36th Session of the Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations (TC-RPPO) Concludes in Panama

Panama, 16 October 2024. The 36th Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations (TC-RPPO) took place from October 1-4, 2024, in Panama City, with representatives from nine RPPOs and international organizations. Chaired by Raúl Rodas, Executive Director of Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA), the event brought key discussions on e-commerce, climate change, and strengthening inter-regional phytosanitary efforts.

"We are honored to host the 36th TC-RPPO here in Panama, a country that plays a focal role in global trade through the Panama Canal, said " Raúl Rodas, Executive Director of OIRSA, emphasizing the country’s strategic importance in facilitating international commerce. "By bringing together experts from across the globe, we can strengthen our efforts to prevent the spread of pests and ensure that plant health measures are harmonized to support safe trade," he added.

The meeting opened with welcome addresses, Adoniram Sanches Perac, Coordinator for the FAO Subregional Office for Mesoamerica, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in plant health. "Our ability to synergize efforts in plant protection is critical. Harmonizing approaches across regions ensure stronger, more impactful strategies to combat pest threats and secure agricultural production globally," he said. Arop Deng, Acting IPPC Secretary, emphasized the value of international standards in safe trade. "Regional collaboration is essential to protect global plant resources. By working together, we can enhance phytosanitary measures and protect food security." he stated.

Key Highlights and Field trip

Throughout the week, participants discussed the development of a Regional Communications Network, aiming to enhance communication between RPPOs on phytosanitary events and pest-related information. This network will streamline content sharing and help align regional efforts with global plant health objectives. Additionally, the meeting addressed the Focus Group on Safe Provisions of Food and Humanitarian Aid, exploring how RPPOs can support the group's work through webinars, case studies, and implementation materials. Feedback from participants will guide future activities, including potential simulation exercises in 2025.

The IPPC Secretariat provided updates on the ongoing IPPC Observatory’s e-commerce study, which focuses on assessing phytosanitary risks in online trade. The study aims to set a baseline for evaluating these risks and will guide future policy developments. Additionally, discussions on the impacts of climate change on plant health emphasized the importance of forecasting models and technical resources to support NPPOs and RPPOs in mitigating pest risks exacerbated by climate shifts.

The RPPOs also discussed various collaborative opportunities on pest management projects, with each region of the nine of the 10 RPPOs, presenting updates on pests of interest, surveillance programs, and initiatives to mitigate their spread. The meeting emphasized the need for innovative tools, like artificial intelligence, to strengthen the global phytosanitary framework. As part of the meeting, participants had the opportunity to visit the Panama Canal, where they observed the economic significance of this strategic waterway. The canal plays a critical role in global trade by enabling maritime vessels to transport commercial cargo between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Action Plan and Looking Forward

Representatives reviewed a proposal for a 2025 action plan, setting foundation for future regional collaborations and pest management initiatives. A proposal was introduced to hold a side session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) during CPM-19. The proposed session aims to explore the potential applications of AI in phytosanitary work, particularly in areas like pest detection and data analysis. The 37th TC-RPPO is tentatively scheduled for September 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, with Near East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO), set to take over the chair. Key topics for the next meeting will include AI implementation, climate change adaptation strategies, and the continued strengthening of regional phytosanitary systems.

©Carlos Arosemena/OIRSA -RPPOs during fieldtrip to the Panama Canal.