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SECTION IX -- SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF DEVELOPING STATES

Mexico spoke of the importance of this section for developing countries. Balance is needed so the text does not focus solely on the principle of obligation, but meets the requirements of the developing countries for sustainable utilization of their resources. Indonesia supported Mexico and said that paragraph 54 should grant developing countries favorable access to high seas fisheries. The new text should include provisions to enable developing countries to acquire fleets and participate in high seas fishing. Kiribati and other Pacific States said the RNT is now balanced and recognizes the sovereign rights of coastal States to exploit and conserve their marine resources, as these are sources of protein, employment and foreign exchange earnings. India said the precautionary approach developed in Section III.3.B.4 will incur heavy burdens on the developing countries unless there is adequate international assistance from the UN and its specialized agencies.

The EU said it maintained a policy of cooperation in fisheries with developing countries and major resources are devoted to it, but developing countries must fulfill their requirements in conservation and management.

China urged the international community to provide scientific and technological support to developing countries to improve the sustainable utilization of sea fisheries and aquaculture. Thailand spoke for an agreed repository to collect data and information, accessible by developing countries. Sweden suggested an amendment to paragraph 51, calling for new and additional resources to be provided through the GEF and CSD.

The International Collective in Support of Fishworkers called for international monitoring of foreign fleets entering coastal States waters, causing resource and access difficulties for artisanal and traditional fishers.

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