112. The programme focused on natural resource utilisation policy, technical advice and information support. The Land and Water Development Division (AGL) tested a new programme structure placing activities under six projects. Inter-disciplinary integration was, however, difficult both because of ongoing disciplinary activities and institutional structure. The new programme structure collided with services and groups; programme visibility suffered. In future, only activities with common output will be integrated.
113. Soil, Water and Plant Nutrition Management at Farm Level. Outputs were produced to improve integrated soil, water and plant nutrient management, including methods to enhance water use. Guidelines and training promoting participatory approaches for group formation, soil and plant nutrient and water management at farm level were tested in Asia and Africa. In-service training of extension agents was tested in Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) sites. Work on irrigation assessment continues. A consultation on the Soil Fertility Initiative (SFI) in Africa was conducted; preparation of action plans in two countries was completed.
114. Sustainable Management of Land, Water and Plant Nutrient at Community Level. Two village case studies in Asia and Africa on participatory soil and nutrient management were completed. The World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) database on soil conservation was expanded in three countries. Contributions were made for improved soil management methods in Morocco, Tunisia, Southern Africa and Central America. Approaches to land management in tropical agro-ecologies emphasising steeplands conservation were published. Preparation of guidelines for wetland and valley bottom development continued, with a regional workshop in Harare. Water harvesting assessment from Geographical Information System (GIS) data was initiated; seminars were organised in Laos and Niger.
115. Management and Reclamation of Problem Soil, Salinity Control and Water Quality Management. Activities were well integrated, producing tangible outputs. The "Integrated Management of Salt Affected Soils" and "Management and Reclamation of Degraded Soils" networks were strengthened. Workshops on conservation tillage, that served as platforms for South-South Cooperation, were held in Zimbabwe and Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the Agricultural Support Services Division (AGS) and the Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP), promoting South-South Cooperation. Land degradation factors were documented in Malawi and Ethiopia. The ProSoil CD-ROM on problem soils was developed. Soil Salinity Assessment and Materials for Subsurface Land Drainage Systems were published. Workshops on water quality management were held in Chile and Thailand. The Land Drainage chapter was prepared as a contribution to the International Commission of Agricultural Engineering Handbook on Land and Water Engineering.
116. National Policies and Strategies for Land, Water and Plant Nutrition. Outputs are diverse. Water policy work focused on application of existing guidelines. Regional meetings were conducted with the World Bank and regional development banks. Support was provided to five countries and papers dealing with water scarcity were produced.
117. Guidelines on public and private fertiliser strategies were published and applied in studies in Zimbabwe and Bolivia. The study on fertiliser in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was published, with a CD-ROM. Development of a database on fertiliser application and yields in 52 countries was linked to existing databases for analysis purposes. The annual Current World Fertiliser Situation and Outlook was published; fertiliser price analyses were included in FAO Food Outlook.
118. A framework for sustainable management of land resources was prepared with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), discussed at regional workshops and applied in projects in Tanzania, Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka. Land valuation guidelines were drafted with the Rural Development Division. A glossary of relevant terms was produced and software for land use and land management decision support was further developed.
119. Information and Decision Support Systems on Land and Water Resources and the Global Land and Water Database. Development of a land and water resources information system was initiated, to combine Land and Water Division data in one GIS system, supplemented by country reports. Reports for countries in Europe, Africa and Asia were put on the FAO Internet site. Professionals from Latin America and West Africa were trained to use the systems.
120. The World Reference Database for Soil Resources and a CD-ROM of the draft WOCAT database (definitive in 2000) were published. CD-ROMs of the Soil and Terrain Database (SOTER) were distributed for IGADD (Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development) countries and Latin America. Work progressed on the Global Agro-ecological zone (AEZ) database, available in the next biennium. Methods for assessing land degradation were tested. A handbook on erosion mapping in Mediterranean coastal zones was published with UNEP. Collaborations on land cover classification continued under the Land Cover Map and Geodatabase for Africa (AFRICOVER).
121. Work continues on the AQUASTAT rural water database covering developing and transitional countries: the Asia survey is published; that for Latin America was completed but assessment of data continues. A draft report is due in 2000. Digital maps of irrigation in Latin America and Africa were prepared. Contributions were made to chapter four of the AT 2015/30 report.
122. Improving Irrigation System Performance. Most activities were completed. An irrigation management information system (SIMIS, version 1.0) was completed; software was disseminated in Egypt, Cyprus and Peru. A workshop was conducted with the International Water Management Institute, reviewing irrigation modernisation in Asia to identify necessary guidelines and training. Guidelines for transfer of management services to water users were published.
123. Support to Field Programmes and Direct Service to Member Nations. Support was provided to FAO's field programme, especially SPFS. Unilateral Trust Fund (UTF) projects were initiated, including the Nile Basin Water Resource Project. Support for the formulation of the Hillside Agriculture project in Haiti, the Soil and Water Conservation Projects in Tunisia and several other countries was provided. Innovative land management projects for carbon sequestration were initiated, with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) funding. Contributions were made to national action plans under the Soil Fertility Initiative, including those to combat desertification in Cuba, Haiti and Iran.
124. The International Programme on Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage (IPTRID), was transferred to FAO's Land and Water Development Division, and identified research and technology transfer opportunities in Egypt, Uganda and Malawi with AGL. A review of the effects of water control technology on irrigation was published. IPTRID and FAO, supported by the Dutch and French governments, initiated a West African network on small-scale irrigation. Networking was strengthened through workshops, a network magazine and an Internet-based information system on water conservation.
125. Coordination, Partnerships and Services to Statutory Bodies. International partnerships and statutory bodies were supported. Preparatory assistance was given for the Secretary-General's report on the Commission on Sustainable Development sessions CSD-6 and CSD-8. Contributions were made to the Conference on Multifunctional Agriculture, the Conventions on Desertification and Climate Change, the Global Water Partnership (Steering Committee), the ACC Sub-Committee on Water (SCW) and its regular Water Development Report. Water and Food workshops were organised in Accra and Harare for the World Water Forum and Land and Water Development Division staff made presentations on natural resource management at international conferences.
Under FAO's agriculture development and natural resources management programmes, Bangladesh received technical assistance and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funding to build capacity for a Land Resources Information and Decision Support System.
This system, one of the most advanced in Asia, contains geo-referenced information on land and water resources, land evaluation and use, crops, trees, productivity assessment and mapping. It includes socio-economic and demographic information. A network of staff collect data and operate the system. Internet facilities are available for analysis and dissemination of data and information.
Operated by a Steering Committee under the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC), the system provides services to ministries, research institutions, universities and NGOs.
coastal zone and saline areas management.
126. The programme contributed work on policy advice, technologies for sustainable production, environment conservation and natural resource optimisation to the objectives of the World Food Summit.
127. It provided the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) Secretariat. Conference's decision to broaden the CGRFA's mandate to cover all aspects of genetic resources of relevance to food and agriculture led to two major thrusts. Progress on animal genetic resources is reported under Programme 2.1.3, Livestock. The focus for plant genetic resources was on revision of the International Undertaking, in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Progress was made at meetings on the basis that the Undertaking would be a binding international instrument regulating access and benefit-sharing with regard to plant genetic resources. It is planned to finalise the Undertaking for submission to the 119th Session of the FAO Council.
128. The Global Plant and Pest Information System (GPPIS) developed an innovative software procedure that enabled a network of eminent scientists to pool their information and expertise. Subsequently, with the University of Florida as implementing secretariat, FAO and the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution agreed to the establishment of EcoPort, an ecology knowledge portal Website http://www.ecoport.org/ which incorporates the information held in GPPIS. EcoPort makes a broad range of multi-disciplinary natural resource management information available to governments, institutions and individuals.
129. Plant Genetic Resources. The Global Plan of Action (GPA) on Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) was promoted through meetings in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. Full implementation and financing of the GPA will be facilitated by completion of the revision of the International Undertaking by the CGFRA and CBD.
130. Crop networks were used to promote conservation and utilisation of genetic resources. New international networks were established - East Africa and Indian Ocean Island Network, West and Central Africa Network and Caribbean Network - promoting traditional vegetables (Asia and the Pacific) and tropical fruits (West Africa). The Mediterranean Citrus Network and the Global Network on Mushrooms redefined strategies regarding conservation and use of germplasm. An expert consultation identified methods for assessing genetic diversity and its erosion, supporting the FAO World Information and Early Warning System on PGR (WIEWS).
131. Capacity-building and technology transfer work continued through international training courses and workshops on plant sexual reproduction (global), field genebank management (Asia) and conservation of PGR (West/Central Africa). Strengthening National Programmes for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: Planning and Coordination was produced with the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI).
132. Seed and Planting Material Development. The main focus was on the implementation of programmes for sustainable production of improved seed and planting materials in member countries and setting up a mechanism for seed security in line with the GPA. African Seed Network (ASN), Seed Network for Asia and the Pacific (SNAP) and Consultative Forum on Seed in the Near East and North Africa (CFS-NENA) were established as a result the Seed Policy and Programmes Meetings organised in these regions. Also, a Seed Security Network for SADC region (SSSN) was established, supported by extra-budgetary funds. A computerised World List of Seed Sources and an abridged Techniques for Micro Propagation and Multiplication of Disease Indexed Seed Potatoes were developed.
133. Training was provided internationally on seed restoration in disaster situations and for trainers for women in seed and planting material production in Africa. Support was provided to the Special Programme on Food Security and Emergency Relief Operations (TCOR).
134. Crop Management and Diversification. Work continued with Brazil and the World Bank for a conservation/zero tillage study, with AGS and AGL on workshops in Central Asia and cooperation programmes for Mongolia and Kazakhstan and with AGL for publication of Integrated Crop and Land Management in the Hilly Terrains of Central America: Concepts, Strategies and Technical Options. Soybean in Cropping Systems in India was distributed. Information for the maize and wheat databases was collected for producing countries. The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) continued support to TAMNET, the Tropical Asia Maize Network.
135. Support to the International Rice Commission (IRC) continued through provision of the Secretariat for IRC Steering Committee meetings and the 19th Session, networking to promote development of hybrid rice and studies on yield gap in Asia and Latin America. Technical services were provided to field projects on hybrid rice technology transfer and development of crop management packages in five countries.
136. Technology transfer on cold-tolerant oil palm continued in Zambia and Malawi and was introduced in Kenya. New cultivars of drought-tolerant sweet sorghum and safflower were tested in Asia; the sweet sorghum technology was transferred to Zambia from China. The book Modern Coconut Management was published with Leiden University and Intermediate Technology Publications. The International Council for Underutilised Plants and the Centre for Underutilised Crops were supported. The 14th edition of the Sesame and Safflower newsletter was distributed. The World Cotton Research Conference and New Crop Symposium were supported.
137. Horticulture research was enhanced by contributions to an International Horticulture Research Conference and to the World International Horticulture Congress. Research and development initiatives for date palm, cactus pear, mushrooms, citrus and horticulture in West and Central Africa were promoted. Special attention was paid to identification of remunerative horticultural activities for rural women. Strategies and technical guidelines were developed for intensification of urban and peri-urban horticultural crop production. Training materials were prepared on integrated production and protection (IPP) to reduce pesticide spraying and for Mediterranean and tropical countries to improve greenhouse crops and soil-less culture to obtain high-quality, safe products. Contributions were provided to yam research and the launch of a global cassava development strategy. Newsletters and technical documents on citrus, tropical fruits, cactus pear, vegetable seedling production, greenhouses and shelters for tropical regions were published.
138. Advice and support were provided to SPFS and TCP (Technical Cooperation Programme) through technical backstopping of field projects and participation in activities in 51 countries, mainly in Africa.
139. Grasslands and Pastures. Supporting the Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, publications were prepared on mobility in African rangelands and Opuntia as forage (with the Animal Production and Health Division -AGA) and contributions made to the Inter-departmental Working Group (IDWG) desertification CD-ROM. Sustainable grassland use was addressed through publication of remote sensing data processing and rangeland and desertification assessment methods, a technical paper on range development for the International Rangeland Congress (with SDA) and a study for the AGA electronic conference on livestock and drought. Work continued on forage databases and country profiles and electronic publications for grassland workers. An electronic conference, Silage Production in the Tropics, was held with AGA for 355 subscribers from 68 countries. A workshop, Better Utilization of Fodder Trees in Smallholder Farming Systems in East Africa, was organised and contributions made to meetings in the Near East on range-dependent small ruminant production systems and biological diversity conservation. Medicago, Campos, Temperate Asia and South East Asia working group meetings were held and work continued on high altitude transhumant systems, cold-tolerant alfalfa varieties and winter fodder technology transfer.
