need to enhance cooperation and coordination among the agencies of the United Nations in accelerating the achievement of the goals and targets set in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation was stressed. A concern was expressed, however, that the establishment of new structures could lead to fragmentation of the law of the sea. 84. The essential role of regional and national institutions was also recognized. The need for institutional frameworks, including at the international level, allowing for integration across the three pillars of sustainable development was highlighted. Closer cooperation among fisheries, environmental and other ocean bodies was considered crucial for an integrated approach to managing ocean issues and addressing cumulative impacts of various human activities. 85. Several delegations proposed that the Informal Consultative Process should agree on specific elements to be forwarded to the Conference on Sustainable Development. These could include: the close link among the three pillars of sustainable development, including seas and oceans, in particular for small island developing States; the need for sustainable development to take into consideration environmental, economic, social and human aspects; the importance of restoring the health of ocean ecosystems as a priority for realizing sustainable development, food security, poverty eradication and the establishment of a sustainable blue economy; the fact that many of the goals on oceans and sustainable development agreed upon at previous summits had not been achieved, in particular those included in chapter 17 of Agenda 21 and in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation; reconfirming and, where necessary, updating such commitments; taking concrete steps to achieve an integrated and ecosystem-based approach for the management of human activities having an effect on marine ecosystems; tackling emerging issues, such as marine debris, underwater noise, invasive species and their cumulative impacts on biodiversity, including beyond areas of national jurisdiction; enhancing resilience of marine ecosystems in the face of ocean acidification; linking an ecosystem approach and commitments for the regular assessment of the state of the marine environment as a basis for informed decision-making; further integrating the value of ecosystem services, including the cost of degradation, in decision-making processes, including through market-based mechanisms; the importance of management of fisheries resources in a manner that guarantees their long-term sustainability, including by ensuring that fishing capacity is commensurate with fishing possibilities, through the elimination of harmful subsidies and the application of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management; renewing commitments for all economic sectors having an impact on the marine environment, including shipping, offshore energy and land-based impacts; capacity-building and technology transfer; confirming commitments made at other processes, in particular at the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity on marine biodiversity; the importance of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction for the integrity of marine ecosystems, and their related goods and services as an essential element for sustainable development, including for developing countries. The specific legal regime for biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction under the Convention was noted as an element for consideration. They considered that these matters could be brought before the Conference on Sustainable Development for the endorsement of a way forward. Agenda item 4 Inter-agency cooperation and coordination 86. Andrew Hudson, Principal Technical Advisor, International Waters, United Nations Development Programme, and UN-Oceans Coordinator, reported on the most recent work of UN-Oceans and of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection. 87. He informed the meeting about the main outcomes of the ninth meeting of UN Oceans, held in New York on 17 June 2011, at which participating agencies discussed the possibility of conducting a review of UN-Oceans aimed at identifying its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. 88. Mr. Hudson also briefed the meeting about the initiatives taken by member agencies to ensure the visibility of ocean-related topics at the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development, as well as in the planning and preparation for the Expo 2012, to be held in Yeosu, Republic of Korea, on the theme ?The living ocean and coast ? diversity of resources and sustainable activities?. 89. He provided updates about the various activities of UN-Oceans task forces and informed the meeting about the decision to establish a new Task Force on Marine Debris, co-led by UNEP and IMO, with strong links to the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection. Mr. Hudson also described ongoing upgrades to the United Nations Atlas of the Oceans, welcomed $45,000 of new funding, and expressed the hope that such financial support would continue on an annual basis. Responding to questions, Mr. Hudson observed that the establishment of new task forces had been made pursuant to one of the core mandates of UN-Oceans on the identification of emerging issues and the establishment of task teams to deal with them, as appropriate. 