The 4th Training Workshop on the PCE Facilitators for the IPPC Contracting Parties successfully organized in Italy

Held in Ronciglione, Italy, from October 17th - 28th 2016, the 4th training workshop on the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) facilitators brought together eight carefully selected phytosanitary experts from Francophone Africa and 2 lawyers. Workshop participants were trained to broaden and enhance their expertise in facilitating the application of the PCE tool. This two-week intensive training was conducted in an effort to improve existing or planned phytosanitary capacity systems with the financial support of the STDF.

Although the PCE is designed in principle as a self-assessment tool, its effective application may require the support of competent facilitators. Trainees were selected on the basis of a solid proven understanding of plant health, stakeholder management skills, knowledge of international and national phytosanitary control systems and familiarity with the IPPC. Participants received an in-depth training on phytosanitary issues and systems, the logical framework approach and facilitation techniques. The training involved a mix of individual and group work, pre-training exercises and e-learning courses. Trained facilitators will thereafter be directed towards new opportunities to apply the tool in practice.

It is expected that by enhancing countries access to suitable PCE facilitators there will be an increase in the number of countries evaluating their national phytosanitary capacity and using PCE results towards designing national phytosanitary action plans to improve their countries plant health status.

The next and the last training for PCE Facilitators will be conducted in Spanish, and will be held in Costa Rica from 31 October - 11 November 2016.

For more information on this IPPC STDF401 Project click here; and for more information on the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation tool click here.