FAO also chairs two UN Sub-Committees to coordinate the implementation of Agenda 21 chapters on oceans and water resources. The role of the task manager is to promote consultation and integration within the UN, promote joint activities and programmes, encourage information exchange, help develop common strategies, and consolidate and analyse information for the Commission for Sustainable Development. The role of agriculture, forestry and fisheries . The Organization also contributed to the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Convention to Combat Desertification. Meanwhile, throughout FAO efforts were made to fine-tune programmes and projects to balance the demands of increased production against environmental and sustainability concerns.
Some examples follow.
Fuelling development Twenty-nine experts from 15 countries attended the Expert Consultation on Biofuels for Sustainable Development held at FAO headquarters in September 1993. Together with 23 FAO staff, they studied the use of fast-growing plants, crop residues and manure to produce biomass that would offer an environmentally sound substitute for fossil fuels. Plant biomass also provides energy in the form of high-quality animal feed. FAO pilot projects in Latin America and the Caribbean are exploring the use of tropical tree species and herbaceous cover for animal fodder. Because of the photosynthesis involved in their growth cycle, use of these plants also helps counter the greenhouse effect by sequestering carbon from the air.