90. A view was expressed that UN-Oceans should be strengthened and that its transparency, visibility and relevance increased in view of the 2012 Conference on Sustainable Development in accordance with the mandate contained in General Assembly resolution 57/141 and that participation of member States in the work of UN-Oceans should be given consideration. The suggestion was made that a review of UN-Oceans may also benefit from lessons learned from other inter-agency coordination mechanisms, such as UN-Water and UN-Energy. 91. With regard to how UN-Oceans could coordinate the scheduling of ocean-related meetings to avoid overlaps, Mr. Hudson suggested that the circulation of a calendar of existing ocean-related events could assist UN-Oceans members in planning future events. It was further noted that such a task is expected to be done by the secretariats, which are part of UN-Oceans. 92. Mr. Hudson recalled the scientific contribution of the Joint Group of Experts towards the advancement of chapter 17 of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, and drew attention to its work, including on ballast waters, atmospheric emissions from ships and coastal pollution sources, and ocean acidification in areas of heavy shipping traffic. In the light of the harmful effects of invasive species on marine ecosystems, States were called upon to ratify the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments. 93. Mr. Hudson also underscored the continuing availability of the Joint Group of Experts to contribute to the Regular Process, if requested, and recalled the partnership with the Global Environment Facility Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme. He further highlighted the work of the Joint Group of Experts on emerging issues, such as microplastics, and the availability of the Joint Group of Experts to provide its scientific contributions to States and international organizations. 94. The role of the Joint Group of Experts as an inter-agency scientific committee was noted, and reference was made to the difficulties the Joint Group of Experts continued to face in its work because of a lack of funding. Agenda item 5 Process for the selection of topics and panellists so as to facilitate the work of the General Assembly 95. With regard to the topics to be discussed at upcoming meetings of the Informal Consultative Process, several delegations recalled the conclusion reached at the tenth meeting that the Informal Consultative Process should address issues related to the three pillars of sustainable development. The view was expressed that conservation and development were interlinked and therefore could not be examined independently from each other. 96. Several delegations reiterated the need for concept papers to be preferably circulated no later than the first round of informal consultations of the General Assembly on the resolution on oceans and the law of the sea, to allow delegations sufficient time to study them. The practice of choosing topics for at least two consecutive years was considered productive, although caution was raised at this suggestion, as adequate examination of proposed topics is needed. 97. The difficulty of organizing panels was recognized and several delegations noted the need to allow the Co-Chairs some degree of flexibility. The important role of the Co-Chairs in identifying and inviting competent individuals to participate as panellists and in maintaining the appropriate regional balance was also stressed. 98. Some delegations stressed the usefulness of the preparatory meeting and in this connection welcomed the efforts of the Co-Chairs to consult Member States. 99. The Co-Chairs reiterated their appeal to contribute to the voluntary trust fund established under General Assembly resolution 55/7 to assist the representatives of developing States, in particular least developed States, small island developing States and landlocked developing States, to attend the meetings of the Consultative Process as an essential means to ensure participation of both experts and attendees from developing countries. The Secretariat provided an update on the status of the Trust Fund. Agenda item 6 Issues that could benefit from attention in the future work of the General Assembly on oceans and the law of the sea 100. The attention of the meeting was drawn to the composite streamlined list prepared by the Co-Chairs of issues that could benefit from attention in the future work of the General Assembly on oceans and the law of the sea. An intergovernmental organization highlighted the issue of climate change and, in particular ocean acidification, as directly linked to all three pillars of sustainable development. It noted, in this regard, that the increase of ocean acidification was directly linked to shifts in concentration of fish, negative impacts on corals and to the transmission of ocean noise. Another source of concern was the harmful effect of acidification on coral reefs that serve as vital fish habitats that protect food and Employment and also coastal communities from storm surges.