140. Crop Protection. International negotiations in relation to plant health and the environment were supported and countries assisted to implement appropriate plant protection. The Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM), established by Conference through adoption of the New Revised Text of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), met twice, approving new international standards, adopting rules of procedure and initiating working groups on standards. The Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) amendments to the Plant Protection Agreement for Asia and the Pacific were approved by the Council in 1999. The joint FAO/UNEP programme for voluntary Prior Informed Consent (PIC) focused on development of a binding instrument for application of PIC procedure through the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), which adopted the text of the Convention as the Rotterdam Convention (see box). At the July 1999 INC session, an Interim Chemical Review Committee was established to identify future PIC chemicals. Two further pesticides were included, to give a total of 24 pesticides and five industrial chemicals.
The "Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for international trade in hazardous chemicals" was adopted at the Conference of Plenipotentiaries on 10 September 1998. Its objective is to promote shared responsibility in international trade of hazardous chemicals, protecting health and the environment and contributing to environmentally sound use through provision of a decision-making process on import and export and disseminating decisions to parties, and information exchange. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and FAO were mandated to provide the Interim Secretariat until the Convention comes into force and the future Secretariat of the Convention established. By the end of 1999, the Convention had been signed by 73 countries and ratified by three.
141. The fifth Manual for the Development of FAO Specifications for Plant Protection Products introduced expanded data requirements for specifications to include ecological and toxicological assessments relevant to pesticide manufacturing. New specifications for six pesticides were developed, while ten were finalised under the previous procedure. The FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues in Food and the Environment (JMPR) focused on maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides, making recommendations for over 20 pesticides to Codex, and the development of a dietary risk assessment which was accepted by Codex. The FAO Pesticide Disposal Programme, funded through a Netherlands trust fund and UNEP/Canada/Japan extra-budgetary resources, continued its activities in Africa and the Near East and began compiling data on obsolete pesticide stocks in Latin America and Asia.
142. The Global IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Facility, sponsored by FAO, UNEP, UNDP and the World Bank, with additional financial support by several donors, introduced IPM concepts in Africa and Latin America through pilot projects. Field activities focused on Zimbabwe as a node for Southern Africa, Kenya for Eastern Africa and Ghana for West Africa. Trainer exchanges for farmer field schools (FFS) were begun. A project covering Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, supported by IFAD, explored FFS approaches to be replicated in IFAD projects. A training-of-trainers workshop was held in Ecuador, cotton projects in Paraguay and Northeast Brazil were completed under the supervision of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC) and follow-on planned. Field initiatives in Iran, Jordan, Libya and Sudan were planned. Regional projects on IPM rice and vegetables continued in Asia; an IPM cotton project was initiated in six countries, funded by the European Community (EC).
143. A Global IPM Facility staff member was posted at the World Bank (WB), responsible for the Safeguard Programme on Pesticides and for revision of WB guidelines on agricultural pest management.
144. Work on tropical weed control continued, with projects in Africa on aquatic weeds. An international technical meeting was organised on benefits and risks of herbicide resistant crops (HRC); training was provided on HRC and risk assessment of transgenic crops. Work on Methyl Bromide Alternatives was initiated, establishing collaboration with UNEP and a Multilateral Fund.
145. The special multi-donor programme Emergency Prevention System for Trasboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES)/Desert Locust, which facilitates common action against transboundary pests, became operational in the Red Sea area, with technical staff in Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Yemen and liaison officers in eight countries. Training has begun in Eritrea, Yemen and Sudan, with planning workshops in Ethiopia and Yemen. A mid-term evaluation mission was fielded and its recommendations were implemented. The Desert Locust Control Committee (DLCC) and the Regional Locust Commissions continued work. Countries agreed to create a new Commission for the Western Region combining the Northwest African Commission with four Sahelian countries, giving better response to locust control requirements.
146. Technical assistance was provided to combat locust outbreaks in Madagascar and Kazakhstan, armyworm caterpillars in Eastern Africa and Quelea birds in Cameroon, Mauritania and Senegal. Assistance was provided to the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCO/CSA) to review its organisation. Fortnightly situation and forecast reports on Desert Locust were transmitted to member countries.
147. The programme focused on environmentally safe utilisation of global livestock production contributing to food security and poverty alleviation.
148. Livestock Information Systems, Policy and Planning. Information was provided for livestock development decisions at all levels, including disease, feed resources, livestock production and associated land use, using the Programme Against African Trypanosomiasis (PAAT-IS) and Domestic Animal Genetic Diversity (DAD-IS). Development of a common information platform for the Livestock Programme has been delayed, pending design finalisation.
During 1998-99, AGA initiated development of an electronic Atlas of Animal Agriculture, applying GIS and Remote Sensing methods to characterise animal production and health in different settings.
Electronic maps are generated from sometimes incomplete data correlated with satellite imagery. The best predictor variables are applied to produce 'surrogate maps'. Cluster analysis demarcates agro-ecological patterns using pixel-by-pixel classification of layers such as length of growing period (LGP), people, livestock biomass and cropping intensity. Analysis suggests that livestock management is a key feature in addressing poverty, food security, health and environmental issues. FAO's Land and Water Development Division (AGL) and Research, Extension and Training Division (SDR), Oxford University and the UK Natural Resources Institute will contribute in 2000-01.
149. Planning continued with strategic assessments, broadening of the initiative on Livestock-Environment and finalisation of decision-making tools. Regional commissions were revitalised as forces for livestock policy development and institutional development was fostered through assistance to veterinary and sanitary legislation and service delivery. PAAT coordinated international trypanosomiasis control.
150. Peri-urban and Intensive Production and Supply Systems. Four studies on peri-urban production including delivery of veterinary and veterinary public health services were concluded and, with RLC and RAP, workshops were organised on peri-urban livestock in Latin America and Asia, the latter considering the area-wide integration (AWI) concept. AWI attempts to resolve environmental and socio-economic problems caused by peri-urban industrial animal production by re-establishing links to crop production in rural areas. Technical documents were prepared on mini-livestock production and animal product processing.
151. Mixed Farming Systems. Contributions were made to developing animal production and health strategies, supporting smallholder mixed farming as it grows around the world through better resource utilisation, improved commercialisation and control of animal diseases. In fragile, high-altitude areas under natural resource and human population pressure, sustainable crop-livestock integration was assessed. Overall coordination was provided for the Livestock Programme support to the Special Programme for Food Security. Outputs were achieved without significant shortfalls.
152. Draft analysis and monitoring methods for livestock and production resources were developed with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), using GIS in the Kenyan highlands as a pilot. The 8th World Conference on Animal Production (Seoul, 1998) and the proceedings from a FAO/ World Association for Animal Production (WAAP) plenary on livestock environment strategies were co-sponsored. Following the first African-Asian electronic conference on family poultry, the former ARPN expanded into the International Network for Family Poultry Development (INFPD), with an Internet site. Supporting rural poultry development and SPFS, publications were produced on topics including ostrich production and duck rearing. Manuals on rural poultry and African Guinea-Fowl Production Systems are ready for printing. Support for rabbit production resulted in establishment of the Observatory for the Development of Rabbit Production in the Mediterranean and an Internet site.
153. Preparation of the Pokhara Call for Action for Sustainable Livelihoods in Mountains and Highlands was supported. This calls for preparation of a livestock agenda for the International Year of the Mountains in 2002 (with FAO Forestry Department) and a global research and development agenda improving utilisation and conservation of resources, sustainable market-oriented livestock production, post-production processes and trade and regional integration in developing countries.
154. Pastoral and Extensive Grazing Systems. Management approaches for sustainable exploitation of pastoral systems in low rainfall areas were promoted. An electronic conference on livestock and drought was followed with an RNE-supported workshop in Cairo for which studies covering Southern and Eastern Africa were prepared with AGP. A further livestock and drought workshop was held with VI International Rangelands Congress (1999), broadening debate and leading to establishment by FAO and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) of the Pastoral Development Network, which is a forum for information and debate on pastoral and livestock/drought issues. The FAO Working Group and the FAO/Industry Contact Group (COMISA) on Parasite Resistance continued to develop strategies for resistance management and integrated parasite control.
manual on epidemiology, diagnosis and control of poultry parasites.
156. Promotion of agro-forestry and sylvo-pastoral systems for increased ruminant livestock production and enhanced environment was undertaken, particularly in Latin America.
157. Domestic Animal Genetic Diversity. Full utilisation of farm animal genetic resources and arrest of high-loss rates of domestic livestock genetic resources through national and global strategies were supported. Training workshops were held on DAD-IS, the information system on domestic animal genetic diversity, involving the identified National Coordinators for AnGR. The system is used by some 100 countries to develop quality information and technical capacity. Preparatory analysis for a third edition of World Watch List for Domestic Animal Diversity (published in 2000) shows alarming loss of breeds, further increases in breeds at high risk and the need for swift action.
158. The Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (GS-AnGR) was further developed. Projects in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe were supported; 91 AnGR national coordinators have been established, leading to cost-effective and harmonious implementation. The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), with its Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources (ITWG/AnGR), supported the Global Strategy, requesting further development and FAO leadership for a first Report on the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources.
159. An Executive Brief on the Global Strategy was produced and guidelines for development of national farm AnGR management plans further developed for countries implementing GS-AnGR. Studies and specialist documentation were prepared and workshops conducted leading to development of decision-support tools to help developing countries improve utilisation of locally adapted AnGR. These were undertaken with the European Association for Animal Products (EAAP) and the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR).
160. Transboundary Animal Diseases. The livestock component of EMPRES continued to focus on the most serious infectious transboundary animal diseases. Member countries were provided assistance to develop their capacity for progressive control of these diseases and to prevent or cope with disease emergencies through risk management and contingency planning. An external review of EMPRES-Livestock was favourable, particularly with respect to the leadership it provides for global rinderpest eradication and development of concepts for emergency preparedness against transboundary animal diseases.
The Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme is a core activity within EMPRES. GREP is conducted in partnership with countries, major donors, such as the European Union, and regional organizations, especially the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Inter-African Bureau of Animal Resources and the Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The European Union supported epidemiological and vaccine quality assurance for the Pan-African Rinderpest Campaign as a component of GREP.
Annual reviews of GREP were undertaken through technical and expert consultations involving all major stakeholders and guidelines established to ensure that progress is sustained to reach the goal of worldwide eradication of Rinderpest by 2010. The Expert Consultation of 1999 recognised that significant progress had been made, with the disease now being restricted to a small number of areas in South Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Africa, and it endorsed a five-year framework for intensified action.
161. Manuals and training aides were produced to support recognition and control of the major diseases and provide guidelines for strengthening emergency preparedness procedures. Information on the EMPRES Website was expanded and was increasingly viewed as a valuable resource by countries and organizations, including centres of learning. The Transboundary Animal Disease Bulletin was published quarterly with topical news of disease developments and epidemiological analysis. Work started on developing TADInfo, a GIS-based system for transboundary animal disease data capture and analysis, as a decision support tool for veterinary disease managers. Remote sensing was increasingly applied to analysing and predicting the evolution of disease epidemics. Guidance was provided to 29 countries in North Africa and the Middle East in disease surveillance and data management. The Epidemiological World Reference Laboratories for rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease, supported through EMPRES, continued to provide valuable technical advice and leadership.
162. TCP assisted several countries of West Africa to fight epidemics of African swine fever. Other epidemics of particular concern included the spread of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in Sub-Saharan Africa; the evolution of foot-and-mouth disease in the Near and Far East; the increasing impact of peste des petits ruminants on small ruminant production in South Asia; and, Rift Valley fever resurgence in West Africa.
163. Pilot work on Newcastle disease vaccination trials in village chickens was completed in Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Gambia, associated with an Andre Mayer research fellowship on analysis of health and production constraints to village poultry production in Africa. A Hemispheric Plan for the Eradication of Swine Fever from the Americas was conceived and developed in cooperation with the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and partner organizations.
improved efficiency of farm power, tools and machinery, storage and post harvest technologies.
