Toespraak bij de opening van Ronde Tafel 4: Bio-energy and food security van de FAO High Level Conference

Toespraak | 10-06-2008

Mr. Chairperson, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Not a day goes by without the media drawing attention to the energy and climate issues. Ever rising trends in energy consumption and climate change are a major concern, as they will have a huge impact and determine the future of mankind.

Reports show that we use far more of our natural resources than our planet can regenerate. A situation which is not sustainable, only can last a relative short time and calls for innovative and massive solutions.

The fast growing demand for biomass to be used for the purposes food, feed, fibres and fuels is a concern which affects us all.

Bio-energy is an important topic for the Netherlands in the context of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels. The need to produce increasing quantities of biomass and the development of bio-energy presents both opportunities and threats to developing countries.

Large-scale cultivation of bio-energy crops, particularly in developing countries, can lead to an escalation of the 'competing claims' for food, feed and fuel and affect the environment and biodiversity. But also can lead to social, economic and political tensions.

Regarding bio-fuels the Netherlands wishes to see a clear balance between producing biomass for the mouth (food security) and for the motor (energy generation). Where there are competing claim, the Netherlands favors producing biomass for food.

The development of bio-energy can also offer an opportunity to developing countries. When considering future use of bio-energy, we have to make sure that they come from sustainable sources.

Climate change will probably affect the agricultural performance in the world, in particular the developing countries with vulnerable agricultural systems.

This will have impact on food security and the ability to feed 9 billion people by 2050. The challenges of bio-energy and climate change demand an integrated strategy from many decision makers and stakeholders.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Specifically related to bio-fuels we should support the use of biomass for energy purposes only if it is produced in a sustainable manner. For that we need to develop sustainability criteria. For this reason the Dutch government supports the FAO-initiative to deliver within a short period a worldwide suitable set of criteria and indicators for the physical and social economic principles.

Furthermore we need to invest in developing of the so called second generations of bio-fuels and the re use of natural and industrial waste and by products in order to avoid competing claims. At the same time we need all types of renewable energy to combat climate change and enhance energy security, not only by a broad use of biomass for bio-energy.

Certainly we don't need new trade restrictions or closing down markets for bio-fuels, if we at all could.

Mr. Chairperson,

This conference offers a unique opportunity to take action in sustainable development. We have to take responsibility in a new process that is often difficult and challenging. However, we have no choice if we want to preserve this world for future generations.

Thank you.