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The debate about paying college athletes has become a popular topic again in light of a few prominent scandals at Ohio State and USC.
Penn State assistant coach Jay Paterno, son of Joe Paterno, weighed in with his thoughts about paying college athletes in a very well written column on statecollege.com, reposted on the NCAA's website.
An excerpt:
"No one sells the student-athletes on the idea that they are getting paid more than $80 an hour for a part-time job. No one tells the student-athlete to go talk to other students on campus who work 30 or 40 hours some weeks and will still owe tens of thousands of dollars when they graduate.
It is all about perspective. The reality is that a few hundred more dollars or even a few thousand dollars to help cover the cost of attendance isn't going to erase the cheating that goes on. The cheating that's going on is for a lot more money than the cost of attendance."
Paterno actually gives a really strong argument in favor of not paying student athletes, but former USC defensive back Terrell Thomas strongly disagrees with this perspective. When asked about the topic on ESPN's First Take, Thomas had the following response.
"I didn't get any type of free education. I earned that education. When I went to hs I worked my butt off in the classroom to become eligible to go to USC and on the football field to get an athletic scholarship. And just like any other student in high school, they can give out free academic scholarships, full rides, but the school's not making money off those players. In my opinion, nothing was free, I earned it."
So who do you agree with?

subset: commoncrawl


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Laboratory Animal Technologists
The new Council for the term 1 August 2016 – 31 July 2019 must be in place by Wednesday, 27 July 2016, the day on which the new Council will be inducted.
The one component of appointment of Councillors i.e. the election process is coming to an end on the day of the counting of the votes namely on Wednesday, 6 April 2016. Thank you to all the members who took part in the elections.
Extracts from the Act for ease of reference
"The council consists of—
(a) one officer of the Department of Agriculture who is a veterinarian or veterinary specialist, designated by the Minister;
(b) six veterinarians or veterinary specialists from the ten persons elected as
contemplated in subsection (1) (a) (i), of whom—
(i) the three persons with the most votes in that election qualify automatically to be members of the council;
(ii) three further persons shall be designated by the Minister;
(c) one representative of each para-veterinary profession elected as contemplated in subsection (i) (a) (ii);
(d) one person from the persons referred to in subsection (1) (c) (i), designated by the Minister;
(e) five persons designated by the Minister from the persons referred to in subsection
(i) (c) (ii) and (iii), of whom at least one shall be a non-veterinarian;
(f ) one person from each of the universities in the Republic that has a faculty of veterinary science, designated by the Minister from the nominations referred to in subsection (1) (d); and
(g) one representative designated by the South African Veterinary Association from its members."
Thank you,
Registrar, SAVC
[The Registrar must receive all votes by no later than 16:00]
9:30 - 10:00
Mr W Kutu
Nominees were invited to attend - Mr Kutu will attend the counting of the AHT's votes.
Call for Nominations for the National Ministerial Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Stewardship
Hereby, the National Department of Health calls for nomination from suitably qualified individuals for appointment to the National Ministerial Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance.
The Notice of Nomination, Committee Application and Declaration of Interest Forms can be accessed as follows:
• Go to www.health.gov.za;
• Click on "Essential Drugs Programme Committee Application Forms".
You are requested to submit the following documents:
1. Electronic PDF application form:
• We do not accept scanned copies of the application form. We require electronically submitted documents for extraction into our database.
• Once the form is completed/filled in, go to 'File' and then "Save As'. Do not use the 'Sign and Save' or 'Fill and Sign/Save' function on the form. The pop-up does appear on some forms for the applicant to do the latter - this is incorrect.
2. Print, sign, and email the LAST PAGE ONLY of the application form if you have not included an electronic signature.
3. Print, sign and email the declaration of interest form.
For any queries please contact:
Tel: 012 395 9756 (Ruth Lancaster) or 012 395 8449 (Janine Jugathpal)
You are kindly requested to distribute and communicate this information to relevant individuals.
3 May 2016
Dear Colleagues
There have been a number of further confirmed cases within the AHS containment area in the AHS surveillance zone since Friday the 30th April.
3 of these cases are outside of the 5km radius, and they are/ were clinical cases. One of these cases was a weanling, that subsequently was euthanased.
The symptoms of the weanling were not typical for AHS, but lung oedema was observed, so please remain vigilant and please report any suspicious or possible cases to us asap. The sooner we have the report the sooner we can act.
A special thank you must go to Prof Guthrie who gave up his Saturday afternoon to run these samples as a priority.
At present the containment area will not change, but will be re-evaluated next week. A situation report will be released with a press release asap in next week, but we wanted to ensure that you are all kept up to date.
BVSC, MSc
DAFF authorised Veterinarian (Ref: 1/2/1/7/8)
State Vet Boland authorised Veterinarian
(Movement Control and Equine Disease Surveillance) and Research Officer
Equine Research Centre
Cape Town
Cell: 076 152 2782
Fax: 086 558 9818
Dear All
To many of you this may be already common knowledge but it seems not all know which passports are acceptable as a movement document for horses into and within the AHS controlled area.
For any horse that needs to be moved between AHS zones, and from the infected zone into the AHS controlled area, ONLY the following passports comply:
The SAEF passport: FEI group IX passport (the old blue ones and the new green ones)
The NHRA passports (green jockey club passports used for thoroughbreds)
The import export council passports (Red passports issued by the NHRA)
And since September 2015 the Red Studbook passports, BUT only the new ones that have a picture in them that looks like the one attached.ALL THE OLD STUDBOOK PASSPORTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR MOVEMENT, AND ACTUALLY HAVE NEVER BEEN ON THE ACCEPTED LIST OF PASSPORTS.
The vaccinations for AHS must have been done by a veterinarian, and the ID page of the passport must have been completed by a veterinarian.
So if you have a client that is planning to move a horse and you are either unsure of the passport the horse has, or you have realised that it either does not have a passport, or it is one of the old Studbook passports that DO NOT comply for movement, please contact myself or Danielle Pienaar so we can advise you as to how we can rectify the situation.
FOR THOSE GOING TO SHOWS OUTSIDE OF THE CONTROLLED AREA, ALSO PLEASE NOTE THAT A MOVEMENT APPLICATION FORM MUST BE COMPLETED. FIND ATTACHED. This application is also required for any other movement of horses from the infected zone into the AHS controlled area.
Please contact us if we can help in any way further, or if anything is unclear.
Dr Camilla Weyer
BVSC, MSc
DAFF authorised Veterinarian (Ref: 1/2/1/7/1)
State Vet Boland authorised Veterinarian
(Movement Control and Equine Disease Surveillance)
and Research Officer
Equine Research Centre
Cape Town
Cell: 076 152 2782
Fax: 086 558 9818
Please click on these links to view the following documents:
Procedure for Blanket African Horse Sickness (AHS) Movement Ban February 2016
African Horse Sickness (AHS) Stop Over Quarantine Protocol 2016
Notice of restriction of African Horse Sickness vaccination periods
Sudden Death Investigation - Piroplasmosis, March 2016


