WRITTEN QUESTION E-3662/03 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. Botswanan beef, wildlife and sustainable development.
Date: 2003-12-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Botswana, Fascism, cattle, economic consequence, grassland, health control, import (EU), pasture fattening, social impact, sustainable development

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/309

protection of public health, consumers or the environment. This would not only undermine the protection
of valid public interest objectives to the detriment of Union citizens but would also undermine trust and
confidence in the operations of Union SMEs in general.

(1)

For example, in its report on the State of the Internal Market in services [COM(2002) 441 final], the Commission
identified SMEs as the main victims of the current fragmented European regulatory framework.

(2) COM(2002) 278 final. See http://europa.eu.int/comm/governance/suivi_lb_en.htm.

(2004/C 78 E/0311)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3662/03

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(9 December 2003)

Subject: Botswanan beef, wildlife and sustainable development

It has been brought to my attention by a constituent that the Botswana Government is considering fencing
in areas of land in an effort to increase the country’s production of beef, most of which I understand is
intended for the EU. The impact on local wildlife, communities and the tourism industry would be huge.

Can the Commission confirm that this would go against the EU’s environmental and social standards, and,
given that the EU is a major importer of Botswanan beef, will
it put pressure on the authorities in
Botswana to reconsider their options?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(26 January 2004)

The Commission is aware both of the Government of Botswana’s intention to alter its existing network of
cattle/wildlife fences in Ngamiland, and of the recent developments on this matter. These would include
the erection of a new veterinary fence, with the purpose to extend the country area free from Foot and
Mouth Disease.

While, however, there is no direct link between the intended fences and the European Development Fund/
budget lines projects currently funded in Botswana, the Commission and its Delegation in Botswana,
conscious of the issues at stake, maintain contacts with the various stakeholders,
including the non-
governmental organisation ‘Environmental Investigation Agency’. There is also a regular dialogue with the
Government of Botswana in the area of conservation of natural resources.

The Botswana/DFID (Department for International Development, United Kingdom) funded ‘Environmental
assessment of veterinary fences in Ngamiland’ report outlines various technical options, and constitutes a
solid preliminary information base on environmental impact for the Okavango delta. To the Commission’s
knowledge, the Government of Botswana has not taken a decision on a particular option to follow; the
Commission however understands that a number of complementary studies (in particular on socio
economic impact) are planned by the Government of Botswana, following the report recommendations.
The Delegation expects that the matter will be resolved through the local consultations that have been re-
initiated, as well as by a policy dialogue between the Botswana stakeholders.

The importance of livestock for the livelihoods of Ngamiland cannot be underplayed. It should be noted
that, unlike other Southern African countries, most Botswana meat for export comes from smallholders,
who benefit from Foot and Mouth Disease control even if no exports are taking place. Foot and Mouth
Disease control has therefore a positive impact on poverty alleviation. The control is possible through a
range of techniques, the erection of fences (with different modalities) being one of them.

C 78 E/310

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

In more general development terms, the debate illustrates the importance of land use planning, particularly
for pastoral areas and also for Botswana. Persistent persuasion, resources and action are required to define
and build a viable interface between cattle and wildlife, and strike the right balance between divergent
interests respectively favouring wildlife and livestock.

The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation.
It has recently met with the non-
governmental organisation ‘Environmental Investigation Agency’ to listen to their point of view and to
obtain further information.

(2004/C 78 E/0312)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3664/03

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Commission

(9 December 2003)

Subject: Women’s reproductive health

UNFPA reported a large number of deaths of women in Liberia as a result of treatable reproductive tract
infections and from pregnancy-related complications. There is also a high incidence of HIV/AIDS among
Liberian women, contracted as a result of widespread rape during the civil war and a lack of safe blood
supplies for transfusions.

In light of this, would the Commission outline what measures it is taking to support women’s reproductive
health programmes in Liberia?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 2003)

Through its local representative and various field missions, the Commission is fully aware of the situation
of women in Liberia. The Commission had its concern by this situation and also in the tremendous impact
the civil war has on women’s health either directly through all sorts of abuse and rape or indirectly
through displacement, widespread poverty and absence of a health system to cover basic health needs.

All interventions supporting the restoration of a peaceful environment and the application of the rule of
law therefore have an impact on women’s health. The programme, currently under implementation, to
support the peacekeeping forces from Ecowas (EUR 8 million) is designed to build the suitable peaceful
environment, together with other bilateral and multilateral donors. However some of the interventions are
specifically designed to provide support to the rehabilitation of the health services and to provide direct
health support.

The ‘Reintegration programme for returnees and displaced people in Liberia’
(EUR 25 million) under
implementation since 2001, has a strong health component. The purpose is the improved delivery of basic
health services through the County Health Teams assisted by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and
improved access to good quality and cheaper drugs through improvements in the functioning of the non-
government National Drug Service.

The ‘Post Conflict Rehabilitation and Capacity Building Programme’ (EUR 40 million) has been recently
decided.
Its purpose is to facilitate and support the initiatives of peace and national reconciliation
contained in the Accra Peace Agreement, in order to ease socio-political tensions and ensure reconciliation
(demobilization and economic and social reinsertion of the fighters) at the national and community levels
(re-establishment and functioning of key public Ministries and key other Institution). Notably its purpose is
also to encourage and accelerate the process of social and economic rehabilitation of
the affected
populations (particularly at the community level) and to contribute to the physical rehabilitation of basic
infrastructure and services (public and other),
including the availability of health services, medicines,
education and water.