Interdependence of normative and operational activities

To a great extent, it is artificial to examine FAO's normative role in isolation from its operational activities. The two sets of activities are not only largely interdependent but they are also mutually reinforcing: the quality of FAO's activities in the field is ensured by the constant nourishment derived from the Organization's normative resources. Likewise, FAO's normative work is constantly reinforced by lessons learned in the field. Indeed, it is this combination of normative and operational activities as well as the capacity to span the consequent divide in many of its programmes that give FAO its comparative advantages and explain the unique "value added" that it is able to provide Member Nations.

FAO'S DUAL ROLE

	NORMATIVE	OPERATIONAL
PURPOSE OF OUTPUTS	· For use as scientific or technical guides or references for global/universal applications · For use by FAO, Member Nations and the international community in setting common standards and methods · To provide input for the preparation of normative rules, criteria, approaches and methodologies or similar Regular Programme activities	· To meet specific requirements of an individual country or a group of countries in addressing concrete development needs · To provide the country or countries with technical, managerial and information support through the adapted application of scientific or technical standards and approaches
MAIN TYPES OF OUTPUTS	· Scientific or technical standards, methods and approaches as the basis for adapted application at the country level · Policy-oriented norms and standards for international agreements and conventions · Databases and information systems at the global level · Studies, reports and information in preparation of the above products	· Practical guidelines and advice derived from normative standards and approaches · Strengthened institutions and trained human resources · Improved databases and information systems · Analytical studies and proposals for direct application within a given project or programme · Improved systems for development operations

Recent changes within the Organization have led to a clearer understanding of FAO's normative mandate and a more focused relationship between its normative and operational activities. The Table illustrates this relationship with respect to a single initiative.