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Mayor Williams Cuts Ribbon at Grand Opening of Christina Overlook
Posted on 05/17/2013 4:16 pm
Mayor Dennis P. Williams, City Council President Theo K. Gregory, and Anthony Casale, owner of Casale Construction, joined together to cut the ribbon in celebration of the Grand Opening of Christina Overlook, a new townhome community.
Wilmington Housing Partnership and the City of Wilmington worked collaboratively to present Christiana Overlook, a new exciting community of townhomes adjacent to the Wilmington Riverfront. The townhomes, which will be built by Casale Construction, offer two or three bedrooms; maintenance-free construction; energy-star rated appliances; garage with automatic opener and additional parking spaces; convenient public transportation to downtown; as well as other features.
"The City looks to continue the growth and development of the Riverfront," said Mayor Williams. "Creating more housing opportunities will encourage other economic initiatives to open here."
During the Grand Opening, attendees were able to tour sample homes and personally meet the builder, Anthony Casale. Councilwoman Sherry Dorsey Walker, Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz and Councilman Michael A. Brown were also on hand to celebrate the official opening of the Riverfront's new townhome community.
Phase one of Christina Overlook is sold out, for more information please call visit www.christinaoverlook.com.


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by Suzanne Vega / April 2012
I discovered Laura Nyro when someone left the albums Eli and The Thirteenth Confession, and The First Songs at my parent's house after one of their frequent parties. I loved Laura Nyro right away. Passionately. My mother told me later if she had listened to the lyrics, she probably wouldn't have allowed me to play her records. Fortunately she wasn't listening.
I studied the image on the covers. This was a woman I would never be. She was dark with olive skin, and thick black wavy hair falling over her bare shoulders, with a sensuous wine colored mouth. She had curvy womanly hips, and wore long rich dresses, showed a bit of cleavage. She was not androgynous – she was mysterious and womanly and initiated. I felt she was an older sister figure, whispering and wailing advice to me about what she knew about men and the streets.
She played piano in a style that combined Broadway show tunes with gospel, blues, rock and folk music. Her voice whispered, but it also wailed, and she had a free way of using rhythm – sometimes right on the beat and then other times she would take such long pauses I would think something had happened to the record player. I would leap up to turn up the volume only to be blasted the next moment by a piercing cry or scream.
No other writer wrote about the appetites of a young adolescent girl growing up in New York City the way she did. The danger and the joys. Her songs were ripe with sex, drugs, longings, alcohol ("Stoned Soul Picnic"). Sometimes food (sweet candy and caramel).
Her characters were epic. A pure woman named Emily (The unstudied sea. A cameo.). Various men that always got away – Tom, Joe, Eli. A Captain for dark mornings. The devil himself appeared: The devil played with my brother!
I knew the devil, too. It wasn't hard to find various devils incarnate in New York City in the 1970s. So I knew she was telling the truth.
Her songs reached the depth of despair but never lost a glorious ecstasy in the singing. Like all great artists she wrestled with mortality at a young age – she wrote "And When I Die" when she was 19. (Bundle up my coffin cause it's cold way down there.)
Her eccentricities were legendary. But more than anything she had soul! Her voice dripped with it, a kind of confident emotional flood pouring out of the speakers in harmonies layered on top of each other.
In thinking about her I feel there is no better way to describe her work than to just tell you to listen to it. Read the lyrics. Get into her epic world of archetypes and of men, real women and children who ache and love. (Save the Country!) Come on people, Sons and fathers, Keep the dream of the two young brothers – those brothers being John and Robert Kennedy. As a child myself, I felt she knew me, she recognized me somehow, and I was in that dangerous glorious inner landscape with her. She caught all the grit and beauty of life here in New York and on Earth. I loved her then and I love her still.