165. Farm Management and Production Economics. Due to staff turnover, and reassessment of priorities, selected outputs relating to guidelines and methods for farming systems development (FSD) were cancelled or reduced. Support for farming systems development was provided in four regions through FSDNews (a bimonthly electronic newsletter), field actions of regional trust fund projects in Asia and Africa and financial and technical assistance to global and regional farming associations.
166. Studies and consultations supported small farmer adjustments to changing policy environments, pressures on the resource base and agricultural commercialisation. Regional consultations were held on market-oriented production and sustainable farming development in Asia, Africa and Central Europe. A regional workshop on sustainable development of onchocerciasis-freed areas was held in West Africa. Case studies were carried out on farmer adjustments in production of export-oriented crops (Caribbean), sustainable intensification of production systems (Asia), the role of farmer organizations in providing farmer services (Latin America) and the economics of water harvesting (Africa).
167. Field guides were drafted for economic and environmental accounting, participatory community planning and farm profitability assessment. Monographs were published on FSD methods for design of conflict recovery programmes and the potential economic role of wild plants. Diagnostic work was carried out on capacity-building requirements for utilisation of farm-level data.
168. Agricultural Engineering. Several activities, particularly publications, had to be postponed or cancelled because of restricted resources. Under the Global Assessment of Farm Power and Standards for Farm Machinery initiative, data were collected and analysed for 15 countries. Safety and performance standards for pesticide equipment to reduce application rates and decrease health risks was emphasised. Guidelines and standards were published, resulting in use of these standards as a basis for national legislation in several countries. Database consolidation continued with incorporation of the International Directory of Agricultural Engineering Institutions into WAICENT (World Agricultural Information Centre) and development of an Internet-based farm machinery and equipment suppliers database.
169. Establishment of electronic networks for the International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR) improved information exchange among agricultural engineers worldwide. Networks supported included the South and East African Society of Agricultural Engineers, the Animal Traction Network for East and Southern Africa and the South American Association of Conservation Agriculture.
170. Gender issues and conservation agriculture continued to receive attention. A study on farm tools for African women farmers was published with IFAD and a draft Socioeconomic and Gender Analysis Programme (SEAGA) guide on agricultural engineering was produced. Workshops on Conservation Agriculture were held or supported in Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan and Brazil; bulletins were produced and regional networks were initiated in Africa and Eurasia, resulting in a number of African countries starting pilot initiatives on conservation agriculture.
171. Technical backstopping was provided to over 50 emergency projects, including the Iraq Food for Oil Programme. Technical advisory inputs were provided to Kosovo for repair and rehabilitation of war-damaged tractors and combine harvesters (see box). Members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) received advice through TCP on agricultural mechanisation. A tractor rehabilitation study was initiated in Ghana. A study of the farm power situation in Tanzania, financed by the private sector, was concluded, leading to a public/private sector initiative to finance the rehabilitation of tractors in Tanzania.
It is estimated that three quarters of the tractors and combine harvesters were stolen or damaged during the Kosovo conflict. Immediately after cessation of hostilities, AGS staff participated in TCOR missions to identify emergency programmes of repair. As a result, the Government of Sweden agreed to finance two repair programmes (value US$ 2 million) which started in December 1999. The World Bank is also financing a farm machinery supply and repair programme (US$ 2.5 million). As a result of these programmes, families (both Albanian and Serb) in the hardest-hit areas will be able to resume some normality in their lives. Tractors are essential to both crop production and to assist in transport and house rebuilding. The programme for the repair of up to 400 combines will be finalised by July 2000. AGS staff are organising these essential programmes.
172. Post-harvest Management. The Information Network on Post-Harvest Operations (INPhO) database, designed to accommodate tools and information developed for post-harvest management was supported, (see box). Activities supported include interactive decision-making tools for small-scale entrepreneurs, a Who's Who of technical expertise - an international recipe/formulation book and post-harvest training manuals. Work on a post-harvest compendium was begun; initial chapters include handling and storage of organic fruits and vegetables and treatment of roots and tubers. Post-harvest training brochures on local products - including attieke, fonio, protein-enriched gari and processed finger millet - have been prepared for posting on the INPhO network. A regional workshop on drying, storage and handling of wet paddy rice was carried out in the Asia/Pacific Region.
During the past 20 years, donor agencies, development programmes and research and training institutions have devoted resources to aspects of the post-harvest system resulting in an accumulation of practical experience, technical information and products. To increase accessibility to this information an international secretariat and INPhO were established through which information and experiences could be channelled. Information collected by INPhO is based on proven technologies, products and experiences. Collection of data occurs within on-going and completed post-harvest projects conducted by NGOs, research and training institutions, development organizations and agencies. Data is processed systematically to provide improved diagnostic tools and guidelines for development of post-harvest systems. Using WAICENT, information is disseminated to a large number of people and institutions worldwide. The INPhO site received about 100,000 visitors a month.
174. Regional training courses were held on mushroom production and irradiation disinfestation and processing of tropical fruits. A symposium on small-scale fermentation industries was held; proceedings will be published with the International Journal of Food Microbiology. Research was carried out supporting eco-friendly energy sources - biological production of hydrogen - and value-addition to commodities from developing countries - as well as improvement of cyanide detection in cassava, production of vinegar from cocoa husk and functional properties of tropical starches.
175. Agricultural Marketing. Marketing liberalisation was assisted with publication of bulletins on export commodity liberalisation in Africa, legislation and marketing and on wholesale market management. A maize marketing extension guide was published and work started on evaluating contract-farming initiatives supporting smallholder development. Marketing profiles of Pacific countries were produced and discussed at a sub-regional meeting on Strengthening Food Marketing Systems in Pacific Island Countries. Publications were produced on urban food marketing under the Food into Cities initiative and sensitisation and planning workshops were held in Asia, the Near East and Latin America. Support to Regional Marketing networks continued at reduced levels due to resource constraints. Market information systems in Eastern and Central Europe were reviewed and a beta version of FAO Agrimarket II software for global use was produced and tested in Asia.
176. Rural Finance. Under the FAO/GTZ initiative Agricultural Finance Revisited, attention focused on better practices and sources of funds for agricultural lending, introduced for discussion at the Eighth Technical Consultation on the Scheme for Agricultural Credit Development (SACRED), held with the General Assembly of the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) in Abuja, Nigeria. With this FAO/GTZ initiative, a programme on training rural bankers was initiated, resulting in production of a manual on preparation of training materials in rural finance. Work continued, again in collaboration with GTZ, on the FAO MicroBanking System (see box). Support was provided to several countries on rural banking and crop insurance; input was provided to multidisciplinary teams supporting new agricultural investment projects.
Development and promotion of the FAO MicroBanking System software continued. It has been an unqualified success, operating in 30 countries in eight languages; a recent addition has been Arabic. It is estimated to be serving five million small-scale savers and borrowers. An FAO/GTZ partnership has been formed to upgrade the system to run in a Windows environment. This system is unique in the world of banking software, being almost entirely the product of programmers, installers and trainers from developing and transitional countries.
177. The programme, implemented with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Programmes 2.1.2 Crops, 2.1.3 Livestock and 2.2.1 Nutrition, supports the application of nuclear techniques and biotechnologies for increasing food production, controlling insect pests and animal diseases, improving food safety and protecting natural resources.
178. Assistance was provided to agricultural research and regulatory bodies through 45 research networks, 56 training courses and workshops and over 150 field projects.
179. Contribution to Improvement of Crop and Livestock Productivity. Support provided in all regions for evaluating agronomic effectiveness of rock phosphates identified chemical and physical characteristics and soil conditions where locally available materials could supplement imported phosphate fertilisers. Improved methods were developed for measuring nitrogen availability from crop, livestock and urban wastes.
countries in Asia and the Pacific for improved agroforestry.
181. An inter-regional project focused on external quality assurance in total N and 15N isotope-ratio analysis by optical emission spectroscopy. Five institutes in Latin America, three in Asia and one in Africa complied with the requirement and can be recommended as regional analytical laboratories.
182. Support to national programmes for improving crop germplasm through induced mutations and biotechnology resulted in release of rice mutants with high-yield potential under saline and acid sulphate soil conditions, chickpea tolerant to ascochyta blight and fusarium wilt (Asia), high-yield sesame mutants with improved insect tolerance (North Africa) and improved banana clones with earliness and necessary fruit yield in Asia and Africa.
183. Biotechnology transfer such as in-vitro culture, molecular markers and improved screening techniques for drought tolerance was supported through training courses and field projects in the African, Asian and Pacific Regions, where DNA probes were distributed to speed up implementation of molecular genetics in breeding programmes and evaluation of crop biodiversity.
184. Assistance was provided to African countries for development of feed supplement strategies to improve dairy cattle productivity on smallholder farms and to Latin America and Asian countries to identify ways of improving artificial insemination (AI) programmes. Supplementation with locally available resources during the dry season or in relation to pregnancy and lactation resulted in improvements in milk production and/or reproductive performance. Analysis of AI services identified constraints to be addressed by AI providers and farmers. Guidelines for resolution and a computer software programme - AIDA (Artificial Insemination Database Application) - were provided to identify and resolve constraints to effective services.
185. Contribution to Crop Protection and Control of Animal Diseases. An external quality assurance programme was implemented by national laboratories participating in GREP control and eradication efforts, providing evidence of the reliability of diagnostic and surveillance results being provided to national authorities. Standardised testing and internal quality assurance are now in place in most laboratories.
186. Support to 10 national veterinary laboratories in Asia and the Pacific and five in Latin America and the Caribbean resulted in validation and standardisation of antigen and antibody detection ELISAs (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). These laboratories were assisted in quality-assured technology use; an external quality assurance programme similar to that used under GREP is operational for FMD. A study was completed in five Latin American countries to develop a diagnostic assay to separate animals vaccinated with brucellosis from those naturally infected, supporting future control and eradication of this disease.
187. An international conference on area control of insect pests was held, focusing on approaches to pest management, economic and trade issues and technical implementation. It resulted in adoption by the Programme Against African Trypanosomiasis of the holistic concept as an alternative to community-based approaches for management of tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis.
188. A female Mediterranean fruit fly attractant was developed and validated and is now used in monitoring and control programmes. A genetic sexing strain with improved rearing characteristics was introduced to major mass-rearing facilities and a fruit fly quality-control manual was adopted by all mass-rearing facilities in the USA, Latin America and Europe.
189. Support continued to medfly, screwworm and tsetse control/eradication projects using the sterile insect technique (SIT) in Latin America, the Near East and Africa. Chile, internationally recognised as fruit fly free following a SIT project, allows Mendoza and Patagonia Provinces of Argentina to use its ports for fruit exports to Pacific Rim countries as a result of a similar project. In the Near East, progress was made through a project supporting the peace process and involving release of sterile fruit flies over the Arava region of Israel and Jordan to develop internationally recognised fly-free areas to allow fruit and vegetable exports. Based on the success of this project and environmental benefits of reduced insecticide use, preparations are in progress to expand activities into Gaza and other areas of Israel and Jordan.
190. New world screwworm eradication was initiated in Jamaica following economic and environmental assessments, staff training and infrastructure development. Preparatory activities were initiated for an eradication project in Cuba, one of three countries in the northern half of the Western Hemisphere where the pest is present.
191. In preparation for a tsetse fly eradication campaign in the Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia, baseline data assessment was carried out involving entomological, veterinary, socio-economic and ecological surveys, which will be the basis for integrating SIT into a tsetse eradication effort.
192. Contribution to Consumer and Environmental Protection and Reduction of Food Losses. A conference on ensuring food safety and quality through radiation processing reviewed achievements and assessed prospects, reaffirming that safety and nutritional adequacy of irradiated food produced under Good Manufacturing Practice is no longer in question, regardless of absorbed dose and that irradiation should be integral to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach to ensure the safety of food of animal and plant origin.
Following construction of laboratories at Seibersdorf, assistance was provided to countries to comply with Codex standards and the International Code of Conduct on Pesticides through six networks validating methods for analyzing foods for pesticide residues and microbiological and mycotoxin contaminants. Four training courses were held to enhance quality of pesticide residue and mycotoxin analytical capacities, with follow-up through proficiency testing programmes to foster continued quality analysis. A conference and workshop - Principles and Practices of Method Validation - was held with the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) International, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), from which guidelines were developed for consideration by the Codex Committees on Pesticide Residues and Residues of Veterinary Drugs in 2000. An International Food Contaminant and Residue Information System (INFOCRIS http://www-infocris.iaea.org/) was established on the Internet to provide food control laboratories with information on analysis and sampling for food contaminants and residues covered by Codex standards. Analytical infrastructures for monitoring food contaminants and residues were strengthened in 22 countries.


