Extinction Level Event by Jose Pino Johansson Read Free Book Online Page B

only maybe another three, four million? We
need the money.”
     
    This was a difficult dilemma. Trip knew that what
Zahir was saying was legitimate. But unfortunately, he couldn’t
make exceptions simply because Zahir knew him personally. There
were many programs throughout FAO that were significantly
under-funded, or that had suffered cuts in the last two years. Do you think my financial supply is limitless Zahir? Sorry to
disappoint, but it's not. I would give you if I could. Zahir, thought had to know better than that. He should know this
already. Or maybe he’s here for something else? Trip eyed the
smaller man closely as he spoke. “Zahir, you know that I don’t have
the authority to do that. You’ll have to talk to the
Director-General. He has more sway with the Conference and the
Budget Committee than I do”. Trip paused. “We are all hoping that
someone finally sees the light this year and the G8 and G20 can
open their coffers a little more. Unfortunately, again due to
recent economic times, I don’t see them digging too deeply into
their pocketbooks. What I can do, is I can make a note of it in my
report to the conference and let them have a look at it. Send me a
letter that I can attach to my report that I will present to the
Conference, and I will assure you it will be given more weight”. Trip finished the last word heavily, silently telling
Zahir that this would be a favor. A large push from the Deputy
Director, but one that Trip realized would be necessary for the
organization. A good push every here and now can topple a whole
pyramid of blocks. Then we can rebuild things from scratch.
     
    Zahir took a moment to think the proposal through in
his head. “I should still speak to the Director-General”, he said
after a second’s pause. “Perhaps. But you know that he may not be
as willing to take this as seriously as I do. You know this as much
as I do.” “Yes, but such things are always worth a try. Surely he
will at least remember the details I tell him.” “Hmm. You should
try. That’s for sure”. Zahir stood, ready to leave. “It's been a
pleasure seeing you again Zahir”, said Trip, only semi-formally.
“The pleasure has been mine, Trip”. After another exchange of
handshakes, Zahir turned and left the office. Trip escorted him to
the door, opened it, and after Zahir had left returned to his
desk.
     
    Picking up his phone, Trip dials his secretary.
Perreira answered immediately, “Yes, sir?” “Hey, Maria, what’s my
schedule look like today? Anything out of the ordinary?” “Well,
sir, you have an appointment with the East Asia Fisheries
Supervisor at 2:00pm, and a meeting with Latin American Food
Security Board at 4:00pm”. “Thanks, Maria”. Hanging up the phone,
Trip decided the best thing to do right now was make the most of
the time. What was Zahir thinking? Thoughts about the quick
meeting flashed through Manjak’s head. I understand that my help
would give him leverage in this situation. Especially with the
Conference of Member States Meeting coming up soon.. He really
cares for his program, and that’s understandable, but. . . why would he come now? And not tell me until yesterday?
     
    Discarding the intrusive thoughts out of his head,
Trip shifted focus to his computer screen. He was already quite
aware that the fisheries in East Asia, especially several key
fisheries around the Sea of Japan, the East China sea, and the
South China Sea, had a high degree of fish depopulation due to
excessive fishing. China alone has more than 70% of the world’s
aquaculture and fish farms, since it has already depleted natural
sources of fish. Over-fishing is a heated debate between
Non-governmental organizations, governments, fisheries, and local
fishermen and due to many political deadlocks it is often difficult
to reach compromises on this issue, anywhere in the world. When the
area in question has over one-third of the world’s population, then
the question becomes even