International Year of Natural Fibres 2009

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In November 2006 the General Assembly of the United Nations declared that 2009 will be the International Year of Natural Fibres. The proposal for this International year originated in FAO at a joint meeting of the Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibres and the Intergovernmental Group on Jute in 2004, and was endorsed by FAO Conference in 2005. It is one of many International observances declared for specific days, months and years.

The UN Resolution, adopted 20 December 2006, is as follows: The General Assembly, Noting resolution 3/2005 of 25 November 2005 of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Noting also that the diverse range of natural fibres produced in many countries provides an important source of income for farmers, and thus can play an important role in contributing to food security and in eradicating poverty and hence in contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, 1. Decides to proclaim 2009 the International Year of Natural Fibres; 2. Invites the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to facilitate the observance of the Year, in collaboration with Governments, regional and international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and relevant organizations of the United Nations system, and also invites the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to keep the General Assembly informed of progress made in this regard; 3. Calls upon Governments and relevant regional and international organizations to make voluntary contributions and to lend other forms of support to the Year; 4. Invites non-governmental organizations and the private sector to make voluntary contributions to and to support the Year; 5. Encourages all Governments, the United Nations system and all other actors to take advantage of the Year in order to increase awareness of the importance of these natural products. The IYNF is intended to cover a wide range of natural fibres, of animal and vegetable origin, and with uses ranging from luxurious apparel to traditional and non-traditional industrial uses.

The IYNF is expected to raise the profile of natural fibres. Observance of the Year will be based on cooperation among producers all natural fibres and will emphasise the positive qualities of natural fibres.

Tentatively, the objectives of the International Year of Natural Fibres would be:

  • To raise awareness and stimulate demand for natural fibres;
  • To encourage appropriate policy responses from governments to the problems faced by natural fibre industries
  • To foster an effective and enduring international partnership among the various natural fibres industries;
  • To promote the efficiency and sustainability of the natural fibres industries.

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