text:
Evolution of brand
Whether we like it or not, we all have relationships with brands. Regardless of if we feel grateful for their partnership or resentful of their persuasion, there's no escaping their intimate involvement in our daily lives. But these relationships are changing. Fast. From milkmen to delivery drones and Corn Flakes to the Kardashians, emerging technologies continue breaking the rules.
At "Like Me: Our bond with brands" exhibition, which debuted in London as part of the London Design Festival and was recreated in New York at the iconic One World Trade Center, the unique dynamics between people and brands over time were on display, from the ashes of Pompeii to the familiar pop culture of today. With the rise of new technologies like AI and VR, our relationships with brands and the role they play in our lives are changing. Today, tomorrow and beyond — how has, and will, branding evolve?
To pay homage to the host city, these iconic brands took the form of topiaries for the exhibition's debut in London. They were reimagined as marquee lights for the New York installation, as shown above.
The concept of branding dates back to the beginning of time, before humans even walked the earth. From the monarch butterfly's spotted wings to the Bengal tiger's stripes, branding is nature's way of organizing the complex world, using simple visuals to communicate a distinct and consistent message. We took the keys from nature very early on: Bread was branded — literally — as early as A.D. 79 to differentiate between other varieties and bakeries. Napoleon wore his hat sideways to mark his identity, and two centuries later this symbol of individualism is still remembered.
When Lippincott first began building brands in 1943, brands were mostly visual. To this day, the visual components of the most iconic brands spur instant recognition— think of the Starbucks cup or the timeless curve of Coca-Cola. But branding began to evolve, incorporating all five senses to become much more immersive. NBC's xylophone chimes were registered as the world's first audio service mark and are still in use today. Chanel's signature fragrance has withstood the test of time. By tapping into our senses, brands can leave an indelible impression.
Brands don't just live in logos and letterforms. The most iconic brands are instantly recognizable — not just by its logo but also its shape, look and feel. The Starbucks Siren has always been a figure of familiarity, but the Starbucks cup still speaks volumes, even when she's absent.
Some of today's most iconic brands are leaning less on the visuals and more on the visceral. It's easier to recall Cinnabon's smell than its tagline. Only three chimes play when you think of NBC. Great design isn't just graphic — it's experiential — and great brands live in our senses, sometimes without us even noticing.
Forces of Nurture
In the 1980s, brand became less about centralized, top-down trademarks and more about building communities and movements to which people wanted to belong. Nike's "Just Do It" campaign elevated its brand above all products — a pioneering strategy to sell more than just a pair of shoes, offering the promise of community and achieving something greater.
Today consumers are empowered to connect, share and personalize like never before. We can build brands up, and sometimes tear them down. Beyond simply driving purchases, successful brands welcome open conversation and evolve continuously to reflect the needs of an ever-changing society. They're shaped by their environment. Adaptive, perceptive and almost alive. Almost.
Brands inspire belief: from defining what we truly value, to giving us something to identify with and advocate for. Pictured above are two seemingly identical Louis Vuitton bags: one is real, the other a fake. Both bags are loved by their owners, but for different reasons.
How much would you pay for George Clooney's sweater? What if you could never tell anyone where it came from? What if it was washed before it got to you? In a study by Paul Bloom, professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University, participants agreed they would pay significantly above the retail price for Clooney's sweater, less if they couldn't disclose its origins, and hugely less if washed. A good story increases value, while enforced modesty drags it down. As for Clooney's perspiration? Priceless.
We take over a million selfies a day. It's simultaneously social and independent, a simple way to capture a moment with you in it. Are we getting lost in our own reflection, or just finding new ways to frame our personal brand?
The Grumpy Cat brand makes $50 million a year. Pet-turned-meme is officially a way to become a celebrity. Grumpy Cat made her debut on Reddit, and she now has 8.7 million fans. Her frown makes us smile — and, yes, we're paying for that.
"If you don't like me, but watch everything I do, bitch you're a fan." When Madonna posted this message, it spawned hundreds of articles, thousands of retweets and more than 100,000 likes. In the world of social media, everyone is their own brand — amassing followers and haters alike.
"Branded," designed by artist Michael Murphy, embodies the dynamic relationship between people and brands, asking us to consider the role they play in shaping our identities.
Human Being, Meet Brand Being
Accelerating change is upon us. Brands once served solely as a differentiator or abstract marker of quality, but today's customers are more than willing to embrace unfamiliar brands if they come with a five-star review on Amazon. For the customer of the future, every purchasing decision will be driven by crowdsourced ratings and synthesized data thanks to the rise in AI and social technologies. The brands she identifies with are not the ones that provide particular products, but rather the ones that make her life easier, personalize her experiences, and uphold beliefs and values that she deeply aligns with.
Tomorrow's most successful brands will be chosen by the rapidly evolving customer of the future, whose expectations and choices will look much different from the customers of 50 years ago or even today. But the brands that thrive are always the ones that connect and solidify emotional connections with their customers — and that holds true time and time again.
Five movie scenes offered a perspective on the future — where assisted intelligence, immersive reality, automation, big data and complete customization will dramatically reshape the world and how we relate to it. The result? While 81% of people are excited by an automated life, 73% are scared to trust machines.
The Way to M&A Success
Brand Like a Challenger

