High-Level Meeting on the Management Strategy of Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases in NENA Region

The Near East and North Africa (NENA) region is challenged by the continuous threat of transboundary plant pests and diseases, the introduction and spread of which is facilitated by increased trade activities, movement of people, plants, and animals, growing conflicts and crises in the region and lack of efficient and coordinated phytosanitary control measures. Pests and diseases cause heavy annual losses in agricultural production, estimated at 25 to 40 percent of global production, with a considerable negative economic impact. In addition, the effects of climate change on the increased spread of transboundary pests and diseases cannot be ignored. 

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. Furthermore, at the 36th Session of the Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC) ministerial meeting, the members endorsed FAO's assistance to countries in implementing the One Health Approach and addressing the TPPDs as a regional priority. This regional trust fund aims to mitigate the risk by reducing the probability of introduction and spread of TPPDs and minimizing the effect on the economy, if accidentally introduced.

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) is organizing a high-level meeting from 21 to 23 June 2023 in Bari, Italy.