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Useful Links
Climate Change Forum of Minas Gerais
- Date submitted: 1 Nov 2011
- Stakeholder type: Major Group
- Name: Climate Change Forum of Minas Gerais
- Submission Document: Download
Full SubmissionRio+20 Recommendations from the CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL Contact: MR. Milton Nogueira da Silva, Executive Secretary. Tel +5531 3225 9922 or Cellular +5531 8828 3225, firstname.lastname@example.com General Content: What are the expectations for the Rio+20: It is hoped that the UN system and the world society (government, communities, business, academia) will reach a consensus on a planetary governance for poverty reduction under a Green economy regime. What are the comments on existing proposals: a. What are the views on implementation: The tree UN conventions - climate change, biodiversity, and desertification- deserve be put in place , with full commitments and money. b. What specific cooperation mechanisms, partnership arrangements or other implementation tools are envisaged The Climate Fund should be strengthened to implement greener economy and drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels and protect agricultural land and water resources. The Fund should be fed, for instance, with contribution from the developed countries or with a carbon tax to be created. The collected funds should be invested to implement the new recommendations of the conference, especially for poverty reduction. 2. Specific Elements: a. Objective of the Conference: The conference should adopt a political decision making process allowing all parties to take part and enter into consensus. Focus: poverty alleviation, food security, greener economy and sustainable technologies, under equitable governance for all. Sectoral priorities: Biomass energy with guaranteed food security; urban mobility; Strengthening the transfer of greener technologies among countries. b. Green economy : decoupling of energy from GNP; education away from consumerism and wasteful society. c. Institutional framework for sustainable development: reinforcement of UNEP. d. Any proposals for refinement of the two themes.


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I was wondering if on the recieving end of a black hole can you see the photons being sucked in
If you mean inside the event horizon then all sorts of strange things happen. Firstly, space and time are swapped. If you are not quite in the centre of the black hole then you will not be able to see anything that is closer to the singularity because nothing can move away from it. However, if you look away from the centre then you will see two images of the same object. One from the future of the event and one from the past. There are all sorts of strange loops inside the even horizon which give some very interesting head-hurting results!


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Microsoft has unveiled a new all-in-one web development suite called WebMatrix.
It's more than an IDE or a framework, it's a whole suite — a web server, a SQL database, and a database-ready framework, all wrapped up into a single development environment that makes it easy to build, test and deploy some fairly complex web apps.
WebMatrix is free, and it's available for Windows users as a beta download.
The new suite is especially geared towards developers building web apps that require local data storage. It's pretty flexible, and you can also use it to build simple websites, then scale up to something mid-weight or incorporate a full-scale app that you could run a business on top of.
The WebMatrix suite is made up of three components: the lightweight Windows-based web server called IIS Express, SQL Server Compact Edition, a simple database server, and Razor, a new templating language based on ASP.NET. The beta version you can download today actually doesn't have Razor, but it will be included in a future release "later this month," according to Microsoft.
The three key technologies were previously announced by Scott Guthrie, Microsoft's VP of its Developer Division. Now, with the launch of WebMatrix, Guthrie has introduced a few new components.
Continue Reading "Meet WebMatrix, Microsoft's New Suite For Painless Web Development" »