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Caffeine Free Rooibos Tea with Nonna. What's more comforting than time with "Nonna."? Nana, Grandma, Granny, Yia yia there are so many names for our dear grandmothers. I hope for our customers and drinkers of this wonderfully tasty tea that sweet memories resurface for you.
This beautifully crafted rooibos tea is robust with warm notes of caramel and hints of almonds. The rose petals give off soft floral aroma that invites you in like a hug from grandma herself.
Served best with honey! You will receive a tin with a full 4 ounces of bulk tea. Brews approximately 50 cups. Comes in an air tight reusable tin.
Ingredients: Rooibos tea, rose petals, blue cornflowers, natural almond flavor, natural caramel flavor, natural creme flavor and natural vanilla flavor.


text:
using System.Net.Http;
using System.Threading;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

namespace DeviceHive.Client
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Represents extensions to the <see cref="IRestClient"/> interface.
    /// </summary>
    public static class RestClientExtensions
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Invokes a HTTP GET operation.
        /// </summary>
        /// <typeparam name="T">Resource type.</typeparam>
        /// <param name="restClient">A instance implementing the <see cref="IRestClient"/> interface.</param>
        /// <param name="url">Relative URL to the resource.</param>
        /// <param name="cancellationToken">A cancellation token.</param>
        /// <returns>A resource returned from the server.</returns>
        public static async Task<T> GetAsync<T>(this IRestClient restClient, string url, CancellationToken? cancellationToken = null)
            where T : class
        {
            return await restClient.InvokeAsync<T>(HttpMethod.Get, url, cancellationToken: cancellationToken);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Invokes a HTTP POST operation.
        /// </summary>
        /// <typeparam name="T">Resource type.</typeparam>
        /// <param name="restClient">A instance implementing the <see cref="IRestClient"/> interface.</param>
        /// <param name="url">Relative URL to the resource.</param>
        /// <param name="content">Resource to send.</param>
        /// <returns>A resource returned from the server.</returns>
        public static async Task<T> PostAsync<T>(this IRestClient restClient, string url, T content)
            where T : class
        {
            return await restClient.InvokeAsync<T>(HttpMethod.Post, url, content);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Invokes a HTTP PUT operation.
        /// </summary>
        /// <typeparam name="T">Resource type.</typeparam>
        /// <param name="restClient">A instance implementing the <see cref="IRestClient"/> interface.</param>
        /// <param name="url">Relative URL to the resource.</param>
        /// <param name="content">Resource to send.</param>
        /// <returns>A <see cref="Task"/> object.</returns>
        public static async Task PutAsync<T>(this IRestClient restClient, string url, T content)
            where T : class
        {
            await restClient.InvokeAsync<T>(HttpMethod.Put, url, content);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Invokes a HTTP DELETE operation.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="restClient">A instance implementing the <see cref="IRestClient"/> interface.</param>
        /// <param name="url">Relative URL to the resource.</param>
        /// <returns>A <see cref="Task"/> object.</returns>
        public static async Task DeleteAsync(this IRestClient restClient, string url)
        {
            await restClient.InvokeAsync<object>(HttpMethod.Delete, url);
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The "Prime64" server series are dedicated rootservers at reliable and powerful single socket server-platform. The servers are physical servers with full root access. All servers are equipped with fast and reliable SATA harddisks or SSD's. The servers are conntected to our Cisco driven network at 1Gbit-connection with guaranteed unmetered bandwidth of 200Mbps (upgradeable up to 1Gbps). The series "Prime64" was designed for business-hosting, virtualization, database and website hosting.
Overview dedicated Server Series "Prime64 v5"
¹: Current free servers without still not confirmed new orders in order queue. Setup depends on chosen contract term.


