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2009 was declared the International
Year of Natural Fibres (IYNF) on December 20 by the United
Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. The IYNF will
help to develop the efficiency and sustainability of
agricultural industries that employ millions of people,
contribute to food security and provide economic development
opportunities.
The International Jute Study Group
(IJSG) welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution adopted
on 20 December 2006 declaring 2009 the International Year of
Natural Fibres (IYNF). IYNF will contribute to the
Millennium Development Goals by further developing the
agricultural industries that provides employment
opportunities to a large number of people in some of the
worlds poorest countries, according to the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The UN decision follows a request
by the biennial Conference of FAO in November 2006.
Millions of people around the
world, among them some of the poorest people in some of the
poorest countries depend on the production and processing of
natural fibres for their livelihood. Natural fibres
contribute to food security and economic advancement for
these farmers.
The International Year of Natural
Fibres will raise consumer awareness of natural fibres and
strengthen demand for natural fibre products improving the
livelihoods of the farmers who produce them and revenues for
countries which export them, says FAO. At the same time,
promoting the use of natural fibres will enhance the
environment.
The wide range of natural fibres
includes cotton, wool, jute, flax, silk, sisal, coconut
fibre and many others. Some are produced from plants, others
from animals, and they are used in clothing and other
consumer goods, as well as in industrial applications.
Virtually every country in the world produces some natural
fibres.
According to FAO, there is almost
no limit to the type of activities that might form part of
the International Year of Natural Fibres. Fashion shows,
exhibitions, conferences, production of TV documentaries and
books, and competitions for school children, could all be
developed in the many countries expected to take part. Under
the general guidance of an International Steering Committee,
FAO would be the coordinator of activities in the Year of
Natural Fibres, with many activities being undertaken by
partner organisations.
The International Jute Study Group (IJSG) represents the
jute, kenaf and allied fibres sector in the International
Steering Committee for the IYNF 2009. The IJSG will take up
programmes to observe the IYNF to highlight the positive
attributes of jute, kenaf and allied fibres.
Visit the
website
www.naturalfibres2009.org for details |
