IPPC Secretariat contributes to the discussion on a Harmonized Global Approach for Managing Forest Invasive Species 19-20 July 2018 FAO ROME ITALY

In the margins of the 24th session of FAO s Committee on Forestry (COFO), representatives from the IPPC Secretariat, the FAO Forestry Department and five Regional Forest Invasive Species Networks met to explore better ways to exchange information and increase collaboration.

The results of this discussion were shared the next day at a COFO side event entitled Towards a harmonized global approach for managing Forest Invasive Species. FAO Forestry facilitates Forest Invasive Species Networks in Asia Pacific, Africa, Near East, Europe and Central Asia and North America. Ms Shiroma SATHYAPALAS is the FAO Forestry representative. Mr Brent LARSON, Lead for the Implementation and Facilitation Unit of the IPPC Secretariat gave a presentation demonstrating how to use the IPPC framework for the management of forest invasive species emphasizing the need for increased cooperation at the national level between forestry departments and National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPO). He also outlined the benefits of using standards, guides and recommendations which were developed under the auspices of the IPPC Secretariat. An overview of the five regional networks was presented by Mr Ferenc LAKATOS (Hungary), followed by a presentation on gaps in current international collaboration by Mr Simon LAWSON (Australia). Mr Brett HURLEY (South Africa) concluded the side session, highlighting the benefits of a global approach to managing invasive forest pests.

A panel discussion followed. Reference was made to the application of the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) tool, where a representative of the national forestry department shared his positive experience in the PCE process which involved all national stakeholders including his department. It was also noted that there was a need for a global approach, with local relevance, regional suitability and considerations given to the capacity of the nation involved. Several participants acknowledged the vital role the NPPO plays in regards to phytosanitary issues and encouraged NPPOs, in their leadership role, to reach out to their Departments of Forestry.

Several participants reiterated their support, expressed by several countries in the COFO plenary session, for increased FAO regular programme funding for the IPPC Secretariat.