Car mount clamps on to rear of headrest monitor for backseat passengers and kids to enjoy watching a movie or video.
GREAT FOR KID: Ideal for keeping kids entertained on road trips, transforms your tablet into a perfect in car entertainment system. Great for multiple passengers to watch movies during those long cars ride.
SECURE & STABLE: Robust mechanical design keeps your tablet/phone secure and stable.
ADJUSTABLITY: Multiple points of articulation allow for a wide range of different positioning to suit your need.
360 degree adjustable for horizontal or vertical viewing.
Fast and easy to set up: portable to different vehicles.
UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with tablets or cell phones from 7 to 11 inch, mount your iPad Pro / air / iPad/ iPad mini, Amazon Kindle Fires HD, Nintendo Switch, Kindle Fire, etc. Maximum Device Thickness Supported - up to 0.59 inches (15mm).
Not for tablets with very thick / rugged cases (max 0.59").
Not for 12.9" iPad Pro with case (allowable width 4.3"-8.6").
Not suitable for headrest rods thicker than 0.74".


text:
Turkey's biggest basin struggles with drought
March 24 2020 12:23:00
DHA Photo
The Konya Closed Basin, once known as Turkey's "grain warehouse," is fighting drought due to improper irrigation activities and uncontrolled agriculture.
The annual consumption of water in the basin was 4.5 billion cubic meters, while annual consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic meters.
Speaking about the condition of the basin and the efficient use of water in the region, Nevzat Özer from the TEMA Foundation, Turkey's largest and leading environmental NGO, said that society is always in need of water, and therefore civilizations are developing in the water basins.
Stressing that ecology collapses and societies are dispersed in cases where soil and water are used incorrectly, Özer said that the lands and forests lost in the country and the wetlands that were dried are tiring Anatolia.
Recalling that there are 25 river basins in Turkey, Özer stated that there are many problems in these regions from pollution to the use of wrong water in agriculture, water competition of the sectors to the mismanagement of water.
Stating that there have been serious reductions in underground water reserves in the past period, Özer underlined that there are decreases of up to 1.5 meters annually in underground water reserves, which are the right of not only today but also future generations.
He said that the Konya Basin, which has the lowest rainfall and considered the riskiest in terms of climate, is one of the basins where the groundwater level decreases.
"The watershed constitutes 7 percent of our country with an area of 5.5 million hectares, and has 17 percent of our underground water potential. However, it is observed that the basin has 2 billion cubic meters of water deficit every year," he noted.
Pointing out that there are large increases in the cultivation areas of crops such as clover, sugar beet, and corn, which require 800-1200 millimeters of water in the basin where 300 millimeters of precipitation have fallen, Özer stated that the mistakes ranging from product selection to agricultural production techniques have increased the pressure on underground water resources.
Emphasizing that there is a shortage of drinking and potable water in the basin covering seven provinces in total, Özer described the landslides and sinkhole formation due to the decrease in groundwater levels as worrisome.
Özer called for urgent measures to reduce water demand in the region.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said that groundwater in the basin was taken to close monitoring.
"Water level is monitored instantly with sensors placed in 122 wells in Konya Closed Basin. Thanks to this system, we aim to reveal the relationship between groundwater level changes and water withdrawals in the basin," he said on March 23 in a written statement.
"We aim to investigate the water relations of the sub-basins in the basin with each other and to determine their quantities, and to determine the sustainability of the use of groundwater in the light of the data obtained," he added.
CHP condemns attack on Future Party official
Turkish-Greek friendship, only a handshake away!: Op-ed
Turkey plans to reopen schools on Feb 15
Long-awaited snowfall dusts Istanbul amid weekend curfew
Turkey 'expects concrete steps from EU'
Photoshoot on wreckage sets social media abuzz
Veteran composer Muammer Sun dies at 89
Tintin painting sells for record 3.2 mln euros at auction
Hotel-museum presents artifacts from 5 periods
Two storks, surprise guests of Patara
Police detained top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Jan. 17 when he flew back to Russia months after barely surviving a poisoning attack, prompting a new wave of Western condemnation.
External assets at $228.6 bln in November
Turkey's external assets amounted to $228.6 billion at November end, down 9.7 percent from 2019, the Turkish Central Bank announced on Jan. 18.
Beşiktaş extends stay atop Süper Lig table
Beşiktaş beat 10-man Galatasaray with a 2-0 win in a Turkish Süper Lig game on Jan. 17's night to remain atop the league standings after 18 games.
© Hürriyet Daily News


text:
Official: Rosberg joins Mercedes
It has been officially announced that German driver Nico Rosberg will drive for the new Mercedes team in the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship.
Three years after his father Keke won the 1982 Formula 1 World Championship, Nico Rosberg, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, inheriting his racing DNA from his father.
The 2006 season opener at Bahrain was Rosberg's Formula 1 debut; he finished seventh and posted the fastest lap. To date, he has taken part in 70 Grands Prix, all for the Williams team; scoring a total of 75.5 points and achieving second place at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix as his best Formula 1 result. The 2009 season was Nico's best in Formula 1 so far; finishing seventh overall with 34.5 points.
He grew up in Germany, Monaco and at Ibiza; in addition to his mother tongue he is fluent in English, Italian and French.
Nico Rosberg: "I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes. No other brand in Formula 1 can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn. I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain on 14 March 2010."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal: "We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him. Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset. I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 2009 was Nico's best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year."
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "I saw Nico racing karts alongside Lewis Hamilton and later in the support programme of the DTM events - I have known him since he was a young boy. Early on it was obvious that he would make his way as a race driver and we are glad that after four years with Williams he will now be one of our drivers at Mercedes. It makes our re-start even nicer, that we have as talented and sympathetic a driver as Nico in our line-up. Nico has positive ambitions, we have positive ambitions and together we want to achieve a great deal. I am really looking forward to working with him."
To see Who Goes Where in 2010, click here
Mercedes plays down Schumacher return
Lopez at USF1?
Schumacher at Mercedes: Speculation mounts
Raikkonen: I want another title
Martin Birrane talks of Lola's F1 bid
Official: McLaren signs Button
Mercedes' costs to soar 50%?
Brawn: Button's future is with our team
Official: Glock to lead Manor
Some animated 'insight' into US F1?
No comments posted as yet, would you like to be the first to have your say?


We sadly announce the passing of Eleanor Huff (nee Laing) on January 3, 2019 in her 95th year at St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre.
Beloved wife of the late Joseph Benjamin (Ben) Huff (1988). Dear mother of Joseph Huff (Kathryn), James Huff (Linda) and the late Donald Huff (2016). Eleanor was much loved by her six grandchildren: Ben (Carolyn), Adam (Kaori), Andrew, Paul, Jaime (Jeff) Thibodeau and Kristina (Jeremy) Malecki and seven great grandchildren: Ayu, Reina, Joseph, Westin, Mayer, Simon and Evelyn. Eleanor was very active in her faith at St. Basil's Church: CWL, St. Vincent de Paul volunteer and Eucharistic minister. She was also a dedicated supporter of Dr. Simone's Canadian Food for Children. Eleanor was an original member of the forerunner of Community Living Brant and active in the establishment of Jane Laycock School. She dedicated much of her life to the loving support of her special son Donald. The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the caregivers at St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre, particularly the caregivers on Lilac Lane for their compassion and professionalism.
Friends will be received at the "THORPE BROTHERS' FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 96 West St., on Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 from 7-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Basil's Roman Catholic Church, 50 Palace St., on Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 at 11am. Interment Mount Hope Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy donations to St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre would be appreciated.
Our hearts are very saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Eleanor.
Roger and I have such warm memories of your wonderful Mom's warmth and hospitality while we rented her top apartment when Roger's own Mother was ill.
Eleanor inspired us with her deep devotion to her family, her faith and St. Vincent de Paul. We had great chats, sharing stories and hearing how the Grandchildren were growing like weeds! Eleanor and Donny loved our spaniel, Mulligan , giving all of us a safe abode away from home.
We are forever grateful for Eleanor's hospitality and kindness: we promise in her name, to pass this kindness forward!
This news brings me great sadness; my sincere condolences to the Huff family for your loss. Mrs. Huff was one of a kind who will remain close in my heart forever.
I grew up with Mrs. Huff as my neighbour two doors down and she was like a third grandma to me. When I was 3 years old, she took care of me in the middle of the night as my parents rushed to the hospital for the birth of my little sister. I remember visiting Mrs. Huff on many occasions: to show off Halloween costumes, new clothes/shoes, our new puppy and to take our traditional Christmas picture in our matching pyjamas. During the summer months we would spend time with her and Donny in her screened porch area, eating cookies, catching up and playing with the colourful doilies she always kept on the window sill. Mrs. Huff was such a great baker — she always had the yummiest of treats to share. We would often joke and ask if she had any pies cooling on the kitchen window sill which would always prompt a soft, gentle chuckle.
I will miss Mrs. Huff dearly but she will never be forgotten. Unfortunately I'm only hearing of the news now which doesn't give me the chance to make it from Quebec to Brantford in time for the visitation tomorrow, but I am sending my love and support to the family and I will be thinking of the Huff family in these coming days.
Joe and Jim and families so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. A mom holds a special spot and cannot be filled. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe & Kathy, Jim & Linda, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your Mom .
I had been in touch with her until she went into the Care facility. Before that had many chats on the phone and visited she and Donnie on various occasions when in the vicinity. She was a very special lady besides being a special Cousin. My prayers go out to you and your families, you will miss her so much! You have wonderful memories of a Mother/Grandmother who loved each of you so very much. Hold tight to those precious memories!
God bless and comfort you all!