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Rated 4.3 out of 5 by 3 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1Foodie2 Perfect Appetizer Spoon Exceeded my expectations, they are lovely! I am a caterer and used them to teach techniques in presentation of appetizers and bite sized desserts....these are lovely spoons and a perfect size for bite sized appetizers or desserts. August 26, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5 by luv2cook Great presentation! I bought 8 sets of these spoons in order to serve one-bit appetizers for one of the appetizer dishes I was making for a baby shower for over 50 guests. These are not typical Asian soup spoons; these are meant for appetizers and bite-size desserts, so they were perfect for my needs! I love them and I know I will use them again and again, no matter what the size of the party! September 3, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by dandan Beautiful but really small I was expecting spoons to be a little bigger. They are very nice, but small. July 16, 2013
1-3 of 3


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|Whyte sixth
MOSCOW, Russia – University of Idaho assistant track coach and Vandal Athletics Hall of Famer Angela Whyte finished sixth in the 100-meter hurdles at the International Association of Athletics Federation World Championships Saturday.
Whyte, competing for her native Canada, was timed in 12.78 seconds. Brianna Rollins of the United States won the event in 12.44.
For Whyte, it was a milestone competition after having knee surgery in 2008.
"I am extremely happy to have represented my country and the Vandals at the World Championships," Whyte said. "I accomplished the goal that (coach) Wayne (Phipps) and I had set for myself. I do wish I could have set a personal best but I think I come away from these championships with a lot, especially since I was unsure whether or not I was even going to have a season."
Whyte was pleased but not necessarily entirely content with her race.
"I got out relatively well, came off hurdle one and collapsed quite a bit," she recounted. "I didn't execute as cleanly as I wanted to but I responded well and battled back."
Whyte finished sixth at the 2004 Olympic Games and eighth at the 2007 World Championships.
"I'm always so happy to represent the Vandals internationally as well as inspire our current Vandals (athletes and non-athletes alike) to work hard and follow their passion and see where it takes them," said Whyte, who is a 2010 inductee into the Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame. "One million thanks to Wayne Phipps, my coach, for being the best coach an athlete can ask for and having more faith and confidence in me than I have of myself at times. And, of course, thanks to everyone who has and who continues to support me."


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|Akbar named Player of the Month
DENVER - Idaho sophomore men's tennis player Abid Akbar was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Month for November, the conference announced Wednesday morning.
Akbar, a sophomore from Islamabad, Pakistan (Roots School), went a combined 6-1 in singles and doubles matches for the month. Akbar battled his way into the semifinals of the singles Gold Flight division at the Pacific Northwest Intercollegiate on Nov. 5-7, posting a 3-1 record. He also teamed up with Jake Knox to win the Gold doubles bracket, going 3-0 against teams from Eastern Washington, Oregon and Washington. Akbar and Knox claimed the doubles title after defeating Washington's duo of Max Manthou and Matt Stith, 8-4.
"Abid has been working on his physical strength and it is starting to pay off," Idaho men's tennis coach Jeff Beaman said. "If he continues this hard work over the break he can do great things this spring. It was great to see how he meshed with Jake as a doubles team. They had never played together but had great on court chemistry and energy and those guys could be a strong pairing for this spring season."
Fresno State's Bianca Modoc was the WAC women's tennis Player of the Month.


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1. Click on the GM logo above To order GM Factory parts.
2. Parts can be searched by year, make, model, keyword search and or part number search.
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Rated 5 out of 5 by 1 reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Rahsaun Perfect for smaller grills I bought this to use over the Memorial Day weekend to grill/smoke two racks of ribs. The ribs were too big to fit on my small charcoal grill, but with this rack they fit perfectly and turned out Delicious! Can't wait to use it again. And thanks to World Markets' awesome sale, I only paid $8 for it. June 5, 2012
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actually, i'm not, but i plan to again. i've been dating this guy names klaus. he's ok. sweet and stuff, but a little too clingy. he's already talking the two of us getting married. not my thing. especially at my age. i'm 25. there are many men who want to marry me. and thousands of other guys who keep telling me that i'm perfect-- their dream man.....
i hate hearing that.
anyway, i'm gonna break up with klaus. he's nice and all, but i'm not feeling the chemistry. :/


