Management Strategy of Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases in NENA Region

21 - 23 June 2023. To consolidate collaborative efforts for all NENA countries and facilitate the implementation of the Regional strategy for sustainable management of TPPDS in the Near East and North Africa region, the FAO RNE in collaboration with CIHEAM-Bari, and the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO) organized a high-level meeting in Bari, Italy.

The fall armyworm, wheat rust disease, banana wilt TR4, Xylella fastidiosa, and citrus greening are among the major TPPDs that threaten agriculture and livelihoods in the NENA region. The NENA region is facing significant issues to address TPPDs. Insufficient national capacities and the lack of proper regional cooperation programmes, limiting surveillance, border controls and inspections, risk assessments, proper diagnosis, and effective timely response are contributing to these challenges. 

Therefore, a regional cooperation strategy among NENA countries is vital to exchange knowledge and information and coordinate response actions. Based on the request of numerous Members, FAO proposed the establishment of a regional trust fund to combat TPPDs during the international pre-conference on TPPDs in NENA countries, which was held at the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Bari from 29 to 31 January 2020

Resource: 

FAO (2020) 

Regional strategy for sustainable management of transboundary plant pests and diseases in the Near East and North Africa region # 20 p.

Plant pests and diseases threaten food security and nutrition around the world and seriously compromise food security in the in Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, with severe economic and environmental consequences. Most of these transboundary diseases are transmitted by propagative plant material and have no curative measures. The lack of harmonized certified propagation materials and relative diagnostic protocols in NENA countries increases considerably the spread of transboundary plant pest and diseases. Furthermore, the deficiency of correct control measure and applied quarantine control strategies, together with the absence of surveillance and early warning systems are the main factors causing the fast spread of those destructive agents.