text:
B1G Monday Morning: Michigan's ugly loss reflects a few unfortunate truths in college football
Ryan O'Gara | 16 days ago
I didn't see this coming, but maybe I should've. A sport that has been dominated by the South will once again feature 2 teams from the South in the national championship. And once again, the College Football Playoff semifinals were absolute duds.
Those are the 2 unfortunate truths in college football right now. There are exceptions once in a while, like Ohio State busting that party down South last year. Or Ohio State and Clemson in 2019 going down to the wire, and Oklahoma and Georgia playing a terrific semifinal game in 2017. But year after year, the results are mostly the same.
Does that absolve Michigan from criticism for its putrid performance against Georgia on Friday night in the Orange Bowl? Of course not. The 34-11 final score didn't even reflect what a mismatch that was.
But this wasn't unusual. This is college football at this level. And to be one of those rare exceptions, it takes a combination of elite talent and an all-time performance; Ohio State had both last year with its stacked roster and an incredible game from Justin Fields. Michigan didn't have either of those things against Georgia, not even close.
In theory, these games should be close, or at least closer than they've been. Both teams essentially have a full month to get healthy, make adjustments and figure out an optimal strategy. But time after time, they are a letdown from a competitive standpoint. There have been just 3 semifinals decided by single digits in the 8 years of the Playoff. And even the last 3 national championship games have been decided by 17 points or more. In the last 4 years of the Playoff, there have been 4 games more lopsided than Michigan's loss. So for anyone who doesn't think Michigan should've been in this game, well, there have been worse CFP teams.
Michigan's no-show damages the Big Ten, obviously, but really, it's a blow to every non-SEC conference. Don't forget, none of the other Power 5 conferences even made the CFP. There has been 1 non-Southern team to win a Playoff game in the last 7 years, since Ohio State and Oregon won semifinals back in 2014. It's the SEC, Ohio State and Clemson.
At least we thought this was going to be a good game because Michigan, on paper, looked like it could hang. Even with a Georgia defense that ranked in the top 5 nationally of most major categories, Michigan was supposed to be able to move the ball. It was an offense that, despite playing in a conference full of good defenses, had racked up 450 or more yards in 6 of its last 8 games — yet was utterly helpless against a Bulldogs defense littered with future pros.
Ruh roh.. pic.twitter.com/r0dO9PgE0g
— SpreadOffense.com (@SpreadOffense) January 1, 2022
And on the other side of the ball, Stetson Bennett looked like he was playing Georgia Tech rather than a team with 2 future first-round picks on the edge, including potential No. 1 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson. The Bulldogs attacked the edges and moved the ball at will, scoring 3 touchdowns and kicking 2 field goals on their first 5 drives of the game. Michigan's only stop came courtesy of the clock running out in the first half, much to the chagrin of Kirby Smart.
Speaking of Smart, he deserves a ton of credit. He had the better team, but the Bulldogs broke the will of Michigan from the opening possession. After 1 drive, everyone watching knew who was going to win the game. For as good of a job as Jim Harbaugh did all season, he didn't have Michigan ready to play.
How can Michigan — or any non-Southern program — break through? It starts and ends with getting better players. Michigan has the makings of some future stars on its roster, such JJ McCarthy, Donovan Edwards and Andrel Anthony, who scored Michigan's lone TD. But there's a reason there have been only 5 teams to have won CFP games in the last 7 years; Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson and LSU are the top 5 in 247's Team Talent Composite. Michigan is 15th, and it looked like it.
Michigan was carrying the water for the rest of the country, where everyone is sick of seeing the SEC win everything. The Wolverines fell flat in spectacular fashion, doing little to dissuade the notion that college football is played at a (much) higher level in one region of the country.
A few other thoughts from the bowl games over the weekend:
Judging teams and conferences by bowl records is unproductive nowadays
I understand the urge to want to jump on SEC teams losing to Army, UCF, Houston and Texas Tech to open bowl season, but I don't think it's a reflection on the SEC as a whole. With how many opt-outs there are nowadays, putting too much stock in the results of these games is silly. Auburn and Missouri didn't have their starting QBs; just like when Indiana didn't have Michael Penix Jr. against Ole Miss last year, I didn't read too much into it.
Don't get me wrong, there are certain results that mean something, like Purdue beating Tennessee in the Music City Bowl and South Carolina beating North Carolina in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Those results are indicative of up-and-coming programs putting an exclamation mark on a great season by taking down a quality opponent. But no, I won't hold it against Penn State for losing to Arkansas without its top player and half its starting defense. I wouldn't have held it against Ohio State for losing to Utah without 24 scholarship players in what amounted to the equivalent of a true road game. I wouldn't have held it against Michigan State for losing without arguably the best running back in the country in Kenneth Walker III.
Bowl season is great; I'm just not going to blindly base my opinions of programs and conferences on what happens without the proper context.
Ohio State is going to be as compelling as any team in the country in 2022
Is there another program that could lose 2 first-round picks at a position group and yet somehow look even better the next season? Maybe Alabama. But that's probably it.
For those who believed Ohio State's No. 1 offense was going to fall off, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Utah hadn't allowed 330 yards in 5 straight games, but Jaxon-Smith Njigba got that by himself with an all-time performance of 15 catches for 347 yards. The Buckeyes piled up nearly 700 total yards. CJ Stroud played perhaps his finest game, and he is primed for a huge 2022 because Ohio State has restocked its receiver corps. What happens when Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming get a full season's worth of starter reps?
On the flip side, though, Ohio State's defense looked as bad as ever. Utah averaged 6.8 yards per play, and sadly, that was an improvement for the Buckeyes from the Michigan game when it allowed 8 yards per play. The Buckeyes were a step or 2 slow, didn't finish plays and lacked any semblance of a playmaker. Matt Barnes, who had been calling plays for the defense most of the season after Kerry Coombs was demoted 2 weeks into the season, took the defensive coordinator job at Memphis. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has his work cut out for him.
That makes Ohio State as interesting as any team in 2022. Its offense could be all-time good, and its defense, well, is going to give Ohio State's offense plenty of opportunities to get back on the field. To put it kindly.
Offensive makeovers await Penn State, Iowa
After Penn State and Iowa lost New Year's Day games to Arkansas and Kentucky, respectively, it's clear that those programs need change offensively.
With Iowa, that should be a new offensive coordinator taking over for Brian Ferentz, who oversaw the 121st-ranked offense in the country. It should be a new QB in place of Spencer Petras, who threw 3 interceptions. It's a crime to waste a defense this good, one that had 6 sacks against the Wildcats and has carried the team all year.
With Penn State, that has to mean a revamped run game. The Nittany Lions went the entire season without a 100-yard rusher, the first time that has happened since 2001. They are over-reliant on Sean Clifford. Penn State is now 11-11 over the last 2 years, which is tough to do considering how much talent it has had on defense.
Ryan O'Gara is the lead columnist for Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RyanOGara.
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El Tratado de Neuilly-sur-Seine fue firmado el 27 de noviembre de 1919 en Neuilly-sur-Seine (Francia) entre el Reino de Bulgaria y las potencias vencedoras en la Primera Guerra Mundial.

De acuerdo con lo estipulado en el tratado, Bulgaria reconocía el nuevo reino de los Serbios, Croatas y Eslovenos (Yugoslavia), se comprometía a pagar cuatrocientos cincuenta millones de dólares en concepto de indemnización y reducía su Ejército a veinte mil soldados. Además, perdía cuatro enclaves de terreno occidental en favor de Yugoslavia y cedía Tracia occidental al Reino de Grecia, por lo que quedaba sin acceso al mar Egeo.

El tratado es conocido en Bulgaria como la «Segunda Catástrofe Nacional», siendo la primera su derrota en la guerra balcánica de 1913.

Negociaciones
Los delegados búlgaros eran tan variados como el nuevo Gobierno de coalición del que provenían: el primer ministro Teodorov y Mijaíl Srafov eran políticos conservadores y rusófilos, Mijaíl Ganev era un radical y Ianko Sakarov un socialista y Stamboliski representaba a los agrarios. El principal asesor de la delegación era el veterano diplomático Dimitar Stanchov.

La delegación búlgara llegó a París el  y pronto quedaron limitados sus movimientos, prohibiéndosele visitar la capital y quedando vigilada por detectives, que debían acompañarles en sus paseos por los bosques cercanos al Palacio de Madrid de Neuilly, donde fue instalada y en sus visitas a la cercana Neuilly-sur-Seine. Su correspondencia fue censurada y a sus miembros se les prohibió recibir visitas. La delegación permaneció de esta manera durante dos meses y no pudo participar en la preparación del tratado de paz. La delegación regresó a Bulgaria tras las elecciones de agosto que llevaron a Alejandro Stamboliski a la presidencia del Consejo de Ministros de un nuevo Gobierno de coalición, que acabó formándose en octubre tras los intentos fallidos de incluir a socialistas y comunistas. El arresto de los antiguos ministros del Gobierno durante la guerra mundial no sirvió para congraciarse con los vencedores de la contienda, aunque fue un gesto popular en Bulgaria. Los intentos de los búlgaros de evitar la devolución de Macedonia a Serbia mediante la propuesta de creación de una Macedonia autónoma fue rechazada.