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Champion Chicken Puffs RecipeRead Reviews Be the first to add a review
5 14 20
"My guests peeled rubber getting to the table to munch on Champion Chicken Puffs," says Amber Kimmich from Powhatan, Virginia. "These tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream-cheese filling."
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in chicken.
- Unroll crescent dough; separate into 16 triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise, forming two triangles. Place 1 teaspoon of chicken mixture in the center of each. Fold short side over filling; press sides to seal and roll up.
- Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Yield: 32 appetizers.
Originally published as Champion Chicken Puffs in Taste of Home February/March 2007, p49
Reviews for Champion Chicken Puffs
Please Log In or Join to add a rating and review.
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Any changes to your rating or review will appear where you originally posted your review
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2013
"Easy to make. Great party appetizer."
Reviewed Mar. 26, 2013
"This was so simple and so yummy! i will double the recipe again because theywent that quick. Do not overfill.."
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2013
"My daughter introduced this recipe to our family. It has quickly become a family favorite"
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2012
"These came out a little bit sweet, so next time I'll throw in some crushed red peppers, but otherwise delicious, quick, easy and they came out beautiful."
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2012
"I have used this recipe as written with "real" and canned chicken - also with different cheeses and ranch dressing - always gone in minutes."


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Wednesday, 5 October 2011
How to make gravy
They say it's gonna be a hundred degrees, even more maybe, but that
won't stop the roast
Who's gonna make the gravy now?
I bet it won't taste the same
Just add flour, salt, a little red wine and don't forget a dollop of
tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang
And give my love to Angus and to Frank and Dolly,
Tell 'em all I'm sorry I screwed up this time
And look after Rita, I'll be thinking of her early Christmas morning
When I'm standing in line
From Paul Kelly, "How to Make Gravy"
Aussie singer-songwriter. Brilliant song about a man in prison writing home about Christmas Day. With a recipe included! Love this song! It send a shiver down my spine every time I hear it. Check it out on YouTube. Maybe one day I will even try his recipe!
roast dinner. Watched my brother Dave make it to serve with a roast dinner recently. Loved how it was a simple way to perk up a nut roast. Simple was good after Sylvia had a 2 hour tantrum. She was ill, poor wee thing! Served nut roast with roast pumpkin, steamed broccoli and potato scones.
My mum always make gravy in the meat juices. I just brown some onions and flour. Sometimes I add stock or booze. I flavour it with promite, soy sauce, mushroom, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, tomato paste, mustard, sundried tomato, leftover mashed pumpkin, anything that takes my fancy.
Gravy category in my Recipe Index. My basic gravy is below. I should make it more often! When I make it, I should remember to serve it in my gravy boat. It makes dinner special. Just like gravy!
Previously on Green Gourmet Giraffe
This time last year: Touch of Yellow: Savoury Biscuit Hearts
This time two years ago: PPN Painless Pasta II
This time three years ago: Lentil Salad and the Dream Festival
serves 2-4
1-2 tbsp olive oil (or margarine)
1 brown onion, finely chopped
handful or two of flour - I use wholemeal
1/2 - 1 cup water
slurp of wine, port or whiskey (optional)
1 tsp promite (or vegemite or other yeast extract or stock powder or a bit of soy sauce)
Heat olive oil in heavy based frypan. Fry onion in oil until well browned. I fried mine over a medium high heat and let it get so brown that it charred a little bit. Add some flour and stir over heat a minute or two until it is browned. Gradually add water, using the back of a spoon to break down any lumps of flour. Bring to the boil. When gravy boils it should thicken slightly. Check seasoning and serve over nut roast, roast veg, bangers and mash or whatever you like. If you don't use it immediately it might thicken quite a bit when it cools and need a bit more water when being reheated.
Vegan Month of Food October 2011. Go to my Vegan MoFo list for more Vegan MoFo posts.
13 comments:
I always make gravy with promite too, or actually one of the other brands of gf vegemite. It's how our family always did it, also with meat juices like yours, but of course I leave that out!ReplyDelete
Love your post!ReplyDelete
Gravy makes the dish!!
My nan taught me how to make gravy and it was exactly as you said, bits and pieces of whatever you needed to get the right flavour!
