Rabat, Morocco, August 5-8, 2024: Today Monday 5, the annual regional workshop among member countries of the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region commenced in a hybrid modality in Rabat, the Kingdom of Morocco. The purpose of the workshop is to build phytosanitary capacity, raise awareness of all activities related to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), exchange experiences at the regional level, and finally, promote regional and international cooperation.

The workshop is organized by the IPPC Secretariat in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (FAORNE) the Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO), FAO Morocco, and the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) at Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Morocco.

Thirty-three participants from 11 IPPC contracting parties and non-contracting parties, including Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Tunisia, and Yemen, as well as representatives from the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) Bureau, the Standards Committee (SC), and the Implementation, and the Capacity Development Committee (IC), are attending the four-day meeting. Additionally, representatives from the US NPPO (APHIS/USDA) are participating as observers.

Under the theme “PLANT HEALTH, SAFE TRADE, AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY”, the workshop is prioritizing discussions on current and emerging plant health challenges, with a focus on discussing the latest IPPC drafts standards and guidelines presented for regional consultations, and efforts to implement capacity development programs. These discussions will be crucial in strengthening the regional efforts to protect plant resources and facilitate safe trade.

“The IPPC Regional Workshop for the NENA Region is part of the IPPC's efforts to support the implementation of the Convention and its standards at the regional level,” said Osama El Lissy, the IPPC Secretary. “International phytosanitary standards are key to avoiding costly eradication and control responses to emergency pest outbreaks in all regions of the globe. He thanked the regional plant protection organizations for coordinating the regional workshops and ensuring knowledge sharing and capacity development to address region-specific plant health matters. Arop Deng, the IPPC Integration and Support Team Leader highlighted the workshop's overarching goal, which was to develop the phytosanitary capacities of contracting parties to effectively enforce globally harmonized standards for phytosanitary measures. Similar workshops are being organized for other FAO regions to promote harmonized and effective plant health measures worldwide.

“The NENA region exhibits diversity in terms of climate, cropping systems, and plant health systems. However, we encounter numerous common challenges in our efforts to ensure food security, safeguard biodiversity, and promote economic growth through agricultural trade. By coordinating our regional efforts and working together through platforms like this IPPC regional workshop, we can find innovative solutions to these complex problems” said Abdelhakim El Waer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Coordinator for the Near East and North Africa.  

"Plant health is fundamental to food security, sustainable agriculture, and protecting the environment," said Jean Sinahoun, FAO Representative in Morocco. "This regional workshop is an invaluable opportunity to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration among NENA countries as they work to strengthen their plant health systems and respond to emerging pest threats."

"Safeguarding plant health is crucial for protecting crops, and the livelihoods of farmers and communities across the NENA region," said Thaer Yaseen, the plant protection officer for the Near East and North Africa, FAORNE.  "This workshop reinforces our commitment to working together within the framework of the IPPC to address shared key plant health issues and opportunities for improving plant health in the NENA region. "

 Ben Jamaa Mohamed Habib, NEPPO Executive Director of the Near East Plant Protection Organization emphasized that the adoption and implementation of the international phytosanitary standards and the ongoing dialogue between regional and international stakeholders will help safeguard plant resources and ensure food security within and beyond the NENA region.

“Improving plant health is a vital issue that requires collective commitment and continuous efforts. By promoting research, and implementing sustainable practices, we can ensure a bright and sustainable future for our plants and our environment. Let us all work together to protect these valuable resources and ensure their sustainability for future generations”.  said Nabil Abouchouaib, Director of Inputs and Laboratories, ONSSA.

The IPPC workshop in the NENA region will feature technical sessions, field visits, and roundtable discussions that allow participants to directly engage with plant health experts and explore practical solutions.