El 19 de octubre, los Aliados presentaron sus condiciones para firmar la paz, que resultaron ser mucho peores de lo esperado por los delegados búlgaros. Estos solicitaron diez días para preparar su respuesta, que les fueron concedidos; el 24 de octubre se presentó esta, que solo produjo cambios menores en la redacción presentada por los Aliados. Los intentos de presentar al país como una nueva nación pacífica y democrática, diferente de la que se les había enfrentado en la guerra, fracasaron. La delegación regresó a Bulgaria, donde el presidente de la misma, el anterior primer ministro, Teodor Teodorov, expresó su oposición a firmar el tratado impuesto por las potencias; ante la imposibilidad de oponerse a él por la fuerza, Stamboliski y el rey decidieron aceptarlo. Los Aliados habían concedido hasta el  a Bulgaria para que indicase si estaba dispuesta a aceptar las condiciones estipuladas, tras rechazar sus alegaciones el 3; el 12 de noviembre el Gobierno comunicó su disposición a firmar incondicionalmente el tratado. Stamboliski regresó como único delegado a París, donde trató infructuosamente de mejorar las condiciones impuestas. El  rubricó el tratado de paz en el ayuntamiento de Neuilly. El parlamento búlgaro lo ratificó el .

Disposiciones del tratado
El tratado de paz constaba de trece apartados, que agrupaban condiciones de distinta índole distribuidas en 296 artículos:
 El primero trataba sobre la nueva Sociedad de Naciones.
 El segundo trazaba las nuevas fronteras de Bulgaria.
 El tercero incluía las «cláusulas políticas», que incluían las condiciones sobre las relaciones internacionales del país y las protección de las minorías.
 El cuarto contenía las condiciones sobre el Ejército y la Armada.
 El quinto trataba sobre prisioneros de guerra y las tumbas de los caídos en la contienda.
 El sexto contenía el tratamiento de aquellos culpables de crímenes de guerra.
 El séptimo se refería al pago de compensaciones de guerra.
 El octavo trataba de finanzas.
 El noveno contenía las cláusulas económicas.
 El décimo versaba sobre la navegación aérea.
 El décimo primero, sobre puertos, ferrocarriles y vías fluviales.
 El décimo segundo, sobre asuntos laborales.
 El décimo tercero y último reunía cláusulas variadas.

La oposición búlgara al tratado se concentraba en los apartados segundo (el territorial), cuarto (las restricciones militares) y séptimo (las compensaciones económicas a los vencedores). El tratado no se basó, como esperaban los representantes búlgaros, en los Catorce Puntos del presidente estadounidense Woodrow Wilson, sino en motivos estratégicos y el deseo de los vencedores de evitar futuras agresiones búlgaras contra sus vecinos. Los Aliados consideraban al país culpable de haber alargado la contienda al permitir las comunicaciones y abastecimiento de los Imperios Centrales durante su primer periodo de neutralidad y más tarde de haber participado del lado de estos en el ataque a Serbia en septiembre de 1915.

Consecuencias territoriales
La Dobruja meridional hubo de ser devuelta a Rumanía, a pesar de contar por entonces con mayoría búlgara, y de haber defendido los Estados Unidos su cesión a Bulgaria durante las conversaciones sobre la redacción del tratado de paz. En el Sur recibió un pequeño territorio al noroeste de Edirne, pero en el oeste hubo de devolver Macedonia y los territorios del valle del Morava conquistados durante la guerra, aunque el tratado no incluía mención alguna sobre Macedonia. Hubo de ceder a la nueva Yugoslavia además tres pequeños territorios que permitían el acceso al valle del Morava, con unos 92 000 habitantes. Tracia occidental (de mayoría musulmana) quedó también bajo administración temporal aliada, que debía decidir a quién entregarla. El artículo 48, por el contrario, afirmaba el compromiso de los Aliados de conceder un acceso económico (aunque no necesariamente territorial) a Bulgaria en el Egeo. Tracia quedaba fuera del territorio búlgaro para proteger Constantinopla y los estrechos turcos de posibles agresiones. Si en 1915 Bulgaria contaba con 47 750 km² y 5,5 millones de habitantes, en 1921 estos habían quedado reducidos a 45 000 km² y 5,2 millones. Se calcula que alrededor de un millón de macedonios se consideraban por entonces búlgaros y quedaron fuera de las nuevas fronteras trazadas en el tratado de paz.

Condiciones militares
El tratado, único entre todos los firmados con las naciones derrotadas, estipulaba el número de rifles que podían utilizar las fuerzas de seguridad búlgaras (33 000). De ellos, veinte mil quedaban reservados para el Ejército y tres mil para guardafronteras. El Ejército quedó limitado a veinte mil soldados, la gendarmería a diez mil hombres y Bulgaria podía contar únicamente con tres mil guardafronteras. Se prohibió el servicio militar obligatorio y se impuso un Ejército de voluntarios, con veinte años de servicio para los oficiales y doce para los suboficiales. Se prohibía que la proporción de oficiales superase el 5 % de la tropa y quedaban prohibidas las maniobras o la planificación de campañas militares. La mayor unidad militar permitida era la división. Se limitó el armamento que podía mantener el Ejército y la Armada.

Indemnizaciones de guerra
Se impuso a Bulgaria el pago de dos mil doscientos cincuenta millones de francos-oro o noventa millones de libras, que debían pagarse en plazos semestrales durante treinta y ocho años. Además, Bulgaria debía entregar a Serbia cincuenta mil toneladas de carbón durante cinco años y entregar a los países vecinos vencedores cierta cantidad de ganado. Se establecía la creación de una comisión para administrar y vigilar el pago de estas compensaciones.

Consecuencias y aplicación
Las principales consecuencias para Bulgaria provinieron de la obligación de pagar compensaciones a los vencedores. La comisión encargada de gestionar y vigilar los pagos, dirigida por representantes de Francia, Italia y el Reino Unido, contaba con sus propios agentes y podía decidir qué impuesto o ingresos del Estado debían destinarse al pago. Los plazos suponían además una parte importante de los ingresos del Estado, alrededor de un 55% de su presupuesto y la dificultad del pago creció por la devaluación progresiva de la divisa nacional, que perdió un 700% de su valor entre 1919 y 1923.

La pérdida de Dobruya y Tracia, regiones de gran producción de cereal y tabaco respectivamente, productos que constituían el grueso de las exportaciones búlgaras (el tabaco representaba el 70 % de las exportaciones en 1917), dificultó la adquisición de divisas y el pago de las compensaciones de guerra. Las pérdidas territoriales también conllevaron la llegada de cientos de miles de refugiados y el aumento de los gastos del Estado en su atención. Su número en 1920 se calcula en alrededor de tres cuartos de millón de personas. Tracia fue finalmente entregada a Grecia, a pesar de las esperanzas búlgaras de recuperarla, y se sucedieron las negociaciones para que Bulgaria obtuviese el acceso al Egeo que prometía el tratado. Nunca se llegó a ningún acuerdo entre las dos naciones y la propuesta de que Grecia cediese Dedeagach y un corredor hasta la costa a cambio de un territorio equivalente no llegó a fructificar debido a la interrupción de las conversaciones por el golpe de Estado que acabó con Stamboliski. Dobruya meridional volvió a poder de Sofía únicamente en 1940 por los acuerdos de Craiova favorecidos por el Eje.

El pago de compensaciones, sin embargo, se redujo notablemente: el primer pago se aplazó de 1921 a 1923 por acuerdo con los acreedores y ese año se aprobó un nuevo acuerdo de pago que alargó los plazos hasta 1983 en dos partes: quinientos cincuenta millones se habían de pagar en los primeros sesenta años y mil setecientos a partir de entonces hasta 1983. El primer pago pasaba de ciento cinco millones a únicamente cinco; en realidad, cuando el pago se abandonó en 1932, Bulgaria solamente había entregado cuarenta millones.

Notas y referencias

Bibliografía

Enlaces externos
 Texto completo del tratado (en inglés).

Tratados de la Primera Guerra Mundial
Neuilly
Relaciones Bulgaria-Francia
Relaciones Bulgaria-Grecia
Relaciones Bulgaria-Italia
Relaciones Bulgaria-Reino Unido
Relaciones Bulgaria-Rumania
Neuilly-sur-Seine
Neuilly
Neuilly
Neuilli
Neuilly
Neuilly
Tratados de Checoslovaquia
Tratados del Reino de Italia
Neuilly
Neuilly
Neuilly
Neuilly
Tratados de Grecia del siglo XX
Tratados de Japón del siglo XX
Frontera Bulgaria-Grecia
Relaciones Bulgaria-Serbia
Tratados de 1919

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Marie Cornelius McKenna, graveside services at 10 a.m. today at Greenleaf Cemetery. Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Margie Oldham, graveside services at 2 p.m. at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Brownwood.
COLEMAN � Bernice J. Dixon, 2 p.m. at Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion. Stevens Funeral Home.


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