Tonight I had a plain and simple (made from scratch of course) brown onion gravy made with very caramelised onions and a bit of bourbon.
YUMMY! Can't beat a good gravy :)
This is so perfect for us in Canada, about to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend! I've linked up to this post on my Diet, Dessert and Dogs Facebook page. Thanks, Johanna! :DReplyDelete
I love your gravy boat!ReplyDelete
although, much to the SHOCK and HORROR of my gravy-loving family, of my family, I dont like gravy at all lol
Great post! I reach for the gravy packet mix too often and really should make more effort to make it from scratch. Bookmarking this!ReplyDelete
- Bliss Doubt6 October 2011 at 09:31
But what's on the stereo?ReplyDelete
You know, I have never had gravy! We weren't a big roast family growing up, and when we did have roasts (Christmas, for instance) I tended to skip the gravy. I have an odd thing about sauces / dressings and think they ruin the food they're over :P I'm in the minority, I know!ReplyDelete
I wanted to say thanks for your helpful comments this week - the pumpkin tip and that recipe for a possible yoghurt coating were great :)
Love that song. Just from your title I was singing it :-)ReplyDelete
What a great way to make vegetarian gravy that doesn't involve Gravox (which I just don't like). Oh and I love Promite-more than Vegemite (shh don't tell anyone! ;) ).ReplyDelete
Thanks K - my mum always used gravox so it was only as an adult that I started to use promite - gives a nice dark colour as well as flavourReplyDelete
Thanks Gourmet Getaways - your nan knew that gravy is an art not a science and a great way to finish a meal
Thanks Ricki - lovely of you to link to it - hope it perks up a few thanksgiving dinners
Thanks Lisa - don't like gravy - it was just part of what we ate when I was a kid - I eat it a lot less now so it is more of a treat
Thanks Mel - possibly I eat gravy less because I never eat it out of a packet but I love it when I make it - and it isn't that hard
Thanks Bliss Doubt - never saw it missing til you pointed it out - am tryng to push out posts a bit quicker for vegan mofo so hope you will accept the link to Paul Kelly singing how to make gravy in lieu of on the stereo this post (though I will try better next time!)
Thanks Kari - we had roast dinners all the time and my grandmothers often made them too so I love some gravy over nut roast but I draw the line at drowning the whole dinner in sauce or gravy (unlike E) - glad the comments might help you
Thanks Brydie - the song made it all the more fun to write this post - I love it
Thanks Lorraine - then you must try some promite in your next gravy - just don't tell anyone!
This gravy recipe sounds delicious! Mushroom gravy is the most common alternative people use. I dont like mushroom so this recipe is a definite try for me! thanks for posting this!ReplyDelete
I love how simple this gravy is! And love that gravy boat too.ReplyDelete
At the Paul Kelly A-Z concerts last year you could buy tea towels with a gravy recipe on them. I was actually devastated when they sold the last one as I walked in!ReplyDelete
Thanks for dropping by. I love hearing from you. Please share your thoughts and questions. Annoyingly the spammers are bombarding me so I have turned on the pesky captcha code (refresh to find an easy one if you don't like the first one)


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This is a very unique candy bar, in case you couldn't already tell from the image. It's a Hershey's chocolate bar from China filled with a green tea creamy center. Since I do not read Chinese, I was confused as to what this bar was at first. The image on the front shows a green filling in the center and some green leaves. They're meant to be tea leaves but I think they could be easily mistaken for mint leaves I think.
The format of the bar is made of of six filled sections, each rectangular and molded with the Hershey's name on top. Appearance wise, it look likes all the other filled Hershey's bars you can get here in the United States. The bar smells terribly sweet and milky, more so than other Hershey bars from what I can recall. The whole bar is very soft and easily breakes apart. The green tea filling looks creamy and has a good, pale green color. Anything brighter would have looked too artificial.
The flavor is really nice. Surprisingly the chocolate flavor, or it's sweetness, doesn't overpower the tea. The tea tastes grassy and sweet. It definitely tastes like green tea from China, as it lacks the intensity and bitterness of Japanese matcha. The chocolate appears as a flavor toward the end and has good notes of milk and sugar. The texture is smooth and creamy without being greasy.
This bar is impressive in it's zen like balance of textures and flavors; everything is working in harmony. Why doesn't Hershey's execute this bar for us in the United States? Please?
Rating: Will Buy Again