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nominated by Member Nations and elected by this Conference. One outstanding achievement in regional research cooperation is certainly the current evolution of the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) which can help complement the research in the member countries, through closer linkage of research institutions and programmes. The next meeting of APAARI will take place in 1990, and preparations for the event are on schedule.
Recent Developments in the CGIAR System
20.
The Review of CGIAR Priorities and Future Strategies (1987) analysed current programme structures and strategies; conducted a detailed priority assessment among commodities and related issues and activities; and recommended some shifts in programme emphasis. The Group requested its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to update periodically the priorities and strategies as part of a continuing review process. TAC's examination has so far led to a proposal to include research on vegetables in the portfolio of the CGIAR. Proposals on coconut and aquaculture are being formulated.
21.
At its meeting in Berlin in May 1988, the CGIAR discussed the need and possibility of enlarging its scope to include work being done by the non-CGIAR international centres AVRDC, IBSRAM, ICIPE, ICLARM, ICRAF, IFDC, IIMI, INIBAP, ITC and IUFRO. The Group asked TAC to examine the work of these centres and to advise on whether and how each of them might be incorporated in the CGIAR. TAC decided that such an examination should be part of a review of all research areas important for progress in the agriculture of developing countries. It is expected that this review will be completed and TAC's recommendations made to the CGIAR towards the end of 1990.
22.
At its meeting in Canberra in May 1989, the Group considered reports of experts on needs in forestry research. The debate led to adoption by the CGIAR of a Declaration of Intent to expand its mandate to include research on the utilization of renewable resources related to agriculture, and specifically to forestry.
23.
CGIAR policy statements on plant genetic resources and on biotechnology have been proposed by TAC and adopted by the Group. TAC has also prepared a statement on "Sustainable Agricultural Production: Implications for International Agricultural Research."
24.
Over the past several years TAC has completed a transition from review of annual programme and budget proposals of the IARCs to dialogue and recommendations on a medium-term (5-year) research programme and the associated budget. The impact of the change-over is currently being examined. Reviews of the CGIAR Secretariat and the TAC Secretariat have been completed in light of the current set of CGIAR activities. Procedures for undertaking external programme reviews of the IARCS have been revised in light of experience with recent more strategically oriented reviews.
25.
External programme and Management Reviews of the IARCS are commissioned by TAC and the CGIAR Secretariat every five to six years. The following IARCS were externally reviewed during 1988 and 1989: ICARDA, CIMMYT, CIAT and CIP. Their many accomplishments were recognized, and